His Story in History: A Look Back at MGCNLCA’s 35 Years

Thirty-five years ago, what is now known as MGC New Life Christian Academy (MGCNLCA) began as a preschool ministry at Makati Gospel Church and a small school in a rented house in Paco, Manila. Today, it has grown into a vibrant Christian learning community, remaining true to its God-given mission and vision.

As the school celebrates another anniversary, seven faculty members share their reflections as they look back at the different milestones that have shaped the school—each story bearing witness to His story of faithfulness.

MGCNLCA traces its roots to two schools, Makati Gospel Learning Center and New Life Foundational Learning Center (NLFLC), established in 1990 and 1991, respectively. In 1997, the two schools merged to form MGC New Life Foundational Learning Center. Two years later, the school welcomed a high school department and was renamed to MGCNLCA.

“At that time, I sensed that God was preparing something greater... He was bringing together people, resources, and ministries for a larger purpose,” shared NLFLC Co-Founder and now Grade 8 Chinese teacher Anita Angeles (洪婷婷老师), highlighting how it was God's perfect timing for the two centers to combine. “The merger was not merely an organizational decision; it was part of His greater plan,” stated Angeles. 

As MGCNLCA’s student population grew, the school broke ground in 2002 for a new building in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig, to accommodate its expanding community. In 2004, MGCNLCA celebrated its first batch of nine high school graduates and officially transferred to its 5,000-square-meter campus in Taguig. 

“Being part of the first batch of high school graduates was both exciting and memorable. As pioneers, we felt a responsibility to set a good example for the students who would come after us,” mentioned Batch 1 alumnus and now Grade 7 Math teacher Alan Co, recalling the close bond their small class developed. “Being part of MGCNLCA's 'First Fruits' was more than just finishing high school—it meant helping lay the foundation for future generations and witnessing God's goodness every step of the way,” Co added.

MGCNLCA then pursued accreditation with the Commission on International and Trans-Regional Accreditation and the Association of Christian Schools International. The school was awarded the highest level of accreditation in 2008, affirming its commitment to excellence in Christian education. 

“Through a shared vision… the school sensed His leading to pursue accreditation as a way of faithfully stewarding the ministry entrusted to it,” shared current Accreditation Coordinator Raquiel Pinlac. “[It] has proven to be more than an institutional process [but] a faith journey that has strengthened the school… and reaffirmed MGCNLCA’s commitment to honoring God through excellence in Christian education.

In 2013, the Phase 2 expansion of the BGC campus was launched to add new classrooms, more  parking spaces, a lecture hall, and a gymnasium. MGCNLCA also surpassed 1,000 students as it opened the new facilities three years later.

Meanwhile, with its first batch of 50 students, MGCNLCA established its Senior High School program in 2015, celebrating the graduation of its first Grade 12 batch under the K-12 curriculum two years later in 2017.

Batch 13 alumna and now Pre-Nursery teacher Daphne Tioco had  firsthand experience of navigating a system that was still finding its footing. She shared that rather than expecting perfection, she learned to extend grace, recognizing that lasting hope is not found in flawless people or systems, but in God who calls to love and serve others with compassion.

Achieving another milestone in 2024, MGCNLCA was officially authorized to offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP), earning its designation as an IB World School. 

This decision was made as “the PYP’s emphasis on learner agency aligns with the school’s vision of developing socially responsible young adults who take ownership of their learning,” shared IB PYP Coordinator Emie Joane Guintu. “This also supports the school’s Christian education foundation as a leading institution committed to developing learners of strong character and academic excellence.”

Now celebrating its 35th year, MGCNLCA has grown into a vibrant community of almost 1,400 students and 22 batches of 838 alumni, supported by over 300 teachers and staff. Earlier this year, the school also took its next step in growth with a groundbreaking ceremony held last February 10 for a new campus in Alabang Global City, Muntinlupa.

“As MGCNLCA takes steps toward building a new campus in Alabang, I believe God is calling us to expand our impact and extend the ministry He has entrusted to us,” shared School Principal Evangeline Co. “More than adding classrooms or facilities, this expansion is about opening doors for more students and families to experience Christ-centered, high-quality education that nurtures both excellence and character.”

As God has faithfully led the school through every season, Founder and School Director Helen Villanueva reflected how MGCNLCA has not only grown in population, programs, and facilities, but has also remained anchored to its calling: to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ and equip students through a Christ-centered education to be Christian leaders who make a difference in the 21st century.

“To me, God’s faithfulness is most evident in the lives that have been touched and transformed... The story of MGCNLCA is not simply a story of institutional growth. It is a testimony of God’s grace,” remarked Villanueva.

Happy 35th anniversary, MGCNLCA!