ON THIS DAY: PHILIPPINES WINS ARBITRAL CASE VS CHINA
Today, July 12, 2026 marks the 10th anniversary of The Philippines' historic win against China's massive claim in the South China Sea.
The landmark ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration invalidated Beijing’s nine-dash line demarcation that claimed vast maritime territory and islands in the South China Sea. The 501-page ruling was handed down in The Hague, Netherlands, more than three years after the case was filed by the Philippines in January 2013.
Today is Ascension Day, the day Jesus Christ ascended into Heaven, 40 days after the Resurrection.
For 40 days Jesus remained on Earth to prove he had truly risen from the dead. He appeared to his disciples—teaching them, strengthening their faith, and confirming that He had truly conquered death. Especially to Thomas who had to literally touch Jesus's glorified body to believe it 😂
Then, in their presence, in the Mount of Olives, after one final blessing He ascended.
As He did a cloud took Him away from their sight, echoing the same divine signs seen in Exodus and at the Transfiguration.
This moment was not a departure in the sense of loss, Jesus wasn't going away. He was going to the Father to reign in glory. He was enthroned at the right hand of the Father.
The Ascension makes something crystal clear: Christ reigns now. He rules over Heaven and Earth.
But most importantly we must remember: He will come again. Just like the angels said "He will return.
Until that day, the mission continues: to live as witnesses of what has been seen and received.
To spread the Faith to all corners of the world and to live according to His teachings.
"Whoever has my commandments and keeps them loves me. Whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them" - John 14,21
JESUS PAID THE PRICE FOR OUR SIN 🙏
God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. – 2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV
JESUS IS THE RADIANCE OF GOD'S GLORY ✨
The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. – Hebrews 1:3 NIV
In 1646, a powerful Dutch Protestant fleet of up to 19 warships sailed to conquer the Catholic Philippines. Facing them were just two old Spanish galleons, the Encarnación and Santo Rosario, crewed by brave Spaniards and Filipinos (many Kapampangans), heavily outnumbered and outgunned.
Instead of despairing, the defenders turned to Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary. They prayed the Rosary fervently on deck before and during the battle, entrusting their lives to her maternal protection and making a solemn vow to walk barefoot in thanksgiving to God through the Virgin if they were granted victory...
From March to October, they fought five major naval battles in Philippine waters. Against all odds, they emerged victorious each time. The Catholic forces lost only about 15 men total, while the Dutch suffered hundreds of casualties, with ships sunk and damaged. Many called their galleons “the ships of the miracle.”
After the final victory, the soldiers fulfilled their vow by walking barefoot in procession to thank the Blessed Virgin.
On April 9, 1662, the Archdiocese of Manila officially declared the victories miraculous, attributing them to the powerful intercession of Our Lady of the Rosary.
Our Lady of La Naval, pray for us!
Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, intercede for us!
Viva la Virgen de la Naval!
FOUNDED ON SPIRITUAL REIGN 🤍
After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. – Acts 1:3 NIV
HE IS RISEN! 🤍
“He is not here; He has risen, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay.”
Nawa'y naging makabuluhan ang paggunita natin sa #SemanaSanta2026.
SIMBANG GABI NA! 🙏
The annual Christmas tradition of attending nine consecutive days of Masses begins on Tuesday, December 16. Let’s mark this season with prayer, gratitude, and hearts full of hope.