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With much anticipation, the film ‘Haligi’ (Pillar), produced by the Christian Era Broadcasting Service International (CEBSI) Inc., premiered worldwide on August 31, 2024. Other than cinemas, gymnasiums and covered courts were converted into movie theaters to accommodate the attendees.
The said film revolves around the stories of four fathers who bore the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic as they were laid-off from work, thus making them unable to support their respective families’ needs.
The attendees shared mixed moments of laughter, empathy, and emotional scenes, having been inspired by the movie:
Philippines
The film premiered in the three main islands of the nation, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. In Northern Luzon, screenings were held at the Loo Gymnasium, Bugias, Benguet for the Mountain Province Ecclesiastical District; San Vicente Municipal Gymnasium for the Ilocos Sur Ecclesiastical District.
Gildy Tino from the Local Congregation of Sta. Catalina of the latter aforementioned district said that the film reminded her to “make sure our family members have our Lord God as our life’s priority for us to be able to triumph over trials.”
In the eight ecclesiastical districts in Metro Manila, more brethren felt inspired, such as in the Ecclesiastical District of Caloocan North, where every local congregation held the viewing in selected venues.
In the Visayan district of Negros Oriental, places for the premiere were found across the district. Attending at an events place in Dumaguete City, Teodore Parcon, a deacon said, “As a father, it is a must that I’m the role model in being firm in the faith no matter the test my household face.”
In Mindanao, the Ecclesiastical District of Cagayan De Oro City, Misamis Oriental, gathered the viewers at Alubijid Gymnasium; the Ecclesiastical District of Agusan Del Norte, at two venues: Capitol Gymnasium in Butuan City and another similar event place in Cabadbaran City.
Other countries
In the Ecclesiastical District of South Korea, the screening was held at the function hall of the Local Congregation of Ansan, where brethren from all over the district gathered.
“The presentation is quite relatable for me as the head of my family. It reminded us that the true solution to any problem in life, no matter how severe, is being close to the Father,” said Augusto Pugay from the Local Congregation of Uijeongbu.
“It teaches the viewers the right way of facing any situation in life, through its highs and lows. For us, Christians, the film echoes the biblical teaching that no matter what we face, our Lord God can always help and rescue us,” said Brother Roderick Yome, the district supervising minister, who led the activity.
“We thank our Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, and the Christian Family Organizations (CFO) Coordinator, Brother Angelo Eraño V. Manalo, for constantly leading us in fulfilling God’s will,” Brother Yome added on behalf of the brethren.
“Challenges in life are normal as we are still on this world. The movie reinforced my conviction that in trying times, we should endure, and God will strengthen us,” said Flordeliza Rellies from the Local Congregation of Yuenlong, Ecclesiastical District of Hong Kong. She attended the premiere at the Telford Recreational Club, Kowloon Bay, Hong Kong.
In the continent of Australia, the Ecclesiastical District of New South Wales, brethren converged at Plumpton High School gymnasium in New South Wales. Jodi Villanueva, a choir member in Dean Park Congregation, said, “The film refreshed in me that we should let our lives be influenced not by evil nor hopelessness but with God’s will.”
In the Northern Europe District, the venue was an events place in Oslo, Norway. Through the invitation of the brethren, guests were also present. Notable among them were the Ambassador Enrico Fos for the Philippine Embassy in Norway. Like the reaction of the brethren in Northern Europe, brethren in the Central Europe District also were moved and inspired during the film viewing. The venue was the conference room at the Local Congregation of Hamburg, Germany.
In Canada, one of the ecclesiastical districts there is Calgary. Haligi premiered in the said district at the Glenmore Academy, Calgary, Canada. “The film actually is relatable to both members and nonmembers of the Church. We all experienced the recent pandemic but for us members of the Church, it only intensified our hope in what God can do for us,” said Kara Pascual, a deaconess from the Local Congregation of Spruce Meadows.
With Brother Angelo Eraño Manalo as its CEO, CEBSI has also produced other films including Kahoy (wood), Esperanza, Walang Take Two (no take two), Kapayapaan sa Gitna ng Digmaan (peace in the midst of war), among others. The said films were likewise screened in various ecclesiastical districts.
