Jesuit Communications Foundation (JesCom) successfully hosted its 2024 fair, entitled “EMPOWER,” last August 10th, 2024, at the Gateway 1 Mall Activity Center, Araneta City, Cubao. Building upon the momentum from 2023’s “CONNECT” fair, this year’s event focused on inspiring and equipping young people to harness digital platforms for evangelization and community building.
Empowering Youth Through Digital Evangelization
Aimed primarily at youth groups from parishes from the Diocese of Cubao and the Archdiocese of Manila, “EMPOWER” offered a full day of engaging activities designed to prepare attendees for the mission of digital evangelization. The day kicked off with a showcase of JesCom’s various units, along with fun and interactive games for all. Attendees were also treated to the “Honti@100” exhibit, honoring the centennial birth anniversary of the esteemed Fr. Eduardo Hontiveros, SJ, affectionately known as the “Father of Filipino Liturgical Music.”
One of the standout attractions of the morning was the interactive “Wall of Empowerment,” where visitors scribbled down words of encouragement and fellowship. The platform helped spark insightful conversations among participants, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.
Inspiring Conversations and Learning Opportunities
In the afternoon, attendees gathered for a live conversation titled “The Life of Catholic Media Influencers,” featuring the hosts of JesCom’s beloved prayer program “Kape’t Pandasal.” JesCom Executive Director Fr. Nono Alfonso, SJ, Shepherd’s Voice PublicationsEditorial Consultant Rissa Singson-Kawpeng, and Fr. Jboy Gonzales, SJ, all shared their experiences in using media to empower young people in their faith journeys. The session was highly interactive, with the audience also engaging the speakers with questions about using social media for positive, faith-driven messaging.
During the short but memorable intermission, ‘Tawag ng Tanghalan’ Grand Finalist, Eumee Capile Roque, delivered a showstopping performance that drew loud cheers from those in attendance while imparting some personal words of inspiration for her youthful fans.
Also, a highlight of the afternoon was the Digital Media Workshop, led by industry experts including Mr. Bernz Caasi, Content Lead of Hallow App PH, and Fr. Jboy Gonzales, SJ, who was recently recognized with the Best Instagram Award at the 2023 Catholic Social Media Awards. The workshop provided attendees with practical knowledge on promoting prayer and faith through digital media, focusing on both the creative and technical aspects of producing effective social media content for evangelization.
Launch of JesCom Youth and Performances to Remember
Another significant milestone of the fair was the much-anticipated launch of JesCom Youth (JY), a new initiative aimed at building a vibrant community of young digital evangelists. The launch event outlined JY’s primary objectives, mission, vision, and membership benefits, galvanizing attendees to become active partners in JesCom’s ministry of media evangelization.
The day concluded with a series of inspirational performances that left a lasting impression on all who attended. Spoken word artists Ms.Kooky Tuason and Mr. Joseph Alvin Peña, known as ‘Blackheart,’ delivered moving performances that resonated deeply with the audience. The Bukas Palad Music Ministry then brought the event to a resounding close with their uplifting songs, leaving the crowd clapping and dancing in unison to the classic hymn “Humayo’t Ihayag.”
A Successful Step Forward in Digital Evangelization
Indeed, the JesCom Fair 2024: “EMPOWER” was a resounding success, achieving its goal of equipping and inspiring young people to take on the challenge of digital evangelization. Through workshops, discussions, and performances, attendees left the event empowered and ready to use digital platforms to spread positivity and deepen their faith within their communities.
Emboldened by the overwhelming response from the youthful participants, JesCom looks forward to continuing this momentum with future events that will further nurture and grow this dynamic community of digital evangelists.
AMDG (Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam)
For more updates and to join its new youth movement, visit JesCom’s official website (https://jescom.ph/) or follow the Society of Jesus Philippine Province’s media arm’s official Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/jescomph)
