Bro. Eliseo Fernando Soriano

“And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.”

— 2 Corinthians 12:15, KJV

Biblically speaking, Bro. Eliseo F. Soriano had actually reached the average life expectancy of man.

The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.

Because of his fervent desire to preach the words of God since his teen years, age never became a hindrance to him. And neither was sickness.

Despite having been diagnosed with emphysema and congenital heart disease at an early age, Bro. Eli was born to face and conquer all kinds of adversities. 

Until the age of 73, he still managed to conduct more or less 10 Bible Expositions in four different languages in a week; crossing states, countries, and time zones, be it physically or via satellite points or internet packets.

Apart from that, he was also UNTV’s foremost public service partner; also a cook, a doting grandfather, and the Overall Servant of the Members Church of God International or MCGI.

Whenever he was asked how he was able to do all those things, he would automatically answer by citing a verse in the Bible:

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

And the poignant one-liner: With God’s mercy.  

After leading so many souls back to God through his God-given biblical wisdom, after accomplishing the tasks that God wanted him to accomplish, after a fruitful and well-spent 73 years, the Almighty Father had made Bro. Eli rest.

At this point, we cordially invite you to take a glimpse of the journey of this Filipino preacher, simply known as Bro. Eli Soriano.  

1947

Two years after the second World War, Triunfo Soriano and Catalina Fernando had the seventh of their eight children. Bro. Eli was born Eliseo Fernando Soriano on April 4, 1947 in Pasay City, Metro Manila.

Bro. Eli’s father worked as a foreman for an engineering company, while his mother took care of him and his siblings. Bro. Eli’s parents were already members of the Church of God by that time, being both baptized in 1934.

1956

Young Bro. Eli grew up a shy child and would go to his room whenever there were guests in their house.

It’s no wonder then that he entered elementary school a year late, and even then, he would find clever ways to avoid class (e.g. sliding down a muddy slope on the way to school).

That would all change come recognition day when he saw one of his classmates go up the stage with the kid’s parents putting a medal around his neck. Asking his parents about it, they told him that the medal was given to those who studied hard and got the highest grades.

1960

From not wanting to go to class to teaching it, Bro. Eli became an assistant and substitute teacher in school. He was also a consistent valedictorian and no less than the president of the Student Council.

Just a few weeks shy of graduating however, Bro. Eli found knowledge and wisdom unlike anything he has read from all his textbooks in class.

He then stopped attending high school (though his grade point average with untaken quizzes and exams at the time qualified him for graduation) to learn a book whose words he had fallen in love with — the Bible.

But as good love stories are, not everything was smooth at first.

1964

Somehow, the shy guy inside Bro. Eli still had a bit of hold on him; whenever his parents would invite him to go with them to Church gatherings, he would decline.

At one particular time, his father didn’t take anymore no for an answer. So after a slap on the bottom with his father’s slipper, young Bro. Eli was able to join his parents in listening to God’s words.

As he listened to the biblical topic, which incidentally, was about obeying one’s parents in the Lord, tears soon fell from his eyes. They were no longer tears of pain from being reprimanded however, but of repentance.

Back at home, young Bro. Eli locked himself in his room at 4 o’clock in the afternoon — and began reading from the Book of Genesis onwards, until he had found the verse he heard earlier in the day. He found it in the New Testament at 4 a.m. of the next day. No dinner. No sleep.

Days later (despite the Presiding Minister not wanting to baptize Bro. Eli yet as he was deemed too young then), Bro. Eli was born in the spirit on April 7, 1964, just three days after his 17th birthday in the flesh.

Bro. Eli’s passion to learn more about God’s words only grew as time went by. Not long after being baptized, he expressed his desire to become a Church worker, and soon attended ministerial classes under Bro. Nicolas Perez.

1972

As time passed by, Bro. Eli would prove to be a one-of-a-kind worker. Whichever locale he was assigned to, the brethren there would become more active and happier in their service to the Lord.

He would become Bro. Perez’s transcriber in preparing topics to serve the brethren with. And later on, though unknown to the other workers and the brethren then, Bro. Perez trusted him to make the topics himself.

Whenever there were debates against pastors of other religions, Bro. Eli was the choice of Bro. Perez amongst all.

His fate would then bring him miles away from Pasay: Pampanga, north of Manila.

There he would conduct Bible studies with a young Bro. Daniel Razon — town after town through flooded rice fields and no-vehicle areas, countless nights of little or no sleep or food — which by the mercy of God, later resulted to the first locales in the region being established.

Seeing the grace given unto him, Bro. Perez handed Bro. Eli in 1972 the only Church Minister title he would ever give to anyone before the former passed away in 1975.

1980

The death of Bro. Perez without him formally declaring a rightful successor brought about many problems, especially to Bro. Eli. The would-be leaders of their own future religions connived against him, which eventually led to the Church being divided into three.

Despite his efforts to bring the group together and his reluctance to lead, he eventually heeded to the members’ and workers’ (including those who have been in the ministry for far longer a time than him) plea to watch over them.

Thus, the Members Church of God the Pillar and Ground of the Truth was registered in the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in 1980.

Though Bro. Eli and the members faced adversity, another good thing would happen that same year.

Ang Dating Daan Takes Off

Preaching in Pampanga for 14 years and reaching only a number of towns, Bro. Eli saw that he would need a hundred years or more just to be able to cover the entire Philippines using traditional medium.

Thus, armed with no experience in broadcasting but with much confidence in the Lord, the Ang Dating Daan (The Old Path) program took off on DWWA 1206 kHz.

Shortly afterwards, Don Manolo Favis, a host of his own show on DZBB, would take notice of Bro. Eli’s preaching and made him a regular panelist on “Dis is Manolo and His GENIUS Family” (GENIUS stood for God’s Eternal News In Universal Salvation).

The show featured pastors and preachers from various religions to render their answers on questions and topics about life and the Bible. As voted by his fellow panelists and Don Manolo himself, Bro. Eli received the Most Outstanding Minister award year after year since he started there.

As time passed by, Bro. Eli Soriano would become the sole resource person of the program — this, while Ang Dating Daan or ADD would also air on DWAR, DZME, DZMD, DWAD, DWAN, DZXQ and in various local radio stations.

1983

The program soon gained its steady following, what with hearing live questions of faith answered via the air waves — and three years after, it could also be seen.

The Ang Dating Daan program debuted on IBC 13 in 1983, and quite miraculously at that.

The full production team consisted of only three persons: Bro. Eli, the host (and cook); Bro. Daniel (who was still in high school then), the director, editor, and every other technical need; and Sis. Luz Cruz, the executive producer, researcher and makeup artist.

Bro. Eli’s lumpia (spring rolls) and jeepneys for public use, Bro. Daniel’s earnings from selling vegetables in the market during his youth, and eventually, his salaries as a disc jockey and a broadcast journalist after college provided for the financial needs of the program.

With such a setup, no sponsors, and a firm belief on not accepting any financial contribution from its non-members, how could the program survive one might ask?

Going well into the 90s, it proved that it didn’t just survive. It flourished.

1994

What would later further propel the Ang Dating Daan program began with an idea — or to be precise, a prayer.

Bro. Daniel had a personal request from God, mainly, on being a small instrument in helping Bro. Eli bring the Gospel to a wider audience. During a meeting with Church workers, he spoke of an idea of inviting family and friends to a small gathering with a segment wherein Bro. Eli could talk and they could ask him questions right there and then. That was to be the birth of The Bible Exposition.

Bro. Eli became busier than ever. Apart from his broadcast schedules on radio and television, Bro. Soriano also held Bible Expositions in different locations across the country from covered basketball courts, to stadiums and coliseums.

1999

With the Internet opening a new of avenue to connect with people across the planet, Bro. Eli and Bro. Daniel launched www.AngDatingDaan.org in 1999. 

Just two years after, MCGI launched webtv.angdatingdaan.net, which featured a 24-hour video streaming service of The Old Path program, giving instant access to its Q&A videos by anyone online.

The program and its Ask Bro. Eli, The Bible Will Answer format had become more popular than ever within and beyond the Philippine islands. Members were being baptized in different countries. And so on January 13, 2004, the name of the Church was changed to a more fitting truth: the Members Church of God International or MCGI.

The Old Path program, its host and staff also garnered accolades from various award-giving bodies. Not to mention, the different charities, such as Bible-giving and blood donation, that Bro. Eli and Bro. Daniel had been carrying out since the 90s.

Of course, not everyone thought the same, for as with the most well-meaning of intentions and actions since time immemorial, they were not without controversy for others.

2005

Bro. Eli’s no-nonsense, scientific and straight-from-the-Scriptures way of preaching had earned his name its connotation with the word “Basa,” or “Read.”

For those who have listened to him preach even for just five minutes, the term is an unmistakable staple and signal that the statements following suit would be verses from the Bible.

The only time there would be quotes from different texts would either be when referencing a scientific fact highlighting biblical truths or a certain religion’s beliefs and practices from their official books whenever answering a person’s inquiry.

While sincere research and transparency may be satisfying to a person seeking truth, it doesn’t sound as sweet to pastors and church leaders, especially, after not being able to stand against the weight of truth in their debates with Bro. Eli.

From such roots sprouted the series of seemingly unfortunate events that led Bro. Eli to leave the country for an indefinite return period and preach abroad.

Probably born with a fear of heights, or rather, plunging from air-thinning levels, Bro. Eli wasn’t keen on flying. Unless the circumstances prevented so, he would often ride boats to go to Philippine provinces far from the outskirts of the Luzon Island. But his fate advised otherwise.

2007

Despite facing threats and difficulties brought about by religious persecution, Bro. Eli’s preaching continued in the Philippines and in other parts of the globe via radio, TV and the World Wide Web.

And yet, Bro. Eli still looked for ways on how he can preach more while being abroad. That is, apart from the Bible Expositions he held in countries like Singapore, London, and the USA.

Just about three weeks after his 60th birthday, Bro. Eli published his first two blogs: “Dissecting the Worst Mass Murder in American History” and “Is There Another Earth?” at Esoriano.wordpress.com on April 26, 2007.

The blog covered topics from love’s second chance to alternative cures for bodily ailments. Most importantly, Holy Scriptural advice for finding solutions to life’s questions and anything under or light years away from the sun, for that matter.

In 2009, Mashable hailed the blog as the Most Educational to Follow in its Open Web Awards.

Bro. Eli realized that there were a lot of other people of different races and languages waiting to know more about the Good News he preaches. And he saw the scope of it all when he held a Bible Exposition for the very first time in a country distant, but similar to his own.

2008

Brazil, as a nation, is predominantly Catholic, much like the Philippines. At the time, Bro. Eli was following the admonition of the Lord in Matthew 10:23 about being persecuted, and kept in heart a prophecy in Jeremiah 51:45 of where God’s nation will be called from.

With the help of a Portuguese interpreter he commissioned, Bro. Eli put up a 30-minute program in Brazil, titled, O Caminho Antigo. Surprisingly, within just a month of airing, letters came pouring in asking where they could reach him. And thus, the birth of the first Bible Exposition there.

Not knowing how many people were going to show up, Bro. Eli reserved a rather cozy venue. But as the event neared, the number of people who expressed interest in going — some even travelling for more than 10 hours just to be there — was so unprecedented that Bro. Eli had to make last-minute arrangements to find a bigger place for the event.

As Bro. Eli preached, there were tears, and laughter, and testimonies of how almost incredible it was — that after 20 or 50 years of hearing different pastors in Brazil — it took someone from the East, a Filipino, for them to finally hear what they have been longing to hear.

Later on, Bro. Eli found out, that it had been written all along:

For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the LORD of hosts.

2020

Now, there are over 400 hundred locales across Brazil alone, and hundreds more in nearby Spanish-speaking countries all the way up to Mexico. The number of Church members is continually growing, with God’s help, and more and more people around the world are being reached by The Old Path program. Today, it is broadcast 24/7 via seven satellite providers, and even on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

When the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) was declared a pandemic in March 2020 and when various parts of the world were put on lockdown, Bro. Eli took it as an opportunity to engage people in listening to the words of God while they were confined at home. 

In mid-April, The Old Path Live Bible Studies and Bible Expositions began to be livestreamed daily, instead of weekly. These were on top of the regular schedules of Bible Expositions dedicated for audiences in Portugal; Brazil; Europe, Israel, Africa, and the Middle East; and India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.

In mid-April, The Old Path Live Bible Studies and Bible Expositions began to be livestreamed daily, instead of weekly. These were on top of the regular schedules of Bible Expositions dedicated for audiences in Portugal; Brazil; Europe, Israel, Africa, and the Middle East; and India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.

On June 1, 2020, The Old Path Live Mass Indoctrination sessions also started streaming on the web, giving more access to truth-seekers who want to learn the doctrines of the Lord Jesus Christ. 


2021

After holding two consecutive Bible Expositions in one day, God gave Bro. Eliseo Fernando Soriano his well-deserved rest on February 10 in Brazil, but in the Philippines, it was already February 11.


An outpouring of sentiments and expressions of love and respect came in from people from all walks of life and various religions — from those who constantly listened to The Old Path program, to the local and national government officials, up to the president of the nation.

Many things have changed over the years. And yet, despite the twists and turns of persecutions and hardships, days and nights of hard work, and recurring attacks of asthma and joint pains, Bro. Eli Soriano had remained a faithful servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.  All he wanted was to propagate the Gospel of salvation, and to good unto all.

Bro. Eli may no longer be in our midst today, at least physically, but his spirit continues to work and his legacy lives on.

Bro. Eli’s passing is only a temporary repose.  As written in the Apostle Paul’s first epistle to the Thessalonians, when the Lord Jesus Christ returns, He will resurrect first all of those who died in Him. 

For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God:  and the dead in Christ shall rise first:  1 Thess. 4:16, KJV


God willing, come the first resurrection, we shall have a reunion with Bro. Eli and with all the other Christians who died in the faith.  And together, we shall be part of the millennial reign of the Lord Jesus Christ on earth. 


Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection:  on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.   Rev. 20:6, KJV

As to when this day is going to be, or as to how long are we still going to wait, only God knows.  But while we await for the Lord Jesus Christ’s return, the best we can do is to remain steadfast in the faith, live by the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ until the end, and never cease to do good deeds to all – as taught to us by Bro. Eli Soriano.

Awards and Recognitions

People's Champion Award and People's Choice in the Society and Politics Category for Controversy Extraordinary Blog
November 21, 2015
Awarded by the Philippine Blogging Awards in the Bloggy's 2015
Outstanding Global Evangelist
June 21, 2015
Awarded by Dangal ng Bayan Awards
Best Bible-Based TV/Radio Evangelist
February 27, 2014
Awarded by Dangal ng Bayan Awards
Certificate of Appreciation
March 30, 2005
Awarded by Philippine Bible Society in recognition of his contribution to the Bible cause as a lifetime member, regular donor and major distribution partner.
Certificate of Appreciation
August 19, 1999
Awarded by Bureau of Jail Management and Penology for his persistent and untiring effort in sharing God’s precious words to the inmates of Cabanatuan District Jail whereby building God’s kingdom on earth.
Distinguished Service Award Outstanding
May 9, 1999
Awarded by Child Assistance And Rehabilitation Entity
Public Service – National Achievement Award Outstanding Religious Crusader – Ang Dating Daan
May 2, 1999
Awarded by Peoples Vision Magazine
National Golden Award for Excellence
March 13, 1999
Awarded by United Group of Charities and Human Development in recognition of your meritorious and dedicated performances towards human upliftment, dedication to duty, and for your untiring support to community activities impressed with the seal of excellence and a resounding manifestation of integrity and high sense of honor.
Golden Heart Public Service Award
February 20, 1999
Awarded by Development of Filipino Youth, Inc. in full recognition of your excellence marked by integrity, industry, principle and collective leadership which established prestige of your personality to the highest level of public service as demonstrated by your record thru your profession; a top leader of strength, courage and dignity of the era.
Dr. Jose P. Rizal Immortal Award ‘98
December 30, 1998
Awarded by Philippine Experimental Educational Research Society, Inc. as “Outstanding Servant of God”; “Gospel Minister of the Year”
Gintong Sikap Award
December 20, 1998
Awarded by Federation of Filipino Consumers, Inc. as “Outstanding Man of the Year”
Golden Exceptional Achievement Award
December 19, 1998
Awarded by Asian Research for Unity of Filipino Citizenry, Inc. (to the 12 outstanding model citizens of new republic) “Outstanding Religious Leader of the Year”
International Golden Award
December 5, 1998
Awarded by International Research and Communication Center, Inc. in full recognition of your meritorious and outstanding services rendered to human upliftment benefiting your fellowmen; devotion to duties coupled with hard work and honesty impressed with the seal of excellence, high sense of honor and resounding manifestation of integrity.
Andres Bonifacio Golden Records Of Excellence
November 30, 1998
Awarded by New Life on Family Development and Youth Council as “Outstanding Evangelist”; “Gospel Minister of the Year”
Centennial Exemplary Leadership Award
October 4, 1998
Awarded by Philippines Outreach Youth Self-Help Project, Inc.
Consumers Award
October 3, 1998
Awarded by Federation of Filipino Consumers as “Outstanding Gospel Minister of the Year”
Bayani ng Lahing Kayumanggi (Hero of the Brown Race)
September 20, 1998
Awarded by Fifth Edition People Magazine as “Outstanding Preacher”; “Civic Leader of the Year”
Media Excellence Awards for Progress ‘98
September 19, 1998
Awarded by Philippine Media Research and Progress Report, Inc. as “Outstanding Preacher”; “Religious Minister of the Year”; Best in Religious Services Towards Philippines 2000  
National Patriotic Leadership Award
August 30, 1998
Awarded by Development of Filipino Writer as “Distinguished Filipino Achiever of the Year”
National Golden Service Award
August 29, 1998
Awarded by Fil-Asia Research Society, Inc. in full recognition of your meritorious and outstanding services rendered for human upliftment benefiting your fellowmen, devotion to duties coupled with hard work and honesty impressed with the seal of excellence, high sense of honor and a resounding manifestation of integrity
Media Achievement Award ‘98
August 15, 1998
Awarded by Free Media Associations of the Philippines as “Outstanding Religious Leader of the Year”
Distinguished Service Award
July 26, 1998
Awarded by Sons and Daughters of Charity as a devoted servant of God. In full recognition of his outstanding and meritorious services rendered to his fellowmen in the field of religion. Exemplary Socio-civic and Religious leader
Special Award
June 21, 1998
Awarded by Development of Filipino Youth, Inc. for his untiring guidance and teaching to his Ministry by which he is being loved and respected: through his words and having had immeasurable love for everyone and a dedicated, servant of God.
Gawad Dr. Jose P. Rizal
June 12, 1998
Awarded by Philippine Experimental Educational Research Society dahil sa kanyang katangi-tanging pagtupad ng kanyang tungkulin bilang tagapangaral at lingkod ng Diyos. isa siyang huwarang panauhin ng ating lipunan.
Kalayaan (Freedom) Award ‘98
June 12, 1998
Awarded by National Biographic and Historical Research dahil sa kanyang makatotohanang pagpapalaganap at pagpapahayag ng mga salita ng Diyos na siyang naging kasangkapan upang maunawaan at lubos na makilala ang Panginoong Diyos, isa siyang tunay na sugo ng ating Panginoon.
Golden Leadership-National Award
May 31, 1998
Awarded by Concerned Media, Inc. in full recognition of your exemplary leadership sealed with honesty industry and dignity which have established your personality among peer and to the highest of ministerial services. A model Filipino in this Centennial Administration.
Golden Excellence Award
March 28, 1998
Awarded by Philippine Brotherhood and Sisterhood Council as “Outstanding Religious Leader of the Year”
1998 Exemplary Service Award
February 28, 1998
Awarded by Sons and Daughters of Charity as “Man of the Year”
Certificate of Appreciation
March 19, 1994
Awarded by Province of Pampanga Municipal Social Welfare and Development, Municipality of Apalit for cooperation, support and material contribution which has helped enable the DSWD to implement and prosecute its various programs and services designed to alleviate and uplift the conditions and livelihood of the municipality’s depressed sectors and individuals.
Plaque of Appreciation
March 19, 1994
Awarded by Genius Family (A program over GMA-7 radio/TV arts) as “Most Outstanding Gospel Minister of the Year”
Certificate of Appreciation
December 25, 1983
Awarded by Genius Family (A program over GMA-7 radio/TV arts) as “Most Outstanding Gospel Minister of the Year”

TO GOD BE THE GLORY

This page has been edited to reflect recent events. The year when AngDatingDaan.org was launched was also amended from 2000 to 1999. Last updated on April 6, 2021.