Rock AYdol... a year after

On March 5, 2010, Liwasang Bonifacio – Manila, a known hub of militant activists, witnessed a peaceful assembly of young people who were out to showcase their talents in singing, dancing, and playing band instruments.

Rock AYdol, the AAGAPAY Youth Battle of the Bands, rocked LB with good music as spectators were joyfully entertained with the wonderful and lively performances of the competing as well as the guest bands.

Adding further spice to the event was the lively and super-kulit hosting of Deejay Papa Jepoy of Radio Station LS FM 97.1 Ayus Gyud! and Ate Bogs, AY National Council member.

Indeed, passion and commitment can work wonders. Despite very limited experience in conducting such event, AY young people successfully launched the “battle” with a bang. Participation by the different AY chapters in the NCR is overwhelming especially AYs in Taguig, Quezon City, Manila, and Valenzuela.

Save Our Planet

The planet is giving signs that it is receiving numerous problems. Among these signs are the global warming, greenhouse effect, acid rain, pollution, water crisis and glacial melting. There is also an increased occurrence of natural calamities such as landslide, soil erosion and El Niño. These natural occurrences may be the response of our revolting nature.

In connection of this crisis, companies are now trying to be responsible by making their product an eco friendly one. Their gadgets are now more hi tech by being environmentally safe. These companies are making its move to help save our planet Earth. As a citizen, have we done something? Or at least tried to do something to help our planet? We know we cannot do everything but it does not mean we won’t do anything.

By doing little things we can help lessen the environmental problems. This is by learning to dispose our wastes. Do not burn it. For all we know, burning can damage our ozone layer. Segregate your waste. By doing this, you are hitting two birds with one stone. You can earn for the recyclable materials and at the same time you are helping our environment. Little things can be a big help if all of us cooperate. By having proper waste disposal, it can lessen the pollution and greenhouse effect. We must bear in mind that what we are doing to the environment today is just bouncing back to us.

God made man to have someone to look after His creation. So, as a being living in this world, we must nurture our environment. We must preserve it for the future generations. After all, we are doing this for the benefit of the human race. The fact that we cannot live without His creation can be a motivation for us people to take good care of it. If we want to continue to live in this planet, we must start to nurture and preserve it.

We must use our resources wisely. Time will come that resources will be no longer available. Our future generations will carry this burden. We must promote the safety and preservation of our planet. Remember, this is not ours to start with. We are just given a privilege to live here. So in return to His goodness, we must value everything He made. Kasandra Ejara, Davao Oriental

YES! Run

On October 24, 2010, AAGAPAY YOUTH will host a charity run at the Quezon City Memorial Circle. The event intends to bring together like-minded people (especially the youth) who share in the common vision of turning over a better earth to the future generation. It will be a show of solidarity, primarily among young people, to resonate the call for more awareness and actions with regards to mitigating environmental degradation through responsible acts.

While a lot of groups and organizations are responding to the woes of mother earth, not too many are those that are initiated by the youth themselves. The youth, which has more at stake in what the future brings, must collectively endeavour so that their generation and the coming ones will be free to enjoy the fruits of the earth.

YES! Run

The youth and the future generation are the primary heirs of this earth. It is just fitting that today, everybody especially the youth, must be actively involved in ensuring that the earth of the future is still one that is filled with abundance and joy.

However, our only earth is facing a serious threat from too much exploitation and degradation. Thus rests the greatest challenge that the youth face. That if nothing will be done, an uncertain future looms. Recent disasters that hit the country slapped us with the hard reality that if people do not change the way they act, care and live on this earth, everything might be lost in a snap.

While anybody can make their small acts for mother earth, it will not be enough considering the myriad which don’t care. Awareness and advocacy must be hyped. But there has to be solidarity in purpose and goals. Only when people march to the same beat shall our efforts make a difference on a much greater scale. Hence, the call for solidarity. The youth must be in sync in their vision and goals to make a difference to preserve this earth, as we all share in the blessings of being God’s trustees of creation.

Partners

One of AY’s intent is to rally university students and other youth organizations to the cause of the environment. Thus, part of the proceeds of the activity will be awarded to participating Student Councils or Youth Organizations for use in their future environmental projects.

For more info on AAGAPAY Youth, visit: www.aagapayyouth.webs.com or email alalayatgabay@gmail.com

1st AAGAPAY Youth Regional Convention in Zamboanga del Sur

The 1st AAGAPAY Youth Regional Convention themed “NAGKAKAISANG KABATAAN TUNGO SA KINABUKASAN” was held at the Pentecostal Church, Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur on the 1st of April 2010 under the jurisdiction of Reverend Pastor Francisco Pastolero, ZDS AAGAPAY Provincial Council Vice Chairman. The said convention was spearheaded by the AAGAPAY Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Council headed by Ka Jojo, Zamboanga del Norte Council headed by Ka Jeffrey with the participation of the AAGAPAY Regional Council represented by Ka Jungie. This event was attended by two hundred (200) youth members from Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga del Norte and Misamis Occidental.

Like any other activities of AAGAPAY, the convention started with a prayer led by Rev. Pastor Pastolero. Shortly after, a presentation regarding the Filipino Values and Culture as well as the Role of the Filipino youth today was discussed by Ka Nicole. The said discussions echoed the essence of the youth’s personal and social responsibility of being “MAKADIYOS, MAKATAO, MAKAKALIKASAN and MAKABANSA”. The event was also graced by the Zamboanga del Norte AAGAPAY Band who performed the AAGAPAY jingle and songs.

TAKBO PARA SA KINABUKASAN NG KABATAAN

AAGAPAY Youth in cooperation with its mother organization AAGAPAY is inviting you this May 1, 2010 (5:00AM) to join and support the TAKBO PARA SA KINABUKASAN NG KABATAAN at the Quezon City Memorial Circle, North Avenue, Quezon City. The registration fee is P200 only with a complimentary hand-painted shirt which you could use for the said activity. The said shirt is a labor of love from the AAGAPAY Youth members of AY LIBIS, AY PAYATAS, AY ESCOPA and AY CULIAT. Proceeds for the event will be used for the upcoming projects of AY for the youth.
There are three (3) categories: 3 KM, 5KM and 10KM run. Below is the picture of the route proper which will be implemented during the run. Various programs will be held simultaneously during the fun run.

ang kabataan daw ang pag-asa ng bayan

Sadly, very few believe in this cliché today, not even the youth themselves.

Very recently, an alarming increase in cases of sexually transmitted infections and HIV-AIDS among the educated youth and yuppies are reported. What has previously been confined to sex workers and gays have inflicted even those who are supposed to have better discernment of what is right and wrong. Is this an indication of the kind of values the present generation of Filipino youth has?

While modern technology is largely blamed for the disintegration of the youth’s values, this is just the tip of the iceberg. The Filipino family is in a crisis – supposed to be the place where values are taught, learned and responsibly shared and lived.

Moreso, society in general seems degenerating: unsolved crimes, proliferation of illegal drugs, impunity and corruption, illiteracy, poverty, vicious cycle of dirty politics, and persistence of godless ideologies pushing young and idealistic Filipinos into the armed violence.

In light of such gloomy scenario, is there a glimmer of hope for motherland’s hope? There is.

Pope Benedict lovingly sends this message to the youth: “Do not be afraid. It is the role of youth to change the world. You can be the builders of a new society.”

To borrow the words of Fr. Willy Samson: There is power in the youth. Youth are not misguided souls just waiting for an opportunity to create problem or mess everything. What they need is a direction from someone who can lead them, who can trust them, who can listen and understand them, who can love them, and believes in their capacity to lead. But all these things should begin in the spirit of love… in the spirit of gathering. If there is a gathering… there is love.

This is why AAGAPAY Youth is taking the challenge.

AAGAPAY Youth commits to become a protagonist in this challenge as it re-instills to the youth cultural and traditional Filipino values, restore nationalism, and resuscitates genuine love for God, fellowmen, nature, and country. It adheres to nonviolence as a form to settle conflicts and disagreements. It will work for peace and the common good and considers solidarity as an exalted value in a civilized society.

The youth has more at stake in what the future brings. Thus AY exhorts the Filipino youth to obey and act upon their call. Through God, they will find the strength to pursue the path that will bring about a better country… a better world.

The future starts today, not tomorrow.

AAGAPAY YOUTH….NOW NA!

Recollection 2010

May this lenten recollection gives a boost to the spiritual growth of all the AAGAPAY Youth so that we can become better youth for others to emulate :)