WHO WE ARE

Young Life Philippines, Inc. is a non-denominational, non-sectarian Christian organization that aims to give every Filipino kid an honest introduction to Jesus Christ.

Since 1970, Young Life Philippines, Inc. has been at the forefront in the mission of bringing Filipino kids from all over the Visayas to opportunities where they can have honest introductions to Jesus Christ.

Christ is the strongest, grandest, most attractive personality ever to grace this earth, but a careless messenger with the wrong approach can reduce all this magnificence to a level of boredom.

Jim Rayburn, Founder of Young Life
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FROM OUR STAFF

Check out what our staff members have to say.

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“Being a part of Young Life has given me the endless desire to serve God more through ministry. I have committed more of my time to listening to kids so I can deeply understand their feelings and emotions. Now, being a staff member, I can fully say that I have gained the courage to acknowledge that I can learn from them. Through YL, I have learned that I should put these kids’ needs before mine.”

Emma "Daisy" Saladaga

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“As a YL staff, dako kaayo og impact ang ministry sa akoa. Daghan og mga panghitabo sa akong life nga makaingon ko nga I’m so blessed because of Young Life. Young Life is my answered prayer. Ang YL maoy nakapasabot nako unsa kanindot og ka importante ang relasyon sa Ginoo. Ganahan sad ko nga unsa akong na experience sa ministry kay ipasa pud nako sa mga batan-on nga wa pa kaila ni Jesus. Karon nga naa na koy pamilya, ang akong ampo kay unta makita pud sa akong anak ang akong kalipay sa pag-alagad sa Ginoo pinaagi sa Young Life.”

Jeffrey "Jeff" Luague

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“It is in Young Life that I was able to deepen my personal relationship with Jesus. As a staff for almost 5 years now, I was able to find my place where I could enjoy knowing Jesus, and be part of a greater purpose and that is, to share the Gospel. I found a family that continually cares, encourages and guides me as I walk through life—A family that helps me understand that life is hard, but it's worth living. They (staff) always make me feel that I am not alone in this journey, that I have Jesus in me and that I have them as well. I can't wait for all the kids out there to have this kind of safe place where they could grow in their faith and enjoy the family that Jesus has given them.”

Dayanara Jai "Dayan" Alpuerto

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“As a Young Life staff and a leader, YL plays a vital role in my spiritual growth. It shaped me to who I am today and who I will become in the future. Even when I strayed back in 2013, YL gave me another chance to serve the Lord by continuing to welcome me and allowing me to serve as a volunteer staff in 2016. This ministry allowed me to be a channel of blessings to kids all over my area. And finally, I am so grateful to have been given the chance to get my kids and husband involved in the ministry.”

Mary Grace "Grace" Ybañez

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“YL has been God's instrument for me to take big and daring leaps in life. Being an Area Director made me realize that there is so much more to learn about myself, about this world, about the people in it, and about my true purpose and responsibility in this temporary place. It taught me to go beyond what I thought was my capacity and calling because I realized that I was not just called, but I am chosen—chosen to be in this amazing team. This is certainly a very magical place to be. The big and daring leaps are all worth it, and will always be worth it.”

Katrina Frances "Kaykay" Yasi

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“Being a YL staff helped me become a grateful person. Grateful for the opportunities to witness what God has been doing in our community especially among the youth. Grateful for every relationship I have with the other staff, adults, supporters, parents, volunteers and contact kids. Grateful for every blessing, miracle and even circumstance I get to encounter everyday for it all makes me a better and more dependent-on-Him person. Thank you, Lord!”

Melona "Milô" Yasi

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“I’ve been with Young Life since 2010 and have been a staff member for 5 years already. Young Life impacted my life in so many ways. First, I became a better person and have been blessed to be surrounded by people who encourage me to do better in life and make wise decisions. Second, being in Young Life helped me with balancing my responsibilities in both ministry and personal life. Lastly, being on staff helps me grow closer to God. It helps me know Him more and grow my personal relationship with Him.”

Kimberly "Kim" Codera

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“The people in Young Life have always been welcoming to me and to the other newbies even when I first set foot in a Young Life Center. It has become my second home and family. It was in Young Life that I found friends for life. It was in Young Life that I grew in my knowledge and relationship with Jesus Christ. It was in Young Life that I experienced a "stirring" to serve God. As a staff member for more than thirty years now, this was the best decision I’ve ever made in my life. When I gave up my dreams to serve Him through Young Life, I never guessed that in serving Him, I will fulfill all my dreams!”

Estela "Telay" Hernandez

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“Choosing to be part of the Young Life staff team was a life-changing moment for me. I had prayed for this and God answered my prayer. Now, I've been a Young Life staff member for almost 5 years and I can say that being on staff has been a big privilege. It has given me so many opportunities to do ministry in my own family and community. I am forever grateful because I'm doing ministry as a full-time job and I get to serve the Lord and enjoy His plan for my life. Indeed, God put me here for a great purpose. ”

Kizzy "Kiz" Ho

OUR STAFF MEMBERS

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Estela Hernandez

Senior Metro Director Staff Care and Development
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Joyce Villamor

Area Director Cebu South
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Ermas Elemia

Area Staff Dumaguete
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Edgardo Trasporte

Metro Director Panay
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LATEST NEWS & UPDATES

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Monthly Devotion: A Priceless Gift - December 2024

Passage:
Jeremiah 23:5
“‘For the time is coming,’ says the LORD, ‘when I will raise up a righteous descendant from King David’s line. He will be a King who rules with wisdom. He will do what is just and right throughout the land.’”

Devotion:
One of the most overlooked aspects of this season is the fact that the birth of Christ was prophesied long before it actually happened. Sure, much of the Old Testament focuses on the coming of the Messiah, but what I mean by "overlooked" is this: when we celebrate the birth of Christ, we often forget that this very event was foretold by prophets for CENTURIES. We tend to focus solely on the nativity story, but we rarely stop to reflect on the long wait between the prophecy and its fulfillment. Many generations passed before this promise came to fruition, and we often miss the significance of that.

It’s also important to maintain a spirit of excitement, not just for the gifts we’ll receive on Christmas Day, but more importantly, for the realization of God’s future plans.

What stands out to me in this passage is the palpable optimism that Jeremiah had when he wrote it. He was excited for what was to come—though he knew that he might not live to see it. His excitement wasn't dependent on witnessing the event himself; it was rooted in the confidence that God’s promise would be fulfilled.

I honestly believe we should approach every Christmas celebration with this same excitement: not just for the presents we’ll receive, but for the certainty of God's plan—whether or not we see it come to pass in our lifetime. That, in itself, is a priceless gift.

Prayer:
Dear Lord,


May You continue to fill us with the excitement and optimism we need to celebrate not just Christmas, but every day of our lives. May we always have hearts that look forward to the fulfillment of Your plans. We know the power of Your purpose and the strength of Your will. And we pray that Your plans come to fruition—not only for us but for every kid out there.

Amen.

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Monthly Devotion: Finding Joy In Every Moment - November 2024

Passage:
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8

Devotion:
It was Monday morning, my day off from work, but I decided to work anyway since I am preparing for a Young Life-themed club that will be happening in two weeks. I purposely started my day by listening to a podcast to get some ideas and inspiration for the club talk I’m going to give. The podcast was moving and powerful, and it set my mood positively. I was energized and ready for a long day.

During the day, things went just as I thought they would. I went to the schools to talk with their principals and invited some students to attend the club. I visited a newly opened store and had frozen yogurt. I stayed there for a bit to enjoy my food and their air-conditioned space. As I was about to resume my work for the day, a few things came up that I wasn’t expecting, and I just said to myself, “Samoka uy, dangaga nimo! (You’re so clumsy!)” Then the rain started pouring, and I didn’t bring an umbrella with me. I started hating my day, and my mood just dropped. I stayed at the store for a bit, hoping the rain would stop. Long story short, I wasn’t able to finish what I had planned for the day and went home feeling disappointed.

Have you ever experienced having a very nice day, but then getting angry and just thinking that your entire day was a waste? I feel like this happens to me quite often.

Philippians 4:8 says, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

This verse is a powerful reminder of how my thoughts influence my perspective and actions. It encourages me to fix my mind on things that reflect God’s character—truth, nobility, righteousness, purity, loveliness, admirability, and praiseworthiness. This verse also guides me to redirect my thoughts whenever I face frustrations and discouragements. Holding on to what is true helps me trust in God’s promises. Thinking about what is pure and lovely reminds me to avoid negativity and appreciate the beauty in simple moments, like enjoying my frozen yogurt and the cold breeze from the pouring rain. Lastly, reflecting on what is admirable and praiseworthy reminds me to be grateful for God’s unending goodness.

I believe that if we consistently choose to think about these things daily, it allows us to see how God works in our lives. Even in frustrating moments or situations beyond our control, our day isn't entirely a waste. By focusing on what went well, we can end the day with gratitude and faithfulness. This is both a challenge and an invitation for us to transform our thoughts and keep our hearts in tune with God’s peace, even when things don’t go as planned.

Prayer:
Lord, I thank You for Your Word that reminds me of Your truth. Forgive me for the times I’ve allowed my negative thoughts and actions to define me. Father in heaven, help me focus my thoughts on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. Teach me, Lord, to always see the goodness in even the simplest things happening in my life. Help me to trust You in all situations, even when things don’t go as planned. Lord, renew my heart and mind. Guide us to live in gratitude and peace. Strengthen me to face each day with hope and to walk faithfully in all Your ways.

In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

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Monthly Devotion: Don't Lose Hope - October 2024

Passage:
"Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:30-31

Devotion:
Isaiah 40:30-31 captures the essence of human weakness and divine strength. Verse 1 acknowledges that weariness is a common experience, affecting even the strongest among us. Life's demands can leave us feeling exhausted and vulnerable, reminding us that our own strength has limits.

I was looking at the remaining months of this year when all of YL Philippines’ activities are about to end when it hit me, “Have I done my best? What else needs to be done?” Just thinking this is very tiresome and makes me feel weak knowing there are still a lot of things to be done.

Yet, in the face of all this weariness, the passage offers a powerful promise: Those who place their hope in the Lord will find renewed strength. This hope is not merely a wish; it is a deep, abiding trust in God’s faithfulness. When we turn to Him, He empowers us to rise above our circumstances.

I was blessed to visit Doulos Hope, the floating bookstore that anchored at Cebu City's port this month. I was invited to attend a missions fair with my wife Glorivic. The experience made me think again about my purpose and mission. Looking at the older missionaries brought me new vigor to focus on God's strength and not my own might.

The imagery of soaring like eagles illustrates the transformation that happens when we lean on God. Eagles are known for their strength and grace, rising high above the storms. Similarly, God lifts us from our struggles, granting us resilience and the ability to keep moving forward—whether running or walking—without succumbing to weariness.

Coming out from the Book Fair, I stumbled upon a display and a very inspiring baller with Isaiah 40:31 caught my eye. I remembered God's faithfulness in renewing my strength whenever I leaned on Him in my time of weariness.

In moments of exhaustion, take time to reflect on your source of strength. Are you relying solely on your own efforts? Shift your focus to God. Pray, read scripture, and immerse yourself in His presence. As you hope in Him, expect renewal and strength. Trust that He will help you soar above challenges, empowering you to navigate life with grace and endurance.

Prayer:
Lord, help me to place my hope in You. In my moments of weariness, remind me of Your strength. Renew my spirit and enable me to rise above my challenges, trusting in Your unfailing support. Amen.

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