SURIGAO YOUTH CULTURAL EVENT: THIS WE TESTIFY

by: Norberto Betita

The youth of the Surigao Philippines District of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints were filled with scheduled activities for their summer vacation. From the District Youth Conference---April 30-May 1-2--- to their weekly mutual, and young men camp---May 13-15---and young women camp---May 21-23, the youth enjoyed them all while on their vacation from the rigors of school works. In between these activities were scheduled practices for the planned cultural event which served as the culminating activity for summer 2015. The church had spent substantial amount for all these activities if only to edify and strengthen the youth and to rescue the lost ones. The youth were made to understand that each soul is precious in the sight of God. It matters not how much amount the church spends for as long as there is one---even only one rescued. The worth of “the one” is so precious that it cost the most precious blood of the only sinless man who ever lived on earth, even the only begotten Son of God. These activities are likewise aimed at developing the youth towards life’s balance both physically, mentally, morally and spiritually. 

For the Beauty of the Earth by Surigao 3rd branch youth

During the youth cultural event on May 30, 2015 with the theme: This We Testify, we were there as guest family performer to sing Together Forever Someday. We have never been in their regular practice, so I did not know the extent of their preparations. We were also in attendance to support members of our family who were regular participants in the cultural event. As the curtains started to open after the opening exercises, I began to be amazed. The stage preparation was very simple, but the beginning presentation, For the Beauty of the Earth sung by the 3rd Branch youth was to me grand. I do not easily appreciate performances unless it touches my heart. The youth were not as good singers as those I have seen on television and social media. Yet, the expressions that they gave of the song had touched the depths of my heart. I thought I need to see more, thinking that the rest might just be as bad as our unprepared family presentations. Then there follows another chorus, a duet, a solo, a medley and more. And, I sank, pretty sure that our family presentation will destroy the magnificent performances covering the whole program. I repented that I did not make real effort to prepare. Yet to retract would even make us mean. We have no choice but to perform our assigned part. 

Marriage for Eternity duet by Urim Arcon and Mary Jane Graven

The event was intended to represent our life’s journey from eternity to eternity. Fourteen beautiful songs and hymns were in the series, sequenced after the manner of our journey. In between each song and hymn are spoken words recorded in videos from voices of members. The songs and hymns included; For the Beauty of the Earth by 3rd Branch youth; Follow the Prophet by Taft Branch; What Child Is This by Washington Branch; A solo of Jesus No Ordinary Man by Angel Orillan; I stand all amazed by Branches 1,2 and 3; Praise the Man, a duet by Keeshia B. Palma and Angel Orillan in medley with 3rd Branch; For Our Day a duet by Shinehah Remion and KayAn B. Palma; Strength Beyond My Own a solo by Mharbi Edradan; We Thank Thee O God for a Prophet, an acapella solo by Urim Arcon; Marriage for Eternity, duet by Mary Jane Graven and Urim Arcon; Together Forever Someday by the Betita family; Priesthood Men by all young men; Walk Tall, You’re A Daughter of God by all young women; concluding with These Are the Days by a quartet from San Francisco Branch---Pearl Joy, Lindel, Hermchel and Ethel together with all young men and young women. Alternating on the piano are three youths---Shinehah Remion, Sidney Clark Ordonia, and Erika Preciosa performing with precision and expertise. 

Praise the Man duet by Angel Orillian and Keeshia B. Palma & 3rd Brach

Not a minute or two did I felt bored for in each performance I seemed to hear angels singing songs of praises to God. Each performance is unique and the performers particularly gifted. I am not sure though how our family performance of Together Forever Someday touched the audience. We were happy however that at the conclusion of the program we were congratulated for having a beautiful rendition of the song. Perhaps they felt compelled to express their compliments because performing before them on stage were the counselor of the mission presidency, the district president, the counselor of the district Relief Society, the district primary president, and the counselor in the district young women presidency and their children and grandchildren which composed our family. We are so grateful that we are given that special part to sing as a family of a song which convey the message of a hopeful promise that families can be together forever. 

For Our Day by Shinehah Remion
and KayAn B. Palma

Strength Beyond My Own by Mharbi Edradan

Splendidly impressive was my overall appraisal of the youth cultural event. Indeed, according to their theme---this we testify---the wonderful performances represented their sincere testimonies of the truth in the form of songs and hymns. 

What Child Is This by Washington Branch

The event could not have taken shape and show up should it not have been for the relentless and patient efforts of its overall director Donna Tandan Torres; the musical director Jennifer M. Remion; and the willing support of the young men and young women leaders in the branches and district and the priesthood leadership. The cooperation was notable. To them we collectively express our deep and heartfelt gratitude.