Months before the World Youth Congress (WYC), I had already decided that I wouldn’t attend. My final exam and defense schedules were in direct conflict with the event. I was sure—I had to stay. But as the days passed, God slowly revealed His plan. Just before the registration deadline for the CSA, I unexpectedly received my scholarship allowance. I was able to register on time. Despite more challenges ahead, I couldn’t ignore His call. I knew in my heart: God wanted me to be present at WYC 2025. As our flight to Manila neared, one of my ates in the community gave me a piece of advice: “Once your feet step on Manila’s airport, leave all your worries behind—your exams, your defense, everything that’s keeping you from seeing Jesus at WYC.” She reminded me that God never disappoints, that if I showed up, God would do the rest.
On the first day of WYC, my ulcer flared up. I had to be taken to the ambulance to rest just so I could perform in our all-out dance presentation. Despite the pain, I gave my best on stage. That evening, just after the All-Star competition, our professor suddenly sent an activity due at 11:59 PM. I worked on it while listening to the MFC Awards. Then came a surprise I didn’t expect our picture, MFC Youth Palawan, flashed on the screen. I was stunned. I was named as the Most Inspiring Sister. I had been nominated, yes—but never expected to be chosen. I cried while watching the video, overwhelmed and speechless. My area said they had been praying for it since the day they voted for me and I was so thankful for them even without the award, they always made me feel that I inspired them.
The second day was full of grace. I was chosen as a subgroup leader for the Ark of Champions. I was so happy to meet more youth members, titos, and titas. It became my favorite part of the WYC. After every game, we reflected and shared how the activities related to our own life journeys. Hearing my members’ stories, and seeing them genuinely listen as I spoke, filled my heart with joy and awe. During Session 2, we were given pieces of paper on which we could write down our hurts, hardships, and helplessness. I wrote about my upcoming defense—how scared I was. As I wrote, tears streamed down my face. I almost tore the paper. But when I placed it in the box, a weight lifted. I felt peace. I felt light.
On the final day, just after morning worship, my groupmates informed me that our group would be the first to defend our research. I panicked. I quickly searched for Ate Nina to borrow her laptop. After a frantic search, I found her and rushed to a quiet room. A mission volunteer from the production team kindly let me stay there to present. But during my defense, the connection got lost. I didn’t get to finish my part. My heart sank. Thoughts flooded my mind: What if I don’t get a grade? What if my teacher marks me down? But even in that dark moment, I didn’t lose hope. I kept praying while messaging my groupmates. The internet failed again. Maybe, I thought, God just wanted me to go back and attend Session 3. But instead, I opened my notebook and wrote a prayer, praying it again and again refusing to give up.
Later, Ate Nina came to check on me. I told her the truth: I wasn’t able to defend due to the technical problems. Time passed, and it was already time for Mass. At first, I declined to go. But something stirred in my heart, someone was calling me. I told Ate Nina I’d attend after all. Then it happened—just as I arrived back at the session venue, my groupmates called. The defense was successful! I was so overwhelmed with joy. I ran back to tell Ate Nina the good news. With a bright smile and tears in my eyes, I then joined the Mass.
Looking at the cross on the stage, I cried again—not out of sadness, but out of gratitude. God had seen my pain, my effort, and my longing to meet Him at WYC. He did not sleep. He did not turn away. He called me in the dark, and met me in the middle—where the light of His hope broke through. This experience reminded me that when we anchor ourselves in Christ, even the strongest storms cannot pull us away. I learned to say yes to His call even when everything else told me no. I saw that when we let go, God takes over—and in that surrender, we find hope. Never stop praying. Find Him to discover your true identity and purpose in life.
WYC 2025 was not just an event I attended. It was a call of hope—a reminder that God never forsakes, and that He moves powerfully when we choose to follow Him in faith.
We are anchored in prayer, in Christ, and in mission.
