The News Supplement ofCouples for Christ

C1Vol. 17 No. 9April 29 - May 12, 2013

CBCP Monitor

HOLD Icon 2013: All for LOVE!

By Alma Alvarez

Handmaids from the Philippines and abroad, worshipping and proudly showing off their love pen-dants—the symbol of God’s perfect love.

Sydney, Australia was the host of the CFC Kids for Christ 16th International Kids Village (IKV) last April 19-21, 2013.

The conference was held in Merroo, an hour’s drive from Sydney.

There were more than 550 del-egates from 6 countries around the world (new Zealand, Malay-sia, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, United States, Philippines and Australia) as well as delegates from major cities: Sydney, Bris-bane, darwin, Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne and Canberra.

The theme for the weekend was “Follow Jesus,” in keeping with Couples for Christ theme for 2013, “Obey and Witness,” both anchored on John 2:5, “do whatever He tells you.”

The Kids for Christ were taught the importance of prayer and reading the Bible, their “Power Book,” to listen and understand God’s will, and to be inspired to follow Jesus through understanding the significant events in the life of Jesus.

The first day of IKV was a fun-filled event, starting off with praise and worship, kid’s style, full of joyous songs and dances led by Kids for Christ program head for Sydney Australia and R.O.C.K. facilitator, Justin Oc-san, and with the singing of the Australian national Anthem performed by the Kids for Christ

Kids for Christ—‘Following Jesus’ at the IKVBy Euan Tabuena

Sydney. The delegations were welcomed by nonoy Albano, Head of event in Sydney, after which the conference was formally opened by nic escalona, Interna-tional Coordinator for CFC KFC.

The first day featured awe-some production numbers show-casing the culture and sounds of Australia, performances from the different CFC family ministries, the Praise Parade, the “Power Play,” a short play depicting how a family discovers the “Power Book” and learns powerful lessons from the stories found in the book.

The first day was capped with another exuberant Kids Praise, this time led by Chino Santos,

fulltime pastoral worker from the Philippines. He revealed that the Power book is actually the Holy Bible, important to all because it contains God’s Word.

The second day of the IKV was filled with adventure and excite-ment from the kids, beginning with the four workshops in the morning. In the first workshop, the kids were taught the sig-nificant events in the life of Jesus through a race challenge that highlighted the four Mysteries of the Holy Rosary. The second workshop emphasized the im-portance of reading the Bible, through five Bible stories depict-ing Jesus’ miracle of generosity, obedience, faith, forgiveness

and love. The third workshop created awareness on how the kids can further mirror their faith through their actions. The key elements in this workshop were simple acts of love and random acts of kindness. The last work-shop of the morning introduced the kids to seven exemplary saints who followed Jesus in their own way at a young age.

In the afternoon, the kids en-gaged in the Sports competitions and the Family Creative competi-tions including singing, dancing, acoustic band, preach, artwork and writing competitions.

While the kids were enjoying their activities and workshops, the parents had their own work-

shops, highlighting the role of mothers as the light of the family and the role of fathers as provider, protector and pastor.

The night concluded with a powerful Kids praise, exhorting the kids to obey and follow Je-sus, followed by the Champions night where some of the win-ners of the family competitions performed.

The third day featured another vibrant Kids Praise, the last ses-sion of the Power play about kids becoming good examples to others and a powerful exhor-tation from nic escalona. He encouraged the kids to know Jesus more and to follow Him and to be inspired by Mama

Mary’s love for God. The final mass of the confer-

ence was celebrated by the Most Rev Julian Porteous, Auxiliary Bishop of Sydney. In his homily on that Good Shepherd Sunday, he spoke about the different char-acteristics of the Good Shepherd and the reasons the sheep follow His voice. He pointed out that to follow Jesus, the Good Shepherd, the children need to learn to listen to God’s voice through prayer and the Holy Bible.

The conference ended with the kids along with their parents and the other delegates praising and worshiping God through songs and dances they had learned throughout the weekend.

APRIl 26 to 28 may have been an ordi-nary, hot summer weekend for many, but for almost 6,000 women from CFC Handmaids of the lord, the weekend was something they had been looking forward to, as it was the weekend of the 20th HOld International Conference.

dubbed All for love, the HOld ICon opened Friday with the celebra-tion of the Holy Mass. Bishop Gabriel Reyes, dd of the diocese of Antipolo, together with Msgr. Allen Aganon and Rev. Fr. Joselito Santos, concelebrated the Mass.

After dinner, everyone got ready for emerald night, an evening of celebrat-ing HOld@20, where the ladies wor-shipped God, danced, sang and had fun while reconnecting with sisters and meeting new friends from the various provinces and countries.

The Saturday gathering started with the celebration of the Mass, followed by Session 1, Upon this Rock, given by Marite Tanjangco. In the talk, HOld was reminded about the 12 apostles of Jesus—their being chosen despite their weaknesses, and how they were able to share the Word rapidly, covering vast territories and witnessing to their love for Christ.

In Session 2, Signs of the Times, Grace Buntag walked the participants through Church History and how, de-spite the apostles’ warnings against the sins of the flesh, early Christians failed to obey God and love one another, thus putting the Church in a precari-ous situation. Heresies, persecution, controversies, abuses, corruption and conflicts beset the Church at that time, but it was at this time that God raised up good men and women to stand up for the Church, some of them becom-ing saints.

After the afternoon worship, Jo dano of HOld davao delivered the third talk titled Church Alive, where she dis-cussed Vatican II and how it became the Church’s instrument to bring in reforms and open the Church to the modern world. It was a new SPRInG-TIMe for the Catholic Church—a re-newal that brought the Church closer to the people through the translation of the eucharistic celebration in various languages, the sharing of the clergy and laity in priestly and prophetic functions, promotion of unity among all Christians, inspiration of the youth, the fight against moral degradation, witness of saints, deeper devotion to Mary, the Mother of God, integration of the social teachings of the Church,

evangelization being the mission of the Church, and the new evangelization.

In the last session for the day (We Are the Church), dory Sarmiento expound-ed on the role of CFC HOld as part of the global Couples for Christ family in the work of evangelization, especially in the year of Faith as declared by Pope emeritus Benedict the XVI. She reiter-ated the five crucial points from the recently concluded Synod of Bishops that are relevant to the work of CFC in personal transformation and evangeli-zation. These propositions were:

• Proposition 9 on New Evangeliza-tion and Initial Proclamation

• Proposition 21 on Migrants• Proposition 22 On Personal and

Communal Conversion• Proposition 31 on New Evange-

lization and Preferential Option for the Poor

• Proposition 45 on the Role of the lay Faithful in the new evangelization

In this session, sharers from differ-ent countries where there has been a decline in morality and faith talked about their experiences and struggles in evangelization. They talked about how they have risked their lives and have become creative in spreading the Gospel, especially multi-cultural evangelization.

As a fitting end, the Global Praise followed, where HOld leaders from north America, europe, Oceania, and Africa led the closing worship via songs translated in their native languages as a symbol of unity in the work of evan-gelization despite diversity in culture.

The final Session titled All for Love was given by didi Galsim on Sunday, after the Mass. In the talk, she focused on God’s call for CFC and CFC HOld for this year—Obey and Witness—and how the Handmaids can live this out faithfully this year and the years to come, all for love of Jesus. After all, it was Christ who loved man first, thus enabling each person to love God back, to love himself, and to love others as Je-sus emphasized in Matthew 22: 37 to 39.

To obey and witness all for love does not demand grand gestures. As evangelizers and missionaries, Gal-sim encouraged each Handmaid to d.R.A.W., or to perform daily Random Acts of Witnessing. A witness to Christ, she underscored, is one who stands in His place so that others may see what He is really like. Handmaids were encouraged to witness through their daily tasks and roles as mothers, work-ing women, sisters, daughters, leaders and members. Finally, as a symbol of obeying and witnessing all for love,

heart-shaped pendants were given to the participants.

Session 5 ended with a festive cel-ebration of the lord of love, with praising and dancing while showers of balloons and confetti rained on an ocean of pink-clad Handmaids. To cap the conference, Bernie Cuevas led the praisefest. The Handmaids laughed and cried all throughout the confer-ence. There was much hugging and smiling and saying, “God loves you, I love you, God has healed you!” And once again, God had manifested His love to His beloved Handmaids.

UgnayanC2 Vol. 17 No. 9April 29 - May 12, 2014

CBCP Monitor

In many places in the world, this is the season of springtime. The earth becomes radiant with symphony of colors. The cold and gloom of winter is replaced with flourishing evidence of life making spring a symbol of new life and new growth.

In the Philippines, where the tropical climate limits the experience of seasonal change to summer and rainy season, the notion of springtime is also known in reference to a fresh beginning.

One of the most popular and well known celebrations of Spring happens in Japan where just the casual mention of haru ( spring season) evokes im-ages of flowering Sakura (cherry blossoms) and cool refreshing weather. Anticipation and enjoy-ment of the sight of the Sakura blossoms is not only a traditional heritage and national pastime but is ingrained in the life and culture of the people. Hanami, the Japanese traditional custom of enjoying the beauty of the flowers, especially Sakura, is more than a thousand years old, but it remains very popular even today. even though the blossoms last only for a week or two, usu-ally from March to April, still the excitement and anticipation of their beauty are sufficient for

Springtime in the Churchthe Japanese people to celebrate and continue to hope and look forward to such occurrence year after year.

Spring has a religious sig-nificance for some religions. This is the time for the religious observance of the Passover by the Jews. For the whole Chris-tendom, particularly in Rome, the seat of Catholicism, the tra-ditional Holy Week observance and ceremonies occur in spring.

even the election of Pope Francis, which came about as a result of the unprecedented and unexpected resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, is seen as symbolic of springtime in the Church. The fresh approach and the amiable personality of the new Pope come as a new springtime to the Vatican and to the rest of the Catholic faithful around the world.

The election of Pope Francis I, as the new Shepherd of the Catholic Church, is very much an existential springtime. In many ways, the Church is ex-periencing a fresh beginning. The new Pope is an unexpected break from the usual mold as he is from the new World (the Americas, specifically Argen-tina). He prefers the touch of ordinary life. Pope Francis takes on the governance and spiritual

leadership of 1.2 billion Catho-lics around the globe even as he was not even in the list of the most possible papabiles prior to the Conclave.

Hours before the conclave that elected the new pope, the future Pope, then Cardinal Jaime Mario Bergoglio, stated that he would want to see the Church ‘not to be eschewed with self-absorption’ and focus its energies outward. The future Pope also warned against the dangers of stagna-tion, stating that “when the Church does not emerge from itself to evangelize, it becomes self-referential and therefore becomes sick.” Pope Francis, not knowing that he would be elected, said he expected the top pastor of the Church of Rome to be “a man who, from the contem-plation of Jesus Christ, helps the Church to emerge from itself to arrive at the existential limits.” (from Catholic Conclave blog, based on a document given to Cardinal Jaime Ortega of Ha-vana by then Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio).

The full text of that document allows us to take a look into the heart and mind of Pope Francis I. Some salient points are de-scribed below:

1. evangelizing supposes ap-ostolic zeal. evangelizing im-

plies that the Church should speak candidly, coming out of herself. The Church is called to come out of herself and to go to the peripheries, not only in the geographical sense but also to go to the existential peripheries: those of the mysteries of sin, of pain, of injustice, of ignorance and of religious indifference, of thought, of all misery.

2. When the Church does not come out of itself to evangelize, it becomes self-referential and then gets sick. The evils that, over time, occur in ecclesiastical institutions have roots in refer-entiality, a sort of theological narcissism. In Revelation, Jesus says he is at the door and knocks. Obviously the text refers to hit-ting from outside the door to enter … But think of the times when Jesus knocks from within to let himself out. The self-refer-ential Church seeks Jesus Christ within and does not let him out.

3. When the Church is self-referential, unwittingly believed to have its own light, it is no longer the mysterium lunae and leads to the evil that is so serious: spiritual worldliness (according to de lubac, the worst evil that can befall the Church). Put simply, there are two images of the Church: the evangelizing Church taking

leave of itself which religiously hears the Word of God and faith-fully proclaims it or the worldly Church living in itself, of itself, for itself. This should shed light on the possible changes and re-forms that must be done for the salvation of souls.

Pope Francis has introduced new and personal ways of per-forming the responsibilities of the papacy, such as asking the faithful whom he faced from the Vatican balcony for the first time to pray for him instead of simply praying for them. It was not lost on the faithful who saw and heard him that first day that the new Pope brings so much refreshing simplicity and humil-ity into the seat of Peter. It is as enlivening as the cool fresh wind of spring time to read about the simple lifestyle of Pope Francis, preferring to live in austere community conditions with his fellow cardinals in the Vatican Residence and riding with them in the cardinals’ bus after the conclave that elected him pope.

news reports show an emerg-ing picture of a pope who is ac-cessible and approachable. He sought out and mingled with the faithful after his first papal mass and he has continued this practice, much to the chagrin of his security people. The picture

of well-worn black shoes the new Pontiff wore during his first audiences rather than the customized red shoes of his predecessors, speaks volumes about his simplicity.

These are simple yet signifi-cant images and impressions of the Pope who found his commit-ment for the poor at the heart of his papacy. The choice of the name Francis connects him to St. Francis of Assisi, his role model for holiness, poverty in spirit, simplicity, humility and obedience.

The relationality that Pope Francis brings into his pontifi-cate bodes well for the Catholic Church. We now look forward to a church that will be more open and sensitive to the needs of the faithful, especially the poor. There is a building up of optimism that the task of evangelization and bringing the gospel to the limits of ‘existential outskirts’ will be the welcome fresh wind of springtime in the Church. To the over one billion Catholics around the world, the message of evangelii nuntiandi, the encyclical written by Pope Paul VI, will find depth, mean-ing and relevance regarding the need of the Church for more ‘witnesses’. Pope Francis I will lead the way.

THe Give Kare (Gkare) Health Foundation arranged a series of fellowship and lectures for all health professionals in CFC. This is the first of a series of gatherings to spearhead the implementation of the AnCOP Health Programs.

The activity was led by dr. Jose yamamoto, BCOP Head (Building the Church of the Poor). The GKare and AnCOP programs are part of BCOP. The affair marks the start of a better coordinated working relationship between CFC health profes-sionals already actively managing the health concerns of AnCOP communities, and those who still have to be fully integrated in the work with the poor.

dr. noe Babilonia, the AnCOP Health Program director enlisted the help of the entire GKare Board and staff to organize the occasion held at the Aventura Hall of the Philippine Heart Center last Thursday, April 18, 2013. The event is envisioned to be the start of a regular get-together aimed at coordinating and strengthening the participation of the health professionals in the expanding work of CFC and AnCOP.

CFC Health Professionals Gather for a Cause

lAST April 7, China Bank donated a significant cash donation to CFC ANCOP to aid Mindanao typhoon victims. This was formalized during the Mission Core Group Assembly, held in the Ateneo High School Gym.

The donation will support the CFC AnCOP calamity program for typhoon Pablo victims. Chinabank was represented by First Vice President II Alex escucha and Malabon Branch Manager nenette Baradi. Receiving the donation were CFC AnCOP Chairman Joe yamamoto & wife Mila, President eric de los Reyes and Marketing director Chito dela Cruz.

China Bank supports CFC ANCOP Calamity Program

THe journey to the AnCOP Global Walk has started. last April 16, during the Mission Core Teaching night at Christ the King Parish in Greenmead-ows, the 2013 AnCOP Global Walk was launched.

Child Sponsorship Program scholars from various CFC AnCOP sites in north A greeted the CFC members as they entered the venue, giving out “Thank you” cards as a token of gratitude for the education benefit they are experiencing through the selfless commitment of the members to support this program.

After the teaching, the excitement about the Global Walk was shared by CFC BCOP deputy director & CFC An-COP President eric de los Reyes who challenged the Mission Core Group to walk the talk and participate in this event to send poor children to school.

He also related this effort to the com-munity’s theme of “Obey and Witness” wherein Jesus is telling every Christian to do something for the “least of our brethren” as well as our community asking every CFC to “build the church of the poor.” Chito de la Cruz of CFC

ANCOP Global Walk 2013 launched at the CFC Mission Core

AnCOP Marketing revealed that 80,000 walkers participated in the 2012 walk. This year, the event aims to gather 150,000. He encouraged the Mission Core Group to promote the event to the clergy, parishes, schools and students as well as the corporations.

The 2013 AnCOP Global Walk will be on August 25, 2013 at the Quirino Grandstand. Festivities will start with

a dawn Mass at 4:30 AM. The registration fee is Php 280 for

those who will be registering on or before the 32nd CFC Anniversary cel-ebration on June 22. As a promotional tie-up, registrants have a chance to win a three-day accommodation at Alta Vista de Boracay. For those who will be registering after the Anniversary in June, registration fee will be Php 300.

By Lance Fernandez

CFC AnCOP recently gained a new partner in Federal land, with the sign-ing of a MOA between the two parties. In compliance with the Board of Invest-ment’s provision on socialized housing, Federal land donated a significant amount for the construction of ten initial houses in the CFC AnCOP – Federal land community in Caloocan City.

Handing over the donation on behalf of Federal land is Atty. Michael luciano P. Aranas, Assistant Manager of the company’s legal department. On the other hand, receiving in behalf of CFC AnCOP are President eric de los Reyes and Operations director Rizal Ting.

Federal land is a real estate firm under the Metrobank Group of Com-

CFC ANCOP Forges Partnership with Federal Land

panies. Originally known as Federal Homes, it now manages properties such as the GT Tower International, Bayview International Towers, Bay Garden Club and Residences and the Oriental Garden Makati. In 2007, the company won the developer of the year award from the Chamber of Real estate and Builders Association (CReBA).

CFC Ancop (Answering the Cry of the Poor) is the institutional foundation for the work with the poor of Couples for Christ. CFC Ancop programs include education, Health & Community de-velopment (i.e. Shelter & livelihood) which aims to holistically transform the lives of the poor, both materially and spiritually.

THe annual weekend retreat of CFC Central luzon was held at Baguio Con-vention Center, Baguio City on March 9-10, 2013 with the theme “do whatever He tells you,” an echo of the conference, dubbed “Cana Weekend” held at the same venue in the first week of January for the CFC leaders of Metro Manila. The venue was filled with approximately 1,200 delegates representing the prov-inces of Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, nueva ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac and Zambales. The activity was hosted by the service team of Pampanga province headed by Ten limson.

The first day started with the cel-ebration of the Holy Mass officiated by Msgr. Allen Aganon followed by the morning worship led by lito Saturnino, AGT member of nueva ecija, accompa-nied by the CFC Pampanga Band.

The first talk entitled “The Wedding Feast in Cana ” was delivered by lito Tayag, PAH (davao), who explained both the spiritual and traditional secular views on marriage.

Central Luzon CANA Weekend: ‘Do whatever He tells you’

By Bella Panlilio The second talk “do Whatever He tells you” by Jun Uriarte, member of the International Council (IC), tackled the following lessons from the verses of John 2:3-5: a) Mary teaches us how to pray; b) Jesus prepares the way for the revelation of Mary’s new mission; and c) Mary tells us to obey Jesus un-conditionally.

The third talk “empty Jars, Filled to the Brim” was lifted from the gospel of John 2:6-7. The speaker, Joe Tale, IC member, based his reflections on the events when Jesus acted upon the intercession of His mother.

Right after the talk, an atmosphere of prayerful spirit was experienced by all participants during the blessing and exposition of the Blessed Sacra-ment, followed by the celebration of the lord’s day. The night was capped with the different presentations of the Area Governance Team (AGT) members of each province.

The fourth talk was about the “Radi-cal Transformation: from Water to Wine” delivered by Bong Arjonillo, sector head of MM Central A. Accord-ing to him “this miracle makes us real-ize how our human efforts, combined with His divine actions, can make a radical change in our personal lives, in our families, in the society, and in the world.”

The fifth talk “Witness! God’s Glory Revealed” by Mannix Ocampo chal-lenged everyone to continue to stand as witnesses to Christ’s miracle of transformation and to live in righteous-ness according to Christ’s teachings and examples.

The event culminated with the praise fest led by dixie Banzon, Provincial Area director (PAd) of Bataan followed by the celebration of the Holy eucharist and the most awaited renewal of mar-riage vows of all couples.

ANCOP Scholars greet the Mission Core Members during the launch

Joe Yamamoto

Ugnayan C3Vol. 17 No. 9April 29 - May 12, 2014

CBCP Monitor

IT all started with a prompting. It came unexpected, brief and direct to the point: Bring TOB (Theology of the Body) to China.

TOB is Theology of the Body, a series of teachings by Blessed John Paul II on what it means to be human, on why God created us male and female, His design for sex and marriage, and what all these have to do with our destiny. It was difficult to imagine how we could bring this very dense body of teaching to China given the language barrier, and the strict control of the government on religion and on families. But when God commands, we follow, for we know He will always have great things in store.

In March 2012, I was asked to give a talk on the Theology of the Body to the Chinese trainees who were in the Philippines for a month to undergo the Chi-nese leadership Acceleration Program (ClAP). This was a program that would immerse and train our Chinese CFC and Family Ministry leaders on CFC’s culture and programs so that they could implement these in China. It was there that I met Jenny, an SFC trainee, who translated for me during my talk. After the session, Jenny shared with me how she had come across the

Theology of the Body goes to China

By Joy B. Katigbak TOB in China through a foreign nun who was serving in a center for women in pregnancy crisis. Jenny had gone there to bring a friend who was contemplating abortion and the nun had given her a paperbound photocopy of a material entitled “Theology of the Body” by Christopher West written in Chinese! She had read it and her interest was aroused and so when she heard there would be a talk on TOB during their training, she volunteered to translate. It was then that I real-ized that TOB was already slowly inching its way to China.

The date for the mission trip was finally set last April 18-23, 2013. Fr. Joel Jason, our main TOB teacher in CFC, would be traveling to Beijing to conduct the teaching. Fr. Joel has been patiently conducting The-ology of the Body courses for us in CFC since 2011 and has been our spiritual guide in asking the lord for this work to grow. My husband Aldy and I were to accompany him to share about how TOB has affected us as individuals and as a couple, and to see how we could proceed in the future.

The first official activity of the mission trip was a

whole-day TOB seminar for CFC, SFC, and HOld leaders consist-ing of five talks covering the eight cycles of the TOB. This was held in north Cathedral. Before the first session began, we met Fr. Joel’s translator, Martha, who was a friend of an SFC member who was majoring in english at the university. Martha, we learned that day, had just finished translating to Chinese two eng-lish reference materials on love, sexuality, and marriage which were intended for the youth. As we browsed through their english versions, we realized that these included the Theology of the Body! Thus, Martha, in translating these materials, was unknowingly already preparing herself for the translation work she would do for CFC during this mission trip.

We also met Jenny again at this TOB seminar and we later learned from her that the TOB material in Chinese which she had shown me in the Philippines was now a published book avail-able in Hong Kong! This meant the participants could order a copy to use as their reference material for further study after the seminar.

Thus it was clear: God had been preparing everything for His message to reach His people.

He had chosen and prepared the best translator for us (after all, this was a crucial ingredient), made sure there would be available material for further study, and most of all, he had prepared the hearts of His people. It was evi-dent from the way everyone ea-gerly listened, took notes, asked questions, and later shared their reactions, that the seeds were be-ing planted.

The same held true for the succeeding sessions: a two-hour talk to CFC, SFC, and HOld members at the South Cathedral, an intimate one-hour session with english Mass servants (a small multi-racial group consisting of one American, one Chinese, one Colombian, and a few Filipinos), and lastly, a session with 40 seminarians from Beijing Semi-nary. Wherever it is brought, the Theology of the Body never fails to stir and capture people’s hearts regardless of their race, language, and background.

Bring TOB to China? yes, by God’s grace TOB is officially in China. We pray that the lord water and nurture the seeds that have been planted in His own perfect way, in His own unmis-takably perfect time.

(Aldy and Joy Katigbak are the Cou-ple Coordinator for CFC Gift of Life.)

HOnOlUlU, HI - In a demonstration of partnership and cooperation with various Filipino groups in the Aloha State, ABS-CBn (dZMM Teleradyo) and AnCOP USA successfully conducted the 2013 Global Pinoy Singing Idol (GPSI) contest last April 6 at Ala Moana Hotel in this city.

Ahwel Paz of dZMM Teleradyo announced at the conclu-sion of the singing competition that of the 13 contestants, two came out as winners. They are Katrina lopez (Hawaii) and Jona Peralta (California). Katrina’s winning piece was “Cabaret,” while Jona’s was “What Kind of Fool Am I.” The two received $1,000.00 each as 1st place prize and free round trip tickets to the Philippines, plus a free weeklong stay in Manila where both will represent the USA in the 2013 GPSI Grand Finals next January.

The Board of Judges was composed of: Mrs. Mahra Capuyan, ABS CBn dZMM Station Manager; Joel Mangahis of Cebuana lhuillier and Mrs Bella Tomas, formerly Mrs Hawaii and 3rd runner up in an earlier Mrs America beauty pageant held in Fort Worth, Texas.

Three leaders of CFC AnCOP USA graced the event --eric Villanueva, CFC USA national Council director & AnCOP USA President; Roger Santos, CFC and AnCOP USA director and AnCOP USA executive director, and Jack Macalalad, CFC and AnCOP USA director.

In addition to Paz, ABS-CBn was represented by Mrs. Mahra Capuyan, dZMM Station Manager and actors Gaby Concep-cion and Melissa Ricks. like last year, the 2013 GPSI in the United States is sponsored by ABS-CBn (dZMM Teleradyo) in partnership with AnCOP USA. Proceeds from this event will be used to sustain the projects of AnCOP USA for the poor people in the Philippines. The World Caravan Global Pinoy Singing Idol (GPSI) is a global search for talented over-seas Pinoys (short for Filipinos). Spearheaded by Philippine media giant ABS-CBn and dZMM, the World Caravan aims to promote the Philippines and dZMM’s unparalleled reach worldwide. The talent search was started in 2009 and has been widely participated in by Pinoys in the USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, the Middle east, Singapore and Hongkong. CFC AnCOP USA and ABS-CBn’s dZMM acknowledged with thanks and appreciation the cooperation of the following (in Honolulu) whose selfless partnership contributed immensely to the success of GPSI 2013 in Hawaii: Program and emcee lead Anne Romaguera of nix Performance Arts Center; ed nix owner of nix Performance Arts; emmie Anderson, President and Owner KPHI 96.7 FM, Art de Guzman of 3 Star Gourmet Restaurant; leth evangelista of Muzic drive entertainment; danny Villaruz, President of the Ilocos Surian Asociation of Hawaii; Councilman Joey Manahan, lead representative of the local government officials; Philippine Consulate in Honolulu; and Olelo Community Media.

The following were the finalists who participated during the contest: Randy leano; Mgayan navarrette; Jona Peralta - What Kind of Fool Am I; Rickie Ulin Aranas - You’ll be in My Heart; Steven Giongson – Lady; Israel Savellano – My Way; Vanessa – Hopelessly Devoted to You; Katrina lopez - Cabaret; Victoria – Inseparable; Almirah Tumameng - Don’t Cry Out Loud; Almalyn Abante – Isang Lahi; Michael Arucan – Go the Distance; and Jesibel leano - One Moment in Time.

Two important activities were announced during the sing-ing event, namely: AnCOP Global Walk in Hawaii to be held on August 31, 2013 and launching of the dZMM TlC Book reading by Ahwel Paz, Gabby Concepcion and Melissa Ricks.

The 2014 USA GPSI will be held in Orlando, Florida.

dZMM GPSI in Hawaii concludes with two

Singing Idols

By ANCOP USA Communications

AT least 174 members of CFC-UAE Mission Core Group attended the retreat on “deepening our Prayer life” held at Carlton Hotel, Sharjah, UAe last March 15.

The whole day event was led by CFC Church Integration Office Head Rouquel Ponte and his wife, nina. They came to equip the MCG members to have a deeper connection with God through prayers and in the process know themselves better. The Pontes drew their theme from St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross who had the same message: “One who takes prayer seriously becomes a better, more mature person, who is more empowered to face reality of life’s tempest by doing God’s will.”

Ramuel Garcia, national director of CFC-UAe said the Spiritual deepening Retreat helped to strengthen the faith of the leaders. “We really cannot give what we do not have. So we continue to pray deeply, reading and knowing the scriptures more deeply, learning how to pray to God in a way that it will be heard by Him always,” Ramuel explained.

He added that the retreat is an important CFC activity which can guide and empower the leaders to do greater things.

youth for Christ-dubai Area Coordinator, Roger “Bogs” Garcia, described his retreat experience as ‘feeling closer to God.’ He further shared that it was very nurturing spiritually and that it prepared the participants to be still in the midst of so many problems, knowing God is with them.

elvie Maliorca, wife of one of Sharjah’s CFC chapter heads, on the other hand, looks forward to share with her members what she

CFC UAE Conducts Retreat on Deepening Prayer Life

By Elle Los Baños

has learned. At the end of the deeper prayer workshop, participants commit-

ted to be true and devoted Apostles of Prayer by every day praying, reading and praying the Scriptures, reflecting/meditating on the Scriptures frequently, doing contemplative prayer for at least 15 minutes regularly and maintaining a journal on Scriptural readings.

CFC Chairman Ricky Cuenca (seated, 4th from left), together with top CFC leaders from the Philippines, recently went on mission to Seychelles.

They met with the CFC Clergy at domus (priest house), Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Victoria Mahe last April 15. The Mis-sion Team also paid a courtesy call to His eminence Bishop denis Wiehe C.S.Sp. (seated, 5th from left), last April 11.

CFC Goes on Mission to Seychelles

VARIOUS Catholic groups, religious and secular media practitioners gathered last April 23, 2013 for the 1st national So-cial Communication and Media Summit at the University of Asia and the Pacific.

The event was initiated by the CBCP-episcopal Commis-sion on Social Communications and Mass Media in cooperation with the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P). This is in line with the celebration of the Year of Faith and the 47th World

CFC participates in the 1st CBCP National Social Communication and Media Summit

By Samantha Catabas Manuel

Communications Sunday. With the theme, Living Our Faith in the Realm of Media and Politics, the event sought to help the participants understand deeper the challenges that confront Catholic Communicators and come up with effective resolu-tions in strengthening the faith in the midst of the realities faced.

lay missionaries of CFC and its Family Ministries partici-pated in this event in order to discover more ways to support the new evangelization work of

the church in their dif-ferent areas of service.

The activity started with an inspiring open-ing remark by Fr Fran-cis lucas, of the CBCP Commission on Social Communications and Mass Media, which was then followed by a video message from His eminence luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle.

The first session was delivered by edwin lopez, the International Marketing Manager for Asia-Pacific, Australia and new-Zealand of eWTn. His talk on the

Realities in Today’s Communica-tion reminded everyone how crucial faith is in the realm of Catholic media, wherein the key message should be the lan-guage of the cross. In the second session, Living One’s Faith in Today’s Media, GMA 7’s Mike enriquez, gave a talk on the challenges of remaining true to the Catholic faith and principles in media. He further inspired everyone with the message that “living one’s faith is a deliberate undertaking. It may be difficult but one should always strive for honesty, credibility and being

true to one’s core values.”In the next session, dr. Riza

Bondal of the University of Asia and the Pacific explained clearly the essence of the Catholic Vote—a church advocacy for Catholics to vote as Catholics—taking into account their knowledge of doctrines and morals.

Finally, in the last session, Atty. Rene Sarmiento talked about Politics and Moral Law, wherein he discussed what the Bible said about these two interrelated and indivisible prin-ciples, quoting scripture from Deuteronomy 17:14-20, 1 Samuel 12:1-4, Daniel 1:21, 10:1, 2:14-23, Nehemaiah 5:14-18, Micah 6:8, and Acts 20:32-37.

Attendees were then divided into three workshop groups. The breakout sessions were fa-cilitated by Mariz Umali-Tima of GMA, Jasmine Romero of ABS-CBn and Justine Marasi-gan. The workshop allowed the participants to share their personal challenges and ideas on how each one can support one another in the shared goals and effort of promoting our Catholic faith in media.

After the reporting per group, dr. Jose Maria Mariano, Presi-dent of UA&P, delivered the closing remarks.

The News Supplement of Couples for Christ

The Ugnayan News Supplement is published by the Couples for Christ Global Mission Foundation, Inc.,

with editorial offices at 156 20th Avenue, 1109 Cubao, Quezon City. Editorial trunk line: (+63 2) 709-4868 local 23 l Direct line : (+63 2) 709-4856www.couplesforchristglobal.org l cfcmultimedia@couplesforchristglobal.org

Zenaida GimenezEditor-in-Chief

Alma AlvarezLayout Artist

Marivie DalmanManaging Editor

Vangie MecedillaCirculation Staff

Melo Villaroman, Jr.IC Oversight

Samantha ManuelAssociate Editor

CFC leaders Jack Macalalad, Eric Villanueva, with winners Jona Peralta and Katrina Lopez, and ANCOP USA President Roger Santos

Fr. Joel Jason (left) giving tha Thelogy of the Body course.

UgnayanC4 Vol. 17 No. 9April 29 - May 12, 2013

CBCP Monitor

“MARY then said to the servants, ‘Do whatever Jesus tells you to do.’” John 2:5

The success of this year’s In-ternational leaders Conference of the CFC youth for Christ is an unquestionable affirmation that Jesus is with the youth. Over 9000 participants from all over the world gathered at the Marikina Sports Complex with over 13000 online delegates joining in all the activities of the much-awaited conference.

For its 20th IlC, the yFC returned to the heart of the mis-sion, Metro Manila. Breaking the tradition of the usual three-day conference, this year’s IlC struck new ground with a week-long Jesus expo that lasted from April 1-7, 2013. These events had the objective of encouraging the young people to obey and wit-ness the calling of the lord.

A benefit concert called “RAK the World!” which featured local artists and bands was the kick-starter of the seven-day conference. This was held at the eastwood Central Plaza.

The second day highlighted one of yFC’s newest advocacies, the A+. Participants were invited to go to the Manila Boys Town where they got the chance to get to know and teach children who are less fortunate.

The young leader’s Forum for

JESUS EXPO—The 20th YFC International Leaders Conference

Good Governance was also held on that same day.

The third day featured the G-project, conducted in coordina-tion with ABS-CBn Inc. In this activity, yFCs were brought to estero de Pandacan, a tributary of the Pasig River, where they faced the arduous yet rewarding task of cleaning the river.

The fourth and last day of the pre-IlC activities consisted of the four program conferences: High school-based; Campus-based; ROCK, TORCH and Community-based integrated into one and the yCOM con-ference. The Ultimate Reunion was held on the night of the fourth day. This reunion party welcomed yFC alumni and introduced them to the newer generations of yFC.

The fifth day of the ILC, which marked the start of the confer-ence proper, was greeted by waves of participants coming in from all across the globe. different creative and sports competitions were held on this day along with the Church Inte-gration Congress. However, the most awaited part of that day was the liveloud concert held in the evening. The liveloud con-cert introduced four new songs written by yFC’s own mission volunteers and full time pastoral workers. It also stood as the first session of the IlC.

The second to the last day of

the IlC was the most pastorally-nourishing day of the IlC con-ference. It consisted of whole day workshops for the youth and one for the couple coordinators as well. In the evening, session 2 began with a performance from

el Gamma Penumbra and was followed by a very charismatic Fr. dave Concepcion who gave his talk entitled “More than enough.” Fr. dave indicated that personal emptiness can only be filled with humility, obedience and service. Session 3 entitled “Turning Water into Wine” incorporated a skit about a boy named Tommy who must face different dilemmas in his life. Gelo Saludo, a full-time pasto-ral worker assigned in Canada, was the speaker for this session. He emphasized that people are made for something greater than themselves and it involves liv-ing for others. Session 3 ended with the participants asked to make their own personal vow to the lord.

dillon naicker from South Africa, currently training to be-come a full-time pastoral worker, shared his own personal vow and how he decided to give up the life of being a local celebrity

for missionary work . He then led one of the most passionate Praisefest ever in the history of the yFC. The entire Marikina Sports Park was illuminated as each participant held on to their own candle to signify the light of Christ within themselves.

The last day of the IlC began with a Holy Mass. Julius Co-mia, full-time pastoral worker assigned in eastern Visayas, delivered the last session en-titled “livin’ It Up.” This talk highlighted how yFCs are called to witness Christ to others and how this creates a ripple effect so that more people can be touched by Jesus. The reflection activ-ity for this session required the participants to write their own Jesus exposition story on a piece of paper which they then folded into a paper airplane. About 9000 paper airplanes exploded into the sky as the yFCs released their Jesus expo stories. Kevin Muico, another full-time pasto-

ral worker in training, took to the stage for the final Praisefest before the end of the IlC.

The delegates were definitely empowered to continue the yFC mission to bring Christ wher-ever they are. The International leader’s Conference was not only a celebration of the yFC’s longevity in enduring 20 strong years but it was also a hallmark of the victories that are yet to be won.

“MAGAnDAnG Gen San po!”These words reverberated within this city beyond

the sea last March 22-24 as almost 400 men and women joined the 12th CFC SOld Men’s International Conference held at london Beach Resort in General Santos City. The “Home of the Champions” became home and host to true men and women championing the cause and mission of God for three scorching days inspired by the theme for this year, “Go F.I.S.H. – Faithful In Serving Him.”

Undaunted by the heat wave as well as the recurring Mindanao blackouts, the annual conference opened Friday night with a blazing worship led by Ricky Rico, member of the SOld nCG, immediately after an afternoon mass and a sumptuous luau/dinner/tuna festival courtesy of the hosts. A spectacular program showcasing the native cultural dances of the region ensued followed by the welcome of the petite but energetic mayor of the “City by the Bay,” Ms. Darlene Antonino. The first session then followed, with Manny Garcia, IC member and SOld nCG member, reminding the pack about the “lessons From the Master.”

The breaking of dawn by the sea was the fitting back-drop for the Iron Man doubles Competition (swimming, running and kayaking) ushering in the much awaited Saturday morning events. Another mass was celebrated after this dawn activity, then the next session, aptly called “Survivor Gensan” followed which saw team competi-tions that enabled brothers and sisters to unite their wits and will in hurdling the various challenges, yet finishing the races with determination and grit as true men and women of God!

After another lavish lunch, the next session started, “Ready to do your Will” where the participants were divided into two separate workshops: one for a forum

Go Fish: The SOLD and CFC Men’s Conference

on leadership training conducted by Mannix Ocampo, IC member, and one for forum on emotional response. The regular Haka com-petition, an allstar football and an allstar beach volleyball, capped the afternoon events laying the ground for the celebration of the lord’s day.

After another seafood festival filled the physical longings of all, the spiritual nourishment continued with Willy Padida, SOld nCG member recapping how “Surviving the Challenge” strengthened more the attendees’ resolve in being faithful to God’s calling. The night ended with Joemar Salumbides, SOld Inter-national Coordinator, exhorting everyone to “do Whatever He Tells you To do” in the conclud-ing session.

The final day of the confab commenced with a power-ful worship led by Mike Bucuhan, after which Joemar officially gave the sending-off blessings and empower-ment to all the brothers (and sisters as well) to make themselves true fishers of men. Awards and tokens of appreciation were given to various delegations and winners of competitions preceding the praisefest led by the CFC GenSan governance team which capped the 3-day annual event.

PRIOR to the CFC HOld ICon, the 205 delegates from Africa, Asia, The Americas, the Middle east, and Oceania gathered for the 2013 HOld Foreign Missions Summit held in the morning of April 26, 2013 at the First Pacific Leader-ship Academy in Antipolo City.

After the opening worship led by yvonne lim of Singapore, Couples for Christ Chairman Ricky Cuenca wel-comed the foreign delegates, reminding all the participants how special CFC HOld is, being the heart of the CFC Family Ministries, and how the minis-try has become an inspiration because of its vibrancy and rapid growth in the different parts of the world. Cuenca likewise encouraged HOld to live out this year’s ICon theme, All for love, by sharing God’s love to those who have not experienced the love of Christ.

A brief honoring of Sis Julia of HOld Singapore, who had recently suc-cumbed to cancer, was given, a fitting tribute to a sister who continued to serve the lord through HOld despite her failing health.

The sharing of best practices and experiences on the conduct of various HOld pastoral and BCOP programs such as the Handmaids enrichment Re-treat 4 on Contemplative Prayer, HOLD Adopt-A-Scholar Program, AnCOP fund-raising strategies, Moral Values Re-orientation and the Migrants Retreat, as well as the formation of the HOld Core in each country and evangeliza-tion updates on each region became the highlight of the summit.

Mannix Ocampo, CFC director for Family Ministries, likewise spoke to

CFC HOLD Global Leaders Meet for the Foreign Missions Summit

By Alma Alvarez the HOld global leaders, acknowledg-ing HOld as an effective instrument in responding to migration, answering the cry of the poor, new evangelization, and pastoral formation.

Ocampo inspired the HOld foreign leaders to commit themselves in doing random acts of kindness, which could become triggers to evangelization, and to contemplate on Psalm 23 as their guide to planning in their respective areas by looking at themselves as co-shepherd of the Good Shepherd. He likewise urged the sisters to reflect on luke 2, pondering on the family life of Jesus, their personal holiness, their own family life and their service in HOld.

“As we bring God closer to the peo-ple and vice versa, via what we do, in our connectivity, let us not forget to strengthen our foundation,” Ocampo added.

Hyacinta Wong of HOld Sarawak closed the morning’s summit with a prayer before the participants prepared for the HOld ICon that afternoon.

YFC week-long event highlights, clockwise from far left: visiting the

Manila Boys Town; the Marikina Sports Complex teeming with young people

despite the summer heat; a YFC high-school-based program leader pepping up the crowd; Goi Villegas leading the powerful worship;Msgr. Allen Aganon

blessing YFC leaders and coordinators during the Mass.

Yvonne Lim of HOLD Singapore

By Bobbee Mella

By YFC Docu Team