Between Manny Pacquiao and Marco Antonio Barrera, it’s Pacquiao who appears to be the true champion although Barrera has the bigger belt.  Their classic battle back in November 2003 has been a source of inspiration for Manny and a haunting debacle for Marco.

With their expected rematch put to an indefinite schedule, the disadvantage appears to be on the side of Marco than on the side of Manny.  Here are some justifications.

First, the darling of the boxing world right now is Manny Pacquiao.  Whoever gets to slug it out with the PACMAN gets a fair share of the glory and gold.  In the last four fights of Manny, practically everyone involved including the losing opponents have enjoyed profits instead of losses.  On the other hand, in the last two fights of Marco, there is scarcely anything to be shared among the protagonists.

Second, the meaning of a quality fight has been changed.  If before, all championship fights get the billing of blockbusters, not anymore.  Even the lowly WBC International Championship between Manny Pacquiao and Erik Morales has taken on the quality of an actual, true-blue undisputed championship caliber.  Conversely, the two battles between Barrera and Juarez were wanting in appeal.

Third, Marco’s reputation as a boxer is tainted with the loss to the PACMAN.  Without a rematch, Marco’s being the champion is still questioned until he can exact revenge with Manny and erase all doubts about his stock as the best superfeatherweight in the world.

Without Pacquiao, I tell you, Barrera’s stock is low.

From the time I had the Encounter God Retreat (EGR) back in September 2006, things have started looking bright.  I noticed that my daily devotion and quiet time are more meaningful and more focused, my eagerness in the service for the Lord is never waning, blessing after blessing keep coming and my battles against personal struggles are more victorious.

Well, I’m not saying that the EGR is the only way a Christian should go in order to experience spiritual growth.  Surely there are other ways, but my EGR experience has been one of positive and very encouraging.

I invite you who have gone through the EGR experience to share your thoughts, opinions and experiences, whether negative or positive and let’s have this unique brigade of EGR babies.  Click on the comment button below and start sharing.

Pangasinenses can now have a treat of the famed Encounter God Retreat (EGR) in their own province when the EGR Pangasinan Network opens its first ever EGR on February 19 and 20, 2007 at the Villa Narcisa Vinoya Resort located in Poblacion, Labrador, Pangasinan.

This EGR is a cooperative effort of a number of Pangasinan pastors and lay leaders headed by Ptr. Charlie Loranza of the Solid Rock Bible Congregation.  Together with him are other pastors from Pangasinan, Zambales and Manila.

Pastor Charlie has also sought the blessing of the Pangasinan Alliance of Ministerial Associations Now in Action (PAMANA) of which he is currently the coordinator for district 2.  A memorandum of agreement (MOA) is to be signed soon by Ptr. Charlie and PAMANA Chairman Rev. Rodelio Javien.

This Encounter God Retreat (EGR) is an activity with several nature depending on the individual situation of a delegate.  If a delegate is one who is spiritually down, the EGR is a revival experience.  If a delegate is struggling spiritually, the EGR is a source of hope and strength.  If a delegate is confused especially about a calling, the EGR is an instrument of enlightenment.  If a delegate is a pastor or church leader, the EGR is a trigger of vision and a spark plug for church growth.  If a delegate is sick, the EGR is a channel of divine healing.  If a delegate is financially burdened, the EGR could be key to financial freedom.  If a delegate is in a state of blessing and joy, the EGR is an occasion for further joy and to share joy to many who seek joy in their lives.  The EGR is a unique activity for every kind of believer whatever his/her circumstances may be.

Requirements for the EGR include the following:

1. The delegate should be a believer.
2. The delegate should have gone through the Pre-Encounter Program (PEP).
3. The delegate should register with the Secretariat.  Registration is Php500.

Requirement #2 is basic and if a registered delegate has not gone through the PEP, he/she shall be automatically disqualified. 

For more details, inquire from your head pastor or contact Ptr. Charlie at cell no. 09203290415.  You may also ask through this site.  Click on the comment button and log in your queries.