KALIBO, AKLAN – On May 23, 2026, the Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals (BCBP) Northern Panay gathered for an unforgettable overnight Summer Youth Camp at the Marianing Resort in Jawili, Tangalan, Province of Aklan. Bringing together 27 vibrant campers aged 12–20 from the Estancia, Kalibo, and Roxas Chapters, the event was a powerful manifestation of this year’s theme: “Growing in Faith, Love, and Respect.” Though the camp lasted just one night, every single moment was meticulously planned and deeply intentional.

Intentionally Formed: Talks and Mentorship

The program kicked off with high-energy teambuilding activities designed to break the ice and build bridges across the three chapters. Following the opening games, the youth dived into a series of impactful talks, workshops, and activities led by a lineup of respected speakers:

1. Roots of Faith – Ronel Tersol
2. Growing Deeper – Atty. Jude Mangilog
3. Love in Action – Leonor Rosales
4. Respecting the Journey – Jim Arandilla
5. Faith in Full Bloom – Fr. Vincent Cajilig
   

Following the talks, the campers broke out into intimate small-group discussions. Guided by dedicated facilitators Mhike Jamora, Eugene David, Daphne Billones, and Camp Master and Family and Life Director Dence Lim, the youth opened up honestly about their real-world struggles at school, at home, and within their friendships. The mentors provided a safe space, helping the campers bridge the gap between the spiritual talks and their everyday lives.

Unity Through Worship and Nature

As night fell, the energy shifted into a beautiful open mic and praise session right on the shore. Campers, facilitators, and speakers alike took turns sharing songs of praise, personal testimonies, and original spoken word pieces. Laughter, music, and prayer filled the night air, seamlessly bonding the youth of Estancia, Kalibo, and Roxas into one unified BCBP Northern Panay family.

The next morning, the campers rose early for a scenic hike to the famous Jawili Falls.

Walking the trail together became a life lesson in respect and teamwork. Campers helped one another navigate slippery paths, encouraged those who were tired, and paused to appreciate the beauty of God’s creation.

The hike culminated right by the falls with a touching worship and reflection session.

A Promise to the Future

Before the camp drew to a close, the youth participated in a unique and emotional exercise: writing a letter to their future selves about the insights they gained over the weekend. In their letters, two major themes emerged:

• Instant Community: The deep, special friendships formed overnight—turning from total strangers in the afternoon to a tightly-knit family by sunrise.
• Self-Discovery: A newfound understanding of themselves—their inner strengths, their personal struggles, and the depth of God’s love for them.
  In a beautiful twist of intentionality, these letters will be kept and emailed back to the campers five years from now, serving as a time capsule of their spiritual journey.
  

During the final commitment ceremony, each participant pledged to bring the camp’s three core values back to their daily lives: to respect their parents and teachers, to love their siblings and friends sincerely, and to keep their faith alive through daily prayer and faithful service.

A Heartfelt Thank You

This life-changing, one-night encounter was made possible through the tireless efforts of the Service Team, composed mostly of the CYP group from the BCBP Kalibo Chapter, under the wise guidance of Camp Advisor and Tatang Leonard “Jojo” Lao.

The BCBP Kalibo Chapter owe a debt of gratitude to all the parents, facilitators, speakers, and chapter members who generously gave their time, talent, resources, as well as prayers, to make this camp a resounding success.

The participants may have arrived in the camp from three separate Northern Panay chapters, but they left as one BCBP family—bearing the mission to be bold witnesses of respect, love, and faith in their schools, homes, and communities.

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