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TWENTY-FIVE years ago, my guru, George Sison, founded
the Temple of Prayer, Peace and Prosperity (TOPP) and I was one of
the very first who attended the three to four-times-a-week sessions.
I have come a long way since then by using many wonderful principles
and affirmative prayers that he taught us. I attribute many of my
successes to this spirit-lifting and self-empowering belief system.
I recommended it to anyone who might want to improve all areas of
their lives—health, finances, relationships and success. This is
not a get-rich-quick scheme but when you work it, IT WORKS!!!
George, since then, has a
compiled library of over 2,000 lecture tapes and CDs on varying
subjects. Also, he has written two best-selling books, A Miracle
Awaits You and I Am a Winner, both available in major bookstores
nationwide.
Recently the TOPP celebrated its
25th years in its reception hall. It was George’s way of saying
thank you to those who have supported his advocacy through the
years. Glenda Barretto of Via Mare, one of the very first who
started with us in the 1980s, catered and, naturally, she outdid
herself. Everyone marveled at the preparations . . . silver
everywhere, from the buntings, lamps and table cloths. The guests,
too, who were asked to come in white, silver or metallic gray. Madel
Templonuevo was there, fresh from his success in spearheading the
conceptualization and preparations for the centennial celebration of
the University of the Philippines.
The evening abounded with singing
talents that entertained the 50 guests that represented a small
cross section of people through 25 years like Amelyn Veloso of the
Big News; Patricia Pañares, the assistant PR of Renaissance Hotel;
actor-turned-painter Ernie Gatcia; and the very popular Classico
Cerrudo, Bo Cerrudo.
I sat with Bulgari man Mario
Katigbak, who claimed he was there in the 1970s before the Temple;
the inimitable Angela Soriano who manifested a beautiful home in
Dasmariñas Village 20 years ago to the delight of all who were
there at that time; the charming Zenaida Raymundo, a ballroom
dancing enthusiast; and actresses Marissa Delgado and Dexter Doria.
In another table were William and
Katherine Tan with son Christian whose prosperity and success have
become legend at the TOPP; and insurance man Robert Lim and
beautiful wife, Helen. Both Katherine and Helen are owners of the
very popular Dream Body Spa in Greenhills. Leila Pañares of
Development Bank of the Philippines; Angelita Sibal, the glamorous
mother of Carla, Mega editor; the sexy insurance lady Nadjie Veluz;
Lufthansa man Rito Ramos and wife Luz; the effervescent Angie
Salanio, today a globetrotting painter and inventor; and
entertainment editor Butch “Roldan” Pesebre and his demure wife,
Ma. Fe of National Housing Authority were also there.
I spotted the statuesque Concha
Hontiveros sharing another table with son Angelo who together with
Justine Manginsay is promoting the Love-Moon Anion (negative ion)
feminine comfort pads; alumni president of National Defense College,
Gloria Jumamil Mercado; Peddy Acebo, make-up artist par excellence;
chefs Vitory Ado and Ari Catipon; entertainment columnist Danny
Vibas; architect Reena Redoblado, a.k.a. Bo Cerrudo’s manager;
Philippine National Oil Company’s Jolirich Templonuevo; and Gloria
Yoshida of the popular Samurai chain.
The very efficient TOPP staff,
Berna Martin, Ricky Datuin, Leo Abrera, Pia Biador and Aurelio
Langote did such an excellent job in the preparation of such a
wonderful evening.
George has been such a blessing
to me and so many others. The late Adrian Cristobal once described
him as a Renaissance man and, indeed, he truly is. Through the
years, he has transformed himself from philosopher to stage actor,
from poet-painter to internationally recorded composer, from movie
producer to astrologer, from social columnist to TV host, from
restaurateur to motivational guru. He was even a political detainee
of the martial law years.
Cheers to you dear George and
here’s to 25 more wonder-filled years at the TOPP.
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