PHILIPPINES QUEZON CITY MISSION
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DESCRIPTION
The Quezon City Mission is a small but diverse mission of bustling cities and quaint provincial towns. The LDS church is actively growing in Quezon City and the missionaries are a welcome part of any community. Filipinos are a happy–go–lucky, fun–loving people that have a high regard for family.
THE CHURCH
If you are serving in the Quezon City Mission, expect to be very busy. The work in the here is very active and you can expect to have high involvement from the local members. There are currently 11 stakes and 4 districts in the mission, which was split in 2011. At times the Quezon City mission has been the highest baptizing mission in the Philippines and within the top five in the world.
Missionaries focus on member involvement by asking for referrals to teach non-members, inviting them to attend lessons, and inviting them to fellowship after baptism. Since there are many less-active members, they should be of particular interest to missionaries and members who want to build their wards and branches and help the lives of those in need.
The Manila Philippines temple and Presiding Bishopric’s Office is located in the mission boundaries, allowing you to attend the temple regularly. This is a real blessing for the missionaries and the members. Some missionaries have seen converts continue in progression all the way to being sealed in the temple and have been able to attend those ordinances while still serving.
Manila Philippines Temple. Image courtesy of MormonNewsRoom.ph
STAKES: Antipolo, Antipolo, Caloocan, Fairview, Malolos, Marikina, Montalban, Novaliches, Quezon City, Quezon City South, Taytay, Valenzuela
DISTRICTS: Baliwag, Morong, San Jose Del Monte, San Jose Mindoro Philippines Occidental
FOOD
Chicken Adobo and rice is a delicious and frequently enjoyed dish. Image courtesy of SFWeekly.
Filipino food consistently includes steamed rice and “ulam” (entree) as a topping. Other interesting dishes include, “lechon baboy” (roasted pig), “pansit” (noodles), and “balut” (fertilized steamed duck egg). For days when balut is too frightening for you, Quezon City is packed with a diverse range of American restaurants that you will recognize including McDonalds.
TRANSPORTATION
Jeepneys are a primary form of transportation in Quezon City.
Missionaries travel using public transportation including jeepneys, buses, taxis, trikes and pedal bikes. You will enjoy learning the language and actions needed to get around using this low–cost transportation system, for example, if you are sitting at the back of a jeepney, riders will pass your money up to the driver when you tap the roof of the jeepney with your coin and shout, “Bayad po” (payment sir). You can also expect to do a lot of walking in remote and residential areas.
SAFETY
Quezon City is a busy metropolis in some areas and very provincial in others. Crime is moderate to low in most areas. Missionaries should be most careful about petty theft.
For more information: Philippines 2013 Crime and Safety Report
CUSTOMS
“Mano,” a tradition for showing respect in the Philippines. By Mommysaurus75 on Flikr
When meeting someone of prominence or who is older than you, it is appropriate to show respect with a gesture called, “Mano Po.” It is performed by taking the person’s hand and placing the back side of their hand on your forehead while slightly bowing. Filipino’s find it especially fun when americans perform this custom.
LOCAL LINGO
“Kumusta Po Kayo?” – How are you? (with respect)
“Ingat.” – Take care (Often used as a parting goodbye)
“Magandang gabi.” – Good night.
“Ingat.” – Take care (Often used as a parting goodbye)
“Magandang gabi.” – Good night.
ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT
Suit coats are rarely if never worn during your mission. In the past your suit was left in storage at the mission home for the whole duration of your mission.
Wear quality shoes. You will be walking everywhere. Your shoes should also be able to endure flooding during typhoon season.
Umbrellas are optional. It depends on your preference. Many missionaries just brave the rain along with the locals. Females usually use umbrellas. Umbrellas can be purchased at the local “palenke” (open market).
Most silk ties shrivel up in the humidity. Use ties with fabric blends.
Light weight sheets and a pillow case is all you will need for bedding. Bring sheets that are good quality but are also very cool to sleep in.
Small hand sanitizer bottles are essential to pack and use constantly. You can find these at local drugstores in the mission.
Bring a small, lightweight proselyting bag. While proselyting, you will only be bringing small Books of Mormon and a few other items. A “fanny pack” style bag that has a shoulder strap and a waist strap is a very good option.
Flag of Philippines Quezon City MissionPROFILE
Philippines
President Carlos G. Revillo
Aurora Blvd. Corner
J.P. Rizal St. Project 4
, Cubao 1109 Quezon City
Metro Manila
Philippines
J.P. Rizal St. Project 4
, Cubao 1109 Quezon City
Metro Manila
Philippines
Tagalog
2,761,720
Catholic, LDS, Protestant, Iglesia Ni Cristo, Islam
Tropical, 65º–95º F ave, high humidity, Jun–Nov typhoon season
Antipolo, Cainta, Caloocan, Rizal, Quezon City, Marikina, Novaliches, Valenzuela,
EXPERIENCES
*What items were hard to get or not available?Decent deodorant and hair products, maple syrup, real milk.
*What did you eat the most of?
“Rice with chicken, beef or pork. Lots of Filipino brand Ramen and Tang. Members would feed you Skyflakes(saltine crackers) and Sprite for a snack almost every time you visit.”
“Rice with chicken, beef or pork. Lots of Filipino brand Ramen and Tang. Members would feed you Skyflakes(saltine crackers) and Sprite for a snack almost every time you visit.”
What is the craziest thing you ate?
“Balut is pretty crazy. I also ate bayawak(monitor lizard) once.”
“Balut is pretty crazy. I also ate bayawak(monitor lizard) once.”
*What was most surprising about the culture“How much Filipinos really love americans, billiards, boxing and karaoke. Also be careful when you compliment Filipinos on their possessions, they are so giving that they might literally give you the shirt off their back. ”
*What advice would you give to someone going to the Quezon City Mission?
“Teaching and baptizing is almost too easy. Be sure to truly build the church by teaching potential priesthood holders, constantly involving the members, and helping less-actives.”
-Hunter
“Teaching and baptizing is almost too easy. Be sure to truly build the church by teaching potential priesthood holders, constantly involving the members, and helping less-actives.”
-Hunter
*What do you wish you had known before you served?
“How to fearlessly bear your testimony and a commit people with complete trust that the Spirit will convince them to change.”
-Hunter
“How to fearlessly bear your testimony and a commit people with complete trust that the Spirit will convince them to change.”
-Hunter
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