The Oblate TV, an OMI youtube channel which was launched on September 21, 2020 has created a sensation in the social media arena. From a single video, now it has reached almost 200 different videos showcasing the different mission, ministries and apostolates of the OMI all over the world with almost 3 thousand subscribers in youtube.
The Oblate TV was initiated by the OMI Vocation Team Philippines as a tool and as a new way in reaching out to the people especially to the young who have the desire to live the OMI religious life. The main objective of the Oblate TV youtube channel is to introduce the different mission and ministries of the OMI in the Philippines. This includes stories of OMI priests and brothers, daily reflections, prayers, masses and OMI apostolates especially during this time of pandemic. Likewise, it is a way of promoting OMI vocation among the young people all over the country and across the world.
Early January of this year, the OMI Philippines youth and vocation ministry joined together and initiated a special activity for the OMI youth from different parishes all over the country. The activity highlights the original song composition of Fr. Jimmy del Rosario, OMI, entitled “Kabataan, Tawag Ka” sung by Fr. Eduardo “Pon-Pon” Vasquez, OMI and Ms. Maria Laroca, top 6 in The X factor UK in 2018 and arranged by Mr. Gerry De Leon, an award-winning composer.
The “Kabataan, Tawag Ka,” is one of the many compositions of Fr. Del Rosario inviting young people to listen and respond to their vocation as called by the Lord to preach the Good News and to serve the poor. The “Kabataan, Tawag Ka” became a sensation to many young people and to the congregation as it took its first appearance last January 2021. The activity was in the form of a contest.
There were two contests for the said activity: the interpretative dance and the duet singing contest. Both contests were participated by the youth groups from different OMI parishes and ministries, namely: the IP ministry in Timanan, Maguindanao, Masiag parish in Sultan Kudarat, Gapok parish in Sultan Kudarat, Notre Dame Center for Catechesis, Cotabato (NDCFC), Midsayap parish in Cotabato, Aleosan parish in Cotabato, Pikit parish in Cotabato, Ajuy parish in Iloilo, Our Lady of Grace parish in Caloocan City, Broce parish in Maguindanao, Jolo Cathedral in Jolo, Sulu and Siasi parish in Tawi-tawi. Fr. Denz Basada, OMI, the OMI Vocation Director in Luzon and Visayas, the author of the said contests was amazed by the participation and enthusiasm of the OMI youth Philippines. With their own resources and skills, the youth have shown their uniqueness, unity and creativity. For less than a month of preparation, the youth have created awe-inspiring videos and presentations that inspired and captured the hearts of many people.
“I was really struck and teary-eyed when I saw the first video that was submitted from one of our youth groups. I never thought that it would be this beautiful when I saw the youth ministry so alive and inspired even amidst the pandemic. For me, it was a good realization of how social media can create a positive and effective medium for the youth and vocation ministry,” Fr. Basada said.
Last Thursday, February 18, 2021, at 3’oclcok in the afternoon, the winners for both categories were announced through the OblateTV Youtube channel. Part of the announcement of the winners were some words of gratitude by the OMI vocation and youth ministry to the youth for making the activity successful. Moreover, it was also a time to thank the different OMI Priests, OMI Provincial Administration Team led by Fr. Gerry Delos Reyes, OMI, and OMI friends for their support and generosity in the success of the activity.
The winners for the Duet Singing contest were the following: 5th placer (NDCFC), 4th placer (Pikit parish Entry #2), 3rd placer (Midsayap parish), 2nd placer (Aleosan parish) and 1st placer (Pikit parish Entry #3).
The winners for the Interpretative Dance contest were the following: 5th placer (Gapok parish), 4th placer (Ajuy parish, Iloilo Entry #3) ), 3rd placer (Masiag parish), 2nd placer (Pikit parish) and 1st placer (Jolo cathedral, Sulu).
Special award was also given to Gapok parish youth ministry in Sultan Kudarat as it reached the most viewed video of almost 17k views in just 1 week. Cash prizes were awarded to the winners of the contests. Consolation prizes were also given to those who did not make it to the final round as gratitude for their participation.
The judges for the duet singing competition were the following: Ms. Mary Jane Bruno Valenzuela, Teacher and professional singer, Fr. Rey Amancio, OMI, OMI Foreign Missionary, Bro. Bonn Barretto, CSSR, recording artist and seminarian and Mr. Gerry De Leon, award-winning composer.
The judges for the interpretative dance composition were the following: Ms. Jastine Rose C. Pagsanghan, teacher and professional dancer, Mr. Wilmar Operario, teacher and choreographer, Mr. John Alberto Morales, art director and choreographer and Mr. Reggie Pascual, teacher and choreographer.
With the success of the activity, the OMI youth and vocation ministry is confident that there is opportunity in reaching the youth through social media. It is their aspiration that the activity is simply the beginning to a more interactive and inspiring programs among the youth not only in the country but across the globe where OMIs are present.
Please follow, like and subscribe to Oblate TV channel in youtube to support the OMI mission and ministries. (Fr. Rock Saniel, omi)
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