I wasn’t supposed to be at the World Youth Congress. I did not register, and I had already decided that I would not be participating this year. But the day before WYC, I had a dream in which I was there. I had no idea what that meant, but when I woke up, I couldn’t shake the feeling. That same day, I made a snap decision to attend the congress. I searched for directions to Nueva Ecija, prepared to travel alone, confident that God would provide a way. And He did. A brother from MFC NCR North messaged me unexpectedly and told me that there was an extra seat on their bus. I didn’t even ask. That’s when I knew—this wasn’t my plan, this was God’s. And He really wanted me there.
During Session 1, “Anchored in Prayer,” I was struck by this truth: Hangga’t hindi mo nakikita ang halaga ng panalangin na katulad ng kahalagahan ng hangin na kailangan natin para makahinga, hindi ka matututo magdasal. I realized I had been serving so much but praying so little. I had moments where I felt dry, burdened, and disconnected—even while serving. Service without prayer becomes service without substance. And that kind of service can make you feel lost. I was reminded that prayer is what anchors us. It secures, stabilizes, and directs us. It’s not about changing God’s mind—it’s about being reminded of who we are and who He is. If you forget your why, you’ll forget your way. At WYC, I dropped my anchor again in Christ.
Session 2, “Anchored in Christ,” reminded me that relationship must come before mission. It’s not about romantic relationships—but about your relationship with Christ. How can you serve someone you don’t talk to? How can you share Christ if you haven’t spent time with Him? I was reminded to reconnect not only with God, but with my family, friends, and community. Real relationships are rooted in love, and love isn’t always easy. There will be hurts, hardships, and helplessness. But if we’re anchored in Jesus, there is always hope. Even when things don’t make sense, even when it hurts, we can still trust. Magtitiwala tayo kahit malabo na. Magtitiwala tayo kahit ang sakit-sakit na.
Session 3, “Anchored in Mission,” felt like a fire being lit inside of me. After being reminded of prayer and relationship, we are now called to go—to set the world on fire. This mission is not always easy; it’s a call to endure suffering, to remain faithful, and to keep saying yes even when the road is rough. It’s a mission of joy—a joy that isn’t shallow, but comes from the Holy Spirit. We are sent out to be bearers of hope, to carry light where there’s darkness, to bring Christ to every corner. We don’t go alone. We go anchored in Him, not by our own strength, but by His mercy. Even when we feel weak, we remember: Christ first said yes to us. That’s why we can say yes again—and again—and again.
This WYC reminded me of what I had forgotten: my identity, my purpose, my anchor. It showed me that while emotions are real, faithfulness must lead us. That comfort and convenience shouldn’t be our gods. That our identity should be anchored in Jesus, not in what we do or what we feel. I came to WYC empty and unsure—but I left filled, reminded, and hopeful. It was never about the perfect timing or perfect plan. It was about saying yes—even when it doesn’t make sense. I wasn’t supposed to be there. But by God’s grace, I was exactly where I needed to be.
