From January 4 to 5, 2025, the SLK 3rd FTM event was held, titled "Jesus, the Star of Hope: The Light of Christmas." It was attended by school chapters such as Suba National High School from Majayjay, Laguna; Jacobo Z. Gonzales Memorial National High School; and Biñan Integrated National High School from Biñan, Laguna. Other participating schools included San Isidro National High School and Cupang National High School from Antipolo City, as well as Lakan Dula High School and Raja Soliman Science and Technology High School from Manila, among others. In total, over 80 participants attended the event.

         The animators and trainers had a recollection led by Rev. Fr. Louis Lester Niez, AM, who left them with two questions for reflection. The first question was, "Who are the people who have been the stars in your life?" The second was, "Do you consider yourself a star? If yes, how do you become a star to others?" 

         In the evening, the animators and trainors held a Christmas party, which was also a costume party. Some participants dressed up as Miguel from the movie Coco, others as Jessie from Toy Story, and some as Anger from Inside Out. Everyone who received gifts from SLK expressed their gratitude to the generous donors.

          The following day, a meeting for the District Mariology took place.

By: Arianne Villegas, SLK Trainor, Pantay National High School

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Date: January 25, 2025

Location: Cribs Foundation, Sitio Tambacan, San Roque, Antipolo City, Rizal, Philippines

Organization: Salikana-Bayan (SLK)

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       The Salikana-Bayan (SLK), the main apostolate of the Alagad ni Maria, successfully conducted a Mariology Outreach at Cribs Foundation with the goal of sharing the teachings of Mariology with the children. This initiative aimed to provide a day of joy, support, and community engagement.

 

Activities and Highlights

       The event was structured to incorporate religious instruction with interactive activities designed to engage the children and reinforce key themes of Mariology.

• Holy Mass – The day began with a solemn Mass, setting a spiritual tone for the activities that followed.

• Storytelling – Volunteers shared age-appropriate stories about Mary, emphasizing her virtues and significance in Christian faith.

• Singing – The children joyfully sang religious hymns, accompanied by music played through a Bluetooth speaker.

• Dance – Participants led the children in dance activities, bringing an atmosphere of celebration and unity.

• Arts and Crafts – The children expressed their creativity through art inspired by their own experiences. The participants were amazed by their heartfelt artwork, which brought excitement and joy to everyone present.

• Snacks and Lunch – The Alagad ni Maria food preparation team provided nourishing snacks and meals, ensuring the children were well-fed and energized throughout the day.

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Impact and Reflections

       The event was marked by a sense of joy and enthusiasm. The children actively participated in all activities, demonstrating eagerness and appreciation. Volunteers expressed a deep sense of fulfillment, witnessing the impact of their efforts in fostering faith and happiness among the children.

Many children shared personal reflections on the stories and the Mass, indicating a positive influence on their understanding of Mariology. The gifts distributed at the conclusion of the event transcended their material value, serving as tokens of love and encouragement.

 

Strengthening Bonds and Future Collaborations

      The Mariology Outreach at Cribs Foundation was a resounding success, surpassing expectations in participation and engagement. The event not only strengthened the relationship between Alagad ni Maria and Cribs Foundation but also opened opportunities for future collaboration. The impact of this outreach will continue to inspire both the volunteers and the children, reinforcing the mission of faith, service, and community.

      Kudos to all who contributed to making this event a meaningful and unforgettable experience!

By: Andrei Morones, SLK Trainor,

Oton National High School

 

       The Samahang Likha para sa Kabataan ng ating Bayan (SLK) is a dynamic youth movement affiliated with the Religious Community of the Alagad ni Maria. Dedicated to forming committed, responsive, and capable Filipino youth leaders, SLK fosters a fraternal, praying, and apostolic Christian community. It aims to bring the youth closer to Christ through Mary while equipping them with leadership skills that inspire service, self-development, and a strong witness to values that promote total human development, especially for the young generation.

 

A Life-Changing Leadership Experience

       The Youth Empowerment for Service – Leadership Seminar Workshop (YES-LSW) is one of SLK’s most transforma-tive programs. Before the five-day training even began, I was filled with apprehension. 

       The idea of staying at Alagad ni Maria in Antipolo, Rizal—an unfamiliar place with new faces and a different language—was daunting. Thoughts raced through my mind: Would I be able to socialize? Will the people here be welcoming? Can I survive five days without my phone?

        As the training commenced, we were grouped and immersed in various activities—some challenging, others inspiring. However, among all the experiences, the skit activity on the first night stood out the most. It was unexpected and exhausting, given that it was only our first day, yet it set the tone for the rest of the training. By bedtime, my initial fears had transformed into new concerns—wondering how demanding the following days would be.

        For the next four days, we followed a structured routine, but one particular moment stood out above the rest—the day I received my Commitment Cross. That afternoon, after lunch and a short rest, we engaged in a reflective activity focused on understanding Christ’s sacrifice for humanity. In complete silence, we walked around the grounds of Alagad ni Maria, taking time to reconnect with our Lord. The experience deepened as we entered the church and listened to Brother PJ’s testimony about his spiritual journey and commitment to God. His story was deeply moving, and many of us found ourselves in tears.

         The solemnity continued as we attended the Holy Eucharist, during which we made personal promises to God before receiving our Commitment Cross—a powerful symbol of our dedication and faith. The evening concluded with a silent dinner, with tables arranged in the form of a cross, reinforcing the significance of the day’s events. As we ate in silence, we reflected on our experiences, grateful for the transformation we were undergoing.

 

A Renewed Perspective

      By the end of the YES-LSW training, I realized how misplaced my initial fears had been. Instead of anxiety, I left with newfound friendships, invaluable lessons, and an unshakable sense of purpose. One lesson that resonated deeply with me was: “God invites us through events.” This training proved it true, changing my perspective on sacrifices, promises, and faith.

       More than just a youth movement, SLK is a life-changing journey—one that empowers young individuals with the tools to become leaders, role models, and agents of positive change. Through its unwavering commitment to developing faith-driven and service-oriented leaders, SLK is shaping a new generation of youth prepared to face the challenges of the future with integrity, purpose, and a profound commitment to serving others.