“Batang Center”, What’s in the Name? (Repost)

By Dave M. Barrios
       7/20/09

“Batang Center!”, I have heard that phrase many times being used to describe those whose childhood roots can be traced from Manila Center Adventist Church (MCAC).

In several speaking engagement in our church, Pastor Carmelito U. Galang Jr, current CLC President used the moniker, “Batang Center” so he can identify himself that he was and is still part of Manila Center. Bro. Bing Alabata kept on using this same moniker every time he is given charge of the Manila Center pulpit. Some graduates of our church-run primary school are also called through this expression. Even in ordinary conversations, many brethren kept on using this expression. But what does “Batang Center” really mean?

Honestly, in my humble opinion the phrase “Batang Center” has no definite meaning yet except for the “childhood roots” and “the graduates of our church run school” thing which I already mentioned. But how about those whose childhood were not spent in Manila Center? Are they not entitled to this title? What does the term, ”Batang Center” encompass?

Our Personal Experience

I guess those questions can only be answered through our own individual experiences in Manila Center. This is when we were growing, studying, attending church service, working, doing outreach or just plainly having fun or barkadahan at Manila Center. It is really nice to reminisce those good old days, those happy moments with our friends, brothers, sisters, and our family. For many of us, these experiences are the nearest things to heaven and we cherish them a lot. Even those who have bitter experiences in Manila Center acknowledge that they have the best times in Manila Center and this is the reason why they keep coming back.

The New Criteria

Now, let us set this thing straight, the following are not the criteria for being called “Batang Center”: age, length of stay or attendance, education, profession, social status, intelligence, looks (definitely) and membership (you can contest this one but I have a ready answer for it). I have three (3) specific criteria as to who are the “Batang Center” and they are the following:

First on the list would be the connection, these include those who have studied in our school and those who worked either in our church or school (pastors included); Second on the list is the fellowship experience; this is for those who experience the joy of fellowship in Manila Center whether as a child, as a teenager or as an adult and have considered the Church as their family and home. This is the criteria where most of us belong and it creates the bond that holds us together as God’s family. If you qualify on at least one of the first two criteria mentioned, God bless you, but that doesn’t automatically make you a legitimate “Batang Center” for there is a third and final criterion which all who would be a “Batang Center” should pass. It is the most crucial criterion where each of us has to decide because the last criterion is in the form of a personal question. And the question is, “Are you happy to be called a Batang Center?”. If your answer is yes, then you are indeed a “Batang Center”; but if it is otherwise, you are still welcome to Manila Center and we will pray that you too experience the joy of fellowship (the soonest), and like the rest of us, finally be happy to be called a “Batang Center”.The “Batang Center” has become a byword, and because of this development, we have dedicated a social network for “Mga Batang Center”. If you feel you are a “Batang Center”, you can visit and sign up at http//www.mgabatangcenter.ning.com. This is where all “Batang Center” all over the world can congregate.

Spread the Word.