What makes real men?

That was the question posed to the men's camp. Participants from Cebu, Dumaguete, Bohol and Manjuyod came together to help each other seek answers to questions shared by men. After registration and introductions the small groups were organized to give each one time to share and discuss why and what brought them to the camp. What makes a man take three days away from home and work, turn his mobile phone off and focus on the camp question? Each one had his reason(s) which can either be classified as a need or want. It was also a time for humor to discuss manhood and tease each other about the possible doubts that by lights off new friends were made.

The early morning session prepared us for the question of how do real men deal with the temptations of money, sex and power? The sharing, revelations and resolutions toward the response to the question were marked with highs and lows, success and failures, laughter and tears. The participants removed their "masks" in the realization that there is no real need for "masks" because real men are true to what they are and do not hide behind "masks".

The afternoon was time for competition. You should try playing volleyball using a beach ball while playing on your knees with the height of the net and size of the court (covered with rubber exercise mats) appropriately adjusted. The next game was basketball on the swimming pool with players floating around on inner tubes with a 10 second period as maximum possession time for each player to hold on to the beach ball. A real man has the child in him as he still enjoys playing games and helps him understand children better. "In every real man a child is hidden that wants to play" (Friedrich Nietzsche). The evening session was spent tying up temptation, competition and what is child-likeness at adulthood. The aching muscles demanded restful peace and sleep came swiftly.

The next early morning session was a recapitulation of the previous day's experiences and dealing with marriage and understanding women was what was digested with breakfast.

Testimonies of happily married men, as well as, those who had trouble and those still with a crisis in their marriage started a long open forum. After spending time alone we gathered to answer the camp question and we all agreed that a real man is a man of love and is connected to Love Himself. A real man is able to deny himself to love others more.

Let us end with a joke that should encourage us to help mold real men. A woman was walking along the beach when she stumbled upon a genie's lamp. She picked it up and rubbed it. Lo-and-behold a genie appeared. The amazed woman asked if she got three wishes. The Genie said, "Nope. Due to inflation, constant downsizing, low wages in third-world countries and fierce global competition, I can only grant you one wish. So, what'll it be?"

The woman didn't hesitate. She said, "I want peace in the Middle East. See this map? I want these countries to stop fighting with each other." The Genie looked at the map and exclaimed, "Gadzooks, lady! These countries have been at war for thousands of years. I'm good, but not that good! I don't think it can be done. Make another wish."

The woman thought for a minute. She said, "Well, I've been trying to find the right husband. You know, one that's considerate and fun, likes to cook and helps with the housecleaning, has a great sense of humor and gets along with my family, doesn't watch sports all the time and is faithful. That's what I wish for. A good man." The Genie let out a long sigh and said, "Let me see that map again."*