VIDES Mission Camp 2023

VIDES:  Kalakbay ng Kabataan sa Pagbangon

 Volunteerism shines brightly!

 After so long, VIDES Philippines held its come back annual Mission Camp last September 3, 2023 at the Mary Help of Christians College Gymnasium, Canlubang, Calamba, Laguna. The heavy rainfall did not dampen the spirit of approximately 38 generous volunteers.  It was a day filled with joy as we hosted over 200 wonderful Oratorian-beneficiaries from the Oratory youth centers of three FMA Laguna communities: 110 from Sitio Buntog, Sitio B-Uno and Sitio Locomotive (Mary Help of Christians College), 50 from Brgy. Halang and San Cristobal (FMA Aspirantate), and 40 from Brgy. Silangan (FMA Novitiate).  Twenty mothers were also invited as beneficiaries of free livelihood training and free dishwashing kit grants.  

This incredibly packed and fun-filled day kicked-off with the Eucharistic Celebration presided by Rev. Fr. Jayson David, SDB.     VIDES’ newly donated multi-cab for the use of Busina Mo, Dunong Ko was likewise officially blessed. 

 In the morning, kids learned about resiliency through an engaging group workshop, while the parents got crafty with dishwashing liquid soap-making. In the afternoon, everyone enjoyed a fair-themed extravaganza with photobooths, talent shows, art expression, and a quiz show booth – a picture of the Filipino traditional barrio fiesta, and indeed, a true celebration of togetherness!.   

 The event was further enriched by the presence of Provincial Superior, Sr. Teresita C. Padron, FMA, whose inspirational message made the occasion even more memorable and meaningful.  

The VIDES Mission Camp was not just about helping others; it was first of all an experience of God’s Divine Providence that made things possible through generous individuals, families,  and that of Charity for Love organization whose benevolence reached many homes.   For the volunteers it was about reconnecting bonds which they missed during the pandemic, and reigniting the fire of volunteerism that seeks to sow good stewardship and solidarity with the poorest youth. To the beneficiaries, it was about enjoying the surprises and blessings of the Mission Camp. VIDES Philippines once again proved that nothing can stop our community from coming together and making a difference the lives of others.

 Here's to many more successful volunteer activities ahead, rain or shine!

#VIDESMissionCamp #OneForOthers

 

HATID SAYA SA PASKO MULA SA CHARIS AT ACTS SINGAPORE

Big thanks to Charis and ACTS Singapore for making VIDES Pinoy a conduit of blessings during the Christmas season.

Grocery packs were distributed to VIDES Communities in Trece Martirez (Cavite), LRTA General Trias (Cavite), and San Roque (Quezon City). Staff and teachers from Hugo Perez Elementary School, beneficiaries from Guadalupe Parish (TMC, Cavite), beneficiaries from Pope Pius Friday Friends, staff and maintenance personnel of the FMA Community in Pansol, Laguna, and fire victims from Barangay San Roque also received the rice and food items.

VIDES Pinoy General Assembly 2023

 

Inviting all VIDES volunteers to this year's General Assembly.

Let's kick off 2023 with an online fellowship, formation, updates on programs and activities, and the election of VIDES Pinoy's Board of Trustees.

See you on Sunday, 22 January 2023, 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm.

Please check our FB group and group chat for the meeting link.

Kita-kits!

VIDES Pinoy Volunteers in Action

Do you have spare time? Share your skills, talents, and abilities. You may help facilitate sessions on children's rights, mental health, arts and crafts, literacy activities, and cathechism. You may also animate fun games, provide haircutting services, and join outreach activities to indigent communities.

We also have medical missions and mangrove planting activities.

Calling all young people who would like to be part of an international group of volunteers.

VIDES is here to give you an experience of being a volunteer here in the Philippines and in another parts of the world where the Salesian Sisters are present.

Kindly fill out this Membership Registration Form

Sign up! Be a VIDES volunteer. Be one for others.

Love in Action: VIDES Pinoy Brings the Joy of Christmas to Sitio Monicayo

Three years after holding their traditional annual Christmas party with the Aeta community, 120 VIDES volunteers made their way to Sitio Monicayo, Mabalacat, Pampanga last December 4, 2022 to bring the message of God’s love and the joys of the Christmas season.

The event commenced with a Holy Mass celebrated by Rev Fr. Elmer B. Salonga followed by a short program organized by the volunteers. In her welcome remarks, Sr Lyn Yap, FMA, VIDES Treasurer and Directress of the Mary Help of Christians School of Mabalacat, extended her gratitude to VIDES for choosing to hold its early Christmas celebration with the aeta community and the indigent families of Sitio Monicayo. On behalf of the volunteers, Sr Paz Bandalan, FMA, VIDES Delegate, expressed the group’s excitement to once again be with the residents of the area to share the happiness of the blessed season. She said that the volunteers came from as far as Metro Manila, Cavite, and Laguna for the special day.

VIDES volunteers then greeted the residents with a lively dance number which was reciprocated by the local youth with equally engaging dance presentations.

After the short program, the VIDES Perya, which showcased different interactive learning booths on children’s rights were opened. The kids enthusiastically demonstrated their talents at the Gilas Kids Booth and showed off their art skills at the Ako at ang Aking Pamilya Booth. Fun games were featured at the Laro Tayo Booth. The children also eagerly exercised their brains by solving math and word problems at the Edukasyong Pangkaunlaran Booth, learned more information on kids’ rights at the Ligtas Kabataan Booth, and posted their messages at the Ako ay Naniniwala Freedom of Expression Wall.

Both kids and adults enjoyed brandishing their poses and big smiles at the Ako ay Pilipino Photo booth. At the VIDES Salon, volunteer hair stylists offered haircutting services to the residents. Parents participated in the Gawa ni Inay Booth where they made Christmas decors using recycled items. They also listened to the informative talk on mental health at the Malusog na Kaisipan Booth which was facilitated by a VIDES volunteer who is licensed psychologist.

The half-day activity ended with the distribution of grocery items, gifts, and snacks to more than 150 families and 270 residents. The beneficiaries happily went home, grateful for the blessings and enriching experience they received. The VIDES volunteers on the other hand had their hearts filled with joy, inspiration, and passion to serve.

After the event, the volunteers gathered at the Mary Help of Christians School of Mabalacat for a fellowship lunch and a short bonding session.

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VIDES Advent Recollection 2022

 [Advent Recollection]

We invite you to attend the VIDES Online Advent Recollection to be facilitated by Sr. Cynthia Calabig, FMA. The event, with the theme, "Renewed in Strength", will be held on Sunday, December 4, 2022, 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

Event invite: https://fb.me/e/5TQNhsf7p

Thank You, VIDES Volunteers!

 

Love in action. That's what VIDES volunteers personify!

Truckload of gratitude to the selfless, dedicated, and committed VIDES volunteers who made our recent Christmas Outreach Activity for the Aeta Community in Sitio Monicayo, Mabalacat, Pampanga a resounding success.

Thank you for actively participating in the program, coming up with enjoyable games and experiential learning activities, dancing, singing, providing haircutting services, packing and hauling goods, and sharing your skills, talents, and resources.

Thank You, Donors & Sponsors!

Our heartfelt gratitude to our donors & sponsors who supported the VIDES Hatid Saya sa Pasko Outreach Activity for the Aeta Community of Sitio Monicayo, Calumpang, Mabalacat, Pampanga. Thank you for helping us bring the joy of Christmas to 150 families composed of 270 individuals. God bless your generous hearts!

VIDES General Assembly 2022

Thank you to everyone who have attended this year's General Assembly. We hope you were inspired by the Strenna for 2022. As St. Francis de Sales said, "Do all through love, nothing through constraint."

We, especially the new faces in the Board of Trustees, are excited to journey with you this year. And of course, under the guidance of Sr Paz Bandalan.

Hope to see you again and have your support on our future events and projects.

Here's to a more fruitful 2022.

Sr. Paz Bandalan, FMA, our new VIDES Pinoy Delegate, welcomed everyone and started the event off with a prayer. 

The Strenna of the Rector Major for 2022 was shared.  The Strenna's theme for 2022 is a quote from Sr. Francis of Sales: "Do all through love, nothing through constraint."

Former BOT President, Lezeil Ebdane shared the programs lined up for 2022. This includes: Volunteer Formation, Lenten Recollection, Spiritual Accompaniment, Advent Recollection, Grand Kumustahan, National Conference in preparation for the: International Conference of VIDES Internazionale.

The International Conference will be in July, hosted in Poland. Hence, for preparation, VIDES Pinoy will have its National Conference in May.

Meet our Board of Trustees!

From left to right, top to bottom): Sr. Paz Bandalan, VIDES Pinoy Delegate; Sr. Catherine Urgello, FMA (LV Palawan), VIDES BOT Councilor; Sr. Lyn Yap, FMA (MHCS Mabalacat, Pampanga), VIDES BOT Treasurer; Sr. Debbie Ponsaran, FMA (DBS Manila); Sr. Guia Asparen, FMA (LV Malihao, Victorias, Negros Occidental); Sr. Arlene Rafaela, FMA (MHCS Minglanilla, Cebu); Sr. Ma. Teresa Lorenzo, FMA (MHCC Canlubang, Laguna); Sr. Nancy Esmero, FMA (MHC Agri-Tech. Center, Mindoro Or.) 

From left to right, top to bottom:

Ciel Estacio, the new VIDES BOT President; Marian Belarmino, new VIDES BOT Secretary; Lezeil Ebdane; Zarah de Guzman; Jennilyn Pequit; Leonorico "Jun" Gorantes; Ericka Quilos

VIDES General Assembly 2022

 [GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2022]

Happy New Year, everyone!

Looking forward to a great year with you.

Join us on Sunday, January 16, 2022 at 1:30PM to know what's up and what's next for the organization.

See you there!

Blessed Christmas to All!

 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” - Luke 2:14

Let us remember the reason for the season, the birth of Jesus, our savior.

VIDES Pinoy Advent Recollection 2021

 

VIDES Philippines invites you join its online advent recollection this Sunday, 12 December 2021, 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

The event, with the theme "Hope in the Dark", shall be facilitated by newly-designated VIDES Pinoy Delegate, Sr Paz Bandalan, FMA.

Please click this registration link if you wish to attend the online event.

Thank You, Sr. Sue & Welcome to VIDES, Sr. Paz!

 Last November 28, we bade farewell and welcome to FMA sisters who are very dear to our hearts.

Thank you, Sr Maria Socorro T. Bacani, FMA, for leading VIDES Pinoy during a very challenging period. Despite the pandemic, we were able to bring much-needed help to VIDES communities and other vulnerable sectors. Our bond as one VIDES family was also strengthened through the conduct of formation activities and online community prayers. We wish you all the best. We will surely miss you!

We are excited to welcome Sr Paz Bandalan, FMA, our new VIDES Pinoy Delegate! We look forward to a meaningful and productive VIDES journey with you as our guide and mentor, Sr Paz!

VIDES Philippines Celebrates 26 Years of Being One for Others

VIDES Philippines held a simple virtual celebration for its 26th anniversary yesterday, 28 November 2021.

The celebration began with a mass officiated by Fr Ike Veloso, SDB.

VIDES International Board member, Sr Maria Josefina Carrasco. FMA, gave the opening remarks for the second part of the program. FMA Philippines and PNG Provincial Superior, Sr Teresita C. Padron, FMA also graced the celebration and gave her greetings to the volunteers.

The occasion also served as an opportunity to welcome the new VIDES Pinoy Delegate, Sr Paz Bandalan, FMA, and to express heartfelt thanks to Sr. Maria Socorro, FMA.