MALAY, AKLAN – The air in the CBTMPC building in Malay, Aklan on May 17, 2025, was filled with a sense of anticipation and reflection as the Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals (BCBP) Mission outreach team and the Malay CLP1 members-in-formation gathered for their Way of Life Retreat (BWLR). This significant event, led by Chapter Head Jerome Quimpo and his battery of eloquent public speakers, served as the culmination of a crucial formation period for associate members of the Malay outreach, drawing together the essential pillars of living a Christ-centered life within the BCBP framework.
The retreat, as emphasized, wasn’t about introducing novel concepts but rather about synthesizing the rich teachings and principles imparted throughout the formation journey. It was a moment to consolidate understanding, reinforce commitment, and prepare hearts for the deeper integration into the BCBP community as committed members.
The day unfolded with insightful sessions led by esteemed members of the BCBP, each focusing on a vital aspect of their shared way of life:
Honoring the Lord: Chapter Head Jerome Quimpo set the tone for the retreat by guiding the attendees in understanding the foundational principle of Honoring the Lord. This goes beyond mere lip service; it encompasses every facet of a Christian’s life – our actions, our words, our thoughts, and our intentions. It’s about recognizing God’s sovereignty in our personal and professional lives, striving for excellence in all we do as an offering to Him, and living in a manner that brings glory to His name. This session explored practical ways to integrate faith into daily business practices and personal conduct, ensuring that our lives reflect the honor and reverence due to our Creator.
Giving to the Lord and His Work: Bro. Hermo Patacsil then delved into the important topic of Giving to the Lord and His Work. This extends beyond financial contributions, encompassing the giving of our time, talents, and treasures for the advancement of God’s Kingdom. The session illuminated the biblical understanding of stewardship, emphasizing that all we have is ultimately a gift from God. He explored the joy and spiritual growth that comes from generously supporting the Church and its various ministries, including the work of the BCBP itself in evangelization and community building.
Brotherly and Sisterly Care: The essence of Christian community was brought to the forefront by Bro. Serge Tolentino in his session on Brotherly and Sisterly Care. This core value of the BCBP emphasizes the importance of genuine connection, mutual support, and accountability within the brotherhood and sisterhood. It speaks to the biblical mandate to love one another as Christ loved us. This session explored practical ways to build strong relationships within the community, offering encouragement during challenges, celebrating successes, and fostering an environment of genuine care and concern for one another’s spiritual and personal well-being.
Living our BCBP Life: Bro. Mark Ross Isturris provided a comprehensive overview of Living our BCBP Life. This session served as a central point, weaving together the various strands of the formation process into a cohesive understanding of what it means to be a member of the BCBP. He reiterated the core values, mission, and vision of the organization, emphasizing the call to be agents of transformation in the marketplace and beyond. This session aimed to inspire the associate members to fully embrace the BCBP way of life, integrating its principles into their daily routines and decision-making.
Community, Family and Church: Bro. Arben Abragon addressed the interconnectedness of Community, Family, and Church. This session highlighted the importance of nurturing strong relationships within our families as the primary unit of society, actively participating in the broader BCBP community as a source of spiritual nourishment and support, and being faithful members of the wider Church. He emphasized the need for balance and integration between these three vital spheres of life, recognizing that our faith journey is not solitary but lived out within these interconnected contexts.
Love for Country: Bro. Julius Barrientos concluded the formal sessions with a powerful reminder of Love for Country. This often-understated aspect of Christian discipleship calls believers to be responsible citizens, contributing to the well-being and progress of their nation according to Christian values. This session explored practical ways for BCBP members to be agents of positive change in their workplaces, communities, and the nation as a whole, advocating for justice, integrity, and the common good.
The underlying message throughout the retreat was clear: formation is not a one-time event but an ongoing journey. As the outgoing Mission Director Bro. Bonnie dela Torre wrote in his message to the members-in-formation, “all of us need to undergo formation, not just at the beginning of our life of discipleship in the BCBP but also during the entire time we spend as part of the community. We all need to be formed and trained in order to follow Christ faithfully and consistently.”
This particular BWLR held special significance as the “last formation weekend” for this segment of associate members. It served as a crucial bridge, connecting the foundational teachings with the imminent transition to committed membership. The retreat was designed to synthesize the accumulated knowledge, pulling together “all the things you’ve been taught in the past talks about the life and mission of the BCBP” into a practical and actionable framework.
The Mission Outreach Team explicitly stated that the BWLR wouldn’t present new teachings but would instead function as a “capsule” designed to facilitate the transition from CLP1 associate members in formation to committed members. This “synthesizing function” is paramount, ensuring that the associate members leave with a unified understanding of the BCBP way of life, ready to actively live out the principles they have learned.
The retreat also served as a pivotal point for evaluation. The associate members, who “should already be faithfully living out the various stipulations on your commitment card,” now face a two-month period of assessment. This evaluation will focus on their “devotion and commitment to the BCBP mission and vision.”
More importantly, this period is also one of personal discernment. The sincere hope of the BCBP is that each associate member actively reflects on whether the BCBP is indeed the “right spiritual home” for them. This emphasizes the voluntary and deeply personal nature of commitment within the community.
In conclusion, the BCBP Way of Life Retreat on May 17, 2025, in Malay, Aklan, was a significant milestone for its associate members. It was a time of profound reflection, a consolidation of learned principles, and a preparation for deeper engagement within the BCBP community. As these brothers and sisters move forward, grounded in the teachings of the retreat and prayerfully discerning their path, the BCBP looks forward to welcoming those who find their spiritual home within its fold, ready to live out their faith with renewed commitment and zeal. The seeds of formation have been sown; now, the community eagerly anticipates the fruits of their dedicated discipleship.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:
Photos courtesy of George and Fhel Regalado, Jerome and Yeye Quimpo. Also, special thanks to Bro. Mark Narandan and bro. George Regalado for the audio-visuals.
BCBP Kalibo Rising 
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