As the Bacolod Diocese is celebrating its Diamond Jubilee, StarLife contributor Adrian Bobe recently interviewed Bacolod Bishop Msgr. Vicente Navarra for his message to the youth of the diocese. The; Q&A article on the Diocesan celebration, focused on the theme, 'Duc Altum', first appeared in The LEAD, the award-winning publication of the St. La Salle Mass Communication Department where the writer is a co-editor.

Q: What are the challenges the Church faces as it celebrates its 75th year?

Bishop: My dear young children, challenges go with the signs of the time. Amid widespread materialism, you are being called to be more attuned with God, His Church and anything that reflects good morals and righteous living. Questions on justice and honesty in public life are among the concerns the church faces today as we celebrate the Diamond Jubilee Year.

Q: What are the challenges for the church in response and in coping with the youth issues?

Bishop: I am banking so much on you, our young people. I pray that you would change your outlook in life. May you be apostles of the Church by engaging in different productive and positive activities… I would be very happy to see more young people working to give justice to their being Catholics and being not afraid to stand up and be counted in upholding truth and justice.

Q: what values would you like to emphasize to the youth, particularly at this point when the church is celebrating its 75th anniversary?

Bishop: Above all, be true to yourselves. Do not allow dishonesty to corrupt your way of living. A 'no' must always be a 'no' and a 'yes' has to be a 'yes'. Have enough courage to stand up for the truth. Do not follow the crowd. Usually young people tend to be shy. If you think you are right, so be brave. Disregard your peers. Have courage and follow the Love God has shown us.

Q: Would you say there is distraction of the youth - away from the Church?

Bishop: Actually yes because of many factors. It is undeniable. First, the lure of an easy life and of materialism and the bad examples in your environment. It is sad to say that even parents are afraid to face the responsibilities in training their own children. You must root your family life in values and godly virtues. Still, I have high hopes that those who have been distracted away will return.

Q: What has the Church been doing to make it more appealing to the youth?

Bishop: The Church prays for young people. No matter how many programs we have, unless; these are blessed by God through prayers, they will not take effect positively. We try to strengthen our young apostles through the promotion of activities in school. However, it is sad to think that only few join.

Q: What would you like to share to the youth on the occasion of the Diamond Jubilee?

Bishop: My dear apostles, try to be optimistic in life. Do not anchor your life on who you are and what you have but in God. Make him your friend and when confused, go to Jesus Christ first and not to your barkada. Remember, with the Lord, everything is possible. Remember, you are our hope. We will always pray for you.

An ASEAN Journey

It was 2 a.m. when my cellphone rang with the number 00000 registered as the caller. On the other line, the voice asked: "Is this Cally"… ooooh god!" That expression struck my consciousness and I realized it was Bomb calling me.

I then shouter, "Bomb…! (blah blah blah) which startled my roommates.

For a moment, I was excited to think that I just had an international call, then I remembered that it's been about a year since my experience in the ASEAN Campus Journalist/Leaders Exchange Program. Bomb was one of the two delegates from Thailand. Maryanne Jude Mendoza of Miriam College and I were the Philippine representatives in the second phase of that ASEAN cultural program.

The program is held to increase ASEAN awareness, especially among young people. Two delegates from each ASEAN member-nation went to Thailand, Laos and Myanmar for a cultural exposure and for the production of radio advertisements promoting the ASEAN. The theme of the tour was "A Journey to a Caring Society and Cultural Heritage".

We had a lot of cultural exposure in each of the three countries we visited. Until today, I really admire the kind of governance and loyalty Thai people display for their. Perhaps, this is the reason why in all the history of colonization, Thailand was never conquered. Even in photos, Luang Prabang of Laos and the Golden Pagoda in Myanmar, which we had the privilege of viewing first hand, have remained breathtaking wonders in my mind.

But the thought that it takes foreigners' eyes to appreciate our own holds true in our midst. In a recent trip to Sagay, I realized that even in Negros we have treasures that if highlighted well could establish a more positive image for us. I admire how Davao, for example, gives; emphasis on its own heritage and culture. In most of the Davao spots, local cultural heritage; is highlighted, especially the Mandaya,; original Davao tribe.

As a result of these recent journey, I could now compare the values we have as one striving region in Asia. We have all the potentials, blessed with gifts, and we are needing the value of the foreigners' eyes so we can appreciate and make the most out of what we have.

Maybe this realization is the lasting impact of my ASEAN program a year ago. In the sense that I am aware of ASEAN and our potential as ASEANs, I believe the goal was met.

Of course, there's still a long way to go for all of us. And this is where the bonus of the bonding and friendship found in the tour comes in. Who knows, we might have the chance to meet, work and produce something in the future for a more solid ASEAN development.

Today, there is that assurance that if I am to journey again, I; would not just have Filipino but also ASEAN friends. And they are the ones I could at 2 a.m. just to say 'hello'.

The writer is a graduating Mass Communications student of the University of St. La Salle. She is the incumbent editor-in-chief of the Lasallian Yearbook.;