August 30, 2025 | Araneta City — The Jesuit Communications (JesCom) Fair 2025 filled the Quantum Skyview Deck of Gateway Mall 2 last Saturday with faith, music, and inspiring testimonies, all united under the theme “Engage: Stories of Hope.”
Now in its third year, the JesCom Fair brought together youth groups, Catholic creatives, educators, and families for a whole-day celebration rooted in the Jubilee Year’s call to become “Pilgrims of Hope.”
Photos taken from the Araneta City FB page
Hope Grounded in Faith
The program opened with a vibrant performance of “Onward, Pilgrims of Hope” by the San Nicolas de Tolentino Parish Youth Animators, setting the tone for a day of joyful witness. JesCom Executive Director Fr. Emmanuel “Nono” Alfonso, SJ, in his welcome remarks, asked: “Is there still hope for the Philippines?” This led to Fr. Nono’s consoling reminder to participants that while corruption and crisis may dominate the headlines, Christian hope is anchored in the Lord and calls believers to become agents of “living hope” in the spirit of
1 Peter 1:3-5.
Pilgrims of Hope in a Digital World
Over the course of the morning, the JesCom Fair’s guest speakers highlighted how faith thrives even in the face of modern challenges.
- Mr. Michael Vincent Ybiernas encouraged the youth to recognize God’s presence in the digital scroll, creating a “culture of encounter” online through kindness and witness, as the late Pope Francis once mentioned in his 2014 message for World Communications Day.
- Fr. Eduardo Miguel “Migs” Ramirez emphasized the power of small gestures, as simple as asking “kamusta,” in building genuine connections, urging the audience to amplify hope one person at a time.
Seated for a panel discussion moderated by Areson Cuevas and Miriam Delos Santos, Michael and Fr. Migs then underscored the role of digital storytelling in spreading hope authentically and responsibly.
Also joining the group onstage was Director Jose Lorenzo ‘Pepe’ Diokno, the acclaimed filmmaker of JesCom’s multi-awarded 2023 film ‘GomBurZa,’ who reflected on storytelling as a deeply human act that inspires great courage and faith. Amazed by the imagination and storytelling depth of today’s youth, Direk Pepe reminded participants to stay true to their core values and always stand for truth.
A Showcase of Stories and Song
The afternoon kicked off with a dance number by the Philippine School for the Deaf Advocacy Group, whose performance embodied resilience and unity, followed by the Hangad Music Ministry, who reminded the audience through their resonant singing that hope indeed beats in every heart.
Throughout the venue, participants engaged in the JesCom Fair Experience: painting handprints on the Wall of Hope, exploring JesCom’s legacy and ongoing mission in action, as displayed in the Walk of Hope, reflecting at the Message in a Mirror installation, and joining peer conversations on-cam at the Youth Power Corner.
Praise that Resounded with Hope
The day concluded with an uplifting praise and worship concert featuring the Living Hope Catholic Charismatic Community, LiveLoud, and The Feast Novotel Worship Team—talented bands that raised voices and spirits through powerful songs of faith and renewal.
Photos taken from Ablaze Communications’ FB page
Sent Forth as Pilgrims of Hope
As this year’s JesCom Fair came to a close, the message was clear: hope remains alive in every story shared, every connection made, and every act of witness.
Participants went home, inspired to bring their stories of hope into their own communities—carrying forward the Jubilee Year’s call to be digital missionaries and pilgrims of hope.
(AMDG)
Jesuit Communications extends its gratitude to its sponsors and partners, as well as to the many volunteers and performers who made the fair possible:
Gateway Mall 2, Araneta City
J.Amado Araneta Foundation (in loving memory of Mrs. Judy Araneta-Roxas)
PLDT
Ablaze Communications
Cabalen
Caramia
Philippine School for the Deaf
San Nicolas de Tolentino Youth Animators
Hangad Music Ministry
Living Hope
LiveLoud
The Feast Novotel
In memory of Fr. Salty de la Rama, SJ
Maria del Rosario (Our Lady of the Rosary)
And all other donors and sponsors who wish to remain anonymous
