magazine - United Church of God

Philippine UYC 2011: “The Best Camp Ever!” 

by Daniel Roy Macaraeg, Managing Editor & Counselor 

DAVAO CITY, Philippines—Thirtytwo 

campers, 39 staff and 13 minicampers 

(total: 84) gathered at Eden 

Mountain Resort, May 3 to 11, for what 

most said was “the best camp ever.” 

This 13th United Youth Camp in the 

Philippines (10th one at Eden Mountain 

Resort) was again directed by Edmond 

Macaraeg, UCG pastor for Visayas 

& Mindanao. 

The 32 campers were organized into 

four “dorms” with a counselor and an 

assistant counselor. Each dorm was 

provided with necessary food, ingredients, 

and supplies to cook their own 

meals. This practice began in 2004, 

and has continued for the eighth year, 

because campers enjoy this challenge 

more than being served already-prepared 

food. 

The theme for this year draws its inspiration 

from the life of Jesus Christ 

(Luke 2:52)—“Be the Best You Can 

Be.” A diamond was chosen to be the 

camp logo, being the best among precious 

stones. Radiating from it are 

rays of color, representing six areas in 

What’s Inside? 

Continued on page 18 

3 Invisible Pictures? 

5 Confidence-Building Activity 

6 The Fellowship Night 

7 Be the Best Sportsman 

8 Mexican Night at UYC 

10 Fun-filled Physical Activities

2 United Teens Philippines 2011 Edition 3 

From the Camp Director... 

Edmond D. Macaraeg 

Be the Best You Can Be! 

One common problem facing our people, 

including our young, is the prevalent 

attitude of being content with mediocrity 

or even failure in most aspects of life. 

Accepting such a state of life and adopting 

such state of mind leads many to do 

poorly in their responsibilities and duties. 

Many are content with low scholastic performance 

in school, and some do not even 

mind failing grades. It then sadly could 

become a bad vicious cycle, for which we 

see much evidence around us. 

Because of the nature of 

one’s environment, coupled 

with sub-standard living 

conditions, plus enduring 

the inconveniences of low 

quality products and workmanship, 

many tend to copy, 

adopt, and develop a mentality 

depicted by a sense of irresponsibility, 

carelessness, and laziness. These 

traits naturally lead to failure and defeat 

in attaining one’s more noble goals and 

positive purposes in life. 

In our historical Filipino culture, 

this is called the “bahala na” attitude. 

While historians tell us that the original 

concept among our ancestors was to 

entrust things beyond one’s control to the 

great being they call “Bathala,” such has 

degenerated into the modern attitude of 

irresponsibility, and simply leaving one’s 

present and future life to blind chance 

and blind faith. 

While we know that godliness with 

contentment is great gain (1Tim. 6:6), 

it does not mean we should not strive 

to improve our lot in life. Rather, God 

expects us to do our best in life. And 

for that, we not only are more blessed 

in this present life, but the character 

formed merits for us more rewards in 

God’s Kingdom. 

Thus, instead of copying and adopting 

such attitudes of mediocrity and failure, 

we need in fact to be more challenged to 

find a better way and produce a solution 

to the problems confronting us. We need 

to generate and develop a zealous resolve 

to do something about it – rather than 

just being passive about it. 

In an effort to do something about 

this common and prevalent problem, the 

administration of UYC 2011 decided to 

select “Be the Best You Can Be” as a 

guiding theme this year. 

To reflect such theme, this year’s 

camp banner and logo depict in 

the center a diamond (the best 

of all precious stones) with six 

colored rays of light radiating 

from it. These colored rays 

represent the six aspects or 

areas of one’s life which we 

wanted to focus on in our daily 

Christian Living classes. 

On the first day, we discussed how we 

can be the best physically, depicted by the 

red ray. On the second day, we focused 

on how we can be the best emotionally, 

depicted by the violet ray. On the third 


United Teens Philippines 

Mailing address: P.O. Box 81840, DCCPO 

8000 Davao City, Philippines 

Web site: http://www.ucg.org.ph/youth 

E-mail address: uyc@ucg.org.ph 

Publisher: United Church of God - Philippines 

Editor: Edmond D. Macaraeg 

Managing Editor: Daniel Roy Macaraeg 

Graphics & Layout: Richard John Macaraeg 

United Teens Philippines is the official publication 

of United Youth Camp in the Philippines. 

This publication is printed annually. It is offered 

free of charge to the youths in God’s Church. 

© 2011 United Church of God, AIA - Pilipinas 

All Rights Reserved. 

Invisible Pictures? 

by Ben John Campos, Asst. Counselor 

“A picture is worth a thousand words.” 

Two to three days after the camp concluded, 

pictures started to be posted on Facebook. 

This also led everyone to flood even more 

comments and “likes” and it has inspired 

most to post statuses and notes relating to 

the experiences we had at camp. Pictures 

indeed induce our minds to remember and 

long for the good times we had at camp or 

in any other occasion in our life. Smiles, 

wacky poses, and stolen shots all capture 

a variety of emotions which give our brain 

something to think about, something to 

remember, and something to long for. Humans 

are indeed blessed to have the ability 

to remember and retain most of the good 

and bad experiences in life, and extract 

lessons from them. Pictures, videos—even 

our Encouraging Notebooks—give us all 

the reasons to remember things from the 

fresh memories we just had at camp. Vision 

is no doubt one of the most delightful sens- 

es that we have but it doesn’t mean that we 

should be so obsessed in it that we tend to 

forget the invisible things we have learned. 

The character and attitudes shown and the 

teachings given by the older ones in the 

Church, the camp director, the counselors, 

the staff, and everyone who has been there 

to serve must take more space in our hearts 

and minds than the images and emotions 

captured by the camera. These things constitute 

the invisible, yet the most important 

aspect of the camp. The Bible clearly tells us 

that the world we live in with all its beauty 

and wonder was created by an invisible, 

yet All-Powerful God. The same God also 

inspires the Church to sponsor the UYC 

program each year for the youth to learn, 

remember, and put to heart the invisible 

godly character that is taught throughout 

the whole duration of camp, with the hope 

that it will be applied. God and His charac- 

Continued on page 21


A Camp Experience: I Finally Made It! 

by Analou Buragay, Asst. Counselor 

I was supposed to serve as an assistant 

counselor last year. But an unexpected 

thing happened—I got sick days before 

the campers arrived. I had to make a decision—a 

tough one. I decided to give up 

the position 

and went back 

home to get 

better. 

I missed that 

camp last year. 

I must admit, 

that event really 

hurt. Expectations 

were 

not met, and 

sometimes acceptance 

takes 

a while to make sense 

out of it. 

Out of frustration, I 

took my notebook and 

wrote this line: “I will 

be one of the assistant 

counselors next year at 

UYC.” I could hardly 

believe that a year after, 

those words would come true. Not only 

had I been given a chance to serve as an 

assistant counselor but God had allowed 

me to experience the best camp ever! 

I really had no idea about this “counselor 

thing.” Bottom line is, God has again answered 

my “written” prayer. In fact, I was 

quite excited over the things that He had in 

mind for me in this one-week assignment. 

Honestly, I did not expect a lot from people. 

I just believed that each one of us can 

be enabled by God to do His own pleasure. 

In this regard, without bias, I am truly 

thankful to God for my dorm counselor. 

She was always there for me—that’s why 

I managed to come out alive from camp. 

Kidding aside, she helped a lot and I 

learned many valuable lessons from her. 

One of them was patience for the campers. 

It was an honor serving with her. 

In camp, I 

learned that we 

always have to 

have confidence in 

God—every hour, 

every minute, every 

second. Why? 

Because God is 

ever-concerned 

with our well-being 

and He is eager 

to take care for 

our benefit. He always 

answers prayers 

and provides in times 

of need. He is the best 

and the Source of it. 

Having shared tents 

with the campers for 

eight days, it was inevitable 

to talk and 

establish friendships 

with them. During our conversations, I realize 

that all of us go through stages in life 

that we need to embrace and cherish. As 

they shared their struggles and concerns, 

I couldn’t help but recall my teenage life 

as well. 

Back then, I always thought “I’m 

weird”—that I was the “only one” experiencing 

those hardships, anxieties, insecurities 

and other personal issues. While listening 

to their stories, I realized that these 

were common issues during this period of 

life after all. But how we deal with them, 

and who we discussed these issues with— 

Our Confidence-Building Activity 

We woke up on that cold and quiet 

morning filled with excitement and 

eager anticipation. That morning has 

brought us hours closer to our muchawaited 

activities, the Wilderness 

Skills and Confidence 

Course. We knew 

that it would be a long and 

tiring day but that didn’t 

stop us from boldly taking 

on the challenge. 

After the Christian Living 

class, we took our lunch and 

started preparing for our remarkable 

adventure. As we 

began our trek, it started 

raining which would surely 

make our endeavor tougher 

but surprisingly, most of us 

welcomed the rain and it 

didn’t dampen our enthusiasm. 

We hiked through the woods towards 

our first checkpoint, the wall climb. 

The top was estimated to be around 

by Joshua Infantado, Asst. Counselor 

35 feet above the ground. It tested our 

courage to overcome heights and at the 

same time our trust in the ropes and 

in the staff, in case we fall. For some, 

especially the boys, 

it wasn’t that hard. 

But to the girls, it 

was a different story. 

This was where the 

moral support and 

e n c o u r a g e m e n t 

rose from the group. 

At that moment, 

when the people on 

the ground as well 

as the staff started 

to cheer and shout, 

it amazed me how 

words could turn 

people into enduring 

overcomers. It 

truly demonstrated 

the power of communication if only 

used in the right way. And so with the 

Continued on page 26 Continued on page 22


The Fellowship Night 

by Karriss Mae Zayas, Staff 

“Camp fever” is still fresh in everyone’s 

mind: the new friends, the activities, 

the healthy food, the funny jokes, the 

cheerfulness of mini-campers when they 

played, the bonding moments of campers, 

the funny 

and yet inspiring 

skit 

of the male 

staff during 

Christian Living 

classes together 

with its 

moral lessons, 

the happy and 

smiling faces 

of the female 

staff (though 

they were 

tired and do lack sleep), and the nice and 

refreshing climate of Eden Nature Park. 

The most profitable (and should not be 

forgotten) part were the six aspects of life 

namely: Physical, Emotional, Mental, Social, 

Occupational, and most importantly 

Spiritual, which were given during 

the Christian Living classes. These 

are the things that make you miss 

everyone and everything in United 

Youth Camp. 

UYC is made for the young 

ones in the church and is also 

beneficial for the “once young.” 

This year’s camp was very successful, 

improved with new activities, 

and with a theme that 

corresponded to the six aspects 

of life and ray colors of a diamond, 

namely: “Be the Best You Can 

Be” which was based from the words in 

the letter to Timothy (1 Timothy 4:12) 

and in the book of Luke (2:52). 

But there was one activity that highlighted 

the night of all the activities—it was the 

Fellowship Night. 

This activity was a new and unusual 

version done for the first time this year. It 

enabled us the rare opportunity to get to 

know better other members who live far 

away from us. 

The Fellowship Night was made like a 

game, giving you a chance to know everyone 

at camp—both old and young, campers 

and staff. The game went like this: as 

usual, groups were seated according to 

their order: Dorms 1G, 2G, 1B, 2B, and 

the Female and Male Staff. The facilitator 

(Noel Roy Gilos) gave instructions on how 

the activity would go. One needs to get 

as much information from every one else 

which includes: complete name, age, congregation, 

and expectations in camp. Others 

asked for their father’s name, mother’s 

name, sister’s or brother’s name, and how 

many siblings they have. By doing so, that 

person would acquire additional points for 

going the extra mile. There was a time limit 

for everyone to ask these questions and 

this added to the spice of the game. 

The enjoyable part here was when the 

facilitator said, “Time starts now!” Everyone 

was so attentive 

and on-the-go asking 

one another questions 

and collecting 

as much information 

as they could, and trying 

to remember all 

the information they 

got. Some wrote them 

down on their notebooks, 

just to be sure. 

Even the children 

of some staff asked 

questions. And when the time was up, they 

had to go back to their seats and wait for 

the next instruction. 


Be the Best Sportsman 

by Noel Roy Gilos, Staff 

This year’s camp with the theme “Be 

the Best You Can Be” (with the specific 

focus on the: Physical, Emotional, Mental, 

Social, Occupational and Spiritual 

aspects) benefited not only the campers 

but also among those serving as staff. 

One of the activities that campers can 

best apply and learn these practical lessons 

was through the various sports activities 

which we had 

during camp, like: Basketball, 

Inline Skating, 

Softball and Soccer. 

While playing any 

sport can be fun, enjoyable, 

exciting and can 

also benefit in most aspects 

of our life (physical, 

emotional, mental, 

social and occupational), let us not neglect 

its value in terms of the spiritual 

lessons which we can derive from it. 

We can see many scriptures in the Bible 

which can point us to the lessons we can 

learn in playing any sport. In his first letter 

to the Corinthians, the apostle Paul 

calls attention to the vigorous training of 

the athlete. The Christian is challenged to 

follow the example of the athlete and to 

strive for the crown which lasts: “Do you 

not know that in a race all the runners 

run, but only one gets the prize? Run in 

such a way as to get the prize. Everyone 

who competes in the 

games goes into strict 

training. They do it to 

get a crown that will not 

last; but we do it to get 

a crown that will last 

forever. Therefore I do 

not run like a man running 

aimlessly; I do not 

fight like a man beating 

the air. No, I beat my body and make it my 

slave so that after I have preached to others, 

I myself will not be disqualified for the 

prize” (1 Corinthians 9:24–27 NIV). 

Continued on page 20


Mexican Night at UYC... 

A Mmmmexican Experience 

by Isis Macaraeg, Staff 

One thing that many people may not know 

about me is that I love to go out and socialize 

with my family and friends. I love to go 

to the movies, 

go to the mall, 

stroll down a 

park or just go to 

some quiet place 

where we can 

talk. However, 

one of my most 

favorite places 

to go to is—of 

course—somewhere, 

where we 

can eat! 

Whenever I go to a simple fast food place, 

a fancy coffee shop, or in an elegant restaurant, 

I have always been served. Even in a 

‘self-service’ restaurant, the 

most that I have to do is to 

pick up my food and the rest 

is done for me. But after all 

the great service, wonderful 

food and embellished ambiance, 

one must not forget 

the dreaded ‘B’ word—the 

bill! Oh, how can we ignore 

the bill—especially the ones 

that burn a big hole in your pocket and leave 

you with furrowed eyebrows! 

But during the camp’s Mexican dinner 

night, I saw an aspect that was missing from 

these lavish diner joints. Yes, the bill, but not 

only that. During the preparation for the dinner 

night, I saw everyone, from the highest 

ranking person to the humble child at camp; 

help out to make that night successful in one 

way or another. The Camp Director and his wife 

helped in the food preparation by operating the 

big and expensive food processors. The married 

staff members prepared the sauces & dips, 

the main dishes, and the program to be used 

for later in the evening. 

The single men 

and women helped in 

cooking and in whatever 

else that needs 

moving, hanging, 

decorating, setting, 

and also memorized 

their lines or dance 

steps for their performance 

later in the 

show. 

The campers were 

also giving their all to help out—some with the 

decorating department, some with the setting 

up and dining crew, and some busy preparing 

for their act. Even 

the cute minicampers 

were 

there with the 

mood of cooperation 

and helping 

in their minds— 

some with setting 

up the chairs 

while others were 

sweeping the floor (or at least they were trying 

to…). Everyone that night was in high 

and good spirits. No one was complaining and 

everyone was just focusing on finishing the task 

that they had in the best way that they can. 

When all the preparations were done and 

everyone started eating, the night broke out to 

a different sound. It was the sound of fun and 

laughter, and in the background, live acoustic 

music provided by the staff. It was evident that 

everyone enjoyed 

the food, the music 

and the fellowship 

that they created 

together. 

If the Mexican 

dinner night were a 

restaurant, I would 

probably be its # 

1 customer and 

would really like to 

come back again. 

Yes, the food may be served a little later than 

usual (probably because everyone is always 

having too much fun preparing for it), but it always 

is really well worth the wait. The cooperation, 

dedication, heart and 

good attitude that I saw everyone 

give for the success of this 

event is already hard to beat. 

Add to that the exceptional live 

acoustic music and a plateful of 

lip-smacking Mexican food, and 

you definitely have a winner. 

Truly, the Mexican dinner 

night is one of the most unforgettable 

and most beautiful 

memories in camp this year, and we thank God 

and everyone for making this ordinary night a 

night of mmmmuch success. 

A Memorable Mexican 

Fiesta Night! 

by Anndy Lou Macaraeg, Staff 

I’ve never been to Mexico but it feels 

like I was there for one evening at camp. 

The Upper Bulwagan hall was beautifully 

decorated with banderillas and colorful 

paper flowers (thanks to the mini- 

campers and staff who helped out in 

decorating). The tables were arranged 

with a red lantern 

centerpiece, 

adding to the fiesta 

ambiance. 

The music was 

uniquely Mexican. 

And the 

foooood... very 

deliciously unforgettable!!! 

There 

was a variety of 

Mexican food to 

choose from: tacos, 

quesadillas, chili con carne, chips, 

guacamole, chocolate fondue, fresh 

fruits and vegetables, and many others. 

Not to mention that the servers 

were dressed 

in their "Tico- 

Tico" Mexican 

costume. 

It was an 

evening showcasing 

not only 

delicious food 

but also the talents 

of everyone 

in camp, 

including the 

mini-campers. How can so many talented 

people be at UYC at the same 

time and to think that some of them 

were doing impromptu presentations? 

It’s really an awesome display 

of God’s generosity to the youths and 

staff, for giving them such talents as 

those presented. 

I can’t really forget that evening. I 

saw how everyone was helping out 

and going the extra mile. After the program, 

although tired, everyone went to 

their tents happy and satisfied.


Fun-Filled Physical Activities 

Although the Christian Living Classes 

are one of the vital parts in this year’s 

camp, another highlight for this year 

were the outdoor activities which were 

indeed full of fun, life-changing, and 

memorable activities which the campers 

and staff enjoyed. 

In this camp, campers went through 

different outdoor and sports activities. 

They were taught the basics of playing 

basketball, softball, soccer, inline skating, 

ballroom dancing, and team building 

activities. 

In basketball, campers were taught 

the importance of stretching exercises as 

a form of warm-up to prepare our body 

for the physical demands of the game. 

This important routine was emphasized 

in almost all outdoor activities, not only 

in sports. It also includes important rules 

and regulations which the players should 

follow in playing different games. The 

campers enjoyed learning basketball basics 

such as dribbling, different types of 

ball passes such as: chest, bounce and 

overhead pass, basics of shooting; and 

different basketball situations in which 

to apply the basics of basketball. After 

the basketball basics session, each dorm 

had also a chance to apply their learning 

through a friendly basketball game with 

by Noel Roy Gilos, Staff 

their sister and brother dorms. It was really 

fun seeing them learn and apply the 

basics of basketball. 

In softball, campers were introduced to 

the game by orienting them to the basic 

equipment and proper gear (like gloves, 

catcher’s mask, chest protector, and 

chin-guard); also the importance of players' 

helmet, and softball bat; softball in 

comparison to baseball; the different positions; 

and duties and responsibilities of 

every player (like Pitcher, Catcher, First to 

Third Baseman, Shortstop and Outfielders). 

After the basics, the campers were 

also challenged through a game between 

the serving staff in preparation for the 

up-and-coming match-up game between 

their sister and brother dorm. 

Same as in soccer, campers were 

taught the basics of football. It started 

with its brief historical background beginning 

from its origin to what it is today. 

Basic rules and regulations were 

also discussed during the introduction 

of the game. Campers enjoyed learning 

the basic kicking, goal keeping as 

well as the basic player’s positions for 

the game. 

It was also during this camp where 

campers enjoyed outdoor activities like 

Inline Skating. Campers were taught the 

importance of safety gear, how to move 

forward, how to stop and the essence 

of supporting and helping each other. 

They were also given some challenges 

during the course of the activity. 

Campers were also given the opportunity 

to learn the basics of ballroom 

dancing particularly Swing as their dance 

clinic activity. It started from the basic 

foot steps where those who were not into 

dancing find it very challenging. But 

once they learned the basic foot steps, 

basic ballroom variations were introduced. 

Campers were also encouraged 

to join the dance number presentation 

for the Talent & Dance Night. 

The last period of the camp was 

equally very challenging. Softball and 

soccer match-up games were played 

between sister and brother dorms. 

Aside from the physical activity they 

went through, they also played under 

such cold and rainy day. The day 

ended with team-building activities 

where each dorm plus the staff played 

challenging team games to test how 

strongly unified the dorms and groups 

were. These team-building exercises 

help them develop the following skills: 

problem-solving, decision-making, appropriate 

risk taking, building working 

relationships, cooperation, communication, 

leadership, creative-thinking, 

trust-building, and goal-setting. It was 

indeed challenging but a fun day to remember. 

It was indeed a most memorable 

and enjoyable camp ever for all of us 

this year. But above all, the best and 

the most important thing that was imparted 

to the campers and staff alike 

were the lessons, applications, relations 

and the connections all these activities 

had to this year’s theme which 

was “Be the Best You Can Be,” focusing 

on the six aspects of life: Physical, 

Emotional, Mental, Social, Occupational 

and Spiritual.


The Plot of My 

UYC Experience 

by Teofilo Balibrea, Jr., Junior Staff 

Are you fascinated with short stories? 

These stories are narratives relating to 

imaginary events that happen to imaginary 

people and lead to a single climax. 

They all have a single conflict, a small 

group of characters, and a point of view. 

As a college student before, I was not 

only fascinated with stories alone but also 

with its author—how he presents his ideas; 

how he develops the characters; how he 

describes/narrates the setting; how he gets 

the attention of the readers; how he regards 

the theme, the tone and the point of view. 

In other words, I was also fascinated with 

the structure of short stories. The structure 

is composed of elements; one of these is 

the plot. The plot of a story is a chain of 

events which flow into a central conflict. 

Distinguishing the plot will help the 

reader to understand the text more. It has 

six (6) stages: (1) How the writer introduces 

the characters and places them in an 

appropriate setting and establishes a point 

of view, and fills in the background information: 

Exposition; (2) How he creates a 

central conflict and starts the plot moving: 

Opening Incident; (3) When the writer 

adds incidents or insights that build the 

conflict to greater intensity: Rising Action; 

Then (4) he raises the conflict to greatest 

intensity and changes the course of events 

or the way that the reader understands the 

story: Climax; And then (5), he relaxes 

the conflict to prepare the readers for the 

conclusion: Falling Action; Finally, (6) the 

writer resolves the conflict and carries the 

plot to an end, and it often interprets the 

story or gives a final insight: Conclusion. 

Thinking over my experience in UYC 

made me realize that it is one of the short 

stories that happened in my life, not imaginary 

but real! Surprisingly, it has a structure, 

a plot, and stages of events! So, when was 

the plot of my UYC experience started? 

The “Exposition” was the time when 

I decided to apply as a staff; filled up the 

application form that introduces me to the 

administrative body of the camp. Weeks 

after, I was accepted! A mixed feeling of 

excitement and hesitation welled up in me 

since I am a first-timer. The time of departure 

came (after the last day of DUB) and 

we (I, Reuel, and Ben John) were ready to 

go. The time when the “plot” starts moving 

was when we arrived Davao the next day— 

it was the Opening Incident. New incidents 

built when I arrived Eden the following day 

(Reuel and Ben John stayed in the city for 

the counselors’ training) and Rising Action 

took place. At this stage, I was beginning to 

adapt to a new environment; meeting new 

people and learning how to properly deal 

with them; building confidence; and doing 

At Your Service... 

by Joshua Infantado, Asst. Counselor 

This year’s camp was no doubt one 

of the best and the most memorable 

youth camps in all its history. With the 

camp’s theme, “Be the Best You Can 

Be!” the campers as well as the staff 

learned to instill in their hearts and 

minds the need to always strive hard in 

reaching our highest potential as God’s 

own elect. Truly and undeniably, this 

camp is and will always be a life-changing 

program of the Church and would 

never fail to make a big impact in the 

lives of people who became a part of it. 

All this would never happen if it hadn’t 

been because of the people who dedicated 

so much of their time and energy 

for the success of this camp. 

One thing that’s common among the 

camp’s staff and administrators is their 

desire to serve the youth in the Church 

just for the purpose of preparing them 

to be responsible and committed members 

of Christ’s body. Though they 

have spent so many sleepless nights 

and exhausting days, they continue to 

keep on going all in the name of service 

to God. 

I have learned valuable lessons looking 

at the exemplary attitude of this 

devoted group of people. 

First and foremost, all of us should 

strive hard to look out for the welfare 

of others and serving is one way to 

show our outgoing concern for them. 

Our service must be motivated by love. 

We should give and sacrifice our time 

and effort without thinking of it being 

reciprocated. Service ought to be such 

a part of us that it defines us in the 

eyes of those around us. It must not 

be directed at just one individual or a 

select few, but to everyone, given that 

Christ didn’t die just for His friends 

or loved ones, but He 

died for the whole 

world. 

Everyday we are 

called to do small 

things with great love. 

One remarkable deed 

doesn’t define who we 

are but it is the daily 

humble good things we 

do that really counts. 

Never get tired of doing 

small things because 

sometimes those 

small things occupy 

the biggest space in the hearts of others. 

We must grab every opportunity to 

do well! 



Staff for the First 

Time—Most Extreme 

Camp Ever! 

by Viel Gervise, Staff 

This year’s camp with the theme, “Be 

the Best You Can Be” was very challenging. 

I was a camper three times (2004, 

2005 and 2007). I found it simple and lots 

of fun. But this year, I was one of the staff. 

What can I say? “What a hard and difficult 

role!” Waking up early in the morning, 

sleeping late at night, 

washing dishes under the 

rain—it was an extreme experience. 

“One day” felt like “one 

week” to me. 

I can now compare myself 

when I was still a camper and 

now being a staff. Being a 

camper was fun and lots of enjoyment 

with your dorm mates. 

Changing chores everyday and 

you can participate in all of 

the activities. It made you feel 

younger. Being a staff was not 

really easy; you’ve got a great task that 

makes you feel mature. But overall, I enjoyed 

and learned many things as a staff 

on how to be the best 

I can be, for the reason 

that being a staff was 

my decision. 

I love to serve, 

which is my first priority 

in life—to serve 

others and most especially 

to serve God. I 

cannot stop thinking 

about all the things 

that I’ve been through 

at this year’s camp: I 

learned our everyday 

lessons on how to be 

the best we can be—physically, emotionally, 

mentally, socially, occupationally, 

and spiritually. This was very challenging 

yet very pleasurable; meeting 

new people; serving new people; carve 

up a smile with new people; building 

new friendships. The greetings of every 

dorm when they pass by me make 

my day bright, and so with the smiles 

I received every day from campers and 

staff. It made me smile every time I 

learn by heart all those memories and 

wanted my tears to roll down my cheeks. 

I will also miss the kisses and hugs from 

friends, their corny jokes, the laughter, 

the aura… haaaaay! Okay! I will miss 

What I Learned as a 

Staff & Counselor 

by Stella Mae Cambare, Asst. Counselor 

To be part of United Youth Camp is 

a great opportunity and blessing for all 

of us. Nothing is more worthwhile than 

helping and serving the youths in the 

Church and nothing is more important 

than pleasing God with our good works 

and well-meant intentions. 

I have been to camp for six years 

now. I have experienced being a 

camper four times. The first time was 

in 2003 with the theme “On to the 

Highest;” the second and third times 

were in 2004 and 2005 with the theme 

“Character Counts;” the fourth time 

was in 2007 with the theme “Remember 

True North.” This year, I have 

served as a staff for the second time. 

For these six years in camp all I can 

say is UYC is remarkable and lifechanging. 

Only in UYC are we able 

to learn and experience essential things in 

life that are not being taught in renowned 

colleges and universities. UYC is just a 

week loaded with brilliant activities that 

helps us shape our lives into a better one. 

Only at UYC are we taught the real essence 

of life by teaching us the ways of 

God which is one of the most important 

aspects in our life. 

Before UYC 2011 started, I had the 

chance of watching the 2004 camp video. 

I recognized that some of the campers 

that year were now applying and were 

qualified as staff. The said camp video 

brought back all the memories when I 

was still a camper. 

I was fifteen years old the first 

time I joined UYC. I was the shy 

type then and so conscious of everything. 

Somehow, UYC helped 

me improve myself. I learned a 

lot from all the activities ever 

since. All through the years of 

attending UYC, it somehow 

changed my life. 

Camp imparted great lessons in 

my life that served as best guiding 

principles along my journey. 

As I submitted my application 

form for this year’s camp, I became conscious 

that I was applying as a staff. 

Time really flies so fast that it made 

me realize that we are now the ones who 

are next in line, ready to take up the responsibilities 

in serving. I am always 

hesitant when accepting major roles in 

camp but I am happy to be given the 

chance to serve and to be with the campers 

for the whole week. 



UYC 2011 SNAPSHOTS... 

Dorm 2B presentation @ Orientation Night Asst. Counselors Team @ Bible Bowl 

Some mini-campers Dorms 1B & 2B waiting at the bleachers 

"Bring Me" game @ Novelty Games Activity Dorm 1G going to next activity 

Dorm 2G with some Junior staff Dorm 2B campers aim during Riflery Activity 

During morning counts-off Staff & counselors in wacky pose 

Dorms 1B & 1G going to Upper Bulwagan Guitar lessons during Basic Guitar Workshop 

Dorm 1G eggs intact after Confidence Course Special music during Sabbath Service 

Lunch date of Dorms 2B & 2G Dorm 2B on-stage during Christian Living Class


BEST CAMP EVER... from page 1 

their lives: physical (red), emotional 

(violet), mental (yellow), social (orange), 

occupational (green), and spiritual 

(blue). 

Each day, camp begins 

and ends with God. The 

camp has a Quiet Time 

from 5 a.m. to 6 a.m., 

where camper and staff 

pray and do their Bible 

study. Before lights out 

at 10 p.m., each dorm 

again prays to close the 

day. 

The first activity after 

breakfast each day is 

a two-hour interactive 

Christian Living Class. 

The six areas of focus were discussed 

in turn—how they can be the best that 

they can be physically, emotionally, 

mentally, socially, occupationally, and 

spiritually. Mr. Macaraeg conducted 

the profitable and lively discussions. 

Perhaps equal to the Christian Living 

classes, the Confidence 

Course coupled with the 

Wilderness Skills activity 

was the most popular. Each 

camper and counselor was 

fitted with a safety harness 

and given one raw egg to 

carry unbroken through 

a hike up and down slippery 

slopes, with four 

“obstacles” or challenges 

along the way. The first is 

the Wall Climb, a 35-foot 

vertical wall with climbing 

holds. From the top 

platform, one has to rappel down. The 

second is the 150-foot Pulley Slide over 

a deep ravine. The third is a 120-foot 

Monkey Bridge suspended about 20 

feet over a rocky stream. 

Before the last challenge, each dorm 

has to cook their supper without any 

conventional utensils. Since it usually 

rains on afternoons and evenings, 

cooking outdoors at night (using only 

headlamps) was an extra challenge. 

Of course, they were already trained 

for that. 

After dinner comes the last “obstacle,” 

the perennial favorite—the Mud 

Tunnel. As its name implies, it’s a dark, 

muddy, slippery, and extremely narrow 

tunnel snaking uphill and ending in a 

very tight squeeze through a 24-inchwide, 

30-foot-long concrete culvert. 

The campers usually arrive camp close 

to midnight exhausted, dirty, but jubilant—having 

survived 8-10 hours of 

facing and conquering their fears, and 

almost all still having their raw eggs 

intact! 

The other camp activities were: Basketball, 

Dance, First Aid, Inline Skating, 

Riflery, Soccer, and Softball. We also 

conducted various workshops on a Friday 

afternoon to pass on marketable or 

useful skills. Each camper could attend 

any two workshops on: Art Illustration, 

Basic Guitar, Carpentry, Cooking & 

Baking, Calligraphy, House Painting, 

Journalism, and Public Speaking. 

On the evenings we had: Orientation 

Night, Novelty Games, a lively Fellowship 

Night, and a special Mexican 

dinner with Talent Show. On the Sabbath, 

we had a Bible Bowl before the 

services. Some campers and staff also 

performed a fitting special number, 

“Be Not Afraid.” 

On the final morning of camp, each 

one sat down and wrote encouraging 

notes on each other’s “Notebook.” 

After that, the closing ceremony was 

held where certificates and awards 

were given to all. As a reminder to 

always “be the best they can be,” a 

piece of diamond-shaped crystal was 

presented to each camper and some 

staff. With God’s blessings, camp was 

truly life-changing.


SPORTSMAN... from page 7 

Here the apostle Paul, using an analogy 

from the games, compares the discipline 

accepted by athletes competing 

for an earthly 

prize with that 

of Christian effort 

to pursue 

the demands 

made on those 

who seek the 

highest of all 

callings. He 

urges Christians 

to persevere in 

order to gain 

their reward in 

God’s Kingdom, 

comparing this 

to the athlete’s 

training to gain 

a prize in the 

games. This 

alone can already give us an idea 

of how we can use lessons from 

sports which we can all apply to 

our own spiritual life. 

In the letter to the Hebrews, 

an athlete‘s preparation for a 

race is compared to the Christian 

life: “Therefore, since we are surrounded 

by such a great cloud 

of witnesses, let us throw off 

everything that hinders and the 

sin that so easily entangles, and 

let us run with perseverance the 

race marked out for us. Let us 

fix our eyes on Jesus, the author 

and perfecter of our faith, who 

for the joy set before him endured 

the cross, scorning its shame, and 

sat down at the right hand of the throne 

of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV) 

If the apostle Paul competed in the 

games, he would have wanted to win; 

“as you hold out the word of life—in 

order that I may boast on the day of 

Christ that I did not run or labor for 

nothing” (Philippians 2:16). He would 

not have been there just to make up 

the numbers. He had no desire 

for accepting second best. He 

would have trained hard. He 

would have been familiar with 

the rules in order not to be disqualified. 

“Similarly, if anyone 

competes as an athlete, he 

does not receive the victor’s 

crown unless he competes according 

to the rules” (2 Timothy 

2:5). He would have been 

much focused. His mental 

toughness and determination 

would have made him a formidable 

opponent. 

These lessons and principles 

will teach us that we should in 

ourselves strive to be a good 

sportsman in a 

spiritual sense. 

We should make 

sure that as we 

play this game 

of life, and in our 

own race towards 

God’s Kingdom, 

we are equipped 

enough to endure, 

survive, and 

win against all 

odds. “Therefore, 

my brothers, be 

all the more eager 

to make your calling 

and election 

sure. For if you do 

these things, you will never fall, and you 

will receive a rich welcome into the eternal 

kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus 

Christ” (2 Peter 1:10-11). As in sports, we 

must learn to be the best we can be in 

anything we do in life. 

EDITORIAL... from page 2 INVISIBLE... from page 3 

day, we talked about how we can be the 

best mentally, depicted by the yellow ray. 

On the second week, which was also then 

the fourth day of Christian Living classes 

(after the Sabbath in camp), we zeroedin 

on how we can be the best socially, 

depicted by the orange ray. On the fifth 

day, we tackled how to be the 

best occupationally, depicted 

by the green ray. And on the 

sixth day of such classes, we 

brainstormed how we can be 

the best spiritually, depicted 

by the blue ray. 

Apart from the lessons 

implanted in the minds of all 

camp participants, you will 

likely be also reminded by 

reading comments and reports about camp 

activities in this publication. And the sharing 

of positive comments from everyone 

for everyone written in the specially produced 

“Encouraging Notebooks” will help 

knit the campers and staff into a special 

bond of friendship and brotherhood in the 

Church. 

The participation of the campers and 

staff, and the presentations made in those 

Christian Living classes, coupled with 

applying what we were learning in camp, 

plus the special blessings from God 

helped make this United Youth Camp 

2011 truly the best ever again! And for 

this, we give thanks and glory to God! 

ter are both invisible, and godly character 

can only be seen when it is applied. Romans 

1:19-20 says that the things we do 

not see are manifest in the things which we 

do see, that is, in the material world. Satan 

is made manifest by the ills, troubles, 

and confusion in this world and God is 

made manifest 

by the 

Church and 

His begotten 

children who 

are striving 

to obey Him 

and develop 

His character 

even 

behind enemy 

lines. We should always put into our 

minds that the invisible things are the ones 

which should serve as our foundation in 

achieving the best that we can be in this 

life and as true Christians we should start 

learning how to visualize things by using 

our perception of the invisible. This means 

that our vision and perception should 

be focused more on the invisible things 

which has far greater effects on us than the 

things that we see. After all, it is what faith 

means, believing and putting our hope and 

confidence on the things that we don’t see 

yet (Hebrews 11:1-3). So from this day on, 

before we paint thousands of words on the 

pictures from camp that we see on Facebook, 

let us stop first and meditate on the 

teachings and lessons we have learned and 

actively think of how we can apply them, 

then let’s thank the invisible God who 

inspired everyone to serve and work for 

UYC’s success. After doing these things, 

then it’s time to delight in the memories 

and emotions captured by the pictures that 

our brethren posted on your wall. 

We must see the invisible pictures first— 

God and His Righteousness first!


CONFIDENCE... from page 5 

help of the staff, we all eventually finished 

our first challenge. 

The next checkpoint was the zip 

line. It was made of strong cables that 

stretched across a 160-foot ravine that 

was about 60 feet at its deepest point. 

From the time our feet took off from 

the platform until we reached the other 

side, it was a heart-pounding ride as 

we looked down the deep height and 

felt the rushing wind on our whole 

body. Scary as it may seem, we all made 

it to the other side alive and smiling. 

We hiked again for a few minutes 

and reached our 

next destination, 

the monkey bridge. 

As what its name 

might imply, it 

needed not a monkey’s 

expertise to 

pass through this 

bridge but only a 

courageous heart. 

By this time, it was 

already dark and 

the only source of 

light was our headlights. 

This made it more difficult because 

we could not see very well where 

we were stepping, though we were still 

harnessed in case we slipped. Nevertheless, 

we all crossed that bridge and 

were ready for our next challenge, 

which was cooking our own food. 

This was where our resourcefulness 

was put to the test. With no conventional 

implements, we cooked our way 

out. We used bamboo tubes for 

our rice and viand. We used banana 

leaves for our plates and 

shaped bamboo pieces as our 

spoons and forks. We were famished. 

By the time our food was 

already cooked, nothing was left 

but sticks and bones. It was the 

most delicious and humbling 

meal I ever had. It made me realize 

how fortunate we are for 

the conveniences we enjoy each 

day from this advanced technological 

age. 

When we finished eating, it was time 

for our final challenge and the highlight 

of the activity, which was the mud tunnel. 

Perhaps this was one of the most famous 

challenges because this will really 

bring out the best in us as an individual. 

As I was standing outside the tunnel 

waiting for my turn, I felt a little uneasy 

and fear set in. I 

have gone through 

this tunnel before, 

but I still felt the 

anxiety and hesitation 

going inside. 

It was then in that 

same moment I remembered 

one of 

my favorite quotes 

which says, “Every 

opportunity to fear 

is also an opportunity 

to trust God.” 

As we took our first breath inside the 

tunnel, we were engulfed by the darkness 

and coldness of the tunnel. It was 

really hard to move because of the little 

space which was worsened by the mud 

that made us get stuck deep under the 

ground. It was really difficult inside as 

we moved inch-by-inch. In the midst 

of these challenges, no one raised their 

hands and yelled, “I give up!” Rather, 

I saw only brave souls who were strong 

enough to follow the light at the end of 

the tunnel. 

At the end, we got really dirty and 

muddy all around our bodies. Some 

got bruises, scrapes, and wounds. We 

ended late and very exhausted. We all 

felt like crawling back to our beds and 

have a very long good night sleep. But 

something was sparkling in our eyes 

and translated in our warm smiles. 

That something was the incredible 

sense of accomplishment knowing that 

we overcame the day’s toughest struggles. 

Looking back when we made our 

first step, we moved forward with full 

confidence that we will finish this day 

with a smile. No one ever doubted for 

a moment that we would succeed and 

emerge triumphantly. Undeniably, that 

day has been one of the greatest and 

most fulfilling adventures we ever had 

and we would truly treasure that moment 

for the rest of our lives!


PLOT... from page 12 SERVICE... from page 13 

what I can to improve myself. In this phase, 

I was able to gain more friends. It was not 

hard for me to do so because these new 

people were very accommodating, sincere 

and dedicated to their assigned task. The 

greatest intensity happened when I was able 

to do things beyond my expectations. This 

was the Climax stage. I became at ease in 

dealing with people, communicating and 

building relationship with them, seeing 

things in a different perspective, hearing 

positive comments from my mentors and 

co-staff. These resulted in my full adaptation 

of the “camp environment.” An enjoyment 

to the fullest took place! 

But all things in 

this physical life are 

supposed to end 

(Falling Action). 

When I started 

packing up my 

things, I did have a 

sad heart, but with 

a happy mind. I was 

sad to be away from 

my new friends 

but with a happy 

mind for the things 

learned and fossilized moments. After two 

weeks in the camp, it was time for me to say 

farewell to my new friends and mentors. It’s 

never been easy for me to leave a kind of environment 

I lived for two weeks and go back 

to my old environment abruptly. But with 

the help of what I’ve learned (especially in 

handling emotions), I am now positive in 

saying: “We don’t have to say goodbye, but 

see you all at the FOT.” 

When I arrived home, a realization 

formed in my mind. Since the camp 

helped me to do things that were beyond 

my expectations, thus, UYC was a “Life- 

Changing” experience (Conclusion). 

So, that is the plot of my UYC 2011 experience. 

What’s yours? 

The second lesson I learned that’s 

worth noting was that life is better 

when we are happy, but life is at its 

best when other people are happy because 

of us. It is one of the most wonderful 

and amazing spiritual laws that 

God sets in motion that if we want to 

be genuinely happy, we should make 

it a top priority to please God and to 

put into practice His commandments. 

Eventually, happiness will find its 

way back to you. If we apply the way 

of get rather than the way of give, we 

deceive ourselves by the temporary 

pleasures of selfishness. At the end of 

the day, we 

feel empty, 

w o n d e r i n g 

why our happiness 

never 

lasts. Only a 

life of serving 

is worth 

living for. All 

of us one day 

must decide 

and choose 

to make serving 

as our magnificent obsession. I 

hope that day would be today. Only 

then will we experience the blessings 

of true happiness. 

What happened from the third to 

11th day of May this year would be 

forever treasured. The exact things that 

had been said and done within that 

week might be easily forgotten, but 

never the way we felt and the precious 

lessons we learned. I sincerely hope 

that this year’s camp theme would eternally 

resonate in our spirit and in every 

ounce of our soul. And together, by 

our encouraging examples and noble 

service, we will make every effort to be 

the best we can be! 

Rookie Campers of 2011: 

Feeling Superstar? 

by Hannah Jane Nagtalon, Camper 

Like a superstar or a performer that 

shines with uplifting energy, inspiring 

the crowd from the start to the 

end of the show, the new campers of 

UYC (United Church of God) 2011 do 

the same! 

According to them, they feel like a 

superstar because they are encouraged 

to open up to share their talents 

and personalities as individuals 

through the non-stop activities inside 

and outside the camp. Though sometimes 

many of them found out that 

it’s late for a good night’s sleep since 

all their bonding and their chatting 

kept them up all night – as if there is 

no tomorrow. 

So, what makes them treasure each 

single day of the camp? It is the endless 

laughter that they impart to one 

another, as if every stressful moment 

is not on their list. In addition, just 

like a superstar, for a new camper, 

what matters most is enjoying every 

single moment of the camp – even 

under the spotlight to dazzle & inspire 

everyone in the crowd from the 

start to the finish. 

FELLOWSHIP NIGHT... from page 6 

The facilitator asked three members 

from each group, one by one, to go on 

stage to introduce a person he/she interviewed. 

During the fellowship, one has to 

remember the information obtained from 

the person called upon since any wrong 

information given of that person will be 

deducted from the group’s score. And if 

the person one called upon was inconsistent 

with the information he/she has given, 

the group which he/she belonged to will 

be affected, and points will be deducted. A 

person already called upon is ineligible for 

the second call; one must call a person who 

was not yet called. 

When everyone has been called, the 

game came to an end. And to find out who 

the winning team was—it was the male 

staff for having the highest number of 

points. It ended at about midnight and almost 

all were sleepy and tired by then but 

all had fun and found it very profitable. 

This game helped everyone introduce 

themselves 

and for others 

to know 

each one 

better as 

well. 

F e l l o w - 

ship Night 

was memorable 

and it 

helped one 

to be more 

confident in 

fellowshipping 

with 

brethren and in socializing as well. To see 

people around you who are of the same belief 

is comforting. It also helps one to be 

stronger in the faith and to be prepared for 

the coming kingdom of God. We need to be 

the best that we can be till the end.


I FINALLY MADE IT... from page 4 God will not allow anyone to trust in him MOST EXTREME... from page 14 WHAT I LEARNED... from page 15 

spells the difference between who we are at 

this point in time and who we may become 

in the future. I’m glad that I was one of my 

campers’ audiences. I had a great time. 

or herself alone. God humbles His people. 

Through those humbling times He lovingly 

taught us crucial lessons that were required 

to better serve Him; to stamp His nature in 

the temperature, cold water when taking 

a bath… hmmm… FREEZE!!! 

us. Character-building is what 

really counts. Even the deepest 

hurts and disappointments 

could turn out to be the only 

way to show God’s love and 

power and for us to see our 

failed premises and frailties. 

Only through these moments 

will we be able to appreciate 

trials and sufferings and accept 

that they too are part in 

becoming the best that God 

can develop us to be. 

God answered my prayer 

when I served as an assistant 

counselor for the first time this year. I learned 

a lot and had the best camp so far. If it is only 

possible to stay there—I would have—but as 

we have to face reality, we have to break camp. 

I must confess that I missed my brothers and 

sisters already. But then, we all need to move 

on in life and earnestly pray that God would 

eventually send Christ back so we could be 

with our brethren not only in an eight-day 

camp period but for all eternity. 

One thing that I’m also thankful for during 

our fellowship is that whatever difficulties 

we go through in life always comes with a 

purpose. I never thought that what I’ve gone 

through and what others have gone through 

could also be shared and be used to help our 

campers cope up with their issues while at 

camp. Camp is really an opportune time to 

shine and to apply principles that one had 

proven to have worked out best on certain 

situations. Positive attitudes and positive 

words are the surest and best possible 

solutions. They’re life-changing. 

Like in everyday life, camp experience 

had its ups and downs. When 

we were on our “up” moments, we 

rejoiced with God. When we were on 

our “downs,” God lifted us up. This 

He did through our supportive and 

dedicated staff and as well as through 

the campers. God provided comfort 

and encouragement. He did live up 

to His “I’ll-never-leave-you-nor-forsakeyou” 

promise. 

Another lesson that stood out is: not to 

depend on your own abilities and talents. 

I am looking forward to seeing this happen. 

I’m happy I finally made it this year 

at camp. It was a pleasure serving. To God 

be the glory. 

It is marvelous to know that God works 

in you. He uses people to inspire you and 

encourage you in everything you do. Even 

though you know that you’re very tired 

and can’t make things easily, but just with 

a smile from anyone (campers & staff), 

all the pain and exhaustion will disappear. 

You can feel the love and care that they 

have for you, although they are busy and 

also tired, but still can afford to beam like 

there’s no tomorrow. 

I can also feel the pain that they’ve been 

through (cramps during their activities) 

because I’ve been there. YES! You cannot 

appreciate happiness if you’ve not been 

through the pains. LIFE is boring if you 

have no trials to overcome. That’s true! 

One thing that made me cry was that even 

though you’re just a junior staff, they were 

proud of you, they remember you, and they 

thank you for the help you offered—the effort 

to be a part of the successful camp. The 

most important thing was the lessons that 

I’ve learned… and the people behind it… 

it’s the people (campers & staff—with God) 

who made the camp wonderful… 

So, with that, from now on, I will be 

joyful to serve God and His people... and 

make every effort to be the BEST I CAN 

BE! I would say... The HARDEST, BEST 

and EXTREME CAMP EVER! I will never, 

ever FORGET!!! 

This is my second time to embrace the 

life as staff. Being a staff is not an easy 

role. You have to be mindful of everything 

you do because every action you make 

counts. You have to be an example in every 

way. Campers are all around you with an 

observant eye watching you all throughout 

the week. Also, you have to be strong 

and remain cheerful even after the tiring 

activities. Campers need your support and 

they need also appreciation for the things 

they have done. When they are down or 

somewhat disappointed, they need to feel 

our encouragement and words of wisdom 

to uplift their emotions. However, at the 

end of the day, upon seeing the campers 

learning new things and enjoying all the 

activities, all your hard work pays off and 

it brings you true pleasure. 

Indeed, altruism is linked to happiness. 

Certainly, it is hard to be a staff member 

but God is always there, willing to help us. 

One thing I realized was that without the 

help of our Heavenly Father, the more difficult 

it us for us to completely perform our 

responsibilities well. 

Altruism is not only a deed, but also an 

attitude of the heart. It is serving with all 

our heart without any expectations. This 

is the very lesson that changed my point 

of view in the service for others during the 

two years of being a staff. We should always 

exert our best in everything we do, 

and most especially in serving others.


UYC 2011 Camp Impressions from... 

What I will miss in the camp is the 

friends and memories that we shared. 

and most of all, the thought that 

amongst all the tests and hardships we 

underwent, we overcame them all – 

TOGETHER! :D ♥ 

Isis Macaraeg, Staff 

I realized that UYC is a 

“life-changing” experience 

because I’ve done a lot of 

things that were beyond my 

expectations. 

Thejay Balibrea, Jr. Staff 

I will miss the fun memories 

we shared and challenges 

that we faced as a family..and it’s 

a life-changing camp too because of the 

6 aspects in life which we 

must apply it in our daily 

lives :) 

Zeeryl Joy Verde, Camper 

There were a lot of 

memories which I can’t get 

over with from camp. But 

what stood out most is the 

thought that all of us helped each other 

to strive and do everything to be the 

best that we can 

be for God. And 

it’s just very nice 

to think about 

it over and over 

again. :) 

Saraine Gem 

Nagtalon, Staff 

What I will miss in UYC are: first, is the 

lesson that we learn because not every 

day in our life can we hear inspiring messages 

that come from 

the Word of God through 

the inspiration of His 

chosen ministers. 

Second, you will see the 

campers happy though 

they were tired because 

of the many activities of 

the day, they still were 

able to fellowship with each other. 

Third is that you see the staff happy on 

their duties even we only had a few 

hours sleep but still doing the best that 

we can be. 

Karriss Mae Zayas, Staff 

I will really miss everything and 

everyone from the camp... our everyday 

lessons on how to be the best we 

can be. (Physical, Emotional, Mental, 

Social, Occupational and Spiritual)... 

Washing dishes under the rain. And when 

we realize that we have many plates and 

spoons to be washed we’ll say “RELAX! 

Tomorrow is another day!” 

Waking up very early in the 

morning… Sleeping very late 

at night… The greetings of 

every dorm when they passed 

by you… the smile I received 

every day from campers & 

staff. Life’s story… The care, 

concerns and love … kisses and hugs from 

a friend, the jokes, the aura… haaayy… 

pwde muhilak? Hmm… okay! I will also 

miss the temperature, cold water when 

taking a bath… hmmm… FREEZE!!! :D 

Most important thing that I will never 

forget, the lessons that I’ve learned… 

and the people behind it… it’s the people 

(campers & staff) who made the camp… ♥ 

Victoria Elizabeth Gervise, Staff 

Serving everyone in the camp is indeed 

tiring. But because of the smiles they put 

in their faces and the company of trustworthy 

friends, a tiring-career will be put 

into lost. And learning so many things with 

them is a big help learned from camp ;] 

Rhoxanne Evaristo, Jr. Staff 

I will miss the fun activities in 

the camp and all the good memories 

we shared... I will also miss 

the challenges we had.... I will 

miss the counselors and my fellow 

campers.... and also the staffs 

that are very friendly.. and I hope 

we can apply the 6 aspects that 

we learned in camp in our daily 

lives... :D ^_^ 

Myrrh Raquel Cinco, Camper 

I will miss everything 

... especially the 

friends, the activities, 

and the life-changing 

experience.. 

Ryan Decena, 

Camper 

I will miss the excitement 

and fun activities 

in this year’s camp..also the 

counselors, campers, and the 

friendly staffs... I do believe 

that UYC is a life-changing 

[camp] because of the six 

aspects that we learn in camp 

which we can apply it in our 

daily life.:))) 

Gwen Wong, Camper 

I will miss all the creatures 

and activities in the 

camp!.. I was very lucky 

to be part of it . I will not 

forget the lessons that 

the camp taught me.. I 

thank God and everyone in the camp for 

the sweet memories that we all shared 

which I will cherish forever in my life :-) 

Lance Acevedo, Camper 

I will miss the 

uniqueness and high 

energy and sleepless 

night of UYC 

2011. I am 

blessed that 

I 

am part of it! 

Hannah Nagtalon, Camper 

UYC ‘11 - “Be The Best You Can 

Be” defines to me that service 

to others especially to the young 

people in the church is fun, full of 

learning, and really a life-changing experienced. 

May God 

be with us “Till We 

Meet Again.” Let’s 

Grow Old together 

guys! 

Noel Roy Gilos, 

Staff 

I have nothing in mind to say right 

now except to give gratitude to God and 

to all the young men and women who 

have worked tirelessly behind the 

scenes to make this camp a wonderful 

experience for all. I hope all of 

the campers learned a lot this year 

and will come back next year. 

Charles Phillip Macaraeg, Staff 

It was a wonderful experience to 

be with you all during this recent camp. 

We were truly a family—I hope it will 

stay that way forever! The lessons we 

have learned and the memories we have 

shared are all priceless and unforgettable. 

I’m looking forward to serving again 

next year, God willing! 

Daniel Roy Macaraeg, Counselor


2011 CAMP PICTORIALS... 

Dorm 1G ► 

Stella Mae Cambare (Asst. Counselor), 

Ilka Reeva Morales, Cheryl Tuario, 

Eden Gepanaga, Steffi Christine Jaranilla, 

Beatrice Gem Nagtalon, Myrrh 

Raquel Cinco, Zeeryl Joy Verde, Jannah 

Mae Barrientos, Luchella Cuison 

(Counselor) 

◄ Dorm 1B 

Joshua Infantado (Asst. Counselor), 

Gyle Quolio Santillana, Nelmer John 

Gilos, Hezekiah Diaz, Manoel Ferriols, 

Genevar Guinea, Zebar Cambare, Jr., 

Noarjan Eturalde, Luke Niel Campos, 

Reuel Campos (Counselor) 

◄ Dorm 2G 

Analou Buragay (Asst. Counselor), Renalou 

Angana, Dick Ciel Merino, Reajun 

May Adlao, Hannah Nagtalon, Reynacie 

Jeddiah Diaz, Cheryl Grace Cuizon, Eloisa 

Gwyn Wong, Leah Gabuya, Meryl Lynn 

Macaraeg (Counselor) 

Dorm 2B ► 

Ben John Campos (Asst. Counselor), 

Ryan Bobz Decena, Joseph Ayong, 

Lordjay Horil, Christian Gem Nagtalon, 

Novrene Dulay, Alexander Joseph Diaz, 

Rhynhart Cambare, Launcelot Acevedo, 

Daniel Roy Macaraeg (Counselor) 

Female Staff ► 

(Back) Anndy Lou Macaraeg, Phoebe 

Grace Wong, Shiela Joy Gilos, Isis 

Macaraeg, Emilyn Ballerda, Sarah Ivey 

Nagtalon, Lorna Macaraeg, Cheryl 

Lynn Rogers; (Front) Victoria Elizabeth 

Gervise, Karriss Mae Zayas, Rhoxanne 

Evaristo, Saraine Gem Nagtalon, Sarah 

Jane Betoy, Jeziel Ann Barrientos 

◄ Male Staff 

(Back) Edmond Macaraeg (Camp Director), 

Rex Hart Valdez, Iyarmoon Dulay, Renante 

Angana, Americo Ballerda, Gem Nagtalon, 

Leopoldo Evaristo, Charles Phillip Macaraeg, 

Ylwin Vincent Wong, Richard John 

Macaraeg, Noel Roy Gilos; (Front) Jonathan 

Betoy, Teofilo Balibrea, Jr., June Riel Rico, 

Reuel Regem Cainglet, Christopher Betoy 

◄ Mini-campers 

Jezreel Ballerda, Shenandoah Anne Macaraeg, 

Shoshana Lynn Rogers, Elisha Abbie 

Gilos, Loraine Gem Nagtalon, Charmaine 

Mae Valdez, Teatephi Isis Macaraeg, Allen 

Jade Sy, Joshua Gem Nagtalon, Elijah Andre 

Gilos, Jonathan Gem Nagtalon, Miabella 

Charlize Macaraeg, Charles Gabriel Macaraeg

32 

UYC 2011 Philippines Camp Awards 

Camper Distinction Awards 

1G: 

Excellence Award – Cheryl Tuario 

Extra-Mile Award – Eden Gepanaga 

Most Improved Camper – Steffi Christine Jaranilla 

Inspirational Award – Myrrh Raquel Cinco 

Overcomer Award – Ilka Reeva Morales 

Most Cooperative – Beatrice Gem Nagtalon 

Most Cheerful & Friendly – Zeeryl Joy Verde 

Most Helpful – Jannah Mae Barrientos 

2G: 

Jolly Camper Award - Renalou Angana 

Cheerful Camper Award – Leah Gabuya 

Most Improved – Dick Ciel Merino 

Most Cooperative – Eloisa Gwyn Wong 

Extra-Mile Award – Reajun May Adlao 

Motivational Award – Hannah Jane Nagtalon 

Overcomer Award - Reynacie Jeddiah Diaz 

Most Athletic – Cherry Grace Cuizon 

1B: 

Most Supportive – Luke Niel Campos 

Most Helpful – Noarjan Eturalde 

Most Improved – Gyle Santillana 

Most Athletic – Nelmer John Gilos 

Overcomer Award – Hezekiah Diaz 

Sports-Minded Award – Manoel Ferriols 

Extra-Mile Award – Genevar Guinea 

2B: 

Most Improved Camper – Lordjay Horil 

Extra-Mile Award – Alexander Joseph Diaz 

Inspirational Award – Christian Gem Nagtalon 

Leadership Award – Christian Gem Nagtalon 

Most Cheerful & Friendly – Ryan Bobz Decena 

Most Helpful Camper – Launcelot Acevedo & 

Rhynhart Cambare 

Supportive Camper – Novrene Dulay 

Overcomer Award – Joseph Ayong 

Outdoor Activity Awards 

Basketball: 

Best Boy Campers – Manoel Ferriols & 

Nelmer John Gilos 

Best Girl Camper – Cheryl Tuario 

Best Dorm – 1B 

Confidence Course: 

Best Boy Camper – Noarjan Eturalde 

Best Girl Camper – Cherry Grace Cuizon 


United Teens Philippines 

Ballroom Dance: 

Best Boy Camper – Ryan Bobz Decena 

Best Girl Camper – Steffi Christine Jaranilla 

Best Dorm – 2G 

Inline Skating: 

Best Boy Camper – Hezekiah Diaz 

Best Girl Camper – Renalou Angana 


Riflery: 

Best Boy Camper – Launcelot Acevedo 

Best Girl Camper – Eloisa Gwyn Wong 


Soccer: 

Best Boy Camper – Nelmer John Gilos 



Softball: 

Best Boy Camper – Nelmer John Gilos 



Team-Building: 


Wilderness Skills: 

Best Boy Camper – Rhynhart Cambare 

Best Girl Camper – Reajun May Adlao 


Workshop Activity Awards 

Best in Art Illustration – Eden Gepanaga 

Best in Calligraphy – Reajun May Adlao 

Best in Basic Carpentry – Manoel Ferriols & Gyle 

Quolio Santillana 

Best in Basic Guitar – Reajun May Adlao 

Best in Cooking & Baking – Cherry Grace Cuizon & 

Dick Ciel Merino 

Best in House Painting – Noarjan Eturalde 

Best in Journalism – Hannah Nagtalon 

Best in Public Speaking – Hannah Nagtalon 

Dorm Distinction Awards 

1B – Most Atlethic 

2B – Most Punctual 

1G – Most Energetic 

2G – Most Organized

magazine - United Church of God

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