By: James Murillo Elaco
Under the heavy rain, hearts are filled with excitement at the “HIGALA” Prayer and Evangelism Christian Music Concert, held on August 23, 2024, at DVSoria Park in Cagayan de Oro City. As part of the Higalaay Festival, this event brought together the Christian community of the city to celebrate and worship.
Organized by the GodBless CDO Movement, the concert was a powerful display of faith and unity despite the pouring rain. People gathered to sing, pray, and listen to messages of hope. Bishop Rhyan Casiño, one of the event organizers, said, “Gipasiugda namo ang mga talento sa mga batan-on ug gusto namo nga ipaambit ang positibong mensahe pinaagi sa among mga arte ug musika. Ang tanan kinahanglang mahibalo nga si Jesus Christ nahigugma kanila.”
“We are highlighting the talents of young people and want to share a positive message through our arts and music. Everyone should know that Jesus Christ loves them.”
Around 30 bands from different churches participated, filling the park with songs of praise and worship. The music offered comfort and encouragement to everyone who attended, showing the strength of their faith.
Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Rolando “Klarex” A. Uy also attended the event, marking the support of the local government in the spiritual activities of the community. “Nasayod ako nga lig-on kaayo ang inyong pagtuo sa Ginoo tungod kay aduna kitay tinuod nga magbalantay, bisan ang ulan wala makapugong kaninyo sa pag-anhi dinhi aron sa pagpaminaw sa iyang maayong mga pulong ug sa pagpakita sa inyong pagdayeg ug pagpasalamat sa iyang himaya nga ngalan,” Mayor Uy said, acknowledging the dedication of the participants.
(I know your faith in God is strong because we have a true leader. Even the rain didn’t stop you from coming here to listen to His good words and to show your praise and gratitude.)
The mayor also encouraged the people to unite in prayer, believing that through their faith, they could help improve their community. He emphasized that such events foster unity and a strong sense of purpose in addressing the city’s challenges.
Bishop Casiño thanked Mayor Uy for attending, noting that the mayor’s support boosted the organizers’ morale. “Among gipasalamatan ang pag-abot ni Mayor Rolando “Klarex” A. Uy kay ang iyang presensiya naghatag og kadasig sa atong mga organisasyon, ang local executive o ang Mayor mismo ang misuporta sa atong mga kalihukan,” he said. (We are grateful for the mayor’s presence, which has strengthened and supported our organization.)
One of the participants, Mr. Jose Lig-ang, expressed his gratitude to the organizers and the local government. “Daku ang among pasalamat sa mga nag-organize ani nga kalihukan, para mapagawas namo ang among talento ug para sa Ginoo mahimong himayaon pinaagi sa atong pagdayeg kaniya,” Lig-ang said. (We are very thankful for this opportunity to share our talents and glorify God through our praise,)
He added, “Ug ako mapasalamaton kaayo sa lokal nga kagamhanan sa paghatag kanamo ug usa ka dapit sa pagdayeg sa Ginoo.” (I’m also thankful to the local government for giving us a place to worship.)
The HIGALA concert was a night where faith and music converged. Despite the rain, the spirit of the people of Cagayan de Oro shone brightly. (JME/OB)
