Camp Tagubtub 2025: Lead with Heart- Ignite the Fire Within
by Jesha Marie F. Tan and Krizia Bianca D. Balvez
The Don Bosco Youth Center – Lawaan successfully held its most anticipated leaders’ camp, Camp Tagubtub 2025, last June 27–30, 2025, at the Don Bosco Retreat House in Mambukal, Murcia, Negros Occidental. With the theme “Lead with Heart: Ignite the Fire Within,” the four-day camp brought together current and aspiring youth leaders from different sodalities for a formative and transformative experience. It featured a variety of activities, including planning sessions, leadership talks, mentoring sessions, team-building, outdoor adventures, youth encounters, fellowship nights, and the appointment of new core group officers.
On the first day, we departed from DBYC-Lawaan and sailed to Negros Occidental, where we were warmly welcomed by nature and the Salesian spirit in Mambukal. We were grouped into five teams: KALAYO, SACRED, TEAMANG, SELFLESS, and TACHYCARDIA. That afternoon, we dove into planning sessions with Kuya Juvanil Alvarado and reflected deeply in the evening with Fr. Vince Michael K. Sabal, SDB, who reminded us what it means to be SACRED leaders. On Day 2, we celebrated Mass outdoors and took part in an interactive session with the Co-Link team, where we learned about the GROW model and the power of connection. A team-building activity followed in the afternoon, which pushed us to collaborate better. By evening, we had a silent dinner and prepared our group presentations. The night concluded with the appointment of the new DBYC core group officers, who are now set to carry the mission forward with renewed passion and purpose.
Day 3 was one of the most emotional days. We woke up early for a rosary hike to the Shrine of St. John Bosco, joined the Mass, and spent the morning with the DBYC-Mambukal youth. In the afternoon, we relaxed and bonded at Mambukal Resort, soaking in the beauty of nature. That night, we honored Fr. Vince’s six years of service with tributes and songs that brought all of us to tears. Our affirmation activity followed, where we gave and received letters of encouragement, turning the night into a sacred space of healing and gratitude. On our last day, we prayed the rosary together one last time before heading home. As we sailed back to Cebu, our hearts were full. Before parting ways, we expressed our thanks to Fr. Rosmon Valenciano, SDB, and to the Salesian community in Mambukal through a video message.
Camp Tagubtub 2025 was more than just a four-day camp; it was a journey that reminded us why we lead. We arrived as individuals from different sodalities, but we left as one—united by shared experiences and a deeper purpose. Through laughter, reflection, and prayer, we learned that leadership isn’t about perfection; it’s about presence, compassion, and connection. As we return to our youth center, we carry the fire ignited in us—to lead with heart, to serve with joy, and to be the heartbeat of our mission. We are Tagubtub, and as long as we lead with heart, the mission will never lose its beat.
