In the late 80’s a in one of our Leadership training a Political officer of the Government told us that it is so important to make a legacy that will make your children be proud of you.
I hold on it and believe it can only happen with the guidance of God for without God we are nothing.
We met a lot of former activists leaders, members of the Catholic Social Movement and the National Democratic Front telling us their story.
They said Serve the Government rather destroying it.
Be part of the government and change it within
Democratic Revolution from the Center. Some called it participatory democracy, is a political approach that emphasizes citizen involvement and participation in decision-making processes. It aims to create a more inclusive, transparent, and accountable governance system.
Key features of participatory government:
- Citizen engagement: Encourages citizens to participate in public debates, discussions, and decision-making processes.
- Inclusive decision-making: Involves diverse groups and stakeholders in the decision-making process.
- Transparency: Ensures that information is accessible and clear to citizens.
- Accountability: Holds public officials accountable for their actions and decisions.
- Collaborative governance: Fosters partnerships between government, citizens, and other stakeholders.
One of our Speakers Ka Luis Taruc
Fast forward in the 90’s in one of our retreat with the parish, a youth said he is happy to have met someone who at a young age know the meaning of his life and he saw it in me.
My role as a Youth Leader and my advocacy to protect our environment.
My Advocacy
Kabataan at ang kalikasan.
Magkapit Kamay para sa Kalikasan
Let’s Join Our Hands for Nature
John4 Nature
We will live in this world once and will be remembered not on what we have but on how we touch the lives of others.
It will take many years to discover once self. It will only start when you allowed God to work with you..
The sad thing is there are people who does not believe in God.
Good thing, there are people who believed and started to see miracles.
That is why we are all called for to be a light
Start of my Political career
Kb Youth Election 1980
The night before our KB election, i prayed hard to Santo Nino and God answered my prayers.
I won by one point and told myself I will prove to them that your is not wasted.
End of my term
I was awarded one of the 10 Outstanding Youth in Metro Manila in 1983.
Makati Kb Federation
In the 1990 as a politician God is not yet in the Picture. Evangilization is not in my vocabulary.
In Philippines social reality there are big gaps between the rich and the poor. There was a conflict between the government and the masses.
There is something we need to do about it and as a citizen we should take part to make to make our country better.
As a Youth leader of the Kabataan Barangay we are here to be part of the Government to change the government. As President Ferdinand Marcos said in his book Democratic Revolution from the Center
The government will initiate the change within the government
We cannot change it by rallying in the streets
.
Why I almost left the Catholic Church
Philippine Priest Activism. Rebel Priest
I got into my knowledge that one person is instrumental of organizing the Urban poor of Tondo his name Father Dennis Murphy.
Dennis Murphy, the American Catholic priest, was involved in underground work in the Philippines, particularly during the Marcos regime. His underground work included:
- Supporting leftist groups: Murphy was in contact with leftist organizations, including the Communist Party of the Philippines, and provided them with material and spiritual support.
- Helping political prisoners: He assisted political prisoners and their families, often visiting them in prison and providing legal and financial assistance.
- Documenting human rights abuses: Murphy documented cases of human rights abuses, torture, and extrajudicial killings, which helped expose the regime’s atrocities.
- Facilitating escapes: He helped political activists and dissidents escape from the country or go into hiding.
- Coordinating relief efforts: Murphy coordinated relief efforts for victims of natural disasters and political violence.
Murphy’s underground work was dangerous, and he faced constant surveillance, harassment, and death threats from the military and police. Despite this, he continued his work, believing it was his duty as a priest to stand with the oppressed and marginalized.
Dennis Murphy was an American Catholic priest who served in the Philippines and was known for his progressive views and social activism. He was indeed accused of being a communist sympathizer by the Philippine government and the Catholic Church hierarchy, particularly during the Marcos regime.
Murphy was a vocal critic of social injustice, poverty, and human rights abuses, and he supported various social and political causes, including land reform, labor rights, and democracy. He also advocated for dialogue and reconciliation with leftist groups, including the Communist Party of the Philippines.
His activism and views led to tensions with the government and the Church, and he faced surveillance, harassment, and even death threats. Despite this, Murphy continued his work, believing that his faith and priesthood called him to stand with the marginalized and oppressed.
Murphy’s legacy is complex and controversial, with some viewing him as a champion of social justice and others seeing him as a controversial figure who strayed too far from orthodox Catholic teachings. Nevertheless, his commitment to social activism and his willingness to challenge authority remain an important part of Philippine history and Catholic social teaching.
I find it hard to believe those people in the church are those who influenced the youth to embrace communism.
That includes my Uncle Father Hilario Lim
This lead me to hate our Catholic Church.
God has used a radical Priest to transform me
God has used a radical Priest Father Larry Faraon to transform me. EUCHARISTIC MIRACLE
Father Larry Faraon is
I met great people with different ideological leaning. I met a lot of Religious people with one Philosophy. Total Human Development
The Asian Social Institute (ASI) is a graduate school and research institution in Manila, Philippines, founded in 1962 by Francis Senden, a Dutch Catholic Missionary ¹. It is one of the few graduate institutes specializing in social sciences, social work, and development in the country. The institute focuses on education, research, and community service, with programs like Applied Cosmic Anthropology and a strong emphasis on social responsibility ². The ASI also offers various resources, including a hostel that fosters cultural diversity and a Family Center for family life education
It enable me to appreciate more about
Filipino ideology , Kaisipan at Diwang Filipino
Maka Dios, Maka Tao at Makabayan
Nationalism love of country.
In the Kabataan Barangay we were taught by former leaders of the First Quarters Storm about the struggle . They wants to have a voice and be represented
Our speakers
Ka. Nilo Tayag
Nilo Tayag was a Filipino activist during the First Quarter Storm of the 1970s and the chairman of the Kabataang Makabayan (KM), or the Patriotic Youth, which was the youth arm of the Communist Party of the Philippines ¹. He became prominent in the Philippine youth’s movement against the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos, which eventually led to his imprisonment.
Later on he became a loyal supporter of President Ferdinand Marcos
Our Political Mentors
Nonie Villanueva
Nonie Villanueva was indeed a prominent figure in the Philippine leftist movement, serving as the spokesperson of Kabataang Makabayan (KM) during the tumultuous years of the First Quarter Storm in the 1970s. As a key representative of the organization, Villanueva was a vocal advocate for student and youth empowerment, social justice, and anti-imperialism, aligning with the KM’s radical leftist ideology. His activism and leadership played a significant role in shaping the political landscape of the Philippines during that era.
Ka Nards Rodriguez
Ka Nards Rodriguez was a Filipino activist and a leading figure in the Kabataang Makabayan (KM) during the 1970s. He was a prominent student leader and a vocal critic of the Marcos regime, fighting for social justice, human rights, and democracy. As a key member of KM, he played a significant role in organizing protests, rallies, and other forms of resistance against the government. His activism and leadership inspired many young people to join the movement for social change. Ka Nards’ legacy continues to be celebrated by many in the Philippines as a hero and a champion of social justice.
It made me think on the problems of society and the hate of those who causes this problem. The government and some church leaders who became more concern of promoting social liberation than God’s teaching in building our Spiritual life.
I believe, this mindset of being an activist comes from my Uncle Father Hilario Lim, an historian and fought for the Filipinization of churches in the Philippines which my dad been involved.
My Uncle was one of the three priest that was paraded in Mendiola First Quarters Storm representing the New Gomburza in their time 70’s
I became a street parliamentarian, we paraded the street and organized youth meeting to talk about Philippine Nationalism and Filipino ideology.
80’s at Mendiola Rally
FROM Political to Spiritual
90’s Rally
Feast Day of the Sacred Heart in Makati
Year 2000 Rally
Walk for Life San Francisco
Corpuz Christi in Saint Catherine
Pagmamahal sa ating Inang Bayan.
My involvement was not that deep because I do not look like those activists you see in the streets.
I planned to be part of organizing Union but was shooed away.
There is a reason for everything. God had another plan for me.
Transformation By God
God wants me to teach his words that is why he send me to the National Shrine of the Sacred Heart Charismatic Community
I cannot be an activist I look like an elitist and is from Makati. Hehe
That time in the 80’s they call me Ka John or Ka John John not Brother John of Today.
On the Photo below is Ka. Ton ton from Davao.
The two former Activist now an evangelizers.
I believe that by Serving the Poor, being with them. Helping the community and Doing good is enough to bring me to Heaven.
Legislative Staff Officer of Makati
From a Youth Leader, I entered into the world of Local Politics.
It was I think in the late 1986 that my friend told me. John just go back in Makati where we could do programs and projects that you want. We will make it happen.
I joined the local election campaign and my best friend won as a Municipal Councilor
We did a lot of program for the youth
Our goal is to have a sports complex on all the community in Makati. It was a difficult program but we succeeded
I love this work. It’s a fulfilling work. Serving the Youth.
As a legislative staff officer under the office of Councilor Raul Javier of Makati we implemented numerous project that includes the 1st Presidential Summer Youth Program.
Makati Program Implemented
and the Philippine Inter action program with local youth off the ASEAN Japan ship for south East Asian youth Program both under the office of the Presidential Council on youth Affairs
Was involve in the creation of the Sagguniang Kabataan of which has given the opportunity to attend the 1st trainor’s training of the SK at the development Academy of the Philippines. Mentored and facilitated the First Sk Training for Makati City.
Member of the preparatory committee in the creation of the National Movement of Young legislator headed by then Councilor Francis Pangilinan.
After his first term, we were given another task this time on environment
Deep within I am religious, I always pray but was caught in the sins of this world.
I have more times in going to clubs and beer houses than going to church.
Life seems good. I have a nice job. Enjoying the night life.
I am more focus on the happiness that the world offers.
I enjoyed political entitlement that comes with it.
In my political work they would buy me. Offer me gift. In one occasion bribe me one condominium unit but refused. Many called me Tangga.
That is the life of a Politician.
People of Makati knows me as a Partner and Representative of Councilor Javier.
In many occasions I sometimes represent him to discuss our program and project in the school and community. I am with the Big guys in Politics and well respected.
I was with Not only Local but National political figures
John with Makati City Officials
I love VP Arturo Tolentino. Finance Secretary Cesar Virata both closed with the Atilano’s and Senator Recto.
I feel like a City Councilor already and that was my dream.
But God has a big plan for me.
Some body invited to a concert in Araneta Coliseum never did know it will change my life forever.
From a Rebel John to Brother John
I was almost eaten up by the world then
I had a spiritual encountered and It’s the miracle of the Holy Eucharist
Our Lord touched my heart and I said sorry Lord, please forgive me for not being with you in my life
After saying Yes that I will follow him, soon I realized everything just came in place one at a time. God’s plan.
I attended a Life in the Spirit Seminar at the National Shrine of the Sacred Heart in Makati
It enabled me to remove all my fears and just trusted our Lord to lead me and guide me.
Next thing I know. My greatest prayer was answered
Being Married to my beautiful fiancé Caroline my neighbor.
Story how I end up as a Community Councilor
Never did I dream that I would ever in that election of 1994.
I was just walking along Saint Paul Road and saw a bill board Prime City. A city within a City sabi ko sa aking sarili ano eto. I do not think this is possible knowing that this is a residential area.
So I went to the Barangay office to inquire and at that exact moment the Barangay Council they just finished their meeting. It was 18 days before the election when the Solid Barangay decided to part ways
It was a difficult decision when they ask me please run as a Kagawad. I was just married and here I am again
i was elected as a number one councilor of our community. I never thought of being part of the Barangay.
God brought me here with a plan for me.
As my spiritual mentor said, it’s a divine appointment in your life,
I continued to be part of the Task force Makati Solid Waste Management and this time got involve in the Pasig River Rehabilitation Program.
Organized Makati Association of Riverside Industries and Hotel
I enteted Philippines Army Reservist and did numerous civic projects.
Was designated Makati YMCA and Rotary Amorsolo Board of Director
My involvement with the youth gets bigger with the Rota Ract, Y’s men club
In the church community I became a Parish Youth coordinator later on as an assistant parish pastoral council of the National Shrine of the Sacred Heart.
I cannot believe how I managed to do all those things at the same time.
Yes indeed only if we have passion to serve. If we have God. God do miracles making impossible possible
With my work I was rewarded to attend numerous Conferences and scholarships abroad
As a Youth leader I was send to Korea To attend the UNESCO 18th International Youth Camp by Japan 3 times , 2 times Brunei, 3 times thailand and China in late 90’s Makati City and Shanghai Sisterhood relationship program.
In the Barangay, our community won as the cleanest and greenest award. So was the City of Makati
That time in 1999, I was nominated as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Men of the Philippines
With all this accomplishments, I knew it will be my ticket to my ambition to be a City Councilor of Makati, if not having to work in Malacanang
But God has a plan for me.
Immigrating in the United States
It was on the year of the closing of the Jubilee door.
In 2000 I left the philipines and migrated to the United States. This is a new world for me and there is something I am thankful , it gave me more time for my family
Bishop Tom Yalung called us on the big occasion to bless our trip to a new journey
My advised. Let us all treasure the quality time for our family.
Life is different here in America it is an unending work. So greatful that I am part of couples for Christ and Saint Vincent Charismatic community
New World with a Mission. Spirituality
I believe that in any time I will be called by the Lord and be out of this world.
I assured my family that thee is somebody that they can hold on. The greatest Father in this world.
Our Father in heaven, He is the reason for Living.
We are here To know Him, Love Him and to serve Him
all father deserved to be honored and it is my prayer may they continue to be the priest of their families.
Now i am more aware of my greater mission.
To evangelize, bring hope and be a light for other.
As a friend said, just plant a seed.
It’s up for them to listen and say Yes.
As explained what it meant closing of the Jubilee door from Vatican
Man, after his expulsion from Paradise, is a pilgrim in constant pilgrimage in search of a meaning and a goal for his life. But we do not journey alone; the scenes represented on the door remind us that, in Christ who is like us in all things except sin, God has become our traveling companion, to make our pilgrimage a journey of conversion and of return home to the Father.
To look at the door, then, means to look beyond it, to look for a different space and time, another dimension, a goal which lies beyond the limits of this world:
. After the conclusion of the Holy Year, may we continue to keep our eyes fixed on the door which is Christ and may we deepen communion with the Successor of Peter, lest we be diverted from the journey which leads to heavenÂ’s door.
Vatican City, 20 December 2000
+ Piero Marini
It will almost be my 25 year here in America and in those 25 years it seems like Yesterday
I continue to be connected with a lot of People. Life was so fast. I cannot believe my baby is now a Nurse in Vallejo.
You are popular Dad Hmmm
It humbled me. For everything that I did in my life is what I love.
Serving because that is what give me reason to live fully.
To inspire other and be an instrument of Change.
Kung di ngayon kailan. Kung di ikaw Sino.
God always give me smile for every day I have encounters of Exacto moments. A time to see miracles and transformation.
I would see people smile for even in their most difficult time. Because God touch them telling them do not be afraid do not loose hope for I am here.
As I always say God is alive in the Holy Eucharist it had changed my life so is everyone else
It is not out story it is a story of God working in us.
For without God we are nothing.
April 16, 2025. 50th Anniversary of the KB
Let's Join Our Hands for Nature 
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