By Marvin Kennard Hernato

Tondo, the Philippines, 18 September 2016 -- Side by side with the announcement of Pope Francis’ “World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation,” the Archdiocese of Manila declared this year as the Season of Creation. Wherein, Pope Francis in his encyclical, Laudato Si, encouraged people coast-to-coast to value, preserve and love not God’s creation.

In response to this call of the Holy Father, the Don Bosco Youth Center – Tondo organized an interpretative dance competition last September 18, 2016. The theme was “Kabataang Bosconian: Hindi Lang Madasalin, Maka-Kalikasan Din!” (“Bosconian Youth: Pro-God, Pro-Nature!) This competition aimed to let the youth show and express their God-given talents by exhibiting their creative interpretation to the some of our original Pilipino songs that covey messages of love, care, and proactive responsibility for a healthy ecology. The songs were: “Kapaligiran” by Asin, “Paraiso” and “Anak ng Pasig” by Smokey Mountain.

The program began with an opening prayer led by the Worship delegate, Romanelo Romano. In the Opening Remarks, Youth Coordinator John Celestino Miguel reminded his fellow youth that by their collective efforts such as proper waste disposal will greatly contribute to the care for the environment.

The group performers were as follows: Main Friends Club, Friends of Michael Rua, Savio Friends’ Club, Kwerdas ni Maria, Tarcisian Sodality, Drums and Lyre, Knights of the Altar, The Alternative Learning System (ALS) and Magone Choir. The ALS was declared the Champion of this competition.

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