Alabel, Philippines. The Claret Youth Camp (CYC) and National Youth Day (NYD) Re-Echo 2025 successfully gathered young people from various communities for three meaningful days of faith formation and celebration. Held at the Claretian Mission House in Purok Monnay, Barangay Datal Anggas, Alabel, Sarangani Province, the event spanned from October 3–5, 2025. It served as a vital space to deepen faith, strengthen friendships, and celebrate the identity of the youth of the Church.
The camp’s journey began on Day 1 with the arrival of participants, who were warmly welcomed by the scholars. The camp was officially opened with a Holy Mass presided over by Fr. Martin Ernest Ele, CMF, and Fr. Thai Pham, CMF, who emphasized the importance of being rooted in faith. Session 1, titled “Start-Ups: The Beginning of Learning Something New,” encouraged reflections on taking first steps, overcoming fear, and finding courage and self-growth in new beginnings.
Resilience and Reconciliation
Day 2, filled with renewed energy, began with a dance and a Holy Mass, again celebrated by Fr. Martin Ele, CMF, and Fr. Thai Pham, CMF. The homily urged the youth to recognize God’s presence even in the ordinary moments of life.
Following breakfast, the sessions shifted focus. Teacher Letecia Pandamon led Session II, “Small Wins & Big Wins: Celebrating Our Achievements, Whether Small or Big,” which fostered reflection on gratitude and humility. A powerful group activity involved drawing “wins,” tearing the drawings apart, and then reassembling them, teaching the value of resilience, teamwork, and self-worth—a metaphor for how lives can be mended through cooperation and perseverance even when challenged.
Later, Teacher Arlene Ayao delivered a heartfelt talk on “Brokenness: Moments or Events in Life When We Felt Lost or Deeply Hurt,” guiding participants to see pain as a path to healing and maturity. The participants also reflected on their personal aspirations, with the speaker sharing stories of perseverance and courage, reminding them that every dream begins with hope and trust in God’s timing. The afternoon brought excitement with the Claret Race, an anticipated fun and interactive event that strengthened camaraderie and sportsmanship, proving that faith and fun go hand-in-hand. The evening culminated with a spiritual focus: the Sacrament of Confession, where the youth were invited to reconciliation, followed by a solemn prayer and worship session.
Carrying the Mission Forward
Rosary, offering intentions for the Church, their families, and the youth. This was followed by a joint clean-up drive, demonstrating care for the environment and their temporary home.
The final session, facilitated by Ms. Elizabeth Tuwa, focused on the theme “Temperance and Prayer”. Participants shared real-life examples of practicing self-control, realizing that temperance is not about restriction, but about the freedom to choose what is right and pleasing to God. The session concluded with the “Offering of Experiences,” where creative outputs were symbolically wrapped and presented in a collective prayer of thanksgiving and petition.
The camp concluded with a solemn closing Mass, celebrated by Fr. Martin Ele, CMF, Fr Thai Pham, CMF, and Rev. Mac Jhon Buendever, CMF. The Eucharistic celebration was a fitting conclusion to the three-day journey, uniting everyone in faith and gratitude.
Day 3 marked not merely the end of the Re-Echo, but the beginning of a new mission for the attendees: to live out the virtues learned, keep the fire of faith burning, and carry the spirit of unity, service, and love back into their homes and communities.
