Elections in the Philippines are exciting, noisy, and sometimes messy. Streets are filled with posters, jingles blast from loudspeakers, and social media overflows with political debates. Oftentimes, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or even discouraged. But this season is also a chance to live out your faith in practical ways.

Here are five reminders that can help guide you as a follower of Jesus during election season.

1. Pray first, always

Before choosing a candidate, start with prayer. Ask God for wisdom and clarity. Pray for the Philippines, for peace during elections, and for leaders who will serve with integrity. Remember, prayer should not be a last-minute move. It’s your first step as you engage with politics.

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” (Philippians 4:6, NLT)

2. Look beyond promises and personality

It’s tempting to focus on charm, popularity, or family names. But God teaches us to look at the heart. When you examine candidates, check their track record, their stand on issues, and how they treat people. Do they care for the poor? Do they promote justice?

1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV) is a very good reminder: “But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’”

3. Speak with grace

Elections often bring out heated arguments, especially online. While it’s okay to share opinions, it is never okay to insult others or use harsh words. Remember what James 1:19 says: “Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.” Speaking with respect shows the love of God, even when you disagree with others.

“Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.” (James 1:19-20, NLT)

4. Reject corruption and vote honestly

Believers are called to reject dishonesty. Say no to vote-buying, cheating, or spreading fake news. Encourage others to do the same, especially those who are close to you. Remind them that every vote is a gift and a responsibility and should be exercised with a clear conscience. A clean vote honors God.

Proverbs 11:3 (CEV) is a very great reminder: “If you do the right thing, honesty will be your guide. But if you are crooked, you will be trapped by your own dishonesty.”

5. Trust God, not politicians

It’s easy to pin all our hopes on one candidate, but no leader is perfect. Human governments will always have limits. Place your ultimate trust in God. Whoever wins, keep praying for the leaders and for the nation, knowing that God remains in control.

Elections are not just about politics — they’re an opportunity to shine as a light for Jesus. Whether you’re casting your vote, sharing on social media, or discussing with family, remember that you represent God’s character wherever you go.

Let’s be prayerful, wise, and faithful citizens who reflect God’s love, especially during these times, and continue to declare this verse for our beloved country: “Mapalad ang bansa na ang Dios ay ang PANGINOON. At mapalad ang mga taong pinili niya na maging kanya.” (Salmo 33:12, ASND)

Do you need prayer or someone to talk to? Whether you are unsure, anxious, or simply want to pray for the elections, our trained prayer counselors are ready to listen and pray for you. Call 8737-0700 or message us on Facebook. 

If you’re still unsure about what to give your mom this Mother’s Day, don’t worry! Here are some thoughtful ideas to help you celebrate the most important woman in your life. 

Before anything else, here’s a heartfelt greeting: Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing moms out there! Motherhood is no easy journey, and you deserve to be honored and appreciated for all the love and effort you give. 

To help make Mother’s Day 2025 special, here are a few simple gift ideas you can draw inspiration from as a way to show gratitude and affection to your mom. 

Mother’s Day Gift Idea 1 of 5: Serve her for a day 

First, it helps to understand her love language. Knowing what makes her feel truly appreciated will help you give a gift that touches her heart. 

If you’re unfamiliar with love languages, check out this link. 

This idea works especially well for mothers whose love language is Acts of Service. 

Wondering how to figure it out without being too obvious? 

Have you noticed she often points out that you rarely help with chores? Does she keep mentioning the unwashed dishes or the laundry that’s piling up? That’s your clue. Step up and offer to help her throughout the day. Challenge yourself to say yes to whatever she needs and stick to it. 

Mother’s Day Gift Idea 2 of 5: Write a sincere, heartfelt letter 

This is a beautiful gesture for moms who feel most loved through Words of Affirmation. Consider writing her a Mother’s Day message or giving her a thoughtful card. If expressing appreciation hasn’t been your strength, this is your perfect chance to make up for it. 

Many mothers don’t always know how their children feel unless they hear it directly. They may wonder if they’re doing a good job, whether they make you happy, or if you’re going through something. 

Words carry incredible power. You may not realize how deeply it will touch her to hear you say, “Thank you” or “I love you” — especially after all the years she has devoted to caring for you. 

Mother’s Day Gift Idea 3 of 5: Give her something she’s been wanting 

If your mom has been dreaming of a house and lot, and you can manage it, why not, right? 

But more realistically, has she been holding back on buying something because she needed to prioritize family expenses? Maybe she has a fondness for certain things. Has she been hinting at needing a new set of Tupperware to replace the ones you lost? Or admiring curtains that would brighten up the living room? Perhaps she’s been eyeing a particular plant? 

Moms rarely keep quiet about what they want. Sometimes, they even drop hints as a playful way to reach out to you. If your budget allows, go ahead and make that purchase. There’s still time to save up and make her feel cherished this Mother’s Day. 

Mother’s Day Gift Idea 4 of 5: Spend the entire day with her 

It’s not only romantic partners who deserve your time and attention. Moms also enjoy going out. Whether it’s dining at her favorite restaurant, grabbing a quick meal at a fast-food place she loves, or exploring scenic spots around the country. Even a walk in the park can brighten her day. 

For moms who value Quality Time, setting aside time and giving her your full attention means the world. It lets her know how deeply she’s loved. 

Mother’s Day Gift Idea 5 of 5: Show affection through touch 

Hands up if you’re naturally clingy! 

The last love language is Physical Touch. It’s probably the most affordable gift, but it can be challenging, especially for those working abroad or living far from home. 

If you’re blessed enough to be at home with your mom, give her a warm hug, a gentle kiss, or simply stay close to her throughout the day.  

Mothers feel deeply loved when they can sense your presence, when they feel your warmth, and when they know you’re physically close. 

For those living far away, consider sending her a stuffed toy or something soft to hug. Long-distance relationships are tough for mothers too, so offering a comforting substitute can go a long way. 

That wraps up these Mother’s Day ideas! Hopefully, you found something here that helps express your love and appreciation. 

Remember, parents are among the first blessings God has given to each of us. A mother offers care and nurturing long before a child even enters the world. The least that can be done is to help her feel loved and appreciated for all her sacrifices, including those quiet acts of love that often go unnoticed. 

Wishing your mama, nanay, inay, mommy, or mom a joyful and meaningful Mother’s Day. Enjoy celebrating this special day with her! 

Do you want us to pray for you? Contact us here. 

Would you believe it if someone told you that even the Lord knows what it feels like to have a broken heart? 

At one point, God Himself experienced every kind of hardship you’ve gone through—or may still be going through today. 

He is not a distant or unfeeling God. He isn’t someone you simply look up to from afar. The truth is, He walked through some of life’s darkest moments and understands what it means to suffer. Because of this, He is able to relate to you. 

When His chosen people turned their backs on Him, His heart was deeply wounded. 

“Israel, I can’t let you go. I can’t give you up. How could I possibly destroy you as I did the towns of Admah and Zeboiim? I just can’t do it. My feelings for you are much too strong” (Hosea 11:8, CEV). 

When His friend Lazarus died, He wept. 

“When Jesus saw that Mary and the people with her were crying, he was terribly upset and asked, ‘Where have you put his body?’ They replied, ‘Lord, come and you will see.’ Jesus started crying, and the people said, ‘See how much he loved Lazarus’” (John 11:33–36, CEV). 

And before He was crucified, He pleaded with the Father. 

“Jesus walked on a little way before he knelt down and prayed, ‘Father, if you will, please don’t make me suffer by drinking from this cup. But do what you want, and not what I want’” (Luke 22:41–42, CEV). 

These moments show that God understands heartbreak, grief, and fear. He knows what you’re feeling, and He wants to help you rise above it. 

How can that happen? 

Here are five simple yet powerful tips that can help you: 

Overcome Worries and Manage Stress Tip 1: Take time to rest 

It might surprise you, but rest is part of God’s design for humanity. In fact, He modeled it Himself by resting on the seventh day after creating the world. 

If God made space for rest, then so should you. Don’t feel guilty for pausing. Just as you set aside time for your tasks, it’s also important to schedule rest. 

This principle is so important that it’s part of the Ten Commandments: 

“You have six days when you can do your work, but the seventh day of each week belongs to me, your God. No one is to work on that day—not you, your children, your slaves, your animals, or the foreigners who live in your towns. In six days I made the sky, the earth, the oceans, and everything in them, but on the seventh day I rested. That’s why I made the Sabbath a special day that belongs to me” (Exodus 20:9–11, CEV). 

The Sabbath was created so people could find rest in the Lord. Even animals were not allowed to work. You matter even more. You deserve rest. 

Overcome Worries and Manage Stress Tip 2: Spend time in your safe space 

Every person responds to stress differently. Some feel energized in a busy environment, while others need solitude to recharge. 

For some people, being around a large crowd for long periods drains their energy. To recover, they need time alone. 

Think about what works for you. Where do you feel safe and most at peace? Make it a habit to return to that space regularly. Whether it’s time alone or moments with people who lift you up, being in your safe space helps reduce stress and keeps worry from piling up. 

Overcome Worries and Manage Stress Tip 3: Seek the source of lasting peace 

There are two types of peace. One is temporary and disappears when life gets hard. The other remains, even in the middle of chaos. 

Most of the time, it’s easy to feel peaceful when everything is going well—when there are no problems, when plans fall into place, when life seems perfect. But life rarely stays that way. Uncertainty is one of the biggest reasons people worry. 

The peace that lasts, however, is different. It doesn’t depend on circumstances. It’s the kind of peace that goes beyond understanding. 

This peace only comes from Jesus, the Prince of Peace. 

Even when everything feels uncertain, and life seems messy, you can still be at peace. You may not know what the future holds, but you can trust the One who holds the future. 

Overcome Worries and Manage Stress Tip 4: Tune in to God’s Word 

Whether you admit it or not, many of your worries may come from what you hear—whether from your surroundings or online. 

It happens to a lot of people. 

There’s even a name for it: FOMO, or Fear of Missing Out. 

It’s that urge to stay updated on the latest news, your crush’s posts, or even the lives of celebrities. Before you know it, you’re trying to keep up with everything, like some kind of walking encyclopedia. But here’s the problem—while many are up to date with the world, they become disconnected from the Word. 

That’s the issue. 

You might know everything that’s happening, but if you don’t know what God is saying, that creates a gap. 

It’s perfectly fine to stay informed. Just don’t let it replace time in Scripture. God’s Word is the truth you can rely on. So instead of asking, “What’s the latest now?” maybe ask, “Lord, what are You saying to me today?” 

Start your day with that question. Over time, you’ll notice your heart becoming more peaceful and your mind more steady. 

Overcome Worries and Manage Stress Tip 5: Recall how God helped you before 

If you’ve ever written about your feelings for someone in a journal, consider writing about the things God has done in your life too. Reflect on how He came through for you, how He pulled you out of a difficult place, how He stayed faithful. 

If stress or worry starts to build up, ask yourself where it’s coming from. Is it something within your control? Or is it beyond what you can handle? 

In either case, remember that God is always ready to help. Nothing is too hard for Him. 

To sum it up, here’s how you can overcome worries and manage stress: 

• Take time to rest 

• Find your safe space 

• Seek God’s peace 

• Stay rooted in the Word 

• Remember how He helped you before 

And when the weight of life feels too heavy, hold on to this reminder: 

“God cares for you, so turn all your worries over to him” (1 Peter 5:7, CEV). 

Do you want us to pray for you? 

You don’t have to carry everything alone. If you need someone to stand with you in prayer, you can reach out to us here. 

The last day of the Holy Week commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. We know that He died on the cross to save us, and rose again after three days.

But what does that really mean for us today?

Here are some Biblical truths to enlighten you about the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

1. It proves that Jesus is powerful over death and sin

The Bible tells us in 1 Corinthians 15:17, “And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.”

Jesus came to earth to save us by sacrificing Himself on the cross. His resurrection signals His victory; He has saved us from the penalty of our sins.

Our relationship with God is now fixed, and we can now come boldly before Him and pray.

2. It gives us hope about our situation

Because Jesus is alive, we can have peace knowing that…

• He is powerful and can make amazing miracles in our lives.
• We are now forgiven and free!
• We have eternal life with God even after our physical bodies die.

Jesus is our ultimate Source of hope. Because of Him, we can live in the present and look forward to a bright future with Him.

This truth is written in the Bible in 1 Peter 1:3, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”

3. It validates our faith and service

Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:14, “And if Christ has not been raised, then all our preaching is useless, and your faith is useless.”

If Jesus wasn’t resurrected, the gospel that we preach is pointless. Why should we worship a God who can’t keep His promises and has no power over death?

Thankfully, we worship and serve a living God who is faithful to His promises. This means that Jesus’ resurrection is one of the most important points of our faith, along with His death on the cross.

Jesus has given His life for us… and now it’s our turn to live for Him, too. Do you need someone to pray for you as you start your journey of faith with God?

You can call us at 8-737-0-700 or email your prayer requests to [email protected].

Do your fears and past experiences still haunt you today? Do you find it hard to move forward and accept new people in your life? Are you overwhelmed by a mix of hatred, fear, shame, sadness, or even guilt?

It is normal to feel that way when you’ve been through traumatic experiences. But there is hope! Here are some tips on how you can cope with past hurts:

1. Acknowledge your emotions

One common mistake people make is ignoring or hiding their feelings, hoping that they will eventually go away on their own. According to a psychiatric counselor’s article on Ohio State University, ignored feelings don’t just go away–they grow and come back stronger.

Help Guide says that acknowledging your emotions, on the other hand, helps you understand yourself more.

So, take some time to reflect on your feelings. Doing so makes you more in-control of your emotions, instead of your emotions controlling you.

2. Surrender your pain to God

Have you ever felt like your pain is too much to handle? Do you feel hopeless about your situation?

Good news: you don’t have to carry all your burdens alone. You can surrender them to God!

Whenever your trauma arises, ask for God’s help through prayer. Healing might not come right away, and the pain may not disappear overnight—but God is with you every step of the way. He can give you peace, hope, and joy beyond compare. He can help you forgive. He will also give you wisdom in dealing with your situation.

God can heal even the deepest wounds in your heart and make it whole again. Psalm 34:18 (NIV) says,

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

3. Surround yourself with wise and caring people

You are not meant to go through your healing journey alone. The American Psychological Association found that one way to cope with traumatic stress is to seek the support of your loved ones.

So, ask God to send you people who are willing to pray and give you helpful advice. Join a church that can help you grow with Jesus and encourage you to continue your healing journey with Him.

The Bible tells us about the importance of praying for each other in James 5:16 (NIV),

“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”

4. Find a hobby that will help you express your feelings

According to Utah State University Mental Health Education, hobbies help improve mental health and reduce stress.

One thing you can try is journaling or expressive writing. This can help you reflect on your deepest thoughts and discover something new about yourself.

Psychotherapists from Very Well Mind also suggest other healthy coping mechanisms such as gardening, listening to music, and reading books.

5. Take care of yourself

Medical News Today reports that traumas bring physical concerns such as headaches, fatigue, difficulty in sleeping, and more. That is why it is important that you take care of your body, too.

Eating healthy food such as fruits and vegetables helps relieve traumatic stress, Help Guide suggests. Regular exercise and a proper amount of sleep can also help you recover physically.

Are you still struggling with your trauma?

You might relate to the story of Wendell Tolibas in CBN Asia’s Holy Week Special, Tanikala presents “Preso.” Like you, Wendell experienced a traumatic incident—and found freedom through Christ.

May his story encourage you that breaking free from painful experiences is possible. Watch “Preso” this Good Friday, April 18, at 5:30 PM on GMA.

Are you planning to start daily devotions this month?

Before anything else, what exactly is daily devotion?

According to GotQuestions.org, daily devotion is “the discipline of Bible reading and prayer with which Christians start or end their day.” During daily devotions, one can use a study guide, a devotional book, or a simply having Bible reading plans.

If you’re still unsure whether to commit to daily devotions this year, check out these three benefits of making daily devotions part of your routine.

Benefit #1: Daily devotions keep you on track

With so many distractions around, it’s easy to lose focus.

That’s why daily devotion with God is crucial. It helps you stay centered on Him and what He wants to tell you.

Did you know that God’s Word is your ultimate guide for life? It’s how you distinguish right from wrong, truth from lies: by regularly connecting with God.

Think of it like exercise.

You work out to build strength, boost endurance, or—let’s be honest—to be physically fit! Either way, you know exercise is good for your body.

Similarly, devotion exercises your soul. As Jon Bloom explains in his article Six Benefits of Ordinary Daily Devotions in Desiring God, devotions shift your focus away from selfindulgent distractions and toward God’s purposes and promises.

Benefit #2: Daily devotions refresh and encourage you

Not just physically, but emotionally, mentally, and spiritually as well.

When troubles and challenges come, binge-watching or gaming may offer temporary relief, but true rest can only be found in Jesus and His Word.

He Himself said in Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV):

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

That’s just a glimpse of what daily devotion can do for you!

Benefit #3: It deepens your understanding of God

Have you ever read the Bible and thought, “Wait, what?”

Everyone experiences that at some point.

Part of this practice includes devotional blogs or apps that break things down for you— offering selected scripture passages, easy-to-understand teachings, and even prayer guides. Learning more about God each day helps deepen your relationship with Him.

Daily devotions are more than just a habit and routine—they are a powerful way to stay focused, find encouragement, and deepen your relationship with God. In a world full of distractions and challenges, setting aside time each day to connect with Him can provide clarity, strength, and true rest. If you’re looking for a breakthrough in life, start by prioritizing time with God. Let His Word guide you, refresh your spirit, and draw you closer to Him. The journey of faith isn’t always easy, but with daily devotions, you’ll never walk alone.

Are you ready to take the first step?

Buy Tanglaw book on Shopee, stream Tanglaw on Spotify, or on CBN Asia’s YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok!

You can also visit Tanglaw.org for more reads.

Holy Week invites families to pause, reflect, and reconnect.

If you’re looking for something meaningful to watch with your loved ones, especially the kids, select episodes of Superbook Season 5 air on Kapamilya Channel at 6 AM from April 14 to 18 for Superbook’s Holy Week Marathon!

Superbook is an animated show where Chris, Joy, and their robot friend, Gizmo, time-travel through Bible stories, with plenty of lessons along the way.

And for the Superbook Holy Week marathon, the episodes don’t just retell Bible stories. They ask real questions, highlight everyday struggles, and offer quiet moments for reflection.

Here are five reasons to tune in:

1. The episodes ask questions we all wrestle with

The April 14 episode, Nicodemus, shows Chris on a youth ski trip, unsure about what it really means to follow Jesus. Superbook brings him to Jerusalem, where he witnesses Nicodemus meeting Jesus in secret. Chris returns home with a clearer understanding of faith.

His journey mirrors the questions many of us ask: What does it mean to believe in Jesus? What will change in me?

2. It reminds us that faith takes time

In the episode about The Sermon on the Mount, Chris and Joy get inspired by Jesus’ words and try to live them out. Their efforts go sideways — not because they don’t care, but because they misunderstand. Even the disciples struggle to grasp the message.

This episode doesn’t present faith as something easy. It shows that everyone is a work-in-progress, and everyone can grow and change from past mistakes.

3. It puts the spotlight on small acts with big meaning

On April 16, The Widow’s Mite focuses on a simple act of giving. A poor widow places two small coins in the Temple treasury. Jesus praises her because she gave all she had.

Chris watches this unfold and rethinks how he views giving. The episode points to a truth that often gets overlooked: the value of generosity, no matter how small.

4. It challenges how we see others

The April 17 episode, Jesus: Friend of Sinners, shows Jesus choosing to spend time with people who are often ignored or judged. Joy struggles to understand why, but she sees the love behind His actions.

The episode pulls from the Parable of the Great Supper, the calling of Matthew, the tax collector, and the sinful woman who approached Jesus. It shows how grace reaches the ones who need it most, not the ones who seem most worthy.

5. It ends the week with hope and courage

The Holy Week lineup ends on April 18 with Doubting Thomas. It’s an episode about disbelief, second chances, and finally, bold faith. The way the kids deal with fear, doubt, and courage mirrors what many of us go through, especially in uncertain times.

It doesn’t wrap up perfectly. Instead, it leaves you with a challenge: What will you do with what you believe?

Chris faces false accusations and pressure to deny the truth. Joy walks with the disciples on the road to Emmaus. Thomas refuses to believe without proof.

But Jesus meets them all where they are.

In the end, faith takes root, and courage follows. Chris also finds the strength to speak about his faith back home.

Holy Week offers space to reflect, and Superbook gives families a chance to do that together.

Mark your calendars and catch select episodes of Superbook’s Holy Week Marathon, 6 AM daily from April 14 to 18 on Kapamilya Channel!

For more details and updates, follow Superbook on Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram!