Davao Adventist Businessmen Raise Funds for MVC MedTech Building
A 76-man delegation of orchestra performers arrived at the Davao Mission of Seventh-day Adventists (DM) on March 23 to perform during the MVC Orchestra Concert at CAP Convention Center, organized by DM Adventist Laymen’s Services & Industries (ASI) to benefit the construction and completion of the Mountain View College (MVC) Medical Technology Building at the campus located at Mount Nebu, Valencia City, Bukidnon.
On this night, MVC President Dr. Remwil Tornalejo, DTh, came with a grateful heart as a reality of this college dream.
A few years back, he discussed this Concert-for-a-Cause idea with then-Davao Mission (DM) Treasurer Mr. Lawrence Lamera, who gave more than a nod of approval but started a call to action.
But the flow of events was likely to be placed on hold when the South Philippine Union Conference (SPUC) was divided into two regional headquarters; the bifurcation shuffled leadership posts in Mindanao, yet the dream of building an edifice using the talents of MVC turned skillful stringed instrument players remained whole.
The plan worked miraculously when Dr. Tornalejo met Mr. Rommel Jon Nebres, an Adventist businessman, an active local church leader, and DM ASI Officer who also wanted to fulfill the plan. The planning and organizing began, and ASI, through its president, Engr. Meljune D. Orillosa and officers pledged to use their resources and influence to fuel the project.
Mr. Lamera, who became the new treasurer of the newly organized Southeastern Philippine Union Mission, persuaded fellow leaders. At the same time, the Davao Mission, Northern Davao Mission, and the institutions surrounding SePUM also had the fire and symphony for the concert.
Volunteers and sponsors flew in, ticket sales slowly reached their margin, and venue, promotional, and technical requirement needs were met. March 23 came, luring spectators from various churches and districts to the CAP Convention Center of Davao City.
The Sabbath afternoon was made extra special as people from all walks of life gathered all Adventist business people of ASI in a program filled with songs and testimonies on how ASI worked hard for many causes, including scholarship programs for poor yet deserving students, outreach programs, and friendship evangelism approaches.
The Pre-Concert Performances on the beautiful Sabbath afternoon consisted of songs from the Adventist community: Central Davao Adventist Churches Association (CENDACA Ladies Chorus); Central Davao Adventist Youth Organization (CENDAYO Choir); Una Vocé; Cyd Ira Pangca (The Voice Kids Season 2 – 2nd Runner Up /World Championship of Performing Arts (WCOPA) Multiple Medalist); and Tawag ng Tanghalan winner JR Oclarit, along with Sam Sheera Tan and Rojeline Nebres.
The MVC Orchestra, with 64 musicians, began to strike their strings with bows while the 12 Tagum Adventist Symphonic Ensemble members incorporated their wind instruments. Pastor Seth Suan, President of Northern Davao Mission, watched as his two grown-up children were there to perform. The Concerto for 4 Violins in B Minor by Antonio Vivaldi was terrific, like a debate of articulate violins, plus the music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
Come, Christian Join to Sing, Fairest Lord Jesus, and two other religious pieces gave a unique thrill and mesmerizing feel. The movie themes in the last segment ended with Pirates of the Caribbean, arranged by Ted Ricketts.
After performing the finale song with Una Vocé and CENDAYO Choir, Maestro Jann Russ Butad Esmeralda tendered his sixth and final bow. The orchestra never left the stage, yet a lady conductor took over to play the Happy Birthday song. Someone pulled out the 23-year-old conductor from backstage, and SePUM, DM, and ASI officers brought a candle. The celebrant shed his tears watching his family’s greetings on a video clip.
In his last year of the BS Nursing program, this admirable man left nursing and took Theology. He changed his mind once more and went back to the nursing class, but he revived the college orchestra to share his passion for classical orchestra music.
Though separated from two bifurcated unions, the southwesterns whole-heartedly inspired the southeast brethren, and the southeastern folks supported the southwesterns, united through music’s transformative power. ASI has shared Christ in the marketplace; thus, creatively raised funds to raise a Mountain View College Medtech building, using strings and bows and the music of heaven echoing the love of God. (SePUM Communication)
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