Christian Bautista: Putting GOD First

Christian Bautista was born on 10/19/81 in Manila but his family's hometown is in Imus, Cavity. Named as Christian Joseph Morata Estrella. His father is Daddy Ebert and Mommy Jo. He has two younger brother namely Jordan and Joshua Bautista...

He has established a name for himself in the music scene not only in his home country, but also in Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore.

First thrust in the spotlight as ABS-CBN’s Star In A Million’s most popular runner-up, his future was sealed soon after signing a recording contract with hit-making label Warner Music Philippines. With chart-topping hits like "Colour Everywhere," "Hands to Heaven," and “The Way You Look At Me,” Christian's fame soared and life was never the same again for the 24-year old Landscape Architecture graduate. Christian’s self-titled album reached Multi-Platinum status in the Philippines and Indonesia.

Christian’s international success began with “The Way You Look At Me,” getting frequent airplay in Indonesian radio stations. The song became an instant hit among the country’s young music lovers, even if they had yet to see the artist behind the ballad. The song, penned by American composers Andrew Fromm and Keith Follese, became so popular that record label Warner Indonesia decided to bring Christian there, to the great delight of the fans whose support for the Filipino singer has been steadily growing and even spreading to neighboring countries.

Christian Bautista,” the young balladeer’s first-ever Indonesian TV special. Christian performed with the biggest names in the Indonesian music scene — the famous 40-piece Magenta Orchestra, the young musical genius Andi Rianto, and the country’s two female divas, Krisdayanti and Titi D.J.

“Completely,” Christian Bautista’s much awaited sophomore album, has received a Gold Record Award on its first week of release in the Philippines. The album has spawned hit songs “Everything You Do,” “Invincible,” and “I Can Love You Easy.”

Apart from appearing in live concerts all over Asia, the Middle East, and the US, Christian is a regular performer on ABS-CBN’s Sunday noontime show, “ASAP,” as part of the “Champions” group. He is managed by STAGES, an event and talent management company in the Philippines.

Toni Gonzaga: Christian Multimedia Star

Toni Gonzaga was born on January 20, 1984, to Methodist parents, Carlito and Crisanta Gonzaga. 

Gonzaga started in show business at age 13 where she joined a singing contest with Kyla and Faith Cuneta.

Gonzaga starred on the film You Got Me! with Sam Milby and Zanjoe Marudo.

Gonzaga is featured on the compilation album H.O.P. E. (Healing of Pain and Enlightenment) of the Pinky Cares Foundation. She sang the song "Count On Me" for the album.

Gonzaga starred in her first Maalala Mo Kaya episode entitled "Pendant" with Jason Abalos and Ryan Eigenmann. She had her concert tour in Canada for the month of March titled "Perfect Combination" with Erik Santos. Toni Gonzaga also had her provincial concert tour entitled "Level Up, Toni Gonzaga".She made her return to television, this time partnering with Derek Ramsay for Precious Heart Romances episode entitled "Ang Lalaking Nagmahal Sa Akin". Gonzaga also hosted Pinoy Big Brother Double Up, the third season of Big Brother in the Philippines. Gonzaga also released her album entitled "Love Duets" with Sam Milby under Star Records.

She won as Best female talk show host on 23rd PMPC Star Awards for Television, Anak TV seal Makabata Roster award and ASAP 24k Gold Award.

After signing with ABS-CBN, Toni quickly became a part of such shows like the Most Requested Show (MRS) with Roderick Paulate and Amy Austria. Of which she says, "masaya katrabaho mga beteranong artista kasi aside sa magaling sila at enjoy kasama marami kang matutunan sa kanila." She is also a part of Entertainment Konek (ETK) with Ogie Diaz, which she enjoys because of the fun environment. As if this girl from Taytay wasn't hot enough, she is also one of the hosts of the new reality show, Pinoy Big Brother. "Natutuwa ako at nagpapasalamat kasi they (Management) considered me at they trusted me na maging part ng malaking show na ito," she says. She shares that the offer to be a part of PBB came before their group went to perform in the US for the US Kapamilya Caravan.


With her numerous hosting jobs & growing career, Toni certainly feels blest. She says she especially enjoys working in Pinoy Big Brother because "masaya kasi at magaan ang ambiance at ang set." When asked about her thoughts on the housemates, she easily says, "Na-meet ko sila personally kasi ako sumundo sa kanila kaya alam ko kung saan sila nakatira at ang atmosphere ng life nila kaya i have no doubts kung bakit sila ganun kumulos sa loob ng bahay, kasi totoong tao sila talaga."


Aside from PBB, Toni enjoys working with people like Vhong Navarro, one of her co-hosts in Wazzup Wazzup. She’s thankful that she has also gotten to work with Ms. Nova Villa, and other co workers in her shows.

Federico "Padim" Israel: Sure Ball Service to GOD

Padim Israel serves as the associate Pastor of Bread from Heaven Christian Fellowship. He was ordained minister of the Word in 1998 by the Christian Reformed church of the Philippines. He played by professional basketball from 1981 to 1992. At one time, he was named PBA’s most improved player and was part of the PBA mythical five and mythical defensive team. He is married to Josefina Sta. Ana (more commonly known as Rio Locsin) and their children are Paula Bianca, Costa Palma and Joses Charisse.

He was born in Cebu played with Cebu commercial basketball teams and recruited by Coach Baby Dalupan to play for Ateneo Blue Eagles, without requiring to go to a tryout. A part of the 1975-76 back-to-back champion and graduated with AB Economics degree in 1978. He played for the National Team and the Apcor MICAA team, from 1978-1981. Finally he signed a three-year contract with the PBA Crispa Redmanizers in October 1981 and played for eleven years. He was part of the nine PBA championships, which included the Crispa Redmanizers’ 1983 Grand Slam. He also played for Tanduay in 1985, Purefoods in 1988 and Presto Tivoli in 1989-1990.

Inspite of the public acceptance and popularity his private life was unacceptable as a role model and the  gap between God have widened. But there are two issues triggered his spiritual awakening: his growing understanding of mortality and growing love for a woman. Unsure about being accepted by God and the public because of his relationship with Ojie (Rio Locsin). He sought counsel from his teammates namely Abet Guidaben, Freddie Hubalde, and Alex Tan. They are born-again Christians reaching out to him in their own different ways.

One day in July 1987, he accepted an invitation to a Bible study in Freddie’s house. Bishop Efraim Tendero was conducting the Bible Study. He finally understood the reason why there is a gap and that gap was sin. According to him although he have heard and known Jesus before but didn’t have the assurance in life he is longing for. He learned that salvation is only through Jesus Christ by Faith. And this faith he have exercised by receiving Jesus into his life as Lord and Savior.

Ojie and Padim waited for seven years before they could get married. God used this waiting time to prepare them. God showed that He was in control when they get married. God used three churches to help for the arrangement of their marriage-Bread from Heaven Christian Fellowship, Kamuning Bible Christian Fellowship, and Sun Valley Christian Fellowship.

After their wedding he received an invitation to be a student pastor of BF Homes Christian Fellowship in Las Piñas (now Bread from Heaven Christian Fellowship). The purpose of life was becoming a clear to him: To serve God as a faithful husband to Ojie; as a loving father to the three lovely daughters graciously given to us; as a messenger of the Good News of salvation; and as a shepherd of His people. Indeed Jesus Christ is the best person to trust with our lives. And Faith in Jesus Christ will never be a missed shot, it’s a sure ball.

Jesus "Jess" Ramos: Master Swindler Revival

Jesus “Jess” Ramos serves as the president and spiritual director of Hope Churches International Ministries. He is commissioned Ambassador of Goodwill by the State of Arkansas, USA. He is coordinator for Philippines for Jesus Movement.

His Father was a farmer and at the same time, operated a lumber business and a small sawmill. His mother just stayed at home and managed a small store. His father migrated from Pangasinan to South Cotabato. He was third from the eldest from a brood of 12 but only nine were alived. At about thirteen years old and in high school, he joined the so-called Ilonggo Land Grabbing Association (ILAGA). This group was fighting for the rights of the people to protect and preserve ownership of their properties and at the same time fighting against the Muslim rebels.

In 1973 he moved to Manila to pursue a law degree, however his cousin enrolled him instead at the Philippine Maritime Institute for a course in Marine Transportation. During those times he experienced brutality particularly in ROTC. He dropped out his course at PMI and continue his studies at Far Eastern University taking up Hotel and Restaurant Manager. To support his studies he had no other options but to join an illegal syndicate. He started doing white collar jobs. Their swindling operations works this way: They would buy goods from businessmen and to gain their trust , they would pay in cash for the first and second deals. On the third deal, having already gained the businessmen’s confidence, they would issue a manager’s check with a falsified amount as payment for the purchased goods. With the goods in their possession they would disappear into thin air. He mastered the tricks of the trade and also learned to forge signatures and falsify documents. He became so good at it and eventually became the head of the syndicate. He was popularly known as Goldfinger. He even earned a million in just one day. He drove flashy cars, lived an extravagant lifestyle and spent on expensive things.

Jess success eventually encountered downfall in 1977 when one of his trusted men was caught by authorities and pointed him out as the mastermind. He was arrested and put behind bars. He was tortured but the police could not extract from him any substantial information regarding the operations.

Although he was in prison but he really never experienced much of a true prison life because he was incarcerated only for a while for he has exerted his influence, so he was just enjoying his life in prison. Those things that he had experienced in prison never had an impact in him and no repentance occurred. But on October 31, 1982, he heard a small voice the keeps on bothering him and finally on November 1, 1982, as he went to the bathroom for sponge bath, he noticed that he was sweating profusely and his heart was pounding loudly. He then saw his body violently shaking and swaying but could not move from where he was standing. He cried to God in prayer, “Dear GOD, if I am going to die, save me!” Immediately after that prayer something black which appeared to be a strong man full of muscles came out to his stomach. He heard a voice that say “That is the spirit, the power that wants to control and kill you.” At last he had been freed from spirit that had for a long time keep him in bondage. That was the starting point of Goldfinger turning to God’s Word. He was a living testimony of God’s goodness to mankind. God’s birthed a church in two weeks’ time right within the prison compound. When he was transferred to Muntinlupa he had put up a fellowship of believers at Muntinlupa Reservation Area. By God’s grace his sentence of 25-53 years had been reduced to 7 years and 5 months in prison. After his released God prompted him to go into fulltime Christian Ministry. They went back to Mindanao. God also opened doors for them to minister in other places such as General Santos and Bohol. God continue to display His power as He causes miracles, shows signs and performs wonders in our midst. His story of revival was indeed an inspiration for all of us…

Raissa Laurel: Courageous Bomb Blast Victim

"God took something from me, but in return, He give me so many blessings that I can't even count" This words of encouragement spoken by Raissa Laurel, a bomb blast victim during the 2010 Bar Exam in Taft Avenue, Manila. She is a 23-year-old sophomore Law student from San Sebastian College. She is a faithful member of Victory Christian Fellowship.   President of  LEO (Leadership Experience Opportunity) Club, 

On that fateful day of Sept. 26, Raissa was joining the festivities in the traditional Salubong celebrations when the bomb exploded right where she was standing. There and then, she thought that she might never be able to walk again. Raissa has wholeheartedly accepted her condition and is moving on with her life at quite an incredible pace. Unlike other people who could fall apart with such loss of limbs, Raissa remarkably accepted her fate quickly, perhaps faster than she herself could ever imagine. She attributes this strength of character and spirit to her unwavering faith in God whom she believes has a greater purpose for her.

Raissa's amazing courage have inspired so many filipinos, the strength and the determination to fight the trials that she's undergoing.  If this happens to other people it's hard to recover faster  they  would not be able to recover right away. Most likely, they would pass through the denial and anger stages first. But Raissa incredibly recovered faster than expected and it didn’t  take long before she accepted it.

She was also overwhelmed by the support accorded to her by different people even those she's not known about.  But that is God’s way. It’s a blessing. God took something from me but in return, He gave me so many blessings that I can’t even count....

Chino Trinidad: Report for the Glory of God

Eddie Villanueva: JIL Founder

Bro. Eddie was born on October 6, 1946 in Bocaue, Bulacan to parents Joaquin T. Villanueva and Maria Cruz Villanueva, both now deceased. The elder Villanueva was a former Olympic sprinter who represented the Philippines in the Far Eastern Games for four consecutive years in the 1920s.

He was immersed in both student and labor movements in the 1970’s. He joined the progressive segments of society which opposed military dictatorship. He fought local landgrabbers in Bulacan. He was jailed for his political beliefs and participation in various mass actions.

Bro. Eddie is married to Adoracion Jose Villanueva, who holds a Doctorate in Theology from Promise Christian University in Los Angeles, California, USA. She is currently Executive Director of Jesus Is Lord Church Worldwide and President/Director of Jesus Is Lord Colleges Foundation, Inc.

The Villanuevas have four children, all achievers in their own right. Eduardo “Jon-Jon” J. Villanueva Jr., 37, the incumbent Mayor of Bocaue, Bulacan, holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration and Governance from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. Emmanuel Joel J. Villanueva, 34, a third-term Member, House of Representatives, Citizens’ Battle Against Corruption (CIBAC) Party-list, graduated with a Master’s Degree in Business Management from Harvard University, Massachusetts, USA and holds a degree in Bachelor of Science in Commerce major in Economics from the University of Santo Tomas (UST). Eleanor “Joni” Villanueva-Tugna, 32, is currently Vice President for Programming of ZOE TV-11 and Director for Administration of Jesus Is Lord Church Worldwide, holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Ateneo de Manila and a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communication, cum laude, from the University of the Philippines in Diliman. Edelisha “Jovi” J. Villanueva, 26, is a Youth Advocate and Educator and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education, Major in Social Science, from the Philippine Normal University (PNU).

Bro. Eddie’s national involvement extends also to the academe. He is the longest-sitting member of the Board of Regents of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP). Previous to this appointment, he was a faculty member of the Department of Economics and Finance of the Philippine College of Commerce (now PUP) from 1969 to 1972. Therefore he knows the intricacies of the Philippine economy. He also knows the dynamicss of business and trade beyond his academic exposure. He himself also engaged in business. He was General Manager of Agape Trading Company in 1976-1977. He was also Export Manager of Maran Export Industries in 1973-1975.

In recognition of his achievements, Bro. Eddie has been the recipient of various international and local honors and citations. He holds a Doctorate Degree in Divinity from Promise Christian University in Los Angeles, California (2008). He has also received various honorary degrees: Doctor of Education Management from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (2003); Doctor of Philosophy in Humanities from Bulacan State University (2003); Doctor of Divinity from Christian International (CI) based in Sta. Rosa Beach, Florida (1997); Doctor of Divinity from Vision Christian College in Romana, California (1995); Doctor of Divinity from Thailand Bible Seminary (1994).

Bro. Eddie was voted worldwide as “Pastor of the Year” in 1988 by Dr. George Otis’ High Adventure Ministries. He was Ordained Minister of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ (1979) by Dr. Michael Mckinney of the Victory in Christ Church and International Ministries based in California.

Genesis Patricia Javier: Unspeakable Joy Shared

Genesis Canlapan Walcher also popularly known as Patricia Javier in the Philippine Showbiz was one of the prominent figures during the advent of sexy films in Philippine movies. During the 2009 Mrs. Asia USA she was adjudged 2nd Runner Up with twor special awards Mrs. Congenia lity at People's Choice. She was a veteran beauty contestants even going to the most popular beauty contest in the Philippines, the Binibining Pilipinas. Although she lost the said contest it open up a way for her to enter into show business portraying a lead role in the movie entitled "Ang Kabit ni Mrs. Montero". She was married to Dr. Robert Douglas C. Walcher III and gifted with a son Robert Douglas Walcher IV.

She is a member of a group Asian Dolls which is composed of five talented ladies that represents an Asian country. Javier proudly said that her group only showcases their talents in performing. Aside from performing cultural numbers, the group is known for singing hit ballads.

Meanwhile, Patricia is seen every week all over the US via GMA Pinoy TV’s new magazine show called Now in LA, aired every Saturday afternoon and co-hosted by Rogel Aragon, Jason Dallas and immigration lawyer Jemela Nettles.

“Basically we interview and feature successful Filipinos in America and show what’s going on in Hollywood,” said Patricia, who has left the newly-formed group Asian Dolls. “It’s a light show but informative, inspiring and entertaining. I’m enjoying it and I’m learning a lot.”

Patricia announced that she's put away the lingerie and become a Christian. "I've been born again and God has given me a new life, so my new album has ten inspirational songs that pay homage to our Lord," she told a Manila newspaper. The 30-something performer lives in Chula Vista with her chiropractor husband, Dr. Robert Walcher, whom she married in December 2005. "We met here," she says. "We were split for a few months, but God helped us to reconcile. Robert didn't have religion before, but now he's a Christian like me. He allows me to sing Thursday nights at Ben's Restaurant, which is owned by a Filipino."