Tondo, Manila, the Philippines, 18 September 2016—Following the announcement of Pope Francis’ “World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation,” the Archdiocese of Manila declared this year as the ‘Season of Creation.’ This is a proactive response to Pope Francis’ Encyclical Letter, Laudato Sí, where the Holy Father encouraged people from coast-to-coast to value, preserve and love God’s creation.
One with the Archdiocese of Manila, Don Bosco Youth Center – Tondo organized an Interpretative Dance Competition. The theme of this competition was “Kabataang Bosconian: Hindi Lang Madasalin, Maka-Kalikasan Din!” (Bosconian Youth: Pro-God, Pro-Nature!) The competition aimed to allow the young people of the youth center to show and express their love and care for God’s creation through their God-given talents. They were challenged to exhibit their creative dance interpretation of selected original Filipino songs that covey messages of love, care, and proactive responsibility for a healthy ecology. The songs were: Asin’s “Kapaligiran”, and Smokey Mountain’s “Paraiso” and “Anak ng Pasig”.
The Worship Ministry delegate, Romanelo Romano, led the opening prayer. In his opening remarks, the DBYC Youth Coordinator, John Celestino Miguel reminded his fellow youth that their collective efforts such as proper waste disposal and segregation greatly contributes to the care for the environment.
Main Friends Club, Friends of Michael Rua, Savio Friends’ Club, Kwerdas ni Maria, Tarcisian Sodality, Drum and Lyre, Knights of the Altar, The Alternative Learning System (ALS) students, and the Magone Choir participated in the competition. The ALS students were declared champions of this one-of-a-kind dance contest.
by Marvin Kennard Hernato