Category Archives: youthpinoy

>Pro-life couple to represent Filipino youth in Rome

>This article came out on YouthPinoy and CBCP News today. [I'll post it after the jump]

We had our Send-Off Mass at the Our Lady of the Abandoned Church in Marikina this morning. Fr. Kune was the celebrant. He had us sit in front of all the pews on 2 chairs. It was like we were getting married again. Aida and Sabine were with us in front while Yaya Jocelyn and Yaya Dianne were in the back.

Praise God Aida and Sabine were behaved all throughout the Mass. Aida even humming during the Mass songs. We were part of the offertory as well. All 4 of us. I thought it was cute having our whole family walk together. Too bad I couldn’t take a picture at the same time.

Fr. Kune gave me time to speak and thank the congregation for accommodating us and praying for us. It felt wonderful to be sent off by our Church and by people who want what is best for you. I felt humbled and privileged.

We had merienda after that, with the CBCP NSYA people, and some of the Ushers. Thank you everyone, we will make our country and our Church proud!

Our Trainors:

Made for Each Other

The Family and Marriage

With Monsi Asis

MANILA, March 22, 2010—A young couple from the Couples for Christ-Foundation for Family and Life (CFC-FFL) and Pro-life Philippines is set to represent the Filipinos at the 10th International Youth Forum in Rome.

Xavier and Dester Padilla will join some 200 individuals and couples attending the Vatican-sponsored forum themed “Learning to Love,” which will be held from March 24 to 28 at the Mondo Migliore Center in Rocca di Papa in Italy.

Xavier, 34, and Dester, 31, are married for four years and are parents to three-year-old Sabine and one-year-old Aida. Xavier is the son of CFC-FFL Servant General Frank Padilla and his wife Gerry, who were re-appointed members of the Pontifical Council for Family by Pope Benedict XVI himself.

The Padillas were among the four couples that underwent rigorous screening and selection process of the Episcopal Commission on Youth of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines. Among the judges of the screening process are Fr. Conegundo Garganta of CBCP-ECY, Msgr. Pedro Quitorio III of the CBCP Media Office, and Dr. Zenaida Rotea of the CBCP Office on Women.

“We felt so blessed, privileged and also humbled for being chosen to represent the Filipino youth, which is already a big responsibility by itself. I’m sure the judges saw that our involvement in the community makes our experience holistic enough for us to merit their preference,” Xavier said.

In the forum organized by the Pontifical Council for the Laity, the Padillas are expected to share their experiences as a young Catholic couple and also as youth leaders to the rest of the delegates coming from all over the globe. They will also share their opinions about the ups and downs of married life.

“As a couple, we both think that the problems in our society all boil down to the problems of the youth. As such, we will share about our realization on the importance of good family relations and parenting as parts of attending to the ills of the society,” Xavier said, referring to the world-renowned Filipino value of close family ties.

For her part, Dester said she expects to learn a lot from the experiences of Catholic youths in other parts of the globe.

“We expect to understand the situation of other Catholic youths in different countries, especially those from places where Catholicism is not the majority religion. We’d like to know how they are able to live up their faith despite the hurdles imposed on them. Those stories will certainly inspire us,” she said.

The Padillas, together with the rest of the delegates, will have a private audience with the Holy Father on March 27. When asked what they would tell the Pope if they will be given the rare chance to speak with the him, Xavier and Dester momentarily became speechless.

“Perhaps, I’ll cry,” Xavier confessed. “But I will certainly tell the Holy Father that the Filipino youth is solidly behind him, supporting him despite the controversies he is facing right now.”

“I will tell the Holy Father to continue becoming as a beacon of hope, especially to the youth, in the same manner that the Catholic faith remains as the light of the world,” Dester said. (Kris Bayos)

Editor’s note: The featured couple is also playing active roles for the YouthPinoy. While Xavier, “Kuya Xavy” as we fondly call him, is YouthPinoy’s very articulate vice president for external affairs, Dester, whom we dearly refer to as “Ate Des,” is YouthPinoy’s reliable marketing officer.

Posted in church, iyf, youthpinoy

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>World Singles Congress 2010: Not only for Singles, but for Families as well!

Feb 23

Posted by xavyniceday

>(the blog in YouthPinoy didn’t show, so I am re-posting it here. The others are on www.cfckfl.org)

I am not Single. I got married in 2006, and now have 2 kids. So what was I doing at the World Singles Congress?

I was part of the singles ministry for almost ten years, and was even a coordinator of the singles ministry for a time, so it was an honor and privilege for me to come and serve at this years’ World Singles Congress. And, instead of coming alone, I brought my family along with me.

It is always good to expose our young children to a life serving God by serving others. Seeing that they can be surrounded by good influences and make choices that will help them in the future. Instead of always seeing the dark side of life. They can end up having friends who are also one with them in living their lives in the light, and being guided and supported by people who want what is best for them.

My wife, Des, and I were also given the chance to share in front of almost 1,000 people how we have seen the brokenness around us, and how we wanted something better for ourselves and our family. And we promised, in front of all those people, and more importantly in front of our children, that we will work harder and stronger for a future that is righteous and focused on God and what He wants for us.

Gabie Tesoro, Sabine Padilla and Reese Oconer

Our Family

Posted in cfc ffl, youthpinoy

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>I Want a Better Future.

Feb 16

Posted by xavyniceday

Des giving a talk in Laguna

It is Des’ birthday today! And I prepared a wonderful dinner date for her and myself at a great French restaurant that has spectacular food. But, as things go, she is sick with tonsillitis. So, no French food tonight. It would be too cruel for us to still go and just have her watch me eat all that food.

But these past two days have been good for our family as well. This is the first time Des has gotten sick ever since we got married (maybe even ever since we got together). I, on the other hand, get really sick at least once a year. So this is my turn to take care of her and the family. I took off from work for the past two days, just to make sure I am around. Overkill? Maybe, but this is what happens when you know your priorities on life: Family, being one major priority of mine.

I also had some time to read up on what is going on lately in politics. It goes without saying that if I want a better future for my family, then I better help in making sure whoever gets elected will help that future come to pass.

I got sad reading about the DoH distributing condoms the day before Valentine’s Day. Not to promote promiscuity, according to them. That, to me, is absurd. It is like giving away drugs and saying you aren’t promoting addiction. Someone in that office is insane. YouthPinoy, one of the groups I am a part of, came up with this statement which I wholeheartedly support.

The answer really isn’t distributing condoms. It is educating parents. And having these parents teach their children about sex. With values they see in the home. Is that possible? of course it is! It can be done in each home, starting with mine. And, expectedly enough, the Presidentiables chimed in on the condom distribution – with only de los Reyes speaking out against the condoms, and all the rest (except Villar and Erap who weren’t quoted) saying something about the distribution, but not speaking out against condoms. At least we know where they stand [and an aside, I just have to get it off my chest... why is Noynoy only saying NOW that he is going to distribute Luisita? Why didn't he do it before? And why will it take 5 years? Maybe that's why his campaign is falling apart].

I am going to do my best to practice what I preach. By having a good family, based on good moral principles. I will teach my children about sex in a way that makes them understand that it is not for pleasure alone, but to glorify God. And I will show them that morals aren’t passe in society today, and they can see a pleasing, upright and loving relationship within the home, starting with Des and myself.

Again, happy birthday Des! Babe, I love you and you are the best thing that happened to me. You make me a better husband, and you make us better parents to our wonderful girls. Let’s keep struggling and striving to make this a better place for all of us, starting with our growing family.

Posted in family, politics, youthpinoy

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>Sana’y Magkatotoo

Jan 18

Posted by xavyniceday

Last Saturday, more than a thousand youth from all over the Philippines came to UST to launch YouthPinoy, the website of (and for) the Filipino Catholic Youth. It was an event almost a year in the making. Gathering organizations and dioceses from all over the country to come together for the same purpose – to Win the World through the Word.

The internet is so full of things that can make you forget that there is a God who loves you. You can read about suicides, sex, drugs, negative emotions, and other things that may make you feel hopeless and unloved. And there are so few places where you can feel the warmth of Christian community and support. YouthPinoy is there to help provide that. By making a place where young people, who love Christ, can come together, share their faith and experiences and be one in bringing that life and message to the rest of the country, and the world.

On that day where the site was officially launched, more than 1,000 youth committed to be part of that light that will shine God’s Word to the world, and reach the youth who are connected to each other in cyberspace. It was such a momentous event, that even the Papal Nuncio to the Philippines, Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams, came and graced the event, along with Monsignor Pepe Quitorio, Bishop Joel Baylon and Bishop Rolando Tria Tirona.

I was able to spend time with them before the High Mass, and their stories and opinions were all touching and awesome. They spoke about how, a few years ago, Pope John Paul II came to UST – almost at the same date as this launch. And knowing Pope John Paul II, they said, this is no coincidence. The launch was postponed and postponed for a reason. There is much to be hopeful for. They also spoke about the possibility of getting Pope Benedict XVI to an online chat with our YouthPinoys. And, to this request, His Excellency Edward Adams expressed that it would be a great wish for this to come true. And he said it in different languages! “Sana’y Magkatotoo.”

It was a good day to launch YouthPinoy. But, as all launches, this is only the beginning. The world needs us, YouthPinoys, to spread the Word, and to win it for Him. Connect tayo!

http://www.youthpinoy.com

Posted in church, youthpinoy

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>2nd day and already meeting :-)

Jan 2

Posted by xavyniceday

It’s January 2, and we had a meeting for YouthPinoy already (don’t forget! Come to the launch on January 16, Saturday, at UST! P50 entrance. 1 to 9 PM). It was at the Old Makati City Hall, at the Press Office. Now I know that this year will bring me to new, interesting places. What an interesting place, adorned with pictures and information about Jejomar Binay. What’s up with that guy, he started as a human rights lawyer, but according to so much news and talks about him, he is only interested in himself.

Tomorrow, I have a meeting for the CFC FFL Young Ministries. And then on Monday, my first meeting as a member of the Body of Counselors. It really will be an interesting year this year

Then the whole week we have the Pro-Life Training. And on the weekend, the CFC FFL Community Conference and the Pro-Life Conference. And then the Missionary Conference next week, the CFC FFL Weekend Conference after that, and the Clergy Conference. Phew. And then we get into the Young Ministries’ Individual Conferences.

My brain better get started booted up!

2010, here we are!

Posted in cfc ffl, pro-life, youthpinoy

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>ECY @ 25 this 2011!

Dec 9

Posted by xavyniceday

Not to forget the reason for the whole trip! The regional representatives of ECY got together to plan out the 25th anniversary celebration of ECY in 2011. We were facilitated by Emmanuel dela Cruz Salvacion (Christ is with us, through the cross, we have salvation).

Our facilitator, Noel Salvacion. His brother passed away on Wednesday. Noel sacrificed a lot to be with us on the weekend

Here is the whole team, after the Sunday Mass

And the service team, made up of youth from Naval. Some are YFL!

I am excited for the 25th anniversary celebration! The youth are such an important part of any organization or community. So much passion, intensity, idealism that those qualities should be built on and they should be empowered! Because it is true when they say impossible is nothing. Especially when you have a God that makes the impossible, possible!

By Sunday afternoon, we were all ready to go home and work!

Posted in church, travel, youthpinoy

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>Spicy Adobo

Dec 9

Posted by xavyniceday

We stayed at the priests’ dorm at the Cathedral of Naval. It is a big room with about 20 beds. And with air-conditioning! Outside, on the balcony, there is pool table, TV, DVD, etc. They hooked us up! I really cannot say anything about the hospitality of the people of Naval. They really took care of us. Feeding us every two hours, making sure we were accompanied everywhere we went, not just being around but also talking to us and making sure we felt at home.

It was wonderful! We were there mainly for the CBCP ECY ThinkTank meeting for ECY’s 25th Anniversary in 2011. And I was there to present YouthPinoy with Eilleen. To get their input and support, and to promote the use of the website. Aside from that, we were “saling-kit” during the proceedings of the meeting proper.

I also took the chance to meet the CFC FFL community in Naval. They took me (and Eilleen) to dinner at Tito Nardz’s house by the beach. They served Spicy Adobo. I LOVED IT. I couldn’t stop eating it. I was joking around that they should cook more and send me some for pasalubong. They did. So, I ate more of it last night! YUM.

We also passed the ongoing Campus Based YFL Youth Camp in Cathedral School of La Naval. I was able to speak a bit to the participants. Some 14 years old, and I joined community 14 years ago! Wow, I am old.

At the Mass on Sunday, we were introduced to the community of Naval, and I was pleasantly surprised to find out that there are quite a number of CFC FFL in the area

As the others said, “hindi ako magugutom dito sa Biliran”. Hope they feed me Spicy Adobo.

with Bp. Mallari of San Fernando and our host Bp. Bactol of Naval

Posted in church, travel, youthpinoy

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>Gotta Love Pinas!

Dec 9

Posted by xavyniceday

After the shrine to Imelda, we went to a couple other sites in the Tacloban area. How can we not go to MacArthur’s site of return? We got to the Leyte Landing, and there were larger than life gold statues of MacArthur and his posse. It is the talk of the town that MacArthur wanted a grand scene on his return due to his theater background. But it was during the re-enactment a couple of years back that the grand scene actually happened. The actor portraying MacArthur tripped after a few steps, and was drenched in sea water. That would have been so much funnier if it actually happened to MacArthur.

We also drove all the way to San Juanico bridge. The snakey bridge connecting Leyte and Samar. It’s a bit of a stretch but it does look somewhat like a S and a L put together. We got off in the middle of the bridge to take pictures and to pretend to fall off the bridge. They were talking about an actor who actually jumped off, but I can’t remember his name. He died.

Then we proceeded to lunch in Rafael’s Garden. A surprising oasis in the middle of nowhere! It was calm, cool, serene and refreshing. After a long day of jumping in and out of the van, it was a good late-lunch break for all of us. And the food was delicious!

After a stopover in the mall (which is considered part of a Philippine Tour anywhere you go), we took the long ride to Naval – a simple town nestled in a simple island

Posted in travel, youthpinoy

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>Leyte Landing

Dec 8

Posted by xavyniceday

>Last Friday I woke up early at 3:30AM to catch a 5:00AM flight to Tacloban. I have only been to Eastern Visayas 5 times before (twice for conferences in Ormoc, once for a wedding in Ormoc where I was a ninong, once for a regional meeting in Agta and once to check out a site devastated by landslides). So this trip was going to be something new for me. We got to Tacloban in time for breakfast and got to break bread with the Archbishop of Palo, Archbishop Palma, at his home with his priests! What a privilege. We don’t really get opportunities like that here in Manila, since the Bishops here are so busy all the time. There is some appeal to having a life in the province.

With the Regional Coordinators of the Episcopal Commission on Youth and Abp. Palma of Palo (Standing L-R: Fr. Jun of Naval representing Central – Eastern Visayas, Fr. Kune of ECY, Peter of Pasig rep. NCR, Eilleen of YouthPinoy, Toyang of ECY, Jet of Bangued rep. Northern Luzon, Janice of Lingayen-Dagupan rep. Northern Luzon, Badette of Chiro rep. FNYO, RB of Butuan rep. Mindanao-Sulu, Dan of Calapan rep. Southern Tagalog, Noel of DLSU (Facilitator) and Fr. Manny of Palo. Kneeling L-R: Fr. Glenn of Kalibo rep. Western Visayas and Xavy Padilla of YouthPinoy

After breakfast, and the usual picture taking, we were taken on a tour of the province! Here is a picture of the Cathedral, and a beautiful wood carving I saw hanging on the wall

After a day of moving around Leyte, we ended up in Biliran for the meeting proper. More on those later

I am appreciative for the opportunity to have come along with the Regional Representatives of CBCP Episcopal Commission on Youth. Even if the original intent was to present http://www.YouthPinoy.com, it became a fun-filled, friendship-forming, faith-enriching and fellowship-full-of-food experience over 3 days. I am excited for the 25th Anniversary of ECY in 2011, and this is only after hearing of initial plans! I am blessed to be serving the Church!

Posted in church, youthpinoy

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>New Bishop-Friends at the Asian Youth Day

Nov 28

Posted by xavyniceday

>Des and I were at the AYD mainly for YouthPinoy. We were at the “booth” showing people the site for Catholic, Filipino youth. We got to meet a lot of people! And more people means better support not only for the site, but for Catholic youth as well. We didn’t get to sleep onsite, because our girls were in Tagaytay as well, but we got to experience as much of the AYD as we could… even as volunteers. Here are some of our new Bishop-Friends

With Bishop Pat Buzon of Kabankalan