Cebu City is the Queen City of the South. It is the second gateway to the Philippines. Cebu is the leading exporter of Philippine traditional and non-traditional products to the world. Cebu has the fastest growing economic growth rate and receives the highest number of yearly tourist arrivals in the country. Cebu is also the seat of Catholicism in the Philippines. It is in an adjacent island, Mactan, where Lapu-lapu, a native king, killed Magellan in 1521.

Twelve Korean Ambassadors For Peace arrived in Cebu City last August 29, 2007. They were part of the Two Hundred Countries’ Rallies by Four Thousand Two Hundred Ambassadors For Peace from Korea, Japan and America. They went out to propagate the message of World Peace by the Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon.

Engr. Rolando Basuil Jr., the Executive Director of the Visayas Cluster, was the Overall-coordinator of the Visayas and Mindanao Rallies. He communicated with the 3 Executive Directors in Mindanao to arrange their acceptance and assistance to the activities of the Teams that will be assigned to them. Finally, 2 teams went to the Visayas cluster and 3 teams went to 2 clusters in Mindanao. They mobilized from August 29 -- to September 3. The Sisterhood Ceremony was scheduled on September 4, 2007. It was, obviously, a very tight schedule.

There are five teams that conducted the UPF Peace rallies in various locations in Visayas and Mindanao. The Central Visayas Team was composed of Rev. Kim Nam Soo, Over-all leader of the Korean delegation, Lee Doo Young, Kim Hwan Sub and Jung Bo Sun was the team interpreter. They conducted rallies in Bantayan Island; Guihulngan, Negros Oriental; Dumaguete; and had the culminating event in TTISI, Mandaue City, Cebu with more than Six Hundred (600) participants. This brought the total number of participants to One Thousand Five Hundred Forty Seven (1,547) in the Central Visayas.

The Western Visayas Team was composed of Rev. Lee Yong Gyu; Lee Jae Kyung; and Jung Sun Woo was the team interpreter. They conducted rallies in Dayao, Capiz; Roxas City; Guimaras; and had the culminating event in Residence Hotel, Iloilo City with One Hundred Seventy Four (174) participants. This brought the number of total participants to Four Hundred Twenty Five (425) in Western Visayas..

The Western Mindanao Team was composed of Rev. Ha Joung Ho, Jeong Bok Heung, and Shin Jung A was the team interpreter. They conducted rallies in 1 school, 2 barangay halls and had the culminating event in Astoria Hotel, Zamboanga City with One Hundred Forty (140) participants. This brought the number of total participants to One Thousand One Hundred Twenty Eight (1,128) in Western Mindanao.

The CARAGA Northern Mindanao Team was composed of Kwon Pil Ja, Park Sun Kyu, Balinge Jezebel and Nikkuni Mishuku was the team interpreter. They conducted rallies in Butuan City; Alegria, Surigao Del Norte; Surigao City; and had the culminating event in Gigi’s Seafood Restaurant, Bohol, Central Visayas with Sixty One (61) participants. The number of total participants in the CARAGA Northern Mindanao was Two Hundred Sixty One (261).

The Northern Mindanao Team was composed of An Young Sun, Lee Boo Soon, Tabaco Maria Lourdes and Ju Shin Hwa was the team interpreter. They conducted rallies in Kapatagan, Lanao Del Norte; Cagayan De Oro City; Oroquita City; and had the culminating event in Mara Cristina Hotel, Iligan City with Sixty Nine (69) participants. This brought the number of total participants to Two Hundred Thirty Nine (239) in Northern Mindanao.

The total number of participants in the Visayas Cluster led by Executive Director Engr. Rolando C. Basuil Jr. is Two Thousand Three Hundred Thirty Three (2,033). The total number of participants in the Western Mindanao Cluster led by Executive Director Mr. Carlos Vidal is One Thousand One Hundred Twenty Eight (1,128). The total number of participants in the Northern Mindanao Cluster led by Executive Director Mrs. Grace Mayo is Five Hundred (500). The over all number of participants in the Visayas and Mindanao UPF Rallies held last August 29- September 3, 2007 is Three Thousand Six Hundred Sixty One (3,661).

On September 03, 2007, all the teams returned to the Visayas Cluster Headquarters in Cebu City and they proceeded to Loboc, Bohol, Central Visayas for sightseeing, lunch and entertainment at the Floating Restaurant.

Almost all the capable members were assigned to assist the teams who went out to the field, so the Visayas Cluster HQ was very shorthanded. To ensure the smooth flow of the program, Engr. Basuil invited a close friend from Cavite, Roderick Rodas, a technical expert, to take charge of the technical requirements of the program. Engr. Basuil, Roderick Rodas, Nova Bella Beloy and Irma Balulot worked day and night, almost without sleep, to ensure all preparations are handled properly. Invitation cards, invitation letters and other documentary requirements were prepared by night, then by day they are communicated and delivered around to the prospective speakers and participants to the Sisterhood Ceremony.

Under the able leadership of Engr. Rolando C. Basuil Jr., Loise Lim, Jose Cuevas, and Irma A. Balulot, Blessed Central Families who are in Cebu, worked for the invitation of VIPs to the Sisterhood Ceremony. Together they successfully invited the Mayor of a City to give the Welcome Remarks, the Vice-Mayor of another City to give the Inspirational Message and the newly elected Mayor of still another City to give the Closing Remarks. The three cities are the 3 biggest and are adjacent to each other. Although there are political bickerings in the top leadership of these cities, Engr. Basuil decided it will be a beautiful condition and offering to God and True Parents to bring these leaders together in the Sisterhood Ceremony. Also, there were Barangay Captains from the three (3) cities, Professors, Religious Leaders and Professionals in the Sisterhood Ceremony Roster.

One very interesting side-bit to the Sisterhood Ceremony was the Guests. The Mayor of one city is the founder and national adviser to the Catholic Faith Defenders. This is a group of very able and capable members of the Catholic Faith who actively engages in public debates about various faiths and groups. Many of our elder members before shared experiences of those encounters. Irma A. Balulot, who invited him together with Engr. Basuil, felt very strongly that this was going to be a showdown. But then, how could she win over him when he was a top graduate of catholic seminary schools both in high school and college?

Besides, he is a seasoned politician who is in public service for almost 3 decades. Surely, there was only one way to ensure a win-win situation for God, True Parents and our Lord Jesus Christ. This was to call on the good spirit world to come down on that event and touch his heart and mind to see beyond what he would ordinarily feel and see. In a very intense and emotionally charged prayer on the morning of the Sisterhood Ceremony, Heung Jin Nim, Dae Mo Nim, the Heavenly Hosts, His Good Ancestors and all the good ancestors of Cebu were called upon to the venue to take charge, and to touch his heart and mind so that he may be able to rise up to this most historic occasion and establish a connection to God in this age through the True Parents.

The program started at exactly 9:30 in the morning of September 04, 2007 at the Marco Polo Function Room, Diplomat Hotel, Cebu City, Philippines. The invited speakers and guests filled the room. We began with the Doxology. Since the video projection refused to show, we sang the Lord’s Prayer. The Korean National Anthem was next and the video show played. Again the computer failed for the Philippine National Anthem so we sang it with the Vice Mayor leading us.

The Master of Ceremonies, Engr. Irma Astilla- Balulot was wondering with this turn of events considering the preparations that was done technically. There was just no reason for the technicals to fail. Everything was prepared to ensure a smooth technical flow. Then she introduced the next item on the program which is the Video Show on "A Giant Step Towards Universal Peace".

Everybody looked on the screen, especially the Mayor who attended for the first time. But nothing appeared. The Master of Ceremonies, realizing now that the good spirit men are sitting on the computer, gave a testimony about True Father’s early life in North Korea and what Father has done to save the Philippines from the clutches of Communism through CAUSA. The Mayor and Vice Mayor were obviously awed by what they heard True Father has gone through. Just as she was winding down her testimony, the Video Show went onscreen. And so they watched it with a deeper heartistic connection with True Father. At the end of the Video show, the Emcee commented: "To Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon, God is not a religion; God is a lifestyle."

Everything flowed smoothly after that. Rev. Kim Nam Soo was very dignified yet fatherly when he delivered his speech. The room was hushed and every word was savored by the guests. After his speech, banking on the heartistic bond that is now evident between the Mayor and True Father, Engr. Balulot publicly asked the Mayor: " Sir, are you willing to take on the call of Rev. Kim to study the life, works and teachings of God through the Rev. Moon?" The Mayor replied with a spontaneous "Yes!" So Rev. Kim stood up and raised the hand of the Mayor for everyone to see. It was a beautiful sight. Indeed, as Heung Jin Nim has promised, he would come when we call for him.

The Vice-Mayor gave a very heartistic Inspirational Message. He is associated with us for a long time and publicly defended us during the persecution in 1996. Although he didn’t get deep education aside from what he hears and sees when he briefly comes to our activities, this time, sitting through the entire program, he expressed his desire to be with us for eternity. This Vice-Mayor comes from a prominent clan in the Philippines. He is in public service for almost 2 decades.

The Mayor, Vice- Mayor and the wife of the other Mayor were all part of the Sisterhood Ceremony. They were all very happy with the new found friendships.

The Closing Remarks was given by the wife of the Mayor as his representative.

The program couldn’t have been as successful as it was without the beautiful song from the Pure Love Team, who were the interpreters of the 5 UPF teams. They sang the Pure Love Theme song.

After the high-spirited affair officially closed down, the members went on stage and performed and sang their hearts out to celebrate this great victory which was masterminded and claimed by God in Heaven.

Even as the members departed according to their own schedules, Engr. Rolando C. Basuil Jr. and Irma A. Balulot were already deciding to make a round of follow through to show our appreciation to the City Officials, and to ensure continuing relationships through joint programs.

On September 6, 2007, the Visayas cluster team, of Irma Balulot, Bo Seon Jung and Teresa Saijo, upon the approval of Engr. Basuil, went around and met with Barangay Captain Felicisimo Rupinta of Barangay Ermita, Cebu City. Based on this follow- up, we will have a Pure Love lecture on Sunday, September 9, 2007 at 6:30 PM for the youth in his barangay. All expenses will be shouldered by the barangay. Likewise, the Captain will issue a memorandum requiring his barangay employees to join with their spouses the UPF Rally on Thursday, September 13, 2007. He also volunteered to function actively as Ambassador for Peace. A Memorandum of Agreement will be officially signed between UPF Visayas and his barangay at a later date.

In the evening we went back to Barangay Cogon Central Ramos to meet Barangay Captain Danilo Alfafara. His wife is the national president of a women’s group. She listened to a presentation of Bo Seon Jung on a Pure Love topic. After a brief discussion, Mrs. Alfafara decided to invite our team again in October to discuss a training program for her group.

September 07, 2007 we went early to see Mayor Socrates Fernandez of Talisay City. Engr. Rolando C. Basuil Jr. led the team of Rey Estoce, Irma Balulot, Bo Seon Jung and Teresa Saijo. The mayor has a sprawling office which is open to anybody who needs him. No one needs an appointment. You don’t even need to go through the secretary as you pass to enter the Mayor’s chamber.

The Mayor dropped by a barangay so we waited in the reception area. Upon seeing us, he proclaimed right away: "The Universal Peace Federation! Roland (Engr. Basuil), Irma, come!" So we followed him inside his office. Upon sitting down he asked: "How is Rev. Moon?" The mayor was very amiable, light spirited and happy to see us. He proceeded to say that the program was very wholesome, and that he was very touched by what he heard about True Father from the Emcee’s testimony! This validated to us the presence of the good spirit world on the day of the event. Also this confirmed that more than the formalities, Filipinos are always open to a heartisitic encounter. Surely, a testimony about True Father will be a regular item in our future programs!

The Mayor asked if the materials about True Father are ready, and reiterated 3 times that he is willing to help us any way he can. He also asked us about the Matching and Blessing. We, in turn showed our complete trust in the Matching and Blessing, and emphasized to him that we want to help him solve the root cause of the social ills in his city through our educational materials. From this meeting, we are scheduled to sit with the City Administrator and the Department of Social Welfare and Development Official on Tuesday, September 11, 2007 at 8:30 a.m. to discuss how UPF can help the Mayor’s programs.

In the afternoon we went to the office of Vice-Mayor Michael L. Rama of Cebu City. He was very jovial. He showed us his Ambassador For Peace certificate which we conferred on him during Shin Sook Nim’s rally last September 25, 2006. He then proceeded to entertain us with his songs. The atmosphere was very light and family like. Before we broke up, the Vice- Mayor committed to listen to the Pure Love lectures and we are now discussing how to educate him deeper to prepare him to receive True Parent’s matching and Blessing.

On Monday, September 10, 2007 at 1:30 p.m., we are scheduled to visit the Mayor of Mandaue City. We likewise hope to bring substantial result to Heavenly Father and True Parents in this meeting.

From the Visayas Cluster Team, we offer our heartfelt gratitude to Heavenly Father, True Parents and True Children for trusting us, for working through us, and for depending on us to build Cheon Il Geuk in the Philippines!

Below is a copy of the speech delivered by Rev. Kim Nam Soo during the Korea-Philippines Sisterhood/Brotherhood Ceremony held last September 4, 2007 in Marco Polo Function Hall in Diplomat Hotel in Cebu City, Philippines:

The Vice- Mayor of Cebu City, Hon. Michael V. Rama; the Mayor of Mandaue City Hon. Jonas Cortes and Wife Sarah; the Mayor of Talisay City Honorable Socrates C. Fernandez, Ladies and Gentlemen, Good Morning!

Today, I’d like to express my deep gratitude to all of you who are attending this Sisterhood Ceremony. All of us are thankful for inviting us to this beautiful and kind nation of the Philippines.

Everywhere we went there were many devoted volunteer members who prepared for the Peace Rallies and the Family Blessing Ceremonies. The representatives of each Barangay gave us a warm welcome and big applause. I’d lke to say thank you to all of them.

Eighteen Korean and Japanese Universal Peace Federation volunteers came all the way here and risked our lives traveling around the Visayas and Mindanao to bring the message of Family Harmony and Peace to all of you. We have crossed the seas to reach Bantayan Island, Bohol and Dumaguete, and walked to be in Guinhulngan. We rounded up Iloilo, Guimaras and Roxas City. Although in full knowledge of the physical risk we were in, we decided to go and bring this same message of Peace to Zamboanga, ligan, Cagayan De Oro, Butuan and Surigao. All these within 4 days!

Great people of Cebu! As you can see, we are not young people anymore who enjoy a physically tedious and exhausting schedule. So you might ask, why did you come out of your comfortable homes and go to both urban and rural areas in the many islands of the Philippines?

We did all these, and are willing to do more, voluntarily, for the following reasons: Because of our deep love for God our Heavenly Father who suffered greatly due to the fall of Adam and Eve and the murder of Abel by Cain.

We did all these because we understand, based on the testimonies of Reverend Moon how lonely was the path of our Lord Jesus Christ when He walked on the earth 2,000 years ago. How our Lord Jesus Christ had to bear physical and emotional pain in His heart, living in agony, rejection and humiliation in the hands of the chosen people of God. We did all these because we have watched how Rev. Moon lived his life absolutely for God and humankind, shedding sweat for the earth, tears for man, and blood for Heaven. He lived sacrificially every single day at the expense of himself and his family.

We did all these for the realization of Family Harmony and World Peace. To give our share to liberate humankind from pain and suffering. To help educate them so that they may live a life where they can clearly understand the purpose and value of human life, and be able to live a life that is pleasing and enjoyable to God and to themselves. Great Filipino Leaders! Despite outright rejection, torture and betrayals Reverend Moon kept the promise that He gave on a lonely Korean mountaintop one Easter Morning 70 years ago.

Even now as he is already 88 years old, he continues to work for Family Harmony and World Peace waking up at 3:00 in the morning to pray for all humankind from Asia to Africa. He stays up until 12:00 midnight or 1:00 dawn directing and guiding activities rooted in the principle of True Love which he defines as "True Love gives, forgets that it has given, and continues to give without ceasing. True Love gives joyfully. We find it in the joyful and loving heart of a mother who cradles her baby in her arms and nurses it at her breast. True Love is sacrificial love, such that of a devoted son who gains his greatest satisfaction through helping his parents".

As such, all eighteen of us are here today, full of joy and gratitude that we were able to reach out to the warm people of this beautiful country.

I want to remember this moment forever. I ate durian here for the first time, you know. I have many firsts in my short-stay here. So, I leave, temporarily I hope, beseeching you to please, study the life, works and teachings of God through Rev. Moon.

May God Bless Talisay City, Mandaue City, Cebu City and the whole Philippines!!!

May God Bless you all!