Gearing Up For his ti~
T
l>
,!rf!~O:r~J! t~op1?
:~e/2~Pines,
to
prepare a welcome for so many of your friends from al/ over the world." With these words, the Holy Father, Pope John Paul II sent his paternal blessing and challenge to the Filipino youth late last year. In January 1995, about one million youth are expected to converge in Manila for the Tenth World Youth Day celebration. The Pope himself will lead the event, drawing inspiration from the theme: "As the Father sent me, so am I sending you." (John 20:21) The Archdiocese of Manila is revving itself up for what may be the most significant spiritual event of the decade (that is, of ~,ternationalstature held in the country). We in CYA are
also actively joining in the numerous preparations. Rogel Plata, CYA National Director, remembers that he attended the YouthJubilee held in ~, 1984 in Rome. That was the in<»,,' ternational event which, owing to its success, became the fore~ nher of the subsequent World Youth Day celebrations. Together with a young Filipina, he represented the youth of the Philippines as they were introduced to the Pope and chatted
c c
» JJ --I
)
m JJ ~
-c
c OJ
r
o
o ~
z o
11
4-
Continued
on page 2
o I JJ
Bobby (extreme left) with CYA UP friends: a-n Jamie Rebustillo, Camaro and Artin Umali.
Ho
s a young boy, my father used! to tell me, "Son, whatever you do, give it your best shot, give it your all, all the way."
A
Those words have stuck with me ever since. "lnwhatever I did, I always gave my best. From grade school until high' school at the Ateneo de Davao, I aimed high and achieved a lot. I was a consistent honor student, team captain -of our basketball varsity team, and 'Student Council president, all at the same time. I even gradua-
ted·with flying colors. I was really on top of the world. At least, I thought I was. When I went to study at the University of the Philippines, it was a whole new world, far from the comforts of home, a concrete jungle...and escape! Away from my parents, I decided to fully exploit my newfound freedom. I started going out with my friends, drinking to my heart's delight, and having relationships here and there. I decided then that I wanted a break from my Catholic upbringing. That was the start of my troubles. Just before one UAAP basketball season began, I injured my right ankle and was removed from the school team. Because of this setback, I drowned my frustrations in alcohol and sought comfort from my girlfriend. I then joined a fraternity. This helped me a lot in terms of brotherhood and leadership excellence. But I also found myself drinking liquor almost every night, partying, and getting Continued
on page 2
(J)
--I (J)
-<
o C --I I
Zl••••• _ ••• \"
~
--I
o Z
s: » JJ
•••••
c.c c.c
.+:=-
t
I
J