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Spiritually ignited, inspired, and equipped were the words that defined the experiences of the 2025 ASI-Ad Pro Convention and ASI 30th Anniversary participants. 

ASI stands for Adventist-laymen's Services and Industries, in collaboration with Adventist Professionals (Ad Pro), who share a similar passion for sharing Christian values and principles on elite platforms and fields of influence. 

With over 265 of them attending the dual events at Reynas the Haven and Gardens in Tagbilaran, Bohol, on May 5-8, 2025, the venue bustled with spiritual activities, meet-and-greet gatherings, planning, and fellowship.

Themed "United in Purpose," the convention aimed to celebrate, encourage, uplift, and spiritually ignite everyone to be more intentional and enthusiastic in sharing Christ in the workplace and marketplace. 

The gathering began with a grand parade of delegates from various missions and conferences. Dressed in their colorful "Filipiniana and Barong Tagalog," they displayed the rich cultural traditions and heritage of the Filipino people.

Later that night, they showcased their talents through vibrant cultural presentations. Among the performances that hit the emotion hard was the song presented by the delegates of the Negros Occidental Conference, titled "CPUC Bayaan Ka Namon."

The song further says, "CPUC kon ikaw mingawon, call and text lang ang solusyon. Kon indi gid kini mabulong, ang dagat pwede rang tabukon."

Despite the boisterous laughter the presentation elicited, the pain and nostalgia implied by the song highlighted the impending bifurcation of the Central Philippine Union Conference.

It also featured a night of musical presentation by the "Dimiao Children's Rondalla, an ensemble of talented singers and musicians using stringed instrument. They serenaded through the gala dinner with their Filipino folk songs and classical music.

On the other hand, every day's program started with collective prayers of gratitude, seeking God's wisdom and guidance in advancing elite evangelism.

Guest speakers delivered compelling messages during plenaries, focusing on how the church can do more for the Lord by uniting and collaborating.

Discussions were held after each plenary to allow participants to ask questions, seek clarification, and address concerns.

Furthermore, the organizers also held breakout sessions to allow leaders, professionals, and Adventist business specialists to share testimonies on how they share Christ in their fields of expertise and engagements. 

One of those who inspired the participants with a message was Mayor Norman Sabdao, ASI Ad Pro president. He emphasized his advocacy in helping fellow Adventist professionals, especially in their struggles with Sabbath keeping. 

He noted that while others can graduate from college without Sabbath issues, they later meet these obstacles at work. "That's why there is a need to institutionalize Adventist professionals," Sabdao explained, "so that we can help each other."

Another was Fiscal Dickey Gongob, ASI vice-president for the Southern Asia-Pacific Division. He discussed the rules of orders and church decorums, particularly the procedural rules of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church meetings. He gave the participants an overview of our church's rules, processes, and methods.

After elaborating on the duties of the chair, rules of voting, method of elections, and dealing with motions, Gongob said, "Rules of Order and church decorum is nothing if you are not part of the disciples of the marketplace.

He quoted Jesus' words in Matthew 6:33, which says, "But seek ye first the kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you."

On the morning of the Sabbath, the organizers featured the ASI 30th Anniversary. Haidegard Manahon, the lady of the event, presented a history that recounted how ASI started, progressed, and became today. 

Her offscreen narration, enhanced by a video presentation and accentuated by the ASI officers' candle lighting, gave the storytelling a more dramatic feel.

Moreover, the single candlelight against a black backdrop symbolizes how ASI started as a tiny light against a vast, dark world and how it has expanded today.

After the Sabbath program, each mission and conference was awarded with a cake, highlighting the anniversary celebration. 

ASI officers, led by Pastor Berdandino Maniego, ASI-Ad Pro coordinator for the Central Philippines, awarded a special plaque of recognition to Ruth Rivera. She has served as ASI's secretary for 30 years and is responsible for preparing every ASI-Ad Pro event. 

During the divine worship service, Pastor Arnel Gabin, vice president of the Integrated Evangelism Lifestyle - Nurturing, Discipling, and Retention program for the Southern Asia-Pacific Division, spoke about the importance of integrity. He emphasized that integrity should be a fundamental characteristic observed in every ASI and Ad Pro member.

Gabin specified which disciplines should reflect integrity, especially since the church reaches out to professionals and prominent people behind private, commercial, and government establishments. 

In the early afternoon, each mission and conference presented reports on their ASI-Ad Pro activities, especially the recent simultaneous evangelistic campaigns across CPUC. 

Each report showcased their dedication to reaching out to the working and business classes, which resulted in 2,581 baptisms in May during ASI-Ad Pro's simultaneous evangelism month. 

It also showed how God pays back with abundance or deliverance every soul who selflessly offers their time and resources to Him. 

During the commitment ceremony, Pastor Renito Inapan, the Central Philippine Union Conference's treasurer, emphasized the moment's significance. 

"To commit ourselves to the Lord means entrusting everything in His control and guidance," Inapan said, referring to one's life, family, jobs, and possessions.

He also defined the beauty of committing business engagements to God by citing a few businesspeople's experiences.

"All of them, he said, "were no longer operating businesses for livelihood means but becoming missionaries who then do business for His ministry. "

On Sunday, the convention delegates joined the tour of the iconic sites of Bohol. They went to the Chocolate Hills in Carmen, watched the famous tarsier in Bilar, and took poses in its man-made forest.

The tour concluded with a lunch at the floating restaurants at Loboc River while enjoying the serenade featuring cultural Filipino heritage. 

"ASI-Ad Pro's events focus on more than just soul-winning. We strive to balance every member's spiritual and social needs to strengthen our bond," Maniego said, reflecting on the event's success.