On October 24, 2024, the Philippine Publishing House celebrated its 110th year of publishing books and periodicals with the mission to “Prepare People for Heaven.” Despite the heavy rains and strong winds brought by tropical cyclone Trami (international name), nearly all 300 expected attendees made it to the event. Present at the event were leaders from the Southern Asia-Pacific Division, representatives from various church organizations and institutions across the Philippines, supporters, contractors, suppliers, and both retired and current PPH employees.
The celebration began with a processional, where PPH staff warmly welcomed each guest as they walked down the red carpet to their seats. Throughout the event, the theme, “Papuri at Pasasalamat kay Hesus” (Praise and Thanksgiving to Jesus) echoed in every part of the program.
Through the Storm
Pastor Leonardo Heyasa, Jr., President of the Philippine Publishing House (PPH), in his opening remarks, shared how he had been praying, hoping for a miracle after learning of the low-pressure area forming in the Pacific. Yet, the storm made landfall on the very day of the event. Everything had been carefully prepared – decorations set up, the caterer’s tables and chairs in place – but at the last minute, plans had to change as strong winds blew away part of the roof of the covered court, forcing them to relocate to a new venue.
“What could be God’s message?” he pondered.
Reflecting on the situation, Pastor Heyasa remarked: “We do the best that we can, but God is the ultimate One in control of everything. God always provides an answer. And He is always faithful as ever.” He went on, “So many things didn’t go as planned. But then I asked, is this celebration really about achievements, milestones, or new developments? Or is it about relationships – having you despite the typhoon as you have been with us during our storms?”
Not the Medium, But the Message
Also present at the gathering was Pastor Stephen Apola, Associate Publishing Ministries Director of the General Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. In his keynote address, he noted, “You have one of the most beautiful institutions among all our publishing houses.” He emphasized, however, that it is the people, not the building who are to “stand to the world as the embodiment of Christian principles.”
Apola continued, “It is not a matter of how long you have been in the ministry but how faithful you have been to God’s divine mandate, which is to go out and bring individuals into the kingdom.” He stressed that the celebration “is not only a reflection of history but an affirmation of our mission.”
“We are not just creating publications; we are spreading the Word of God, imbued with His authority.” It is not about the machinery, it is about the message. It is not about the medium. It’s about the mission.” He added, “Are we focused on the message or are we focused on the medium? Are we focused more on how much we have grown, or how far we have reached? Are we focused more on the sales or on how many individuals have been won to Jesus?”
A Look Back at the House’s Humble Beginnings
Atemio Jimenez, former Vice President for Finance of PPH, led a retrospective on the House’s development journey, a story deeply rooted in its mission. In 1914, PPH began in a modest horse stable in Manila, under the initiative of the missionary L. V. Finster, who started the print shop at the back of his home. However, in 1945, at the end of World War II, the facility was destroyed by fire. By 1946, a new foundation was laid in Baesa, Caloocan Metro Manila, where PPH remained for the next 76 years.
For many years, PPH leaders dreamed of relocating, but financial challenges delayed its realization. In 2000, the Baesa property was put on the market, initially priced at PHP 800 million.
Although the property remained unsold, Pastor Florante Ty, PPH former President took on the challenge to pursue relocation even without sufficient funds. In 2013, the search for a suitable location began. They found a promising site but it was priced at 120 million pesos—well beyond their means. A more favorable opportunity arose when the price was reduced to PHP 60 million. PPH paid the initial amount but soon realized that buying the property at this price would leave PPH with no funds to carry out the construction.
Negotiations to lower the price further were initially unsuccessful. Nevertheless, PPH workers continued to pray earnestly. Finally, their prayers were answered when the seller, after a sleepless night, felt compelled to lower the price further to PHP 30 million. On September 13, 2013, PPH secured the land and paid off its loan to SSD, thus, saving on interest costs.
The initial construction was planned for 2014 with a proposed budget of 100 million pesos, but it encountered several delays. In 2018, after overcoming numerous setbacks, construction officially began. Progress was steady until 2020, when the pandemic caused additional delays. Finally, in January 2022, PPH inaugurated its new home and relocated to the completed facility in Silang, Cavite.
The Story of Health and Home
Coinciding with PPH’s 110th Anniversary is the 65th anniversary of Health & Home, its flagship magazine. Janet R. Tolete, Vice-President for Editorial Services, narrated how Health & Home came about. In 1953, PPH published Our Times and Their Meaning, a 36-page journal, alongside another magazine titled Your Health and Modern Living.
In 1956, church leaders decided to merge the two magazines, creating Your Health and Your Home, a quarterly magazine. By 1960, it transitioned into a book format featuring health topics, philosophy and medical advice. In 1967, it was rebranded as Health & Home. The first full-color edition was released in 1980, and the following year, Health & Home received the General Excellence Award at the Editorial Council in Singapore. By 1989, circulation surpassed 100,000 copies and featured prominent figures like President Corazon Aquino.
The magazine continued to grow, receiving the Seal of Product Quality in 2005. In 2022, a book launch generated over PHP 37 million in a single day, and in 2023, more than 37,000 copies were sold in one day, generating over PHP 40 million. With the goal of reaching 1 million subscribers, the magazine is driven by the tagline: Health & Home for Every Home. For Every Home, Health & Home.
Tolete concluded by recognizing a subscriber from Northeast Luzon whose life was transformed through the magazine. She reflected, “God works through even the humblest means, like Health & Home.”
Ribbon Cutting
Despite a heavy downpour that hindered visits to the newly established areas, the ceremonial ribbon-cutting proceeded as planned led by Pastor Roger Caderma, SSD President alongside his fellow officers and Pastor Apola. Three sites were inaugurated within the PPH compound: a wall of gratitude, a covered court for tennis, badminton, and a gym, and a prayer garden. Recognizing God as the ultimate provider, Tolete expressed: “Everything here stands as a testament to God’s provision.”
Closing the celebration, Tolete reflected on the dilemma earlier that day, sharing “As I watched the roof panels being blown away, I realized that God is stripping away all our vanity, pretense and pride. PPH is not about the physical building – it is about people. It’s about family.” She added, “We are happy seeing our retired workers returning to their home and experiencing the warmth of being huddled in a tight space.”
PPH affirmed their purpose, “Pilgrims and Purpose of Hope, Passionately Pursuing Holiness, Printing and Publishing for His Glory. Though the program has concluded, the mission of Philippine Publishing continues—Preparing People for Heaven, People Prepared for Heaven.
North Philippine Union Conference