By Kairos Rye A. Jalando-on, The Centralian Link Intern

Participants of the PKxBCCYF sports festival pose for a photo after the conclusion of the sports festival at the Baptist Center Church basketball court.

Last February 17, 2026, the CPU-PK along with the Baptist Center Church Youth Fellowship (BCCYF) held a sports festival in Baptist Center Church, Lapaz, Iloilo. This collaborative sports festival was done to foster Christian relationships between the Pastors’ Kids and the Youth of Baptist Center Church, aiming to encourage camaraderie, sportsmanship, collaboration, and, celebrate youth and growing in faith with the Lord.

The festival began at around 7:00am with registration and breakfast, where coffee, Milo, and bread were served to the oncoming participants of the sports festival. Afterwards, the opening program began in earnest with a Zumba and stretching warm-up led by the BCCYF. Subsequently, the participants were ushered into the Baptist Center Student Center wherein some welcoming remarks were given by Kairos Rye A. Jalando-on, President of the CPU-PK and Sophia Vashti Francia, President of the BCCYF.

Pastor Neva Grace Fabila, Associate Pastor for Campus Ministry of the University Church then delivered a short devotional, centered on Ecclesiastes 11 and 12. She spoke about the importance of remembering the Lord in our youth and of guarding one’s heart against being led astray during that formative time.

The participants then were divided into 4 teams, each named after a tribe of Israel in the Old Testament, the teams were: Judah, Levi, Naphtali, and Benjamin. After being given their team designations, the participants were then instructed to make a banner which best represented their team. Afterwards, Laro ng Lahi games were played by the teams which included kadang and a modified sack race.

Participants warm up for the games with Zumba led by the BCCYF.

Following the Laro ng Lahi games, the main sporting events commenced, featuring Basketball, Volleyball, Badminton, and Table Tennis. A full day of competition, commentary, and organization lay ahead, and both participants and organizers were eager to take on the challenge.

At the end of the day, Team Judah claimed the overall championship, followed by Team Levi in second place, Team Naphtali in third, and Team Benjamin in fourth. Notably, Mr. J. Morante, the basketball MVP, scored an impressive 78 points, leading his team to victory in the basketball event.

Krizel Ann Ly Palmejar, the event head and organizer of the sports festival when asked for comment said:  “As this year’s Sports Fest has now come to an end, let us remember that this event was more than just games — it was a beautiful celebration of unity, faith, and fellowship. I like to sincerely thank our Pastors’ Kids (PKs) and BCCY officers for their cooperation, dedication, and joyful service that made the event possible and enjoyable for everyone. To our PKs and BCC Youth, thank you for bringing enthusiasm, sportsmanship, and smiles that filled the day with laughter and encouragement. As it is written, ‘How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity’ (Psalm 133:1). Thank you for making this event truly meaningful and memorable. To God be all the glory!”

Through sweat, laughter, high-fives, and shared devotion, the event reminded everyone that unity among God’s people is indeed good and pleasant (Psalm 133:1). As the participants left Baptist Center Church that afternoon, they carried not just memories of games won and lost, but stronger bonds, renewed encouragement, and a deeper commitment to remember their Creator in the days of their youth. To God be the glory for a day well spent, friendships strengthened, and faith joyfully celebrated.