News Release

LDS, Rotary Showcase Family History Exhibit in SM Malls

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints presented a Family History exhibit in Rosario, Cavite in partnership with SM Rosario and the Rotary Club of Rosario September 17-21.  The following week, September 22-29, the same exhibit was displayed in the South Pavilion of SM MOA, Pasay City, in partnership with SM management.  Both exhibits were showcased in celebration of the National Family Week.

With the theme “Ensuring Work-Family Balance,” the National Family Week in Rosario kicked off with a grand parade participated in by the local government unit (LGU), officers of the PTA, students from public schools, NCFF members and members of the Church.  An opening program followed which highlighted the theme.  

Rotary Club President, Danilo Soleta, recalled the history of National Family Week and said, “ September 28, 1992, was a historic day! Former President Fidel V. Ramos signed into law RA 60 which recognized the value of families as nation builders.”

City Councilor Hon. Ethel Malabanan added, “I’m a city councilor and a former dean in the College of Law but my foremost role is a mother to my children.  Our theme reinforces the call for family members to give time to their families especially at these times when media and many other distractions abound in our society.”

In answer to the need to strengthen family ties and to know one’s heritage, the Family History Exhibit was opened to the public.  Atty. Malabanan, RC Rosario President Danny Soleta,  Bro. Libid representing the Rosario Stake (Diocese) President of the LDS Church and Scott of SM Marketing cut the ribbon to formalize the opening of the exhibit after which the public was invited to view the displays and to log in to FamilySearch.org to find their ancestors or family tree online.

The same exhibit was featured in SM Mall of Asia a week after Rosario.  On Saturday, September 22, following the opening fun walk around the mall, crowds of visitors wanted to check out the beautiful display featuring the importance of genealogy work.  The genealogy of Jose Rizal was a popular part of the exhibit.  Many people filled out forms with the information they already knew about their families while waiting for computer instruction into the Church’s www.new.familysearch.org website.

Families visiting the area were surprised to see Christ’s lineage also shown as presented in the Bible.  Past US President, George Bush, also permitted his pedigree chart to be displayed by the Church. These famous people’s ancestors are always interesting to on-lookers, but what really attracted interest was the opportunity for people to go online and search for their own relatives.

The Church offers a website for tracing ancestors. Located at www.new.familysearch.org, it is easy for anyone to log on and begin working on his/her family tree. Volunteers were at the two exhibit locations during the week to assist visitors. People do not have to be members of the Church to create an account. Anyone can go on https://new.familysearch.org as well as www.familysearch.org.

1.Go to the home page and click Sign in. 

2.Click to Create New Account.

3.It will bring you to Registration where you will choose whether you want a FamilySearch account or an LDS FamilySearch account. 

4.Click FamilySearch account and follow the instructions.  Fill in all boxes required and then click Register.

5.You will need an active email account to verify your registration. 

Filipinos have the inherent desire to connect with family members and even distant relatives.  FamilySearch.org is a service provided by the Church as a commitment to helping people connect with their ancestors.  This is rooted in the Mormon belief that families are meant to be central to our lives and that family relationships are intended to continue beyond this life. Because interest in family history is not limited by culture, ethnicity, or religious faith, FamilySearch’s resources are available to everyone who wants to discover more about their family and their heritage.

Family history centers are free and open to the public and staffed by knowledgeable volunteers. Each facility offers both novices and experienced family historians the tools and resources to learn about their ancestors.  At least one Family History Center can be found in each stake (diocese).  

 

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