“Ang mga kabatan-onan, gifted”

“Ang mga kabaton-anan, gifted.” These were some of the words our Parish Priest in Our Lady of Fatima Parish of Matti Digos, Fr. Chris said during his inspirational message witnessing the enthusiasm and great charisma of PYF participants in showing their God-given talents during the Socio-cultural Night, August 19, 2023.

During the Socio-cultural Night, participants showcased their talents through performing their assigned presentations and clothing their Sul-obi ako candidates with such fabulous and gorgeous hand-made dresses on that same day with their collective efforts.

Sul-obi ako is our accustomed socio-cultural run-away event every Youth Intercolor initiated by Fr. Lauro Arcade, SM, our former priest-in-charge way back in 2013 when our parish was formerly known as Matti District Catholic Center. It showcases the creativity, resourcefulness, and unity of the youths in crafting fashion dresses using whatever material is available around them -whether recyclable materials or leaves fallen from the trees. This activity has an important note for the youths to ponder. It reminds them of the graces God bestowed upon them through the power of the Holy Spirit – the spirit of knowledge and wisdom that fuels their creativity and resourcefulness in doing their dress. It also reminds them that only through collaborative effort – being one in mind and in spirit – being united that they can produce their innovative and gorgeous dresses. Lastly, it reminds them of their call as stewards of God’s creation by appreciating the existence of nature and giving value and importance to its biodiversity. Hence, the title, Sul-obi ako means clothing of nature; wearing it exposing the uniqueness and beauty of our God who created it.

The program preliminaries were officially opened by an opening song sung by the Fatima Parish Youth Choir then followed by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem. After, the production number of the candidates for Sul-obi ako 2023 took place which had really fueled the excitement of the audiences including the guests. Everyone was officially wecomed to the program by Fr. Patrick Muckian, SM, our Assistant Parish Priest by his Welcome Address then the presentation began. The sequence of the presentation is first, their candidates for Sul-obi ako 2023 will walk the runway, showing their innovated elegant dresses then after, a representative from their zone explain the composition of the design of the dress while their candidates were still ramping on the runway. After each candidates showed their elegance, each zones performed their assigned performances:

Zone 5 – Cultural Dance
Zone 3 – Dramma (Comical Skit)
Zone 2 – Interpretative Dance
Zone 4 – Song Number
Zone 1 – Song Solo

In the middle of the show, Fr. Chris gave his inspirational message. He said that the youths are truly gifted by God with so many talents revealed during the socio-night. He also added that by the youths’ performance, they were inspired by how lively and full of charisma they are. In the end, the winners were announced and our Parish Youth Coordinator, Ms. Sheryl Mae Sucayre thanked everyone behind the actualization of the PYF this year. The night was concluded with laughters and cheerful yells as they danced few animations to celebrate their accomplishments. (SUGID)