Water is a symbol of spiritual purification in various religions.
On Sunday, January 23, 2024, a number of prominent Filipino personalities participated in the water-baptism ceremony of the Manila-based Christian group, Favor Church Manila, marking a spiritual milestone in their lives.
The event took place on stage, where members—both new and long-standing—lined up to be baptized in a tub of water.
Under the glow of a large neon sign reading "Favor Fam," prayers were offered for members taking the sacred plunge.
Among the newly-baptized members were these celebrities.
Read: Did these celebrities change religion for love?
CELEBRITIES WHO GOT WATER-BAPTIZED
Catriona Gray
Taking to her social media accounts, Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray posted a vertical collage of snaps from her baptism, captioned: "A new beginning with Jesus [folded hands emoji] Glory to God always."
In her post, Catriona conveyed delight and fulfillment after being able to "take the step of publicly declaring my faith today."
She continued, "I was baptized as a baby, but wanted to take this action as an adult. So thankful to the community and family that @favor.mnl is.
"Thank you God for never ceasing in the pursuit of my heart."
Cosmetic surgeon and socialite Dra. Vicki Belo—who has also converted to Christianity together with her husband Dr. Hayden Kho Jr.—then wrote a message in response to Catriona's post.
Her comment read: "@dochayden and I are so happy for you. Thank you for making this public declaration of your love for the Lord.
"You very inspired so many over the years. May more people be inspired to have. Personal relationship with our lord and savior Jesus Christ."
Read: Catriona Gray eyes scoliosis treatment as top priority this 2024
CRISTINE REYES
Meanwhile, StarStruck Season 1 alum Cristine Reyes reflected on her renewed sense of faith.
"I know that God has always been in my heart. I’m not perfect, but I try my best to follow His will," she wrote.
"I feel like now is the right time to share this belief with everyone.
"I really feel it in my soul, and even though I know there will be obstacles, I want to let Him guide my life because I know that His presence is the only certainty in this world."
She then dedicated a portion of her post to Favor Church, thanking the group for providing her a secntuary.
"Upon my initial entrance, I was met with a gracious reception and an atmosphere filled with worship, awesome sermon and fellowship.
"Gradually, these elements have begun to dismantle the emotional barriers I had constructed over the years due to the hardships and grievances of my past.
"It is evident to me that I have discovered a sanctuary within this Christian community.
"My earnest prayer is that the divine protection and blessings of God will continue to be bestowed upon this church, with a special mention of the Aiton Family and all the devoted ministers. [white heart emoji]"
Read: Sisters Ara Mina and Cristine Reyes reveal realizations about designer items
MARCO GUMABAO
Cristine's boyfriend, Marco Gumabao, also a participant, wrote on Instagram, "Today marks another milestone in my life, I publicly declared my faith in Jesus through the sacrament of baptism. [folded hands emoji]
"A sacred moment of rebirth and renewal in Christ, immersed in faith and surrounded by love."
Talking about his spiritual journey, he recalled: "I’ve been a Christian for almost 20 years now and this is my 2nd baptism.
"I’ve had moments in my life where I was on fire with my faith in Christ and I thought that the fire would never burn out, but there were also moments where I was searching for myself because I simply drifted away from Him, minsan mainit minsan malamig.
"I would find joy in worldly things, where in fact our joy should be found in Christ."
He continued, "Life here on earth is not perfect, and it will never be the way that we want it to be. But having Jesus at the center of our life changes everything.
"Life has more meaning, life has more purpose [folded hands emoji]
"Now that I am once again baptised in Christ, the old ways are gone, and the new has come."
With pride and joy, he publicly affirms his faith, "[I] will always put God in the center in ALL aspects of my life.
"I don’t know the plans or purpose He has for my future, but one thing is for sure, I will be ready for it and I will trust Him!
"Wherever God calls me, I will make sure that His name will forever be glorified through my life. From darkness into light, submerged in faith and covered by grace."
DOMINIC ROQUE
Dominic Roque, embarking on a spiritual path, was warmly welcomed by Cristine and Marco.
In his Instagram stories, Dominic simply celebrated his water baptism with the note: "A new beginning in Christ"
Marco penned a short message that read: "To @dominicroque, isa sa mga tunay kong kapatid, proud na proud ako sayo!
"Nandito ako palagi sa tabi mo, and I know God will bless your heart, and I am excited for what’s to come"
On the other hand, Cristine offered assurance, "@dominicroque bukas palagi ang pinto namin sa’yo. lab na lab ka ng mahal ko"
Read: Dominic Roque files cyberlibel complaint vs. Cristy Fermin
ZEPHANIE
Sparkle artist Zephanie Dimaranan—commonly referred to by her mononymic stage name—considered her water baptism as her ultimate surrender.
"I always knew life would be better with him [white heart emoji]," she declared in a social media post.
"One of the best decisions I’ve made is to live my life with Jesus. When I was lost, he found me. When I called, he heard and answered me."
Zephanie turned sentimental, realizing how her faith never let her down despite her shortcomings.
"He’s always been good and faithful, even when I was looking the other way.
"So here I am, surrendering and declaring that Jesus is my Lord and Savior."
She added: "Couldn’t be more grateful for my Favor fam for walking with me on this journey [emojis] Thank you Lord! I love you!"
Read: Zephanie over the moon with Disney's Wish song; downplays comparison with Sarah Geronimo
Rica Kriemhild
As a former Catholic, Italian-Filipina artist and vlogger Rica Kriemhild told her story of feeling disconnected to her faith in the past.
She began, "Born Catholic and got baptized as a baby. I grew up attending church every Sunday but struggled to truly connect with the Holy Spirit.
"Last November 2023, I got invited from a friend to @favor.mnl That was my very first time attending a Christian church. I felt so connected with God, like never before.
"Initially, I felt a renewed sense of peace and purpose, surrounded by a community that embraced me with open arms!"
However, the Pinoy Big Brother: Kumunity Season 10 adult housemate admitted that earlier this year, she "got lost again and disconnected."
Rica elaborated: "Encountered moments of weakness and uncertainty, moments where I fell short of the person I aspired to be and made wrong decisions along the way.
"Yesterday, I made a profound decision to publicly declare my faith through baptism as a new-born Christian.
"It was a decision rooted in prayer, contemplation and a heartfelt surrender to God’s will and plan for my life.
"Welcoming this new chapter with Jesus with so much hope and gratitude! Thank you Favor Family! @favor.mnl [emojis]"
