The Philippines, being chosen as the host country for the week-long gathering of more than 2,000 young people from the different regions in Asia, was indeed a very significant and wonderful experience. The five-day Fiesta highlighted the following: renew one’s faith in and love for the Word of God and the Eucharist, celebrate youthfully the Word and the Eucharist in our contexts, cultures, and communities, become agents of transformation by living out the Word and the Eucharist in our realities in Asia. The Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences – Office of Laity and Family – Youth Desk was the organizer, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines – Episcopal Commission on Youth (National Secretariat for Youth Apostolate) as the country host chaired by Bishop Joel Z. Baylon, and the Diocese of Imus, under the helm of Bishop Luis Antonio G. Tagle, served as the host Diocese.

Young people aged 15 to 35 attended the 5th Asian Youth Day (AYD5). The delegates from East Asia: China (50), Hong Kong (50), Japan (25), Korea (150), Macau (30), Taiwan (80), South East Asia 1: Cambodia (20), Laos (20), Myanmar (20), Thailand (50), Vietnam (30), South East Asia 2: Brunei (30), Indonesia (50), Malaysia (80), Philippines (1,000), Singapore (50), Timor Leste (30), South Asia: Bangladesh (30), India (100), Nepal (10), Pakistan (30), Sri Lanka (30), Central Asia: (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Siberia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan) (50). The Asian delegation from other continents (Australia, Germany, The Netherlands, etc.).

Since Fiesta (feast, festival, celebration) was the theme of the celebration, the “karakul” was shown to the Asian youth as a welcome expression of a lively celebration. The delegates were invited to experience street dancing. The participants joined the activities such as plenary talks and sessions on the theme, moments of reflection and sharing, prayers: Eucharistic celebrations, vigil, and sacrament of reconciliation, workshops, youth walk, sub-regional meetings, and other celebrations such as liturgical concert, cultural presentations, vigil, and pilgrimage.

It was an opportune time to collaborate with fellow Asians with a common belief and faith about the Eucharist. Bishop Rolando Tirona stressed that in the midst of globalization and many challenges, AYD5 is an occasion fitting for young people in Asia to come together to renew their faith in the Word of God. It is a way of expressing God’s compassion and grace. It is an occasion for young people to understand the importance of social justice. Moreover, the AYD5 was able to form and produce young leaders who value and care for the underprivileged and the oppressed. So much fun and meaning filled this grand celebration. Long live YAsia5!