July 21, 2014 will be forever marked in Philippine history as Ciudad de Victoria was formally inaugurated with its now famous centerpiece, the world’s largest indoor stadium, the Philippine Arena. The momentous event was lead by the Executive Minister of the Iglesia Ni Cristo, Bro. Eduardo V. Manalo with President Benigno S. Aquino III as the guest of honor.
International flags that creates the great ambiance and success before the inauguration of the Philippine Arena. Photo: Angel Pegollo Jr. Credits: Ramir Libre
Inside the Philippine Arena, visitors can view the cleverly designed photo exhibit showcasing the Iglesia Ni Cristo's series of major events and activities for its centennial year
An intense crowd shot from the visitors inside of the Philippine Arena
Before the break of dawn---brethren are already forming orderly lines right outside the doors of the Philippine Arena to witness the historical inauguration of Ciudad de Victoria.
An imposing sight of the domed arena in the wee hours of the morning of July 21, as the early birds begin their long, patient wait for the inauguration ceremony to begin.
Who wouldn't be excited to enter the Philippine Arena with this astonishing sight from the outside? Attendees of the inauguration excitedly look through the glass doors of the arena as they patiently wait for their turn to enter.? Credits: Julius tasis & Stephanie Mayomore
This marker was unveiled by Iglesia Ni Cristo Executive Minister Eduardo V. Manalo and President Benigno S. Aquino III at the inauguration of Ciudad de Victoria.
President Benigno Aquino III was the guest of honor in the inauguration of Ciudad de Victoria.
First performer during the Philippine Arena Inauguration, the Centennial Dance Company.
Brethren attending the inauguration of Ciudad de Victoria finally set foot inside the world's largest domed arena. Their excitement and enthusiasm increase upon entering the main lobby, where they are welcomed by a gallery of photos featuring the Church's series of successful events in its glorious centennial year.more
An elderly couple among the early birds in today's inauguration of Ciudad de Vicoria
A magnificient shot of the #philippinearena full of people as the sun rises.
One of the exhibits here in the Philippine Arena showcases the achievements of the Iglesia Ni Cristo including the 6 titles of the Guinness World Records. Which made us officially amazing.
Almost full As the time of inauguration draws near for the Philippine Arena, we can see how many people are already inside. This will mark in the history of the Philippines as a Landmark which will be known to the world as the largest indoor dome in the World with a seating capacity of 55,000. Photo by Jessa Ramosmore
Ciudad de Victoria at early dawn is starting to fill with eager guests making a beeline to the majestic Philippine Arena and its beautifully lighted stairway.
Iglesia ni Cristo members and their friends continue to arrive at the Inauguration of the Philippine Arena. It never fails to amaze people on the number of attendees though the celebration here in Ciudad De Victoria starts early. more
As the sun rises, some of the brethren took pictures with their own gadgets as a memorabilia for the today's inauguration of the Philippine Arena. Credit: Eunicel Lacson
One week from now, the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church of Christ) will be celebrating it's centennial year. But before that, brethren from different places all around the world gathered to witness the inauguration of the Philippine Arena here at Ciudad de Victoria, Bocaue, Bulacan. Here are some shots of the crowd as of 6:00 am.more
I interviewed Juanito Pipican; “Sinikap kong makapunta upang makiisa sa inauguration ng Philippine Arena sapagkat kapurihan sa Panginoon ang ganitong uri ng pagkakatipon sa kabila ng aking kapansanan”. This was the statement of Juanito Pipican, an amputee from Sapang Maisac, Pampanga, July 21, 3:33 a.m. who was among the lucky attendees in the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) inauguration of the 55, 000-seater Philippine Arena. INC Executive Minister Brother Eduardo V. Manalo spearheaded the unveiling of the marker for the multi-purpose arena. Aside from the PH Arena, the inauguration also includes the Philippine Sports Stadium and the entire 75-hectare Ciudad de Victoria complex in Bocaue, Bulacan. It can be recalled that the PH Arena was featured on Discovery Channel’s “Man Made Marvels” last December 2013 whose construction cost over $200 million, is built to withstand strong earthquakes and super typhoon winds. PH Arenas’ design was inspired by the narra and banyan trees and has a dome spanning over 3.6 hectares, and the architectural, engineering and construction of it were managed by Populous, Buro Happold and Hanwha. President Benigno S. Aquino, graced the affair with the provincial officials of Bulacan, led by Governor Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado. The inauguration was witnessed by more than 50,000 officers and members of the INC from different locales and ecclesiastical districts inside and outside the country. by Manuel C. Zacarias and Jonathan Francisco more
The 55, 000-seater Philippine Arena in the middle of 75-hectare Ciudad de Victoria complex in Bocaue, Bulacan. Photo/Blog by Manuel C. Zacarias