History unfolded before the people of God on October 15, 2011 when the OLAP Parish Pastoral Council heralded its OLAP Emerald Year dubbed “20 Years of OLAP: Remembering, Celebrating, Believing with Praise and Gratitude.” The opening celebrations started the official countdown to the pinnacle of the celebration on May 26, 2012.

Msgr. Romy leads inauguration

Msgr. Jesus-Romulo Rañada, OLAP pastor, led the inauguration that was looked forward to by the people. In fact, the PPC and Emerald Year Organizing Committee officers and members did not come unprepared. They were especially clad for the occasion – the ladies were lovely and elegant in their Filipiniana ensemble and the gentlemen were dignified and looking great in their Barong. Their effort did not go unnoticed to the monsignor who seemed pleased and was especially glad about all the events that showcased a continuum of activities of thanksgiving, sacred rites, and praise and worship to God with theme, “Maalala Mo Kaya: Reminiscing the Past with Joyful and Grateful Heart. ” The events held during the special occasion were as follows:

Scriptural Rosary

• Blessing of the New Grand Cross
• Illumination of the Church Façade
• Saksihan, Kuwentuhan: Binhi ng Salita ng Diyos, Natanim sa Mayamang Lupa
• Unveiling of the OLAP Gallery of Memories
• Eucharistic Celebration and
• Presentation of the OLAP Emerald Anniversary Program

As a prelude to the special occasion, the members of the Legion of Mary led the Scriptural Rosary at 5 p.m. after which the ringing of the carillon bells to the tune of Ludwig von Beethoven’s Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee reverberated across the expanse of Tandang Sora.

“Halina at Magdiwang, Halina at Magsaya” summarized the warm words of welcome from Atty. Paris Real and Ms. Regina Galvez, masters of ceremonies, setting the celebratory tone of the happy event. This was followed by the community singing of Trina Belamide’s Tell the World of His Love led by the concerted voices of the Catechetical Choir, Our Lady of Angels Choir, St. Charbel’s Choir, and St. Paul’s Choir.

Blessing of the Grand Cross, Illumination of the Church Façade

One of the significant moments was the Blessing of the Grand Cross by Msgr. Romy. Benefactors, guests, past and present leaders and parishioners were filled with mixed awe, joy and reverence. Newly installed atop the church, it could be seen from afar amid the OLAP firmament symbolizing God’s love for us, in that He sent His only Son Jesus Christ who died for us so that we might have life.

Immediately after was the illumination of the church façade with emerald green lights marking the “go” signal for the people to celebrate the Emerald Year. Kuya Parish articulated that the green color of emerald which is the symbol of the 20th anniversary means life. Indeed, since it is the hue of plants and trees, it bespeaks the hope of life eternal and is regarded as the most natural and the most elemental of the liturgical colors.

It was also a symbolic invitation of God to “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Thus so, Graham Kendrick’s Shine Jesus, Shine filled the air with the lively rendition of the above-mentioned choirs.

Ate Josie Geronimo, Parish Pastoral Council’s premier servant leader, gave the beautiful Emerald Year message, “Dalawampung Taon na ang OLAP: Hindi na Musmos Pero Hindi Pa Naman Magulang.” It was a speech that urged the people to remember the past with gladness, to nurture the present, and to look forward to the future with openness and continued zeal.

Saksihan, Kuwentuhan: That they might know

Part II captured the nostalgic beginning of OLAP with the theme “That They Might Know.” OLAP’s homegrown talents breathed life to the sub-theme, “Saksihan, Kuwentuhan: Binhi ng Salita ng Diyos, Natanim sa Mayamang Lupa” in the form of story-telling, songs and dances. On hand to guide everyone during the performance was Ate Dell Alvis.

The animated interpretation of Jesus’ Parable of the Sower by the Parish Youth Ministry offered a different experience to everyone. Anna Carolina Hizon, Youth coordinator, graciously read the bible verse.

On the other hand, Ate Marriette Herrera was a total revelation when she delivered her story-telling presentation of the “Beginning of OLAP” with a combination of song and dance, a bit of drama, and finally, a happy ending that drew applause and cheers from the crowd. The artistic dance of praise and worship by the Kalipayan Dance Group capped the “Kuwentuhan.”

The Choirs’ rendition of Arnel Aquino’s My Heart’s Thanksgiving was in effect the people’s expression of gratefulness to the Almighty God for the gift of a church, for the people who responded to His call to be vibrant signs of His presence through active participation, and for the blessing of each other that allows us to be Church.

Unveiling and Blessing of the OLAP Gallery of Memories

Upon Msgr. Romy’s cue, Ate Josie Geronimo and Ate Evelyn Roble respectively unveiled the gallery of photos. Entitled “Mga Larawan at Alaala ng Nakaraan,” they were displayed at the left and right side entrance of the church and were blessed thereafter.

Celebration of the Holy Eucharist

Finally, the sound of the horn called the people to worship and get inside the church for the summit of the celebration, none other than the Holy Eucharist, presided by Msgr. Romy. Together, they joyfully savored the presence of God among them, received His gift of Himself, freeing them from fear as they continue to heed His Word in John 15:5: “I am the vine and you are the branches. As long as you remain in me and I in you, you bear much fruit.”

OLAP Emerald Year Organizing Committee

After the Holy Communion, Msgr. Romy introduced the Organizing Committee of the OLAP Emerald Year. Comprising the Executive Committee were: Msgr. Romy, chair; and Josie Geronimo, Evelyn Roble, Ben Fondevilla, Mayette Fondevilla, Myrna Virtudazo and Flor Noche, members. On the other hand, the Steering Committee is as follows: Evelyn Roble, chair; Neth Ajero, Jeanne Herrera, Mariete Herrera, Belle Pacay, Paris Real, Regina Galvez, Dell Alvis, Ernest Diaz, Tony Lacanlalay, Carol Hizon, Miguel Roble, Xavier Medina, Katrina Medina, Tess Almajar and Eric Cabahug, members.

Presentation of the OLAP Emerald Year Program

Ate Evelyn, being the chair of the Steering Committee, presented the OLAP Emerald Year Program to the people. All the activities therein were incorporated in the OLAP Calendar of Activities for the forthcoming Liturgical Year November 2011- November 2012.

To it all, Msgr. Romy, as parish priest of OLAP, urged everyone to join and participate actively in the different events slated for each month until the grand celebration on May 26. As he said in his Pastor’s Message, “It will be your own way of showing your eagerness, readiness and willingness to be Church, to be formed as one people grateful to and in fellowship with the Lord and with one another.”

It wouldn’t be complete without the happy Reception at the Annunciation Hall that spilled at the Galilee Center of Discipleship.

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