by: Bryle Dejos Fernandez
February 3, 2024, ArchSOLL Youth Center, Cebu City – In the overlap between the celebration of St. John Bosco’s feast day and the celebration of the Parish fiesta days in the Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes, the parish youth conducted this year’s Bosconian Idol. Bosconian Idol is a competition among youth representatives from the different Salesian Youth Movement groups, different youth cells in the Basic Ecclesial Communities and the youth from the recipients of the parish scholarship program.
Fourteen young people vied for this years title as they underwent four phases of the competition. The first phase is studying St. John Bosco’s life and teachings and undergoing a written exam to test one’s knowledge. The second phase is one’s social advocacy for a week wherein the participant will put to action the teachings of St. John Bosco in their neighborhood. The third phase is the talent showdown where participants showcased their singing, dancing, music, acting, and even magic skills. The last phase is the pageant night where young men and women in formal attire answered questions from a panel of judges.
This competition is aimed at challenging young people to get to know the Father and Teacher of Youth, to boost their confidence through creative expression of ideas and talents, and to inspire the youth to live out the spirit and teachings of Don Bosco. Its final night saw the representative of the Parish Youth Rondalla, Sheila Mae Antecristo, besting the other participants. Amid cheers from the different youth groups and parishioners, the night echoed with youthful energy and celebration of St. John Bosco.
