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Santa Cruz Laguna Philippines Stake Newsroom, Bubukal, Santa Cruz (2026)

13/08/2026

BUILDING UNITY THROUGH SPORTS: SANTA CRUZ STAKE JOINS MULTI-STAKE SPORTS FESTIVAL

More than 100 members from the stake joined fellow members from three other stakes for a multi-stake sports festival held at the Iñigo Sports Center in Lucena City on Saturday, August 8.

The event brought together athletes from the Santa Cruz, Lopez, Lucena, and San Pablo Stakes for friendly competition in basketball, volleyball, table tennis, badminton, and pickleball.

The sports festival opened with a short parade of players representing the participating stakes. Before the administration of the athletes' oath, the stake presidents of the participating stakes each shared remarks emphasizing the importance of building brotherhood and maintaining sportsmanship even amid the intensity of competition.

The event provided members with opportunities to demonstrate their athletic abilities while strengthening friendships and connections with fellow members from neighboring stakes. The variety of sporting events also encouraged participation from members with different interests and abilities.

Church sports activities provide opportunities for physical activity and fellowship. They emphasize participation, sportsmanship, and skill development.

📷 Ron Suaybaguio

01/08/2026

𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗵𝘆𝗺𝗻 𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗮 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆. 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗯𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘆.

The recordings of all choir presentations in the recently concluded Stake Choir Festival are now available for viewing. Whether you wish to revisit your ward's presentation or watch the others for the first time, we invite you to enjoy these uplifting messages shared through sacred music.

🎼 Google Drive folder:
https://bit.ly/choirfestperformances

29/07/2026

SACRED MUSIC TAKES CENTER STAGE; STAKE CHOIR FESTIVAL STRENGTHENS FAITH THROUGH HYMNS

Voices from the seven wards and branches of the Santa Cruz Laguna Philippines Stake filled the stake center on Saturday, July 25, 2026, during the stake's annual Choir Festival, a celebration of sacred music that brought together members, families, youth, children, friends, and guests in worship through song.

Inspired by this year's Come, Follow Me study, each participating ward and branch was assigned a different monthly theme as the basis of its presentation. Choirs performed one English and one Filipino hymn from the Church's new hymnbook, accompanied by scripture-based narrations and video presentations that reflected their assigned themes and testified of the Savior's love, grace, mercy, and power to help individuals overcome life's challenges. Each choir also presented coordinated attire that complemented the message of its musical presentation.

Beyond musical preparation, participants shared that they also prepared spiritually through prayer, diligent rehearsals, and seeking the Lord's guidance so they could convey the message of each hymn with faith and sincerity.

For Sister Jeane Cadeliña, the festival became a deeply personal experience of healing and hope. She remarked, "Last year's choir festival ended with one thought in my mind: 'I'll join next year.' I was filled with comfort and peace as I listened to the songs sung by each ward, which inspired me to do the same for everyone who would be present at this year's choir festival.

I had just experienced a miscarriage while participating in our choir practices, and the hymn we sang reminded me of how beautiful Heavenly Father's plan is: There is no end to glory, there is no end to love, there is no death above. I felt the Spirit as we sang, and I hoped its message would reach every soul present just as it had reached mine."

President Michael Oliver Gomez concluded the festival by expressing appreciation to all participating choirs for their preparation and dedicated service, “Ang awit ng puso ay isang panalangin sa Diyos na sinasagot ng pagpapala. Ang mabubuting awitin ay hindi lamang basta tugtugin; ang mga titik at melodiya nito ay umaabot sa Diyos tulad ng isang panalangin na nagpapahayag ng pananampalataya." He encouraged all participants and attendees to continue seeking spiritual upliftment through music and to recognize hymns as powerful tools for expressing faith, unity, and devotion within themselves, their family, and the Church community.

The Stake Choir Festival provides an opportunity for members to worship through sacred music, bear testimony of Jesus Christ, and strengthen faith through hymns. The annual event also fosters a deeper appreciation for the role of music in gospel learning and worship.

Additional photos from the event may be viewed here: https://bit.ly/choirfestphotos
Video clips of the presentations may be viewed here: https://bit.ly/choirfestvideos

✍🏽 Albina Bunyi/Rhea Rose Esquillo
📷 Liahona Fernando/Christian Dave Villania

30/06/2026

MARKING A MILESTONE IN GOSPEL LEARNING: SEMINARY AND INSTITUTE GRADUATES RECOGNIZED DURING STAKE GRADUATION RITE

Seven youth and young adults from across the stake were recognized for completing Seminary and Institute programs during the Graduation Rites held on Saturday, June 27, at the Santa Cruz Philippines Stake Center. President Michael Oliver Gomez, Stake President, presided over the program.

Following the processional, Certificates of Completion were awarded to three Seminary graduates: Brother Rainiel Fabula, Brother Thirdy Javan, and Brother Radin Medina. Four Institute students were likewise recognized for completing the course: Sister Joanne Alcana, Sister Sunshine Biala, Sister Sophia Kassandra Quiatchon, and Sister Ma. Paula Villanueva.

The program began with remarks from Brother Raiden Palacol, stake high councilor and adviser for the Seminary and Institute programs. Following this, Brother Benson Misalucha, Lucena Area Seminary and Institute Coordinator, delivered a message to the graduates, focusing on faith, perseverance, and discipleship.

Addressing the completers, Brother Misalucha encouraged them to "reflect carefully before making decisions, rest when challenges feel overwhelming, and move forward with renewed strength." He reminded the graduates that regardless of the circumstances they may encounter, they should "keep their focus on Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ in all aspects of life."

Following the awarding of certificates, Brothers Javan, Medina, and Fabula shared heartfelt testimonies and expressed gratitude for the spiritual experiences, friendships, and gospel learning they received through Seminary.

In his concluding remarks, President Michael Oliver Gomez commended the graduates for their dedication in completing their Seminary and Institute studies and encouraged them to continue building on the spiritual foundation they had developed. He invited them to "continue living by gospel principles" and reminded them that "graduation is not the end of gospel learning, but the beginning of a lifetime of discipleship and growth in Jesus Christ."

Seminary and Institute programs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints provide religious education opportunities for youth and young adults respectively, helping them deepen their understanding of the scriptures, strengthen their faith in Jesus Christ, and prepare for a lifetime of discipleship, service, and covenant living.

✍🏽📷 Raiden Palacol

29/06/2026

What began as a simple family history activity in Majayjay Ward became an opportunity for many members to discover ancestors, prepare names for the temple, and strengthen their connection to those who came before them.

Held last Saturday, June 27, the activity brought together 26 members, with 18 contributing to indexing efforts and 11 preparing ancestor names for temple ordinances. The activity was led by Sister Melody Trillana, Relief Society First Counselor, and Sister Cristina Lagria, Family History Coordinator.

Participants included youth, members of the Elders Quorum, and Relief Society sisters who worked together in discovering records, building family trees, and extending temple blessings to their ancestors.

For Sister Xanda Oates, Ward Family History Consultant, the experience was deeply personal, "Finding my ancestors' names in the records has allowed me to truly know them, turning distant memories into real stories. Doing my Temple and Family History brings me so much closer to my ancestors, and I strongly feel their guidance every step of the way."

Sister Cristina Lagria shared a similar feeling, "Every time I open FamilySearch, something changes in my heart. I'm blessed with peace and love. I'm not just searching for names... I'm finding myself. Family History is not about filling a chart. It's about filling your heart."

Reflecting on the activity, Sister Melody Trillana said, "Doing our family history is a labor of love. Uncovering our family's stories connects us for eternity through temple work! Grateful for the opportunity to guide our members in indexing."

Visit the Majayjay Ward's FB page and check their meaningful, impactful effort in temple and family history work.

24/06/2026

ANONG KWENTONG FSY MO?

I can say, FSY was a fun and good learning experience, and encouraged me to understand and learn more about the Gospel.

Besides the games and activities, my favorite was Personal Study, where I can ponder and understand our topics personally, as well as share our insights and learnings. I also liked lights out, not just because I can rest after the entire day, but I can think back and reflect on what I've learned and try to apply my learnings to myself.

And yes, I am determined to participate the next time, so I can learn, make new friends, understand more about the Gospel, and share it with others.

—Perth Alton Buenaventura
Ward 1

21/06/2026

Today, we honor the fathers and father figures whose steady love, faithful service, and quiet sacrifices strengthen homes and bless families.

Happy Father's Day 💙!

20/06/2026

STAKE PARTICIPATES IN MORAL RECOVERY ORIENTATION FORUM; VOLUNTEER LECTURERS PREPARED FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE

In line with its commitment to strengthening community and interfaith relations, the Santa Cruz Laguna Philippines Stake joined an orientation forum for identified volunteer lecturers of the Moral Recovery and Transformation Office of Santa Cruz, Laguna, held on Wednesday, June 17, at the Sunstar Mall Chapel. The session provided a comprehensive overview of the Moral Recovery Program, including guidelines and expectations for lecturers, interactive discussions, and opportunities for collaboration among educators, community leaders, and representatives of various organizations.

Two speakers from the Laguna Provincial Government led the discussions: Pastor Victor Cruz of Majayjay, Head of the Laguna Moral Development Office, and David C. Javier, lecturer from the Laguna Moral Development Office. They shared insights on moral development, values formation, and the role of volunteer lecturers in advancing moral recovery initiatives within communities.

The forum was attended by volunteer teachers, representatives of religious organizations, DepEd focal persons, and other participants, with more than 100 individuals in attendance. Topics covered included the vision, rationale, and objectives of the Moral Development Office of Laguna Province and the Moral Recovery and Transformation Office of the Municipality of Santa Cruz; the legal and biblical foundations of moral recovery initiatives; Presidential Proclamation No. 62, which established moral recovery as a national policy; Executive Order No. 319 (1996), which institutionalized the Moral Recovery Program; and EQ MCA 10, Series of 2026, which focuses on moral recovery, values formation, and spiritual enhancement in Laguna.

Sister Florhaida Pamatmat, Stake Communication Committee Chairman, represented the Stake during the forum. Organizers also shared that five additional volunteers from the Church are expected to join the roster of future lecturers for Santa Cruz.

The forum highlighted that moral recovery efforts transcend religious affiliation and seek to strengthen values such as Maka-Diyos, Maka-Tao, Maka-Bayan, and Maka-Kalikasan while promoting ethics and values formation across communities and public service.

A participant shared, “The forum is not about religious affiliation; it is about helping people in the community internalize values and further develop ethics in public service. Maganda sana kung ang lahat sa komunidad ay makarinig ng lectures.”

The Moral Recovery Program seeks to encourage responsible citizenship, ethical conduct, and positive values through the combined efforts of government agencies, educational institutions, religious organizations, and community volunteers.

✍🏽📷 Florhaida Pamatmat

19/06/2026

ANONG KWENTONG FSY MO?

I had a lot of experiences at FSY. I experienced lots of activities, classes, devotionals, programs, and dance socials. I also met new people, or you could say, new friends. At FSY, I felt the guidance of the Holy Ghost, filled with the warmth and love of our Heavenly Father. For example, when the choir sang in the Musical Program, where I was also included, I felt joy singing the hymns. In addition, the food there was tasty. There were different kinds of "themes" of food each day, from the first day to the fifth. I was always full, even when I didn't get a "second plate." I used to listen carefully to the lessons and tried to answer some questions in devotionals since I wasn't able to note down what I learned; despite that, I learned and understood a "bunch" of lessons. I testify that FSY can help people, especially the youth, to come unto Christ and increase their faith in Him. I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the true Church and that Heavenly Father loves us.

—Craig Zadok Paloma
Ward 4

19/06/2026

WARD 2 ELDERS QUORUM AND RELIEF SOCIETY MEMBERS CONDUCT JOINT MINISTERING ACTIVITY; FELLOWSHIP AND FAITH STRENGTHENED

Members of the Elders Quorum, Relief Society, and full-time missionaries of Ward 2 conducted a joint ministering activity on Saturday, June 13. The purpose of the initiative was to visit both active and less-active members, encouraging them to attend church regularly and strengthen their relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

The activity was organized under the direction of President Roland Garcia, Elders Quorum President and President Cecile Cortez, Relief Society President. Approximately 30 members participated, including couples, single adults, youth, and missionaries.

Participants prepared and delivered simple tokens of fellowship in the form of boxed muffins to members residing in San Juan, Oogong, Bubukal, and Labuin. The visits provided opportunities for meaningful conversations and strengthened friendship, fellowship, and unity among both participants and those they visited.

The activity reflected the spirit of ministering and provided opportunities for members to extend Christlike love and care to others.

On how the activity strengthened the bond between the elders quorum and Relief Society, President Garcia remarked, "The Elders Quorum and the Relief Society in our ward became more united. We truly enjoyed the activity and felt the happiness of the members we ministered to."

"I am grateful for the opportunity to do ministering because I felt how blessed I am and saw how Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love us all. Through ministering, we were able to let others feel that we care for them," shared Sister Cortez.

Ministering is a Christ-centered effort to watch over, support, and care for others as the Savior would. Through simple acts of service and fellowship, members seek to strengthen faith, build relationships, and help others feel the love of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

✍🏽 Cecile Cortez
📷 Ward 2 Elders Quorum and Relief Society Leaders

Santa Cruz Laguna Philippines Stake Newsroom

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