Philippines Cebu Mission

Free resources about the Philippines Cebu Mission:

• Mission address and phone number
• Mission map
• Video interviews with returned missionaries
• Missionary blogs
• Facebook groups
• LDS Mission t-shirts and gifts
• List of past mission presidents
• Cultural articles written by returned missionaries
• Survey with RMs

*Other Mission Pages: Philippines LDS Missions.

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Philippines Cebu Mission Address

Here’s a recent address for the Philippines Cebu Mission. We try to keep this information up to date, but it’s a good idea to check the address with several sources, including your mission packet or the mission office.

Philippines Cebu Mission Map

Here’s a link to the mission map for the Cebu Mission (LDS). To access the official, up-to-date LDS.org map for the Cebu Mission:

1. Log into your LDS account here.
2. Click here.

Videos with Cebu RMs

Here are in-depth YouTube video interviews with returned missionaries from the Cebu Mission.  We interview hundreds of returned missionaries each year, so check back regularly to see new RM interviews.

        

LDS-Friendly Videos about Philippines

Here are LDS-friendly educational videos about Philippines. We scoured YouTube to find the best quality videos about Philippines, that are free from inappropriate music, immodesty and profanity.

                  

Philippines Cebu Missionary Blogs

Here’s a list of LDS missionary blogs for the Cebu Mission. This list includes the missionary’s name, URL and when their blog was updated.

*Send your missionary a gift (mission-specific shirts, ties, Christmas stockings/ornaments, pillowcases, etc.)

Elder Zac Morris	elderzacmorris.blogspot.com	2017
Sister Taylor Moyes	taylormoyes.wordpress.com	2016
Sister Katrina Dunn	mymissioninthephilippines.blogspot.com	2016
Elder & Sister Halladay	lettyhalladay.blogspot.com	2016
Elder McKay Davis	eldermckaydavis.blogspot.com	2016
Elder Adam Dunford	elderdunford.blogspot.com	2016
Sister Sydney Mower	788923minutes.wordpress.com	2015
Sister Joslyn Harris	sisterjoslynharris.blogspot.com	2015
Elder & Sister Hall	jvhall.org	2015
Elder Keifer Harris	missionsite.net/elderkeiferharris	2015
Elder Jacob Crandall	eldercrandallcebu.blogspot.com	2015
Sister Carlee Beyer	coastbycarlee.blogspot.com	2015
Sister Meagan Sawyer	mymission.com/sistermeagansawyer	2014
Sister Bethany Crowley	missionsite.net/sisterbethanycrowley	2014
Sister Josie Tueller	josietueller.blogspot.com	2014
Elder Jerick Manansala	eldermanansala2013.blogspot.com	2014
Elder Sumner Mahaffey	eldermahaffey.blogspot.com	2014
Sister Coralie Lupien	sistercoralielupien.blogspot.com	2014
Elder Gavin Hatch	eldergavinhatch.blogspot.com	2013
Sister Annika Bruno	sisterannikabruno.blogspot.com	2012
Sister Cari Robison	caricebu.blogspot.com	2011
Brother & Sister Cummings	wallace-shauna..blogspot.com	2011
Elder & Sister Asher	mike-vonnie.blogspot.com	2010
Elder & Sister Reed	reedsincebu.blogspot.com	2010

Philippines Cebu Mission Groups

Here are Cebu Mission Groups- for LDS missionary moms, returned missionaries, mission presidents and other alumni of the Cebu Mission.

1. Philippines Cebu Mission Facebook Group (1,101 members)
2. Schmutz Cebu Mission 2011-14 Group (247 members)
3. Cebu Mission Facebook Group (239 members)
4. Cebu Mission RMs Facebook Group (180 members)
5. Cebu Returned Missionaries Group (156 members)
6. Philippines Cebu Mission Facebook Group (103 members)
7. Philippines Cebu Mission, 89-91 Group (63 members)
8. My Cebu Mission Friends 1978-1983 Group (36 members)
9. McCurdy Cebu Mission 2014-17 Group (34 members)
10. Philippines, Cebu Mission! Facebook Group (29 members)
11. Cebu Mission Moms (LDS) Group (14 members)

Philippines Cebu Mission T-Shirts

Here are T-shirts for the Philippines Cebu Mission!

Shirt designs include Cebu Mission logo/emblem shirts and Called to Serve shirts. The shirts make great gifts for pre-missionaries, returned missionaries and missionaries currently serving. LDS Mission shirts come in all sizes: Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large, up to 4XL.  The mission designs are printed on white shirts and are shipped to you.

*Simply click on a shirt design to view the details and submit an order. The designs on mission t-shirts may also be printed on other LDS mission gifts, including: Cebu missionary aprons, Christmas stockings, ties, pillow cases, teddy bears and Christmas ornaments.

*Click here to browse Cebu Mission gifts

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Recommended Mission Prep Books

                    
(Fun Fact: John Bytheway served in the Philippines!)

Philippines Cebu Mission Presidents

Here’s a list of current and past Mission Presidents of the Cebu Mission.

1. 2017-2020, Abenir V. Pajaro
2. 2014-2017, Terry C. McCurdy
3. 2011-2014, Evan A. Schumtz
4. 2008-2011, D. Parke Hansen
5. 1999-2002, Gerald D. Abram

Philippines LDS Statistics (2015)

• Church Membership: 710,764
• Missions: 21
• Temples: 2
• Congregations: 1,181
• Family History Centers: 171

Helpful Tips about the Philippines (articles written by RMs)

• Why I Love Filipinos
• Modes of Transportation in the Philippines
• American Influence on the Philippines
• Spanish Influences on the Philippines
• Japanese Influence on the Philippines
• Things You Can and Cannot Buy in the Philippines
• Sari-Sari Stores in the Philippines
• Filipinos and Karaoke
• Beverages in the Philippines
• Restaurants in the Philippines
• Rice in the Philippines
• Spaghetti in the Philippines
• Common Condiments in the Philippines
• What is Ube?
• How to Make Pansit (a popular Filipino rice noodle dish)
• How to Make Lumpia (like eggs rolls but way better!)
• How to Make Puto (Filipino Rice Cakes)

Philippines Cebu Missionary Survey

Here are survey responses from Philippines Cebu RMs, to give you a snapshot into what it’s like to live in the mission.

*Click here to take a survey to help pre-missionaries going to your mission.

When did you serve?

• 2013-2015 (Kristine)
• 2012-2014 (Jet)
• 1989-1991 (Roberto)
• 1996-1998 (Teju)
• 1985-1987 (Julius)
• January 2006-January 2008 (Armando)
• October 2007-October 2009 (Rey)
• 1981-1982 (Lauro)
• 1997-1999 (Caintic)
• 1986-1988 (Lynna)
•  2012-2014 (Aaron)
• 1996-1998 (Tim)
• 2004-2006 (Doug)
• 1976-1978 (Alex)
• June 2013-May 2015 (Heidi)
• 1979-1981 (Ramon)
• 2013-2015 (Ma’ata)
• 2013-2015 (Zachary)
• 2013-2014 (Hillary)
• August 2013-February 2015 (Joslyn)
• 2013-2015 (Robin)
• 2013-2015 (Tito)
• 2010-2012 (Nik)
• 2013-2015 (Laurel)
• 1986-1988 (Aguilar)
• 1995-1997 (Chris)
• 1996-1998 (Ben)
• January 1985-July 1986 (Maribel)
• 2014-2015 (Divine)
• 1985-1986 (Jacqueline)
• 1978-1980 (Elder)
• 1977-1979 (Terry)
• 1977-1979 (Terrence)

What areas did you serve in?

• Tanjay, Arlington, Valencia, Toledo, Siaton, Lahug. (Kristine)
• Valencia Bohol, Mandaue 3rd, Carcar, Consolacion 2nd and 3rd, Busay, Balamban, Naga, Kamputhaw, Dumaguete 1st. (Jet)
• Pardo, Valencia Bohol, Arlington, Tanjay Negros, and Danao. (Tim)
• Cebu, Tagbilaran, Toledo, Naga city. (Doug)
• Luzon Manila and Quezon City Missions and Cebu Temple. (Heidi)
• Cebu city, Dumaguete, Ormoc, Mandaue, Surigao City in Mindanao- at that time belongs to Cebu. (Ramon)
• Cebu Talisay. (Ma’ata)
• Cebu, Argao, Bacong, Dumeguete, Vallehermoso, and Toboso. (Zachary)
• Dumaguete, Baclayon, Lawa-an, Mabolo, Pajo, Balamban. (Hillary)
• Sibonga, CarCar, Busay, Toledo 2, Labangon, Bacong. (Joslyn)
• Bayawan, Siaton, Casoy, Busay, Vallehermoso, Minglanilla, Zamboanguita, and Kamputhaw. (Robin)
• Carcar, Siaton, Dumaguete, Lawaan, Cabagtasan, San Carlos, Sikatuna and back to Dumaguete. (Tito)
• Camotes, Siaton Negros, Dauis Bohol, Balamban Cebu, Talisay Cebu, Bakhawan Cebu. (Nik)
• Lawaan, Mabolo, Minglanila, Bayawan, San Carlos. (Laurel)
• Too many to mention. (Aquilar)
• Naga, Loon, Lilo-an, Capitol, Litopan. (Chris)
• Carmen, Calape, Naga, Mandaue, Sibonga, Tanjay. (Ben)
• San Carlos, Silay, Victorias all in Negros Occidental and Mandaue, Cebu. (Maribel)
• Mabini, Kamputhaw, Naga, Basak. (Divine)
• Carcar, Silay, Consolacion. (Jacqueline)
• Victorias, Dumaguette, Iloilo, Talisay Cebu. (Terry)
• Binalbagan, Bacolod, Mandaue, Talisay, Tacloban, Tanauan. (Elder)
• Victorias Negros, Dumaguette Negros, Lapaz Iloilo, Talisay Cebu. (Terrence)

What were some favorite foods?

• Sinigang, Adobong manok, ug uban pa. (Kristine)
• Calamay hati, chicharon, letchon, utan bisaya, puso, sikwati, coconut, lemon gras. (Jet)
• Chicken Barbecue, adobo, pancit, fried chicken, sinigang na tuna. (Roberto)
• Mangos Mango shakes Mango slices Bud-bud Bikol Lechon manok Isda Kalimingay (Teju)
• Batchoy of Ilo-ilo. (Julius)
• Humba. Ginisang Mongo. Danggit. Buwad. (Armand0)
• Adubong atay. (Rey)
• Danggit, dried squid, blue marlin stake, pakbet, diningding and mango. (Lauro)
• All. (Caintic)
• Ginisang Ampalaya and adobo. (Lynna)
• Puso, Letchon, Kalamay hati of Jagna, Bohol (ube flavor), Chicharon of Carcar. (Aaron)
• Lumpia, Adobo meats, cracker nuts, mangos. (Tim)
• Lechon manok. Tempura. (Doug)
• Lechon, Adobo, Sinigang. (Alex)
• Buco salad, chicken hearts, gizzards and livers.mangos, Roast Licheon. (Pig) Letchi flan, halo halo. (Heidi)
• Ginamos,utan,kamay lato- sea weeds. (Ramon)
• Adobo. (Ma’ata)
• BALUT!! Adobo, pansit, lechon manock, and lots more. (Zachary)
• Lumpya, adobo, siopao, ChowKing. (Hillary)
• Pancit, lumpia, fresh mangoes, and fresh coconut! (Joslyn)
• Bicol Express!! Hands down the best dish!! (Robin)
• Adobo nga manok, Bulad, Kinamus, Humba. (Tito)
• Street Barbecue, Adobo, Lechon, Mang Inasal. (Nik)
• Pansit, chicken adobo, lumpia, pretty much everything! You can’t forget the fruit, my goodness, so juicy and sweet. (Laurel)
• Molo soup and Lapaz Batchoy. (Aguilar)
• Lumpia, Street BBQ, mongos over rice (lami sa tanan), pancit canton. (Chris)
• Pansit, Biko. (Ben)
• Sea foods, adobo and all kinds of soup. (Maribel)
• Poso and siomai!! I love it and I miss It! (Divine)
• La Paz Batchoy, pancit, lumpea, letchon. (Terry)
• Filipino foods 🙂 (Elder)
• Batchoy, pancit, letchon, pandesal, how many great foods are there? (Terrence)

What was a funny experience?

• When someone asked me what President Uchtdorf said about practicing the healer’s art. My mind was blocked and I answered to put the olive oil on the persons head, make a butterfly and diamond shape or whatever design you want to then massage it!!! (Jet)
• My funniest experience was when I locked out my companion from our apartment and forgot to open it for him. hehehe (Roberto)
• We were teaching an old man outside his house one day and he kept saying something to me I couldn’t understand. My comp was just giggling and then all of a sudden he leaned forward and tried to kiss me with his toothless old mouth and I leaned back so far to avoid it, I fell on the ground. (Teju)
• We were chased by dogs while tracting. (Julius)
• When we went to Malapascua Island with my batchmate’s companion 1 week before he go back to United States. (Armando)
• Finding the ancestral home of Yoyoy Villame in Calape, Bohol. (Lauro)
• (No cellphones during those times)…we had 3 scheduled baptisms that day…2 came in time…we waited for the other one for quite sometime until we decided to start…after everything was done, baptism performed, everyone one in dry clothes now…and about to do confirmation…the last candidate arrived…my companion changed to his wet clothes and we did what we had to do…The salvation of men must continue…no one can stop…not even the traffic…hahaha. (Caintic)
• An embarrassing experience – my Mission President sitting on a chair and got stuck. (Lynna)
• Commitments been mentioned by the missionary improperly or mistakenly understood by the investigator. Example: Missionary:  Are you going to do the example of Joseph Smith which church is true? Investigator: yes! Missionary: (waited for almost five minutes and surprisingly see their investigator acting seeing a light like what Joseph Smith did in the first vision!) (Aaron)
• In one of my first discussions in Visayan, I made a simple yet significant syllable error in a word used to describe an ocean crossing. It wasn’t apparent at first to me why everyone was laughing so much…(Tim)
• Going back to an old area and the members saying … Elder! You’re fat! (Doug)
• Hanging on jeepneys and buses. (Alex)
• When people would ask if we were the owners of McDonald’s and I would say, “No, JolliBee.” (Heidi)
• When teaching first vision, Why did Joseph Smith went to the groove of trees? Ans. “To hunt wild pigs and chicken.” (Ramon)
• That everyone call me a giant cause I was so tall. (Ma’ata)
• When it started to rain one day we cut some banana leaves to use for umbrellas until the rain stopped. (Zachary)
• Language mess ups. (Hillary)
• We were at a member’s house for dinner. They had a chicken running around outside and my companion said, “I bet that chicken will be our dinner.” Sure enough, a few minutes later it was quiet and we couldn’t find the chicken. We had chicken for dinner. (Joslyn)
• Funny experience was when we walked on a muddy road and my back hit the ground and on the habalhabal when the driver tried to control the motor and fell in front of many people. (Tito)
• Almost every, single encounter with drunk people. They are generally super nice and often have no clue what you’re talking about but are very agreeable. (Nik)
• I was called Mama Mary because I looked like her. Some guy came up to me and started chanting and singing and adoring me, it was weird, but something I won’t forget. We also got chased by turkeys, funniest thing ever, who knew they are like guard dogs. (Laurel)
• No idea how to loosen the seat belt in the airplane. (Aguilar)
• I went to the mission home to get my companion who was fresh from the United States. This was my first time being paired up with another American. So we jumped in a jeepney and we were talking in English, laughing, and just having a good time. I could hear the conductor making jokes about us to everyone in the jeepney. Everyone was laughing as he poked fun at the “two stupid Canos”: I didn’t let it bother me. There was 5 minutes until we were to exit the Jeepney and I told my greenie to reply “OO” and nod his head to everything I said. I broke out into my Visayan language. I began to tell him (in their dialect) that it’s a shame that they all feel that way about us, and that I started off in a good mood. I was going to pay for everyone’s fare. But it’s just sad that people would speak so badly directly in front of their faces. We were the closest to the exits. At every stop before ours, people had to pass us to get off. Everyone walked by and apologized. (Chris)
• Sitting in a Jeepney with people talking about you in the native language (thinking you couldn’t understand) and then as we climbed out saying “have a good day” in their language. Their faces as they realized that we understood it all is still in my mind! (Ben)
• Cannot remember anymore but I had many. (Maribel)
• A lot! but my favorite was when my companion and I jumped out from the window of a bus because the aisle of the bus was full with passengers up to the door, and we were seated at the back. It’s so funny but I won’t do it again! hahahaha (Divine)
• Falling into a scunge ditch. (Terry)
• In my 4th area in the mission, 8 months out (1st day in Talisay), my companion set up an appointment to teach the first discussion to this family of 8 kids who supposedly were really looking forward for us teaching them. As I started teaching the first discussion, the head of the family (Bro. Cabs) started giving me a hard time asking questions to find fault about our message. When the family and my companion noticed that I was starting to get discouraged, my companion slapped my back and said I know you are a good sport Elder Pineda!!! and the family started laughing and because I was so much into the discussion I did not immediately realized that they pulled a prank on me. The family were active members of the church. I was embarrassed at the time and everyone said my face turned bright red. But as I look back at it now, it truly was a funny experience. (Elder)
• Falling into the roadside scunge ditch and having to walk back to the house half covered in black slime, with everyone looking. (Terrence)

What was a crazy experience?

• When our ex-convict’s investigator brother followed us when we’re about to go home. He’s on drugs. He talked to us and didn’t want us to go home. Good thing that it happened outside of the Elders’ apartment (because we pass by their apartment on the way to our apartment). We texted them (ninja moves) and they came out. A member couple also happened to pass by and they took us home :). (Kristine)
• Me and my trainee from Orem, Utah had a jeepney accident along the mountainous roads of Busay, Cebu. (Jet)
• When I went to Taois Temple and had Kung Fu with my companion. (Roberto)
• We were out in the bukid when we happened upon a rabid dog. We stood still and prayed and the dog didn’t even notice us. It just scampered off. (Teju)
• Coming home from a teaching appointment with waist deep rushing flood water. (Julius)
• When I was in Bayawan Branch where the three zones in Negros Oriental had an activity and we went to a cave were we needed to crawl under the hole with full of water in order to get inside the cave. Once you got inside, total darkness is all you can see but good thing a flashlight is on our bucket list. Inside the cave, you can see the falls running and  it was the most amazing and stunning experienced I ever had.  (Armando)
• Walking in a flooded creek in Carigara after an evening teaching appointment. Walking home barefooted. (Lauro)
• We were on bikes. Being the expert that I was, I was trying to overtake my companion’s lane and I failed. I was an inch away from the pavement…on a highway…where big trucks pass…but I dodged an accident….you know how they do it on Matrix?….I exactly did that. (Caintic)
• My companion and I were on exchanges. I’ve got to meet a new American missionary who doesn’t know any Cebuano language and he wants to learn very eagerly. While riding on a jeep on a mountain, we did not notice even the other passengers that the jeep lost its brakes. Suddenly the jeep bump onto a drainage and all of us went onto the front. My arm got lacerated by my companion’s watch. When we got out, we were shaking and don’t know what to do. We were so scared and traumatized. We pray in quiet part of our area and the Spirit comforted us as we continue our proselyting. (Aaron)
• We were biking down a hill late one evening in nearly pitch dark. We were young and invincible and enjoying the speed a bit too much. The road had been partially washed out ahead of us but we couldn’t see it. My front wheel got caught in a sort of eroded, diagonal rut that pulled me off the road. I hit a felled banana tree and was propelled headlong over my handle bars. I did a full flip and was prepared for the worst, but I landed gently in a pile of cut palm fronds – that farmer couldn’t have disposed of that compost in a more fortuitous spot. I felt protected by our God and resolved to ride with more deliberation in the future. (Tim)
• Staring down a gang of three guys who attempted to assault some sisters in my zone. (Doug)
• I was there for the earthquake and Typhoon Yolanda. There were some miraculous stories of survival. The lightning storms were incredible! Rain comes down in torrents and floods the streets. I got caught in a torrential down pour out tracting with the sisters one evening. The streets were flooded and looked like rivers. The sisters had to go another way and I needed to get home, so I talked this Filipino to take me home on the back of his motorcycle. He didn’t want to brave the flood and the sisters didn’t want to leave me until I was safe. We’ll, this 58 yr. old granny got on board and off we went. I’m sure I was the talk of the bikers that night. He had himself an American but she was a little old for his liking and I was holding on. I was sure glad my skirt was good and long. I never told my husband until much later. (Heidi)
• We were walking when suddenly a male turkey flew on me and make my shirt muddy. (Ramon)
• I always get scared of the lizard. (Ma’ata)
• We killed a snake while tracting one day. (Zachary)
• Having my house broken into twice in one week. (Hillary)
• My companion and I had to take a motorcycle to a far away area. We told the driver where to take us but he went the wrong way, when we asked him to stop he ignored us and kept going until we got to the top of a mountain. He demanded a lot of money and made us get off there. It took us several hours to hike down the mountain and to get to a place where there was transportation. Always be careful! (Joslyn)
• Crazy thing happened in my first day out in the field. We got locked out at our apartment. It was our trainer (American) and one Filipino and me Samoan. Of course, I can’t fit in the CR window. We got locked out three times so we all have turns and it took me a long time to get in..wala jud mi klaro. (Tito)
• Riding on the back of motorcycles or tricycles with drunk people at the wheel. (Nik)
• Fighting between the military and the New People’s army during our proselytizing. (Aguilar)
• Driving! (Ben)
• I was in my first area, Mabini, Escalante with the Zone Leaders (Elder Buckley and Elder Maasin) and my trainer (Sister Hamson), 1 month in the field. We had a different schedule than the rest of the mission. We were just coming from a family home evening (Branch President) and we were waiting for a Ceres Bus, but there was no sign of it! So one of our Zone Leaders flagged a tricycle on the high way, my trainer was FTE’ing the driver and I noticed that he was drunk!!! Crazy!!! I was feeling nervous and the Zone Leaders noticed it too! We are in the middle of the highway and the cab was swirling!!!! To think that any moment a Ceres Bus from the opposite traffic side or a Sugar Cane Truck could hit us! I was praying when one of the elders told the driver to drop us on the side… At first, the driver didn’t want to but eventually he was convinced. That was a heart-pumping experience! We were so thankful that nothing bad happened to us and we laugh as we remembered that! (Divine)
• Baptism in channel during a typhoon. (Terry)
• The whole mission was a crazy experience for me but in a good way. (Elder)
• Having an M16 pointed at my companion and myself, being told to say our prayers, only to find out the gun was not loaded. (Terrence)

What was a spiritual experience? 

• My spiritual experience in the mission is like practicing living a Celestial Life (Be in the world, but not of the world). (Kristine)
• When I was assigned in Busay, I’m teaching a very elect investigator. Unfortunately, I was transferred and did not have news. After 6 transfers, I was emergency transferred due to medical issues. Luckily I went back again to Busay. We met again with this investigator and she asked me to baptize her. God moves in mysterious ways! Her tears of joy went by thanking me for baptizing her. (Jet)
• When we almost baptized everyone of one coastal area. (Roberto)
• We were out in the bukid in my first area (Danao) when my companion and I felt a strong impression to go see our new converts. When we arrived in their home, they said that they were struggling and prayed that we would come visit them. (Teju)
• Baptisms in beach water due to the absence of baptismal fonts. (Julius)
• Hiking 2-3 hours over the mountain to teach a family in Toledo. It’s muddy during rainy season, totally hot. Humidity is strong during summer but nevertheless it’s fun. Branch missionaries work with us, you can eat bayabas (guava) along the track. There is a small stream few km away on the track and spiritually fulfilling after you knew that this family did all the commitment you gave and finally they were baptized. (Armand0)
• The entire mission experience. (Lauro)
• I had a golden investigator on my 5th area. My companion and I were not able to baptize until I was transferred on my 6th area. I was transferred for another 4 areas until there was an emergency transfer back to my 5th area and I was the one who baptized my golden investigator. (Aaron)
• Any time someone takes the invitation to pray for confirmation of the restored gospel, you’ll find yourself thrilled and inspired. There are vast ramifications for the life of a person who is considering this. My first experience with this life-changing process came in my first area. A young lady was intellectually comfortable with the restoration but unwilling to leave her original faith and face the possible scorn of loved-ones. We invited her to pray with us and fell to our knees, waiting for her to join us. Our earnestness helped her to set aside all other fears and to pray to our Father then and there. What followed was a very sweet, very powerful manifestation of the Spirit that buoys me up today. She served a mission to Hong Kong, married a faithful Return Missionary, and is now the mother of five children sealed to her and her husband in the Cebu Temple. Interestingly, I was in Hong Kong on business years later and met a person who accepted the gospel presented to her by my dear friend. Beautiful experience. (Tim)
• Seeing the members react to the Cebu Temple announcement. (Doug)
• Baptizing a lot of people and seeing them develop their lives. (Alex)
• During the time in the temple I witnessed many miracles and had numerous spiritual experiences. The most wonderful ones were knowing the sacrifices the people made to come to the temple to receive their ordinances. To assist them as an escort, or help with the ordinances many times filled me with the spirit. To witness their joy and watch them weep when they “got it.” Their light was incredible. After Yolanda hit many still came from the Lette or Tucloban areas with the youth or as couples or families to be sealed with literally nothing but the clothes on their backs. Their homes and possessions gone and the land devastated. Just enough money to stay a few days, eat rice and then spend two days traveling in old buses and in old boats over rough seas. They are a beautiful people with incredible faith when they are converted. Seeing them in white either to be sealed, receive their endowments or do baptisms was a beautiful sight. (Heidi)
• A baptismal challenge to a hard to teach investigator, finally accept to be baptized! (Ramon)
• Bearing my testimony to everyone that I talk to. (Ma’ata)
• Every time I had my personal study and was able to share it with someone was the best feeling ever. (Zachary)
• Seeing people sacrifice so much to go to church and keep their covenants. (Hillary)
• We were praying to find investigators and were informed of a lady who had been attending church and paying tithing faithfully for 3 years. We thought she was a member but she wasn’t. We were able to teach her and at the young age of 84 years old she was baptized! (Joslyn)
• My first baptism was in my second transfer two days before my birthday. Who would have thought that over a year later I would see my recent convert receive her mission papers and watch her open her call?! And who would have thought that I would be able to take her to the temple to receive her endowments two weeks before I returned home?! It was an amazing and unforgettable experience!! The Lord really prepared me for this experience!! (Robin)
• My spiritual experience was the last person that I baptized before my mission came to an end. We found him through FTE and we taught him straight at Bantayan chapel.We also have one baptism for that week, so we invited him to come and witness. He came and that’s where I start to feel that he was prepared by God. He got baptized and still active..and that’s not the only spiritual experience that I had, there are many out there. (Tito)
• In the Philippines, you get many opportunities to teach and administer to the people. One experience that stands out was an opportunity I had to teach an elderly man living way out in the mountains of the northern coast of Cebu. We had taught him a couple of times, and on our third or fourth visit he complained to us of a large boil that had been bothering him for weeks on his thigh. We offered to provide him with a blessing and he accepted. We then taught him how the same healing power Christ and his apostles demonstrated in the Bible existed again on the earth. We visited a few days later, and were pleased to hear that his boil had disappeared. (Nik)
• I had been having a really hard day, I was training for the first time and I honestly didn’t think I could do it. I prayed extra hard that morning in my personal and in our companionship prayer that we would have unity and be blessed for our diligence. Sure enough, we found someone who was so ready to hear from us, he was willing to follow the Word of Wisdom right away and excited to come to church with us. He let us know that this was the only thing that actually made sense to him. Even though other faiths had tried to convince him they were the way to go, he felt that this is what he should be doing. He was baptized a few months after we found him. Tatay Benito had such strong faith and the desire to learn. Even though there are so many other missionaries out there in the world, Heavenly Father really does help you out if you do your part. (Laurel)
• When I entered in the temple and having my endowment. (Aguilar)
• To many to list, it was the best two years of my spiritual growth! (Ben)
• Gaining a deeper understanding of the gospel and strengthening my testimony. (Maribel)
• One of the Spiritual experiences that I had while on my mission happened on February 13, 2015 when our golden investigator (Sister Honey) was about to be baptized… The area was hard. It was in Kamputhaw, my second area. I was following-up my companion (Sister Cangas) No IBD. The area was not progressing. So my companion and I fasted every Sunday for the whole transfer! Heavenly Father answered it and we met Sister Honey. One day, she came to church with our former IBD, her step-brother. She said she was intrigued with our message when one day she overheard us from her room. She said she felt something and wanted to listen more to our message so she came to church. Since then, she actively joined our lesson with her step-brother. The step-brother moved to another place and Sister Honey became our IBD. Her family is against it, but Sister Honey’s faith and testimony was stronger. February 13, Friday, was her baptism at 6pm at the Lahug Chapel. She called us around 10 am and she said she wanted us to meet. She was feeling sick, her whole body is aching and she had no voice due to a sore throat. So we set our schedule at 2 pm. We taught her about endurance at the Lahug Chapel. My companion and I felt that we should close it inside the temple. Inside the waiting area of the Cebu Temple, we sat and asked Sister Honey to lead the closing prayer. She hesitated at first because it was hard for her to talk, but she did eventually. After the prayer, we had our individual prayer. She went to the C.R. and before we go out, I asked her how she was feeling. She answered me “MAAYO NA ANG AKONG PAGBATI SISTER, MAAYO NA ANG AKONG LAWAS, ANG TINGOG RA NAKO” and then we looked at each other with wide eyes!!! and we hugged because her voice was back! It was as if she was feeling well all the time!!! My testimony about prayers and the temple was strengthened! Her baptism was a success, even though her father did not attend. Our Mission President and His wife was there too. It was a glorious day! (Divine)
• Baptism of Jurdas family in Iloilo. (Terry)
• The baptism of Brother Jose Costiniano Vierras in Tanauan, Leyte, on May 24, 1980. Brother Vierras had been taught by missionaries in the past so when we knocked on his door he was familiar with two men wearing white shirt and tie, and he immediately invited us in his home. Apparently he had been reading the Book of Mormon that was given to him by missionaries who taught him in the past. He told us that he had been waiting to be visited by Mormon Missionaries again and was happy to see us. After teaching him the first 3 discussions which he pretty much remembered from his meetings with the missionaries in the past, he asked us to baptize him. The day of his baptism came and it wasn’t a nice sunny day. Instead strong winds and thick dark clouds gathered over us. When we arrived at the beach with the Branch President, we witness high waves of up to 12 feet bashing into the shore. We waited for a few minutes hoping that the strong wind and the waves would calm down but it did not. We then asked Brother Vierras if it was okay to postpone it for another day when the weather was better. He insisted to be baptized that day and that’s what we did. My companion, Elder Warren Smith, from New Zealand, 6’3″ in height attempted to baptized him 3 times and during each of those attempts both he and Brother Vierras were washed back into the shore by this giant waves. As this was happening I said a little prayer in my heart and exercised what little faith I had in God and in the power of the priesthood that I held, I asked Heavenly Father to allow my companion to baptize this 80 year old man by calming the seas and the waves. As soon as I ended my prayer, the seas calmed down and the giant waves ceased and I yelled at my companion to hurry and do it right then. So he and Brother Vierras hurried up in getting into the water where it was deep enough to immersed him. My companion raised his right hand and said the baptismal prayer and as soon as he proceeded to immerse Brother Vierras, a giant wave came out of nowhere I thought that it washed them back into the shore again but instead ittotally covered them both. As the wave started to recede back into the sea, the branch president and I saw my companion in the act of pulling Brother Vierras out of the water. It was as though that giant wave that totally covered them did not come in. God works in mysterious way.
• The baptism of Brother Jose Costiniano Vierras in Tanauan, Leyte on May 24, 1980. Brother Vierras had been taught by missionaries in the past so when we knocked on his door, he was familiar with two men wearing white shirts and ties, and he immediately invited us in his home. Apparently, he had been reading the Book of Mormon that was given to him by missionaries who taught him in the past. He told us that he had been waiting to be visited by Mormon missionaries again and was happy to see us. After teaching him the first 3 discussions, which he pretty much remembered from his meetings with the missionaries in the past, he asked us to baptize him. The day of his baptism came and it wasn’t a nice sunny day. Instead strong winds and thick dark clouds gathered over us. When we arrived at the beach with the Branch President, we witness high waves of up to 12 feet bashing into the shore. We waited for a few minutes hoping that the strong wind and the waves would calm down but it did not. We then asked Brother Vierras if it was okay to postpone it for another day when the weather was better. He insisted on being baptized that day and that’s what we did. My companion, Elder Warren Smith, from New Zealand, 6’3″ in height attempted to baptize him 3 times and during each of those attempts both he and Brother Vierras were washed back into the shore by this giant waves. As this was happening, I said a little prayer in my heart and exercised what little faith I had in God and in the power of the priesthood that I held. I asked Heavenly Father to allow my companion to baptize this 80 year old man by calming the seas and the waves. As soon as I ended my prayer, the seas calmed down and the giant waves ceased and I yelled at my companion to hurry and do it right then. So he and Brother Vierras hurried up in getting into the water where it was deep enough to immerse him. My companion raised his right hand and said the baptismal prayer and as soon as he proceeded to immerse Brother Vierras, a giant wave came out of nowhere. I thought that it washed them back into the shore again but instead it totally covered them both. As the wave started to recede back into the sea, the Branch President and I saw my companion in the act of pulling Brother Vierras out of the water. It was as though that giant wave that totally covered them did not come in. God works in mysterious way. (Elder)
• How many are there? To partipate in baptisms almost every day in Iloilo, such great people. (Terrence)

What are some interesting facts about the Cebu Mission?

• Cebu mission has a wonderful Temple (Philippines Cebu Temple). Wonderful areas, amazing members and golden investigators (you just have to find them :). (Kristine)
• The temple, the Hey Joe Show. (Jet)
• I was a Zone Leader and had the opportunity to do a workshop in the presence of Elder Vaughn J. Featherstone of the Seventy. (Roberto)
• Magellan was killed in the shores of Mactan island. Jeepneys were patterned after the old U.S. Military jeeps. There are secret bunkers all over the island that the Pilipinos used to hide from the Japanese. Cebuano should have been the national language because more people spoke it at the time. (Teju)
• People are friendly and very hospitable. (Julius)
• Cebuanos don’t like to speak Tagalog. They prefer to speak English than to use Tagalog, because in older times when they are battling what used to be the National Language of the Philippines, Cebuano’s claimed that most people are speaking Cebuano that time. Some say since moving towards north, then, Tagalog would become a local version of Cebuano language. Hence, it is just a form of Cebuano language that has evolved itself into another language. However, Tagalog is language is a corrupted. Cebuano language is not is what most of people in Cebuano think. (Armando)
• Serving and teaching people, walking kilometers of roads in all weather conditions like superman. (Lauro)
• Chased by a crazy dog and being a target of rapists. (Lynna)
• The temple. Very blessed to do temple sessions! (Aaron)
• I found some of the history to be fascinating. The very early contact with Europeans (i.e., Magellan) and the unique history of Christianity in the Philippines was always striking to me. I had a chance to visit a Japanese mountain stronghold above Cebu City and was impressed by the determination with which the Filipinos endured and resisted occupation during WWII. (Tim)
• Covers multiple islands. Temple is in our mission. (Doug)
• From 1976 to 1977, there were only 2 missions in the Philippines…Manila and Cebu. 90% Americans and other nationalities, 10% Filipinos. (Alex)
• When the Bohol earthquake happened, the statue Moroni on the top of the temple was shook lose. He shook to the right almost half way around. When the shaking stopped, about the 10: 00 position, he was facing towards Bohol. I told people it was a sign that the Loved was watching over his people in Bohol. When Typhoon Yolanda hit with her heavy winds, Moroni turned to the right again. He turned all the way around until he was facing East. Then for some reason he began to turn back towards the left to about to about the 4:00 position. When the storm ended, he was facing towards Lette and Tucloban! He remained facing that way until he was replaced on July with 2014. (Heidi)
• It is not hard to learn new language. The Lord always find ways to accomplish his work. (Ramon)
• Do hard things. Be the one to find the one. (Ma’ata)
• It is the best mission on the Earth we the field is white, already to harvest. (Zachary)
• The mission home is on temple grounds!!! (Hillary)
• There is a good mix of city and rural areas. The dialect is slightly different on the different islands you will be assigned to in Cebu Mission. Most people in the city speak English. (Joslyn)
• We set goals and we should achieve those goals. (Tito)
• Ferdinand Magellan died in our mission…his grave resides within our boundaries. Cebuano is not a written language, the people there learn it completely out of school, meaning it is a very fluid and nuanced language, with few rules and much variability. (Nik)
• You don’t really go door to door, tracting includes walking around the streets talking to people, and getting return appointments. You also don’t knock on the doors, you say AYO, and then they know someone is outside their house. You teach a lot of recent converts because you need to keep them grounded in the gospel so they keep making covenants with our Father in Heaven. (Laurel)
• Philippines Cebu Mission was divided into two mission year 1987 the other one is Philippines Cebu East Mission. (Aguilar)
• Well my companions and I have taught a number of people in the Cebu Mission but 51 committed baptism. In spite of the few number of baptisms I had , I got an” Exceptional Missionary Award” from Pres. A. Roy Boulter. I think what matters most is how you served the Lord. (Maribel)
• Before San Carlos Zone and Escalante Zone was part of Bacolod mission, the majority of the people spoke Hiligaynon or Illongo… The Mission President (Pres. McCurdy) and His wife (Sister McCurdy) are AWESOME!!!!! (Divine)
• Learning about the great people of the Philippines. (Terry)
• My first contact with the people of Cebu, who are also my own people, was frustrating to me because I did not understand any word from their mouths. It was as though I came from a foreign country. I spoke my own dialect which is Pampango, from the province of Pampanga in the Island of Luzon, and did not know a word in Cebuano. I think that when God confounded the language, a huge percentage of the people landed in the Philippines…just saying you know…over 90 different dialects and a national language (Tagalog) has to be taught in schools so that the people from different regions and provinces in the Philippines can communicate with one another. 🙂 (Elder)
• To strengthen my testimony, build many new friendships that last forever. (Terrence)

What was the weather like?

• Humid in some areas. We experience freezing temperatures around 11 degrees Celsius…. (Jet)
• Hot, humid and sultry at night. (Roberto)
• Hot and wet or hot and hot Just prepare to be wet most of the time (Teju)
• Tropical weather. Rainy season and summer. (Julius)
• The weather is bipolar…when it’s hot it’s really freaking hot then will change in just few hours and when it rains, it seems they have typhoon. (Armand0)
• Mostly rainy and stormy. (Lauro)
• Sharing testimony after an investigator shows all his anti-Mormon pamphlets. (Lynna)
• Wet and Dry season only. (Aaron)
• Hot. All the time. I was cold once on my mission. It was quite a treat. (Tim)
• Hot or rainy. (Doug)
• Tropical. (Alex)
• Sweaty hot!! Unless it was evening. Then you just sweat. (Heidi)
• Humid and rainy. (Ramon)
• Summer and it was hot. (Ma’ata)
• You’ll never be disappointed when you get there. It’s always sunny with the occasional showers. (Zachary)
• Hot. hot. hot. humid. humid. humid. (Hillary)
• Very hot and humid! I always used an umbrella for shade, and carried a rag to wipe sweat off my face. Drinking tons of water is so important so that you don’t get dehydrated. (Joslyn)
• HOT. The heat that I experienced had me day dreaming about being on fire!! I don’t think I’ve ever sweat from my arms and I never thought it was possible until I was in the Philippines during the summer. (Robin)
• The weather is good. Sometimes rain,and sometimes hotter than you ever felt before. Basta pagsulay ra na..(Tito)
• Hot, humid, and rainy. It will be sunny most days, but also it will rain most days. The sunsets though, are remarkable. You’ll never need to wear a suit. (Nik)
• SUPER HOT AND HUMID!!! Man, when they say to bring a handkerchief they really mean it. It will help wipe away sweat, trust me, you will want it and baby powder. In the monsoon season, it did rain quite a bit, streets can become flooded, and when it rains it rains hard, but just for a little bit and then it stops. But it’s so worth it! (Laurel)
• Tropical climate: wet and dry seasons. (Aguilar)
• Hot and humid, all year round. (Chris)
• Humid, rainy and hot. (Ben)
• Super Hot!!!! Sometimes rainy, flooding. (Divine)
• Terrific and fantastic. (Terry)
• Wet and dry and…..humid. (Elder)
• Hot, hot and more hot. (Terrence)

Any things you really like about the area/people?

• They never made me feel like I was a stranger. They really showed me what brothers and sisters are really like. Even after the mission, when I visited some of my areas their treatments are still the same (with or without a badge). (Kristine)
• They are very sarcastic. (Jet)
• Kind, humble and hospitable. (Roberto)
• You couldn’t find better people anywhere in the world. So loving and generous. It’s gorgeous there! (Teju)
• Most islands under Cebu mission have rich cultural and historical background. (Julius)
• I love nature and Cebu especially was perfect for me…the scenery, the landscaping, beaches, rice fields, sugar cane fields are all ideal and add the warm, friendly, compassionate, loving local people living in the area. (Armand0)
• Country side, people are friendly and hospitable. (Lauro)
• So many dialects. (Lynna)
• Sarcasm, generosity, devotion to Christianity. (Aaron)
• They are so humble, so welcoming, and so proficient at finding joy despite hardship. (Tim)
• Humble beyond anyone I’ve ever met. (Doug)
• Friendly and hospitable. Very warm and accommodating. (Alex)
• The people were so full of love and acceptance. I was so happy to get all the hugs. It was wonderful to have people at eye level. They are such a happy people. They know how to do without and find joy. We could learn a lot from them. (Heidi)
• People always smile and 80% of the time give you a chance to listen to the message. (Ramon)
• Friendly, Loving, Sharing. (Ma’ata)
• Because they don’t have a lot they are more down to Earth and are ready for the gospel. (Zachary)
• Very friendly and easy to talk to. (Hillary)
• Filipinos are so kind and loving and caring. Everyone was so patient with me as a new missionary adjusting and learning their language. Everyone pretty much believes in God and Jesus Christ, they just need some direction. Even if people aren’t interested, a lot of times they will still let you in and allow you to share a message with them and hearts are softened. (Joslyn)
• The Filipino people will steal your heart!! Their stories and examples will never leave your memory!! (Robin)
• I love how friendly they are,and I like how they can do things by themselves and the place is awesome…do you why? IT’S MORE FUN IN THE PHILIPPINES. (Tito)
• Incredibly humble people. They love their country and culture. Cebu (the island) is remarkably beautiful. It is very green, the sky is very blue, and there are many pristine, white sand beaches. (Nik)
• I love how receptive the people are/were. They were very interested in missionaries and finding out why we were there. Filipinos are also extremely friendly and enjoy meeting new people. They are the happiest people I have ever met. Even though they don’t have a whole lot, they are happy as is. It made me a lot more grateful for the things that I have. The Philippines is a beautiful place and the most humble, grateful, loving people live there. (Laurel)
• People are very hospitable and the place is very safe. (Aguilar)
• Most friendly people you’ll meet. (Chris)
• They would give you their last bowl of rice! (Ben)
• Most people were receptive to the gospel. Of course, the people in my areas: San Carlos City, Negros Occidental, then not quite far from San Carlos was Silay City, my second area, then I was transferred to Victorias also in Negros Occidental. Then after pleading to the Mission President to get me out of Negros Island, hehehe, I was transferred to Mandaue, Cebu. The people were friendly and were receptive to the gospel. I can say that during that time “the field is white already to harvest. (Maribel)
• I am serving in my own country and my own countrymen. They are very “BUOTAN”. (Divine)
• Love the humility of the people. (Terry)
• Hospitable and friendly. (Elder)
• Great people, meet a friendly Pinoy, a friend for life. Meet a bad Pinoy an enemy for life. Wonderful, humble people.  (Terrence)

Any packing/clothing advice?

• For mountainous areas, don’t use the easy soft shoes. It’s better to use a pure black rubber shoes or ecco shoes. Slim pants and polo shirts are strongly not recommended. Shoulder bags only, no backpacks. (Jet)
• Don’t bring personal effects such as toilet paper. We have in abundance here in our groceries store. (Roberto)
• No nylons!! Bring good leather sandals two pairs, cotton dresses. Thin. The cooler the better. (Teju)
• Clothing for warm weather is usually nice. (Julius)
• Do not bring too many of your ordinary clothes for it is so seldom you use it, better to bring more pair of socks. (Armando)
• As per instruction of Missionary Department. (Lauro)
• Pack simple and ready to wear clothing. (Lynna)
• No to: fit polos-pencil cut pants-slim ties-backpacks while proselyting -world balance easy soft shoes -carabao belts preferred -planner case – heavy duty proselyting shoes -mesh garments for easy laundry. (Aaron)
• Choose your garments wisely. You will sweat like you never thought possible. Take very good care of your feet. (Tim)
• Lots and lots of short sleeve white shirts. Good strong pair of shoes. Maybe three pairs. (Doug)
• Thin clothes only, no wool or thick clothes. The country is warm, December is a bit cooler. (Alex)
• Dress for hot. You can buy clothing and shoes for a good price here that fits the climate. It’s hard to find a half slip of you need one. Don’t forget a camera and take it with you everywhere. You never know what you’ll see. It’s a fun culture. (Heidi)
• Water proof, breathable material, sturdy umbrella. (Zachary)
• Locks. Lots of socks, sisters. And mesh garments were the worst for me. Best length skirts are mid-calf. (Hillary)
• Wear the least amount of layers as possible. Crocs are a lifesaver because of the different terrains you walk in. Pack things you can give to the kids like stickers and small toys. They love things like that. I also took a bunch of mini pictures of Christ which people loved since they don’t have pictures of Christ in their homes. (Joslyn)
• Rubber shoes are seriously needed!! Don’t think you won’t need them!! And they are a lot cheaper out in the field and last just as long!! (Robin)
• Don’t bother with many long sleeved shirts. Wear a loose weave cotton white shirt, you will be sweaty no matter what. (Nik)
• Bring shoes that you don’t care about, unless you have conferences or something. I ended up buying shoes there that could get wet and muddy, because that is bound to happen. Bring clothes that are light weight so that it won’t get too hot while being outside. (Laurel)
• Bring only required clothing don’t bring too much…when you get transferred it’s very hard to carry your luggage. (Aguilar)
• Pack lots of short sleeve white shirts. (Chris)
• Pack light. (Ben)
• Just pack what you NEED! (Divine)
• Pack for the tropics. (Terry)
• Tank tops, shorts and chinellas (tongs) if permitted.(Elder)
• Comfortable, smart attire. Forget the suits, they are too hot and uncomfortable. (Terrence)

What blessings did you receive from serving a mission?

• Good grades in school. Not having a hard time in school. Eternal Companion. (Kristine)
• Friends, lots of friends. (Jet)
• Countless…I thank Heavenly Father for such wonderful blessings. (Roberto)
• Too many to count (Teju)
• Love for the Savior and our Father in Heaven. Love for the people you served and who served with you. (Julius)
• It gives me more sensitivity to someone’s feeling and I can understand what people wanted to say whether its different language or body language. (Armand0)
• Both temporal and spiritual. (Lauro)
• Work and family. (Lynna)
• I received an abiding knowledge that God is at work in people’s lives and that this message we carry inspires and uplifts humankind in powerful and immediate ways. (Tim)
• Hot wife 😉 (Doug)
• A lot. Countless. (Alex)
• I will always feel more blessed than I deserved serving these people. I served a mission 37 years ago on the island of Luzon as a single sister proselyting missionary and loved them then. Going back was a dream come true. What was wonderful was that they were even more wonderful than I remembered. I miss my mission so much. (Heidi)
• I am converted to the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. I have my Liahona- guide in my life, and helped me plan for my eternal life. It is true it will give you happiness that money cannot buy. (Ramon)
• There are a lot, especially with my family. (Ma’ata)
• Not only safety in the field but once I got home it’s just been absolutely amazing what things have been prepared for me. (Zachary)
• So many. Every day I reflect on my mission and how it has blessed my life. Every good thing in my life right now is a direct result of my decision to serve a mission. I know that for a fact. I have been so blessed. (Joslyn)
• The knowledge of knowing that my Father in Heaven sent me somewhere that I was needed. The fact that He knew the people I needed to have a conversation with every single day so that I could help build His kingdom. There are no coincidences!! (Robin)
• I learned a new language. Also the knowledge and a firm testimony. Make many of eternal friends. (Tito)
• I wasn’t a huge baptizing missionary, but my personal conversion stands out as the most significant blessing of my mission. (Nik)
• I was able to learn a lot about myself and become an even better person that I already was. I see that as a blessing for sure. I saw so many people’s lives change because of the gospel. My family was blessed while at home in various ways. (Laurel)
• I got a stable job after my mission. (Aguilar)
• The mission shaped me into who I am today. It was 20 years ago and until this day, I know that I wouldn’t be where I am if it wasn’t for my mission. I learned a new level of work ethic. I learned how to be kind to everyone. I learned how to become an entrepreneur. I learned where happiness really lies. (Chris)
• All the trees in the world could not offer enough paper for me to express how I feel about my time there. (Ben)
• My faith and testimony grew. Despite heavy trials and challenges, I was able to stand strong because the Lord loves me and he will bless me and my family. (Maribel)
• I was sealed to my parents on Dec.27, 2015 at the Cebu Temple, the Mission President and his wife were the proxies. My knowledge and testimony about the Atonement was broadened. I gained a lot of families! I understood myself better! (Divine)
• Strengthen my testimony. (Terry)
• Countless. (Elder)
• Testimony growth, great friendships. (Terrence)

What are some skills you gained?

• I’m not afraid to ask people for directions (for example, if i’m new in the place). Teaching skills (speaking skills). Not afraid to try new things. (Kristine)
• Talking and socializing with strangers, carpentry, Cebuano language, ability to learn foreign language with pressure like German, Mandarin and Japanese just like what I studied in the mission. Dealing with people with tantrums, organizing my time wisely. Self medicate beyond my limits. (Jet)
• Public Speaking is one. Ability to talk and relate to people is another. (Roberto)
• I had several difficult companions. I learned to keep my mouth shut and not say something I would regret. Wash clothes by hand, Cook rice, Clean fish. (Teju)
• People skills, training and teaching skills. Resolving concerns. (Julius)
• How to properly communicate to a person, both for professional aspect and on a regular or daily basis. I gained more confidence for myself and I  have been more open minded compared t0 before. (Armando)
• Leadership, adapting to another culture, language, cooking, budgeting, perseverance, patience and long suffering. (Lauro)
• Speaking more confidently in English, learning the native dialects. (Lynna)
• Cooking, medical advice to other missionaries. (Aaron)
• I gained an increased measure of humility that has made it easier for me to accept/endure adversity and to be willing to learn wisdom no matter how obscure or lowly the source seems to be. I also learned to teach teens, which is what I do for a living today. (Tim)
• Communications skills. (Alex)
• A wonderful reverence and love for the temple and an appreciation that they are so close to us here. A joy for the work and serving others in the most incredible way. (Heidi)
• Gained courage to talk to any one. Learned to deliver a talk to a big audience. (Ramon)
• Teaching skills. (Ma’ata)
• Well you gain the ability to talk to anyone and talk about anything. (Zachary)
• The scriptures, giving commitments and promised blessings, setting goals. (Hillary)
• Learning how to cook, do laundry, how to plan and manage time…there are so many things! (Joslyn)
• Not afraid to talk to anyone. And also confidence. (Tito)
• Teaching skills were huge and extremely applicable in my life today. The ability to humble myself and learn a new way of doing things is also an enormous benefit. (Nik)
• I learned so much. I feel like now I am a better friend. I now know how to listen to someone and just be there for them in their time of need. I think empathy is very important because it shows that you really care. Missions help you to develop Christlike love for people you may not even know. I learned to be more humble, patient, and more confident. It took a while, but it’s worth it in the end. (Laurel)
• Teaching strategy.
• Gratitude. (Chris)
• People, communication, patience and trusting in the Lord. (Ben)
• Dealing with different kinds of people. (Maribel)
• BRT’ing! making poso! Riding on a habal-habal! Teaching Confidently! Planning Stress Control! (Divine)
• Learn new language skills. (Terry)
• I am now personable…more than I ever was. I grew up as a loner until I served a mission. (Elder)
• Language skills, many dialects, etc. (Terrence)

What do you wish you knew/did at the beginning of your mission?

• The familiarization of language. (Jet)
• I wish I read the Book Of Mormon in its entirety so I might have had the chance to bear its truthfulness more fully to people whom I met in the field. (Roberto)
• Just eat the first thing they offer you. What a drunk person looks like. (Teju)
• The local dialect. (Julius)
• The Cebuano language so I can learn different language either from other missionaries or from other people. (Armand0)
• Church history. (Lauro)
• Gain enough height and strength! Be healthy. Be in large stature. (Aaron)
• I wish I knew how to cook a bit better than I did when I set out. (Tim)
• That Filipinos are forgiving when u are learning their language. Just be confident.  (Doug)
• I learned how to really read and listen. (Alex)
• Sometimes it’s better not to ask what you are eating unless you really want to know. (Heidi)
• Enough savings to finance my mission. Work with full time missionaries, to gain lots of experience. (Ramon)
• The language. (Ma’ata)
• To try extra hard in the language for you really need it to convey this message. (Zachary)
• Took more pics! Wrote more in my journal. Laughed more. (Hillary)
• I wish I was more patient with myself in adjusting and learning the language. (Joslyn)
• I wish I was able to speak the language and have that burning desire to talk to everyone. (Tito)
• Don’t stress so much about mission stats, do the right thing and enjoy the people you are with. Take the time to really get to know and understand the people you serve. (Nik)
• I wish I knew that the Filipinos do understand some English. I was worried they wouldn’t understand me if I were to just start talking to them, but it’s way better to talk with the little you know than not at all. I wish I was more confident, just believe in yourself and have faith that Christ will help you out in every situation you are in, if you are in tune with the Spirit. I wish I knew I didn’t have to know everything about the gospel before going out to serve. I was so stressed and worried because I didn’t know everything in Preach My Gospel or I didn’t know where exactly to find scriptures, but over time you learn, it’s okay. It is important to be prepared, but it’s not something to get yourself down about. (Laurel)
• To meet my Mission President, my first companion and to know where I will be assigned as my first area. (Aguilar)
• I went in as a naive Mormon boy and came out with new eyes to the world. (Chris)
• More of a relationship with the Savior and Heavenly Father and listening to the Spirit. (Ben)
• Confidence at asking bold questions. Write more to my family about my testimony and my mission experiences. (Divine)
• To appreciate the country called to labor in. (Terry)
• How hard a mission was so that I actually expected it. (Elder)
• To speak the various languages in the the provinces. (Terrence)

Any advice/testimony for pre-missionaries going to Cebu?

• Just be prepared spiritually and physically and learn how to listen to the promptings of the Holy Ghost. Just know and understand your purpose, and why you go and serve on your missions. I know blessings awaits for those who serve faithfully. (Kristine)
• Always be happy by being obedient. VISIONS, not expectations!!! (Jet)
• Be kind and lenient. Adapt to the culture of the people. Live with them to the fullest. Love them as much as you love your family and yourself. Love your work. Work as if tomorrow is the end of the world. (Roberto)
• Enjoy it. If you’re not having fun except on preparation days, you’re doing it wrong. Take it all in. It may be different and that’s okay. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. Don’t waste it crying or being homesick. Work hard and love lots. (Teju)
• Love your calling and you’ll not return home in vain. (Julius)
• Love the people you serve and be natural as much as possible, for people will feel it and I am 100% sure on that. (Armando)
• Read and study the standard works, work with the Full Time Missionaries in your respective wards, accept and magnify callings. (Lauro)
• Be friendly and outgoing. (Lynna)
• Read the scriptures. Don’t get sick and don’t play sick! Follow the missionary handbook. Don’t be self righteous. Be obedient. Never expect, VISUALIZE! (Aaron)
• Only go if you really want to be there. I saw many companionships hobbled by the lack of desire in one of the missionaries. This work is too important to take it up flippantly. I do not mean to dissuade someone who doubts their own abilities – you will be fine. God is in charge and needs a willing heart. I hope that those who secretly resent the encouragement of others to serve will find their own righteous motives to embark. (Tim)
• Follow the rules and you will be happy for the rest of your life. (Alex)
• Be patient and love unconditionally. Filipinos think differently. It’s not right or wrong. It’s cultural how they think, for who they are, and how they are raised. It’s called “simple” but it does not mean they are not smart. Think of their needs to live vs. ours. Our lives are a lot more complex and modern in some ways. Love them and respect their lifestyle and beliefs. Treat them as equals and don’t talk down to them or embarrass them in front of others. They take it hard. (Heidi)
• Always attend church no matter what the situation even to walk to attend church. When we put God in our life He will greatly bless us. We put Him first in our life. (Ramon)
•  My advice is that we need to be strong in everything that we do, especially leaving our family and everything behind. Forget yourself and get lost. Heavenly Father will bless you.😊 Mission will help you too to become a better person. (Ma’ata)
• There is nothing better I could of spent my 2 years doing. It may not have been busy but I have been so grateful for the prophetic commandment of a mission. (Zachary)
• You will make TONS of mistakes. One thing I learned was to enjoy mistakes because then I had more clear direction of which way I was supposed to go. (Hillary)
• Have an open heart and mind. Love the people before anything else and it will change your perspective on learning Cebuano and adjusting to everything. (Joslyn)
• You are not just called to serve these people for two years!! They will need your encouragement and your prayers after. They will need to hear your voice, receive a Facebook message, and be communicated with!! These people are your family. If you think you will miss your family while serving…that is 100% true!! But saying goodbye to your family is 1 million times harder…I promise!! Enjoy your time and continue to be a missionary even after you’re released. (Robin)
• You will enjoy it. Make it a top priority to learn about the people, and incorporate their culture. You’ll better be able to speak the language and communicate with the people as you learn and live their culture. Use you native companions to learn everything you can about the Philippines. (Nik)
• JUST BE YOURSELF, you got this! Don’t let anyone change that, you are who you are and your talents are needed in that mission. You are called there for so many reasons, try to figure out at least one a week or even daily. Show confidence in yourself and your companion. Be patient with each other and don’t be afraid to talk about things. Be patient with yourself as well. It’s hard, but overtime becomes so much better. Be obedient, be a representative of Christ, if he wouldn’t do it, don’t do it. Love those you serve, and be fully committed! (Laurel)
• Love and treat your companion as your real brother or sister. (Aguilar)
• Stay worthy, stay focused, and have fun. The Spirit works through happiness. It’s possible to obey all the mission rules and have a blast. Let your personality shine! (Chris)
• Forget yourself and go to work for those people. If you can teach teach, if you can’t teach someone, serve them and if they won’t let you serve, still love them. (Ben)
• This was the advice from my Stake President, “Be There When Your There, Be Here When Your Here”. If you are in the field, think about the field, not your home or the people or experiences you left when you decided to serve the Lord!!!! Cebu Missionaries Do Hard Things!!! We do not have time to be homesick! We should maximize the chance the Lord gave us to join His work! Make it worthwhile! No Regrets after it!!! Be humble and Patient!!! Ask for help if you are struggling! You cannot learn the language in one day! Take it One step at a time!!! Lastly… “Don’t just go through your mission! Let your mission go Through You!” (Divine)
• Be strong, enjoy the two years, they will go very fast. (Terry)
• Go for it, enjoy it, work to best of your ability, gain a 10 year education rolled into a 2 year time frame. (Terrence)

What was a funny language mistake?

• Elder: “Sister/brother, ubsay libanagan ninyo? Sister/brother: Green! (Jet)
• Can’t recall a word but I made a lot of mistakes. I wish the earth would have swallowed me up… Buwang! it means fool That I can recall a bit hhuuu! (Roberto)
• The words “busong” which means “pregnant” and the word “subong” which means “now” or “today”. Most newbies would interchange busong instead of subong when teaching about living prophets today. (Julius)
• When American used the words tickle and local pronounced it ti-kol means something else best not to say here. (Armando)
• Banana is the best saying in the Philippines. (Lauro)
• Filipinos most of the time don’t understand our puns or sayings like. “Let the cat out of the bag.” They will take it literally. (Heidi)
• The word langam in tagalog means ant, in Cebuano it is a bird so when I told them there is a langam in the kettle of rice the others laugh. (Ramon)
• Well when I talk to them in the wrong language. (Zachary)
• I once told an investigator that Christ killed the apostles when we were talking about the Restoration. (Joslyn)
• When my companion was talking to the tricycle driver and I heard him saying where are you going tatay, or in bisaya asa ka padulong tay? but the tatay was taking us to the chapel. (Tito)
• Making words plural is a little counter-intuitive, occasionally I would add an ‘s’ to Cebuano words to make them plural rather than prefacing the word with ‘mga’. (Nik)
• The word for key and devil is very similar. One time I told someone that they were the devil to bring their family to this gospel or to church instead of the key. Oops! Not good to call someone that. (Laurel)
• Make mistakes, the faster you make the mistakes, the faster you will be fluent! (Ben)
• Libang and Labang. While crossing the street I said “Molibang na ta!” instead of “Molabang na ta” with my trainer and ward missionary. Libang- to poop. Labang to cross the road. (Divine)
• Finding out the meaning of mag andam sa ido. (Terry)
• Going on a mission is not like going on a vacation, so be prepared, physically, emotionally, financially, socially and more importantly…spiritually. (Elder)
• Mag andam sa ido, not knowing what it meant until the dog bit me. (Terrence)