Saturday the 12th, President Monson's tour of Temple and Cultural Celebration

When we arrived at the coliseum by way of the motorcade we were greeted by the youth dancers in their costumes. Waving at us as if we were celebrities. We were surprise by the reception we received but we shook their outstretched hands and their smiling faces and we gave them hugs and told them how beautiful they were. It was fun but we didn't feel like we deserved all the adulation. They think of the LDS Missionaries from the United States as something very special...but we didn't know that. Elder and I just happily and gratefully greeted them
This young lady is one of several dancers with ornaments on their head waiting for their turn to dance before President Monson

One of many cultural dances performed tonight. Amazing colors and beautifully performed dances.

Dance Instructors in their native formal dress.

President Monson and Elder Ko in front of the Temple after President Monson's personal tour of the Temple.

Today Saturday the 12th of June, Independence Day in the Philippines is also the day the Prophet President Monson went through the Temple for his own personal tour, along with Elder Oaks, Bishop Burton, Area Presidency and respective wives. We were able to follow them through the temple tour but we were to stay back as we are in the capacity of security. I never in my life thought I would be that close to the Prophet and it is/was a privilege. Later in the day we went by police escorted motorcade to the Cebu Coliseum for the Cultural Event which consists of Filipino LDS youth performing ancient dances through more modern dances. It was beautiful. The youth went to great sacrifice to get to perform. The funds for the costumes, travel and accommodations were from the youth selling empty cans and other items to be recycled to whatever they could do to earn money. Some youth could not come to the coliseum so they were filmed on various locations and it was shown on screens in the coliseum. The heat inside was intense but the whole show went very very well. Better than anyone ever thought. Came together perfectly.