 With the news inundated with headlines exposing corruption and unfair play it is so easy to lose hope on honor and dignity. Does it even exist? Being in government is almost synonymous to unfair play and the abuse of position for personal gain.
Tonight my hope and faith in honor was not only rekindled but was inspired and strengthened. All because of a birthday party held for a 75 year old Army General who is a member of Victory Fort. That man is retired General Honesto Isleta. Picture on the left is with his wife Pat, an equally amazing woman of strength, dignity and honor.Genreal Isleta turned 75 years old today. I watched a parade of men and women who not only s poke highly and affectionately about the general but testified to a life of service, humility, sacrifice, honor and dignity. Picture on the left is with one of his grandsons (Joshua) admiring one of the gifts given to him.
There were too many pictures shown, too many citations, promotions and accolades to mention here. But what stuck to me were the stories that many of his well wishers told about him. From a younger brother who followed his footsteps and became a general himself, to in-laws, children, friends and colleagues.
If the Gen eral's name sounds familiar that's because he was one of the unsung heroes of the EDSA Revolution. The one who convinced the surrounded leaders at Camp Crame to read and pray Psalm 91. Heaven alone knows what could have happened to our country if this man had not insisted on prayer.
  The most unforgettable story told this evening was told by former Armed Forces Chief Renato de Villa. It happened in the 1968 when a strong earthquake rocked Manila and a building (the Ruby Tower) collapsed killing over 200 people. 
He shared how a bus load of young officers and soldiers were sent to help in the rescue mission. Among them was young officer named Honesto Isleta.
In the course of the operation it was discovered that some of the walls of the build ing were inbedded with gold bars. Come to think of it the weight of the bars may have had something to do with the building collapsing. The young officer insisted on securing the recovered bars and made sure that every single one was surrendered to the proper authorities. Hearing that among the many stories of servanthood and everyday heroism was inspiring. It pays to name your child Honesto.
Add to that the fact that the good general is a great hus band and father made the evening something worth blogging about.
For my part I can only testify to the humility exemplified by General Isleta. He has served our church as an usher and disciple maker. Unmindful of recognition, he sports a smile, exuding the coutesy of a gentleman and always had a warm greeting. Most impressive are his 2 sons Chad (who is an officer the Philippine Military Academy) and Dennis (who is a colonel turned pastor). Needless to say these fine men came from a good source.
When asked to say something about the General, this was my short story: In 1984 (I was 26) I was invited to attend a class on spiritual living. At the class in the Intercon Hotel in Makati I sat right behind my clasmate then Colonel Isleta. I could tell that the Colonel was not very happy at the start of the seminar. Looking back I can't remember the reason why that was my impression.
Towards the end of the seminar, an inivitation was given for the attendees to receive the Lord Jesus as their Savior. I, in my own arrogance and self-centeredness was oblivious to the offer being presented to me. At the time I was remotely interested.
The next thing I saw was the fidgidity military man in front of me along with another man found themselves in front of the room humbly acknowledging their need for God and receiving Him as their Lord and Savior. I, on the other hand was not ready to do such a t hing. While I did not recieve the Lord that day, I will always remember how the Colonel humbly offered his life to God. It was a glaring testimony of simple humility and acknowldeging "I can't make life work, I need God". A few weeks later I too would give my life to the Lord 24 years ago.
Happy Birthday General Isleta - You're a REAL HERO!!!
A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. Proverbs 22:1
 | when i think of the General, 3 words come to mind:
humility (he's always serving)
joy (he's always smiling)
dignity (he's got the good kind of pride)
sorry i was not in MNL for his 75th. i need to ask him where he found that fountain of youth. he looks about 65. |
 | this is amazing ptr joey. thanks for sharing. :) |
 | Ang galing nito Pastor.
Saludo po kami sa iyo General Isleta! |
 | olyreyes wrote on Apr 21, edited on Apr 21 Thanks for blogging about General Isleta. It gives us hope to see godly men being influential in a country that needs more of his kind. The general truly is a light and beacon to many under the clouds of despair, hopelesness and darkness.
May Gen Isleta have more disciples after Gods own heart! |
 | Thank you for this Pastor Joey...we so appreciate you and Ms. Marie, and really every single person who came and surprised Dad to the point of unbelievable emotion (I was not alone in shedding tears as I saw his rare reaction)..I am just so blessed to be part of the Isleta family!!!! |
 | this is so encouraging! talagang nakaka-strengthen ng convictions! really, i've been thinking about this very topic for some time now. sarap basahin!!! thanks so much for blogging this!! |
 | wow... great blog pop. this is really inspiring |
 | Thank you for encouraging us through the inspiring story of such a humble man.
Happy birthday to General Isleta. |
 | criss103 wrote on Apr 21, edited on Apr 21 I remember him as the one who changed the tide in favor of the reformers during the People Power Revolt, I was a law student then (UST) with my classmates one of them was inside Camp Crame -Col Rex Piad. God bless the great general! |
 | Thanks Ptr Joey for sharing this. Indeed, Gen. Isleta is one of Jewel in His Kingdom.
The general who advances without coveting fame
and retreats without fearing disgrace, whose only
thought is to protect his country and do good service
for his sovereign, is the jewel of the kingdom - Sun Tzu |
 | inspiring!!! we need more men like him |
 | Galing to the Max!! APR iyan!! of course, may integrity!!
sana ganun..pati buong pilipinas linisin na!! tignan mo naman corruption sa government pinipinpoint natin..e tayo??
palibhasa mahilig sa kolorum ang mga pilipino, kagabi i watched the news about the raid ng mga illegal na multicab na bumibyahe patungong MOA..Pambihira!!nakakadismaya!! gulat ako na ang hilig nila talaga sa Kolorum...gusto nila pala ng masakit sa bulsa tapos panay reklamo!! Good Job,Bayani Fernando!! guys lets pray for him na bigyan si Fernando ng wisdom galing sa Lord!!
sse my blog about bro.eddie's statement about 5 people need in avoiding bloodshed..may reaction si Pastor Jovie Galaraga about this.... |
 | grabe, powerful..what a man of integrity and honor worth emulating..we need more men like him..thanks ptr joey for sharing his inspiring story.. |
 | Dear General Isleta, First, I would like to say happy Birthday to you!
I never forgot your kindness when my wife and I came to Manila, shortly after we were married in 1997. Over the phone you attempted to arrange a visit for us to Malacanang Palace. Unfortunately the timing did not work out, but we certainly loved our time in the country.
I also remember the time we first met at the Intercontinental Hotel in Makati in 1986-7 as we shared on our common faith. I remember you giving me your card, which I believe that I still have. 'Colonel Isleta" Greenhills. It has been great to follow your career and to see that you are serving Christ in the Church today.
My best to you and your family,
Pastor Bob Kraft
Tennis Ministry International |
 | Refreshing blog sir. thanks |
 | Pastor Joey, thanks for blog. I am inspired by the life of General. We salute him for his love for God and country. |
 | in my readings on poverty alleviation i saw this:
"Let no one be discouraged by the belief there is nothing one man or one woman can do against the enormous array of the world’s ills – against misery and ignorance, injustice and violence… Few will have the greatness to bend history itself; but each of us can work to change a small portion of events and in the total of all those acts will be written the history of this generation..
It is from the numberless diverse acts of courage and belief that human history is shaped. Each time a man stands up for an ideal or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance"
- Robert Kennedy
I don't know General Isleta, but he sure is one such man! |
 | Knowing Mian and Dennis, I can see how much an honorable hero he is. My birthday greetings too. I pray that his life through Christ will touch more people both in and out his field. Thanks for the inspiring blog! :) |
 | amazing :) thank you po for sharing! |
 | My Dad does not blog. I don't think he even has a multiply site, so I doubt he will ever get to reply to all the wonderful and sincere greetings from all those who have replied here. I do assure you that he has read all of them through my multiply account. In his behalf, I wish to thank all of you! I must say that when he read Pastor Joey's blog and all the replies, his face beamed and his spirit was obviously lifted. Knowing his condition, I know that all your kind words have served him well. Thank you so much! Pastor Joey, thanks for this blog. Many things about my Dad I only found out during the testimonies that evening. Through your blog, now the whole world may know as well. |
 | The General is one of the 'Few Good Men' of our country! Mabuhay po!! |
 | Thank you Pastor Joey for that wonderful blog about my dad. I told the family that you approached me during the party and asked what our secret was... no one could answer... hahaha. I pray that his life story of service to God and country will truly inspire all those who read about him as it has inspired us- his family. |
 | thanks Ptr. Joey for the wonderful and inspiring blog you wrote about Gen. Honesto Isleta. indeed, a night to remember .it was really a successful birthday party that surprised the General. i was in first year hs then when in the early morning of august 2, 1968 the earth shook that resulted to the collapsed of ruby tower in binondo. i knew there were gold bars recovered in the site but what i don't know was that it was Gen. Nes Isleta who headed the rescue mission, and who was responsible in securing those gold bars and surrendered them to central bank of the philippines, no wonder his parents named him Honesto... an honest man!!! Happy Birthday Sir! |
 | Happy Birthday po Sir! will be praying for you for good health..
dr. teody Alcantara (Seamen's Hospital Cebu)
|
 | Pastor Joey, thank you for the blog about my Dad. Being the youngest and the only daughter, everybody comments that I must be spoiled...but I think it's more that I am blessed. I am so blessed by God through my Dad (and Mom). Like what my brother Dennis mentioned, there were a lot of things I only learned about my dad that evening through the testimonies and even through the book that we "published". It is a humbling experience to learn how he has served his country and how he has touched so many lives in so many ways. Thank you again for your blog.
- Mian Isleta |
| |
sorry i was not in MNL for his 75th. 