Calling All UMYFP Professionals and Alumni

Be 1 of the 100 Faces of UMYFP Professionals

Be 1 of the 100 Faces of UMYFP Alumni

Download UMYFP 2008-2010 Brochure HERE

TLW Philippines invites us to Unashamed Conference

WHAT: True Love Waits Philippines National Purity Conference

WHERE: Mega Tent, Ortigas Center, Pasig City

WHEN: February 21, 2009

COST: P200 until January 31; P300 February 21

CONTACT: 633 9769 or 0917 862 7335; log-in to wagmuna.com

REGISTER NOW and get real answers about Love & Lust, Purity, Pornography, Homosexuality & AIDS/HIV

Y! Explode Series: Youth and the Bible

Come join the fun! Visit www.bible.org.ph for more information.

Watch the video teaser at here.

Awit Kay Yahweh CD: BUY YOUR OWN COPY NOW

CD is available at P200 only. Contact Abigail Fabrigas at 09178038969

A Psalm
Composed by Donwayne Cogay (NEPAC)
Interpreted by Johnlee Vallo

Hallelujah sa Dakilang Pag-ibig Niya
Composed by Darinel Mata (BULPAC)
Interpreted by Darinel Mata, Asa Adonai delos Santos, Marvin Mata, Aga Fatrick Sta. Ana

Alay (3rd Prize)
Composed by Christopher and Claire Pasion (MINPAC)
Interpreted by Jonathan Compedio

Tunay na Kaibigan
Composed by Tem Pullido (WMPAC)
Interpreted by Tem Pullido and Allan Delacruz

Just Believe
Composed by Marianne and Joanne Betanio (EMPAC)
Interpreted by Abigail Fabrigas

This Time
Composed by Richand Mangornong (NWPAC)
Interpreted by Stan Gatchalian

Tanging Awit (1st Prize)
Composed and Interpreted by Jess Stanley Avila (MIDPAC)

Pasasalamat (2nd Prize)
Composed and Interpreted by Julie Ann Cefre (PANGPAC)

Si Kristo Higit Sa Lahat
Composed and Performed by N. Arnel De Pano

Peace with Justice Essay and Poetry Writing Contest Winners

ESSAY CATEGORY

First Prize: UMYFP: An Asset or Liability by Chris Nagma (WMPAC)
Second Prize: The Heart of Peace by Elen Joy Alata (NCPAC)
Third Prize: A Call to Mend the Fractures of Quiescence by Gerald Galindez (MinPAC)

POETRY CATEGORY

First Prize: Quiescent No More by Gerald Galindez (MinPAC)
Special Citation: Panaghoy by Darius Zabala (NCPAC)

Download PDF

NYC: On the Pages of UMYFP History

While many already have gone and more are yet to go before us, the UMYFP remains a strong community of faith straining towards an empowered nation – making history while carrying on the ministry…

The fellowship has stripped off its old skin and created an identity along the years. We see the undying legacy of the great commission through our past and present leaders. Another biennium is soon drawing to its end while anew comes. As we rest on our laurels and set our sights up high, it’s worth looking back onto the footsteps we left behind and realize how far we have gone as a community and a church.

Indeed, the God of Timothy and Jeremiah had blessed us with glorious years that placed our fellowship into where and what it is now. He had chosen leaders from humble and ordinary faces of life to do extraordinary works for the ministry. No wonder that the National Youth Conference was institutionalized to guide the fellowship on its journey and the UMYFP Constitution evolved according to the needs of time.

As we bask in brief relief of having gathered for the 30th NYC, let us glimpse through the pages of its humble history…

Through painstaking works and consultation with youth groups and leaders of the early organization, the “Methodist Youth Fellowship” came into being and was formally inaugurated at the Watch Night Service on December 31, 1941.

It was after the World War II that the proposed constitution was approved and ratified leading to the creation of local, district and conference organizations.

After the establishment of Annual Conferences in some areas in Luzon, the first National Conference of the MYF took place at Guimba, Nueva Ecija on January 2-5, 1951 under the leadership of Rev. F.V. Cabotaje who was then the Area Executive Secretary of the Central Conference Board of Education. Three hundred delegates attended and elected La Verne Mercado as the fist National MYF President.

The organization soon became the United Methodist Youth Fellowship (UMYFP) after several conferences were held. On March, 1976, the 14th UMYFP Convention formally adopted the new Constitution that elected Rogelio Bueno as President for the third time. It was on October 7, 1976 when Bishop Paul Locke Granadosin granted NUMYFP the permission to initiate experimental form of structure within the fellowship. The National Council finalized the New UMYFP Organizational set-up and election code referred to it by the convention.
During the 17th Biennial Convention, the new Constitution and By-Laws was amended by the 1982 Constitutional Drafting Committee. The constitution was them revised and adopted during the 20th Biennial Convention.

A leadership vacuum occurred which yielded no election during the 22nd Biennial Convention on April, 1992. A National Steering Committee had been formed. The Adjourned 22nd Biennial Convention was held on April, 1993 in Capas, Tarlac with electing national officers as its primary agendum. Another Constitutional Convention was called into order by Juvy Manuel on April 9-12, 1997.
After nine years, though constitutional amendment was being proposed for several times, a formal call to hold a Constitutional Convention was done at Iba, Zambales in April, 2006 during the 29th NYC. The ConCon then took place at the historical city of Malolos, Bulacan in July 2007 during the leadership of Mighty Rasing as national president.

This year, the fellowship celebrates its 30th National Youth Conference and seeks to ratify the amended constitution in San Nicolas UMC, San Nicolas, Pangasinan which will surely situate another history in the life of the UMYFP. This year’s conference will also be jovial celebration as it stages the First Awit Kay Yahweh concert featuring original compositions of Methodist youths and Laverne Mercado leadership award in honor of Bishop La Verne Mercado, first NUMYFP president, who exemplified a true spirit of leadership. It will also be a venue of reminiscences for the past leaders of the fellowship who have been invited for the Alumni Night.

God indeed remains faithful to the UMYFP. There is vision in the midst of uncertainties and a clear path in the crossroads of great challenges of this time. After all those glorious years, the history continues…

SOURCE: 25th Biennial Convention Journal

Read other articles in this issue

Lenses
From the President’s Pen
Regeneration
Philippines hosts AMYN Consultative and Preparatory Meeting

Download PDF File

Peace with Justice Essay and Poetry Writing Contest

The UMYFP advocates for peace with justice. Through Pananaw’s Peace with Justice Essay and Poetry Writing Contest, we will be learning the opinions and listening to the voices of young people.

Click the link below to read about the contest mechanics, prizes and download entry forms.

*Deadline of submission of entries is on March 30, 2008.*

The La Verne Mercado Leadership Awards

Continuing the leadership legacy of the fellowship’s first national president, the National UMYFP stages The La Verne Mercado Leadership Awards.

Learn about the Award and its mechanics; and download the entry from by click the link below.

*Deadline of nomination is on March 30, 2008.*

UMYFP celebrates 30th NYC: Ratifies constitution, stages first album

• Ismael Fisco, Jr

The 30th National Youth Conference (NYC) marks two significant events in the history of the UMYF in the Philippines: ratification of the amended constitution and announcement of “Awit Kay Yahweh” winners. The NYC session will be hosted by the North West Philippines Annual Conference on April 21-26, 2008.

Consequent to the Constitutional Convention held in Malolos, Bulacan on July 6-8, 2007, leaders and representatives from 21 annual conferences (AC) across the country will convene and vote for the ratification in conformity with the provisions of the existing constitution. Relatively, nine months were allotted to enable the ACs to circulate and discuss the amendments to the district and local levels prior to ratification.

Once approved, the new constitution shall take effect immediately and supersede the old one, with two years to speak of as the transition period. Some of the major amendments include: redefinition of the declaration of principles, reconstruction of the organizational positions and job descriptions and extending the terms of district officers into two years. Election of new set of national officers for biennium year 2008-2010 will also be held.

In the same event, the National UMYF will announce the winners of its song writing contest dubbed as “Awit Kay Yahweh.” Some professional musicians and recording artists served as judges for the official entries from different ACs. An album containing the finalists is also expected to be produced for national circulation.

Meanwhile, the reports of AC presidents will be heard during the 4th National Youth Council Meeting (NYCM) on February 1-3, 2008 at Knox UMC, Manila. This will also serve as a workshop in preparation for the upcoming NYC in April.

Read other articles is this issue:

Lenses
From the President’s Pen
Regeneration
GBOD staffs visit the Philippines
Korean MYF girls finish leadership training, join Christmas Institute ‘07
Youths join National Bible Week Celebration and Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2008
Servant Heart
SMACK expands territory, opens at UST
C. I. will always be a part of my life…
CI Blues (part 2)

Download PDF file

Read all the articles in this issue

ConCon takes place at the historical city of Malolos

• Ismael Fisco, Jr.

MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan will now be a great landmark in the UMYFP history as the Constitutional Convention (ConCon) will finally push through on the third National Youth Council Meeting (NYCM) for biennium 2006-2008 on July 6-8, hosted by the Bulacan Philippines Annual Conference (BulPAC).

One hundred ten delegates (five from each Annual Conference) are expected to convene for the purpose of amending the UMYFP Constitution, which was last amended during the 1997 Constitutional Convention at Wesley UMC, Olongapo City. Its ratification took place during the 25th National Biennial Convention in Tuguegarao, Cagayan on April 12-17, 1998.

Article XIV, Section 2 of the constitution provided the idea of calling for a ConCon. It states that “The National Conference, by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of all voting members shall call for a Constitutional Convention.” Remarkably, the said body voted for the formation of the same during the 27th National Youth Conference (NYC) at Bayombong, Nueva Viscaya in April 2002. A committee was formed to facilitate the process of reviewing and amending the constitution. However, since some members of the committee were no longer bona fide UMYF, they had to reorganize during the 28th NYC at Baybay, Leyte. Failure of annual conferences and members of the constitutional convention to submit proposed amendments led to another postponement. Again, the committee was reorganized during the first NYCM last year. It was during the term of the current committee members that proposed amendments were consolidated, thus enabling them to pursue the ConCon.

The committee will present the proposed amendments to the ConCon for review and approval. The proposed drafts will be circulated for discussion in the lower level conferences at least nine months prior to ratification as further mandated by the existing constitution. This (ratification) is expected to take place on or later than the 30th NYC in April next year.

The delegates to the UMYFP Constitutional Convention

What makes Malolos historical?

Malolos City, the capital of Bulacan, has a special place in Philippine history because many important events took place in this city.

It served as the venue for the inauguration of Emilio Aguinaldo as the president of the first Philippine Republic and the first constitutional convention leading to the drafting of Malolos Constitution that was promulgated on January 21, 1899.

Among the city’s prominent tourist’s spots are the Barasoain Church (which has the Historical Landmark and Ecclesiastes Museums), Casa Real (a printing press-turned-museum that catered to the Malolos Congress) and the Basilica Minor (formerly known as Malolos Cathedral).

Young people go out for Caravan Mission

As part of their social concerns, the United Methodist Youth and Young Adult Fellowships in the Philippines (UMYFP & UMYAFP) partnered for a Caravan Mission with the purpose of reaching the remote community of Aetas in Sitio Ye Young, Sta Juliana, Capas, Tarlac. This project was composed of three phases — training and exposure, immersion and integration and a special phase dubbed as Kadaupang Palad for medical, dental and livelihood services held on different dates.

Phase I: Training and Exposure

Caravan Training Batch 1

Caravan Training Batch 2

Two batches of young people attended in the preparatory stage of the caravan held on February 17-18 and 24-25, respectively. This course was required before they could get into the next phases. Resource persons who specialize in community organizing facilitated lectures, workshop and relative reflections on mission prior to the exposure. These aimed to lead the participants to understand what mission is about and equip them with its basic principles.

Angelito Meneses, a social worker by profession who currently serves as the director of Asuncion-Perez Memorial Foundation, discussed the basic principles and practices of mission. He also led a demonstration with the participants. Pastor Lizette Tapia-Racquel, a faculty of Union Theological Seminary (UTS), gave a Biblio-Theological Reflection while Paul Muego from Kapatiran, Kaunlaran Foundation, Inc. (KKFI) addressed different socio-economic issues affecting the community today.

A community exposure was held the following day. The activity aimed to make the participants familiar to the community. They were instructed to observe and know the needs of the community through talking with the community people. The caravaners also attended the Sunday worship at Ye Young UMC.

Phase II: Immersion

Two of the missionaries and the family of Captain Arthur Garcia (in orange) who served as their foster family.

The Caravan Mission Working Committee together with selected phase I participants held the immersion on April 4-7. This led them to observe and experience the needs of the community while living with them. They conducted a participative rural appraisal that enabled the community to assess their available resources, problems and needs. In turn, the working committee identified some long-term projects that would benefit the community.

Phase III: Integration

A team of young missionaries taught children about family under the trees.

Held on April 27 to May 1, the young missionaries were given a chance to experience the way of life of the community while performing assigned task in their designated teams — children, youth and adult. The integration culminated in a solidarity and fellowship night with the community.

Many of the participants were culture-shocked but the experiences gave them a deeper understanding of mission.

Kadaupang Palad

The medical team poses with their first patient (in pink sweater).

A special phase dubbed Kadaupang Palad was designed to extend medical, dental and livelihood services to the community on July 13-15. The team will be composed of the participants with different professionals in the said fields who have been invited to share their expertise.

Missionaries Speak

(The following were some reflections of  participants obtained from the evaluation of the integration phase of caravan mission.)

“Hindi lang pala evangelism ang purpose ng mission. Naranasan ko ang mas mahirap na buhay, limited ang tubig pati ang pagkain. Sana mabigyan ng atensyon ng gobyerno ang mga katutubo.” –—Johai

“Totoo pala na minsan meron talagang racial discrimination sa pagitan ng mga kulot at unat.” – Ritchie

“Walang nasasayang na butil ng kanin sa kanila. Mas lalo kong na-appreciate ang buhay sa patag dahil sa mga karanasan ko sa kanila.” –—Hazel

“Ramdam ko ang kasalatan. Kulang sila sa karunungan, pagkain at gamit. May kultura silang dapat igalang at may sarili ding political system. We should put things in their perspective.” —Rommuel

“Naranasan ko ang mag-igib ng tubig at magsibak ng kahoy. Our presence was a blessing to them.” —Cheekai

“Very hospitable sila at may sariling paraan ng pagdidisiplina sa mga bata. Natuto silang manalangin. Sana ma-develop ang deeper relationship at communication sa kanila.” —Julius

“Importante sa kanila ang tubig. Malayo ang igiban pero parang hindi nakakapagod. Natuto akong maging kuntento kung ano ang meron ako. Bihira lang na magkakasama ang mga kabataan sa kanila dahil nasa bukid sila araw-araw.” —Malyn

“Naobserbahan ko na marami sa kanila ang walang C.R. at kulang sila sa family planning. Nag-enjoy ako lalo na sa mga bata.” —Jacko

“Masaya pa rin ang pamilya kahit isang kahig-isang-tuka ang buhay.” —Maribel

“Mission is not only about evangelism, it’s about service and living with the people.” —TJ

13 UMYFers to sit in the Philippines Central Conference

Thirteen United Methodist youths from all over the Philippines were elected during their respective  Annual Conference Sessions as delegates to the 19th Philippines Central Conference Session on November 2008. The Philippines Central Conference is the highest decision-making body of the United Methodist Church in the country. It sets the policies of the church, passes important legislations and elects the Bishops for the  ensuing quadrennial term. By taking part in this Conference session, the young people will be able to share in the historic process of Conferencing instituted by John Wesley when the Methodist movement was still in its infancy.

The resolution passed during the 2nd National Youth Council Meeting (NYCM) of the UMYFP calling for the representation of the young people to the PCC helped the election of the young people.

Based on the available information, the following Methodist youth leaders who have been elected as PCC delegates were:
NCPAC            Mighty C. Rasing,
Jesse Aaron Felicitas
Earlie Pasion (reserved)
NELPAC        Johai Cacayan
MidPAC         Elyser Dela Cruz,
John Paul Padolina
NWPAC         Christine Galindo
Jeffrey Caoile (reserved)
PangPAC        Jeed Lussel Oria,
Mark Journey Fermin
WMPAC        Joseph Reyes
PAC                Lorraine Ann Rabago
PACE             Lenmark Santos
MinPAC        Bituin Manuel
Gene Exodus

Choosing and Pursuing a Career

• Mighty C. Rasing

Choosing a career wisely is very important since it will greatly affect the direction that you will take and how you will live your life. Many young people choose careers that pay well but forget to consider other things. When they are old, they realize that money is not the most important thing in life. By considering several factors and making the right career decision, you will be able to maximize your talents and abilities, as well as the benefits that you will receive. You may consider the following tips for making the right decision and finding your place in the world of work.

What is important to you? You should consider your values and your character. What are the things that you love doing most? Do not consider money as the primary consideration in looking for a career. When you start doing what you love most, you will be motivated to do it, to improve in doing it, and your efforts will be rewarded adequately. Monetary rewards will be given to an excellent performer. Not only that, you will have fulfilment if you are doing the things that you love. For example, if your parents want you to take up Accountancy but your passion is in reading and writing literature, then you would have to negotiate with your parents about what you want.

It is important that during your College years, you choose your degree wisely since it will directly affect the kinds of job that will be available to you in the future.

What do you have? What course did you take in College? What are your skills, talents and abilities? How will you use these with the career that you have in mind? You should choose a career where you can use your skills, talents and abilities. If not, then you will spend a great deal of time adjusting and learning new skills and abilities.

You also need to analyze which career directions are available for your college degree. For example, if you studied BS Psychology, you may opt to become a Human Resource officer in a company. If you studied Journalism, you may apply as a writer in a publishing company. However, you should not be rigid in making a career decision. It is a known fact that in our country, there is a tendency for young professionals to get jobs that are not directly related to their college degree—rather they choose a career that is available and make the most out of it.

What do you want? Establish your career goals. If possible, you should map out a life plan including your career goals. For example, by age 25 you may have planned to save several thousands. It is also common in our country for young professionals to provide help to their families. If your family’s economic condition is not very well, then you may help in making your family better off. Again, it should be emphasized here that money should not be the primary consideration in making your choice.

What options are available for you? The next step would be for you to assess the available options. This requires research on the available career paths in the job market today. This can be done by asking people who are already working, people that you respect and you believe will be able to help you make a choice. You may also consult the Job postings at the Classified Ads section of major newspapers. You can also research jobs through the internet. The Classified Ads of major newspapers such as Manila Bulletin and Philippine Daily Inquirer are helpful for career seekers. Online providers such as www.ph.jobstreet.com and www.jobsdb.com are also helpful.

What are your priorities? When you start working, you should start establishing your priorities and build your lifestyle according to your income. You should not spend more than what you are able. In addition to this, you should be able to set aside a part of your income for savings. Start saving early so that in cases of emergencies you have something to spend. You should not forget to give your tithes and offering to the Lord. Remember that God blesses a cheerful giver.

Here are additional tips when you start working:

Manage your money wisely. Learn to plan and manage your finances wisely. Do not spend too much on gadgets and technological items. As much as possible, spend only on what you need and save as much as you can. According to John Wesley, we should earn as much as we can, save as much as we can, and give as much as we can.

Invest in your professional development. You cannot expect your employer to always provide you with training and professional development. You should set aside part of your time and money in learning new things regarding the career that you have chosen. If your finances can support you, take up a Master’s degree. Some companies offer assistance to some of their employees who want to further their studies. You should be willing to change some of your ways in order to adapt well with the career that you have chosen.

It is a challenge to build a career, but with careful choosing and career planning, you will be able to make the most out of your chosen career. The bottom line here is that you should be able to improve and adapt to the changing demands of the labor market.

God is willing to bless you if you are willing to sweat it out. Your chosen career will also be an expression of your love for God and it will also be your contribution to the society. As such, your Christian values should be seen while you are at the workplace in order for other people to recognize the Lord in your life.

Cross Generation. Live Out!

• Joejit Velasquez

It was again my turning poing…

On May 28-June 2, I was able to attend the Turning Point Youth Camp 2007 at Camp Jabez, Dasmarinas, Cavite. The camp was nothing new to me since I already had attended the same last year. But this year’s camp was different. Honestly, I was at first hesitant to attend because of some reasons. One was because the registration and transportation cost too much. Another was my disappointment to convince a friend of mine to attend the camp with me. I felt very frustrated that I even considered myself a failure.

Nevertheless, I still attended the camp. Kahit mag-isa ako! Then came unexpected experiences. At first, I was so uneasy that I even wanted to go home. Ikaw ba naman ang walang kasama at walang kausap. But, “sayang naman, matapos ang pagpupursigi ko just to be able to attend…sayang naman”. God was and is really good. He gave me friends. I met fellow campers from Florida Blanca, Pampanga at sila ang nag-ampon sa akin. Eventually, I came to know them and I realized that God really had a purpose for me.

Sabi nga nila, everything happens for a purpose. Madaling paniwalaan, but the hardest thing about this is finding the reason and purpose especially for someone like me who always got a lot of questions to ask. I do not know why I couldn’t feel it whenever I sought God’s presence. Ang bigat sa pakiramdam. I wanted to cry. Thank God I met a new friend during the camp who also shared the same feelings and sentiments. Through our friendship centered in God, we were able to break the bondage hindering us to worship freely. The praise and worship was great. Nakakabless! God also convicted me through the speakers. I was broken but He eventually molded me again.
I would like to share some of the things we did during the camp and lead you to reflect on them:

• We woke up as early as 6:00 am para sa quiet time. (Do you have a regular one?)
• Before eating, we needed to memorize a bible verse. This was what we called “password.” No password, no breakfast, lunch and dinner. (How many memory verses do you have so far and how often do you live them?)
• Every time we had a praise and worship, ang tindi! As if it was always the last. (When was the last time you sung love songs for the Lord and experienced a true worship?)
• We had an extra challenge every 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Ang mga games, truly challenging. (When was the last time you abused your body by doing back-breaking activities and had no time for recreations at all?).
• We went out to the community to evangelize (How many souls have you won for Christ already?)
• We had an activity called “passover” where we held a rope that we should not let go whatever happens. (How many times have you let go of God and how many times He has accepted you again?)

God is always willing to accept you again just as He did to me if you would just submit your life and turn on to Him!