I have always been in love with the summer. For WYA Asia Pacific, the summer of '08 was simply extraordinary.
 
After returning from the New York staff meetings, the regional office kicked off with our summer activities for our members.
 
Our office became full and alive with 5 new talented interns joining us for the Regional Internship Program. We also continued with the Friday film nights which offered light yet insightful movies for WYA members and friends.
 
At the start of May, I was invited to speak to a group of youth awardees from the Alfonso Yuchengco Foundation in Tagaytay. The topic given to me was on self awareness. The opportunity was perfect because I was able to talk about the value of dignity and how it is essential in their growth as leaders.
 
The next day, I took a 6-hour bus ride to the Benguet State University to talk about WYA and leadership. The participants came from different youth organizations all over the Philippines. During my session, I prepared an activity in which the participants were to build the tallest and sturdiest tower using only plastic straws and scotch tape. The results were impressive not because of the structures created but because of the sheer determination of the kids to succeed given the limited resources available. That evening, I went straight back to Manila.
 
My next destination was Bicol (the southernmost province in the Luzon island). The 10-hour bus ride to San Jose, Camarines Sur passed quickly as I slept most of the way. We spent 1 full week there for our 2nd Summer Camp Training. Our goal was to accredit 13 WYA members. We were joined by 6 other WYA facilitators. The training camp results exceeded my expectations. The participants gave their best during the discussions and activities amidst the sun, rain, and mud. By the end of the camp, they not only got their summer tan but they were all inspired to bring back WYA to their own organizations.
 
Before the summer ended, I visited our strong chapter (headed by Chappy Piramide) in Cebu City. I introduced WYA to the delegates of the Association of Law Students of the Philippines Conference. The next day, Chappy and I went to Gawad Kalinga Budlaan to give a dignity workshop the young kids at the site. The Visayan workshop given by Chappy was impressive.
 
With June starting, WYA AP is set to go back to schools and universities for our Introductory Sessions. Apart from this, our active members are preparing for their different activities such as the iFaith Project (tour of sacred spaces, interfaith talks), Art and Dignity Project (using art as a medium for dignity), and the Decade of Dignity and Development (regional conference in celebration of WYA's 10th birthday).
 
The summer of '09 is ten months away but I am sure more exciting WYA stories will unfold before that. I will keep all of you posted.

Renelyn Tan
Regional Director
World Youth Alliance Asia Pacific