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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Brenda Arra Hernandez

Area Director Bacolod Northsyd
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Shane Valerie Rodriguez

Area Staff Cebu Central
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Daniela Relux

Area Staff Toboso
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Jeffrey Luague

Area Director San Carlos
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LATEST NEWS & UPDATES

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Monthly Devotion: Focus In Jesus - May 2025

PASSAGE
Hebrews 12:2
Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

REFLECTION
Hi everyone! I’m Kuya Mack. I’m currently beginning a new ministry work in Sta. Monica, Oton, Iloilo. I’m happily married and a proud father to our four-year-old daughter, Gianna. Life isn’t always easy—ministry can be challenging, and personal struggles come and go. But through it all, I choose to keep serving Jesus Christ. What keeps me going? My inspiration is found in Hebrews 12:2.

This verse reminds me that Jesus endured unimaginable suffering for us, and now, He sits in victory. That truth gives me strength and hope. Amid life’s noise and pressures, I find peace in God’s presence. Like Paul, I’m learning to trust God fully, no matter the circumstance. I simply keep fixing my eyes on Jesus.

Jesus is the Pioneer.
He started the journey of faith and invites us to follow Him.
He didn’t just show us the way—He walked it Himself. Jesus made it possible for us to have a real relationship with God. He knows what it’s like to struggle. He faced temptation, pain, and loss. Because He experienced these things, He understands what we go through. When life is hard, we can take comfort in knowing Jesus has already faced it all. He leads us, walks with us, and helps us through every challenge. We’re not alone—Jesus has gone before us and walks beside us.

Jesus is the Perfecter.
The Finisher.
As the Perfecter of our faith, Jesus not only sets the course we follow, but He also completes it. He endured the cross, bore our sin, and conquered death—all to save you and me. In Him, our faith finds its source, its strength, and its fulfillment.

When I wrestle with doubt, I hear Paul’s words echo in my heart: “Fix your eyes on Jesus.” (Hebrews 12:2) It’s like playing a basketball game—I might start with the ball in my hands, but I need to pass it to Him, trusting His direction, His timing, and His strategy. I must surrender not just the outcome, but the process. Letting Him refine me, stretch me, and grow me along the way is part of the journey. Because faith isn’t just about believing once—it’s about continuing to believe, even through the refining fire. And Jesus, the Finisher, never loses.

“For the Joy Set Before Him” — The Game-Changer
This verse reveals why Jesus endured the cross. He looked ahead to the joy of saving us and restoring our relationship with God. That joy gave Him the strength to face pain and shame.
Jesus teaches us that when we focus on a greater purpose, we can endure the hardships of life. When things get tough, scary, or confusing, we can look to Jesus for hope. Our struggles aren’t wasted—they help shape us to become more like Him.

PRAYER:
Dear Lord, help us to fix our eyes on Jesus, especially in difficult times. May we draw strength from His example and trust in His perfecting work in our lives. Remind us that every trial we face is an opportunity to grow closer to You. Thank you for the joy of salvation and the promise of Your presence. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Monthly Devotion: His Grace Abounds - April 2025

PASSAGE: 2 Corinthians 12:10
"That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weakness, in insults, in hardships, in persecution, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

REFLECTION:
As someone who has been through a lot, I remember one particular storm that humbled me and reminded me of God's grace in my life. It was during the time my parents separated and my father passed away. It was one of the darkest valleys I went through.

My family was broken. Our finances were unstable. I was depressed. I wanted to end my life. I rebelled. I turned to alcohol. I neglected my studies. I partied a lot and indulged in worldly pleasures.

As I look back, I can’t help but ask myself how I managed to survive all that. Now that I’m older, things are starting to make sense. God gave me hope and strength. My pain has a purpose, my story can be someone else's source of hope, and even in my weakest moment, God gives me the strength to keep on.

God allowed me to experience those things because today, as I serve in ministry, I am working with kids who are going through the same situation and struggles I did. I thank God for the privilege to share with them how God rescued me, how God gives me hope, how God helped me survive, and how God changed my life because of His grace.

2 Corinthians 12:10 is a reminder that whatever season you may be in right now, do not give up. Just keep on going, because God is with us. Our weakness creates space for God's power. Life doesn't always make sense, but God's grace always finds a way. I didn't just survive, I witnessed God's grace in action.

PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your sufficient grace, love, and faithfulness. Teach me, Lord, to remain steadfast in any circumstance I face. Remind me of Your grace. I pray that my life will be a testimony of Your goodness and mercy. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen!

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Monthly Devotion: Beauty and Purpose in Brokenness - March 2025

PASSAGE: John 9:2-3 (NIV)
"His disciples asked him, ‘Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?’ ‘Neither this man nor his parents sinned,’ said Jesus, ‘but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.’"

REFLECTION:
Some of the world’s most accomplished people overcame what others called “imperfections.” Beethoven composed masterpieces even after losing his hearing, and Helen Keller inspired millions despite being blind and deaf. Society often teaches us to see challenges as flaws or failures. At times, we feel like our struggles or perceived imperfections make us unworthy, but Jesus sees them differently. And what if those challenges are actually a setup for something greater?

Think of a cracked clay pot used to carry water. The cracks might seem like flaws, but as the pot is carried, water seeps through and nourishes the ground along the way. What appears broken can actually bring life and growth to others. In the same way, our struggles are not meant to define us but to show God’s glory as He works through them.


Instead of asking, “Why me?” we can shift our perspective and ask, “How can God use this for His purpose?” Our weaknesses, our challenges—these might be the exact things someone else needs to hear to find hope and inspiration.

In Japanese culture, there is a concept called ikigai, which speaks of finding purpose and fulfillment in life. Like the ancient art of kintsugi, where broken pottery is repaired with gold, God restores our brokenness in ways that make us even more beautiful than before. He doesn’t just mend our cracks; He refines us, giving us a deeper sense of purpose. What once felt like a weakness becomes part of the unique story He is writing in our lives.

Let us find strength in God, leaning into prayer and Scripture to remind ourselves of our worth in His eyes, no matter our circumstances. Our perceived imperfections are not barriers but bridges for God’s glory. He can take what feels like emptiness and fill it with love and purpose.

PRAYER:
Lord, thank You for reminding us that our struggles and imperfections are not punishments but opportunities for Your work to shine through us. Help us to trust Your plan, knowing that You can turn what seems broken into something beautiful. Like kintsugi, may Your grace and love be the gold that restores us, making us even more whole and purposeful. Fill us with confidence in Your purpose and remind us daily that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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