FREED AS ONE

WALWALAN 6.0 showers BatStateU-The NEU with worship concert, religious gathering after 3 years of absence

Through the collective efforts from the Association of Civil Engineering Students (ACES), Showers of Blessings, and In Christ Jesus Assembly (ICJA), Worship And Live With Almighty Lord - Altogether Now (WALWALAN) had its successful comeback last January 27 at the BatStateU - The NEU Alangilan Fitness and Development Center after its three-year hiatus. Over 400 students, faculty, and staff gathered to experience the Lord’s enlightenment, sing praises, and express gratitude for all the blessings given to them and the institution.

Contrary to the infamous terms WALWAL/WALWALAN which are pinoy slangs associated with hardcore drinking sessions or a nocturnal after-work sesh of party and booze, the ACES-ICJA’s’ version is a gathering to celebrate God’s presence through praise, worship, and gospel, and a medium to spread the divine word of the Lord.

Hours before the official start of the event, participants and staff members are already filling up the gymnasium as they wait and prepare for the program to commence. By 1:00 pm, registration started and was managed by some members of ICJA, with the help of ACES and Shower of Blessings.

The God-honoring activity blessed its way at exactly 2:00 pm with the attendees being treated with a series of performances from the gospel singers and musicians, gracing some worship songs such as Jesus Christ is Lord, Break the Silence, and Welcome King Jesus, and endowing some scriptures from Psalm Chapter 21, verses 1-8.

The band continued to treat the entire venue with additional songs such as Only Way, I Speak Jesus, Isn’t The Name, Power In The Name of Jesus, and Tremble, and the congregation turns into a solemn mood as it was then followed by a preach from the ICJA’s pastor, Pastor Erwin, who enlightened the audience with his teachings, highlighting that BatStateU-The NEU is a blessed university for opening its doors for the Lord’s presence.

He then emphasized that everyone must appreciate the freedom and opportunity that the country has on conducting such events, unlike other nations who are banning and imprisoning people who are executing programs and gatherings about Jesus.

The guest pastor bestowed some bible scriptures, enunciating that the Lord not just wants to build a church or religion, but an entire family as he is now addressed as Father, like what John 14:6 makes point of.

He also preached on accepting the Lord’s invitation, stressing that ”for everything is now ready” even when we felt that something is missing when we accept God in our life. He also continued to spread His word of wisdom, referencing Luke Chapter 14 verses 15-21, Matthew 11: 28-29, and John 10:10.

Other noteworthy lessons converge on forgiveness, transformation, change, freedom, and faithfulness to the Lord, as participants are now born anew, by letting God’s grace help them in their everyday lives.

Afterward, the musicians once again uplift the attendees with inspiring music and powerful lyrics of the gospel songs, inviting everyone to gather and move closer to the stage, to entirely feel the power of faith and the importance of prayer.

Despite the program being deemed flow-less because of the lack of a specific program, it ironically provided clear direction and enlightenment to all attendees as lives were changed and new versions of themselves were born. As one of the songs they performed, "I Thank God" by Maverick City Music and Upperroom, goes “Hell lost another one, I am free…” Walwalan 6.0 didn’t provide freedom to just one but freed hundreds of individuals as one faithful nation.

The night concluded with the giving of tokens of appreciation for those who attend WALWALAN frequently, and messages from ICJA and Engr. Ernesto Magundayao, Civil Engineering Program Chairman.

Engr. Magundayao, who also served as the medium for the event to be accomplished, stressed empowerment for everyone and conveyed his heartfelt regards to ICJA, ACES, and the University President Tirso A. Ronquillo for letting the department use the venue and conduct the activity despite citing that the student organization is not religion-based. He then expressed his plans for another edition of the religious activity.

ICJA is a Faith-Based and Spirit-Filled Family Church based in ATDRMAM Bldg., Ayala Highway, Lipa City, Batangas, and has been the official partner of the past editions of WALWALAN.

The event's success was filled with the Lord’s presence and the collective effort of the ACES and ICJA members and it was also proof that the Lord’s presence is still present in BatStateU - The NEU, and that with His guidance, the University will continue to prosper.

Words by: Ian Paul R. Gualberto and John Harry Arroyo

Photos by: Jhonnea Maien Silva, Sherlyn Lanete, and Maria Celine Blanco

Layout by: JohnRev Gatdula