Dr. Blessy Varona lectures on Happiness is Medicine at Burnaby FilCan SDA Church
Proverbs 17:22 A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones.
FAABBC Camp Meeting
will be on June 27-29
FABBC is a dynamic organization committed to fostering faith and building relationships within the Filipino Adventist community and beyond. Established with the core mission of creating a supportive environment for spiritual growth in worship, and guidance for its members. FABBC not only strengthens the bonds within the Adventist Filipino church community but also exemplifies the values of compassion and service, ultimately aiming to uplift and inspire individuals to live out their faith in meaningful ways. Through various activities, including community outreach, mentorship and faith-based discussions, the organization emphasizes the importance of unity and collaboration among individuals seeking to deepen their relationship with God and each other. By engaging in both spiritual, social and sports initiatives.
Every year, FAABBC organized this awesome annual camp meeting that’s a blend of religious devotion, sports excitement, and cultural vibes that you just can't miss! Picture this: families and teams from all Filipino churches gather together under the sun, sharing moments of reflection and prayer while also getting fired up for some friendly competition in various sports like volleyball and basketball. The whole atmosphere is alive with laughter and camaraderie! And it doesn’t stop there—there's an array of cultural activities showcasing music, and traditions and cultural performance from different backgrounds and regions that truly highlight the diversity within the community. It’s such a cool and exciting way to strengthen bonds among friends and family while fostering spiritual growth. Whether you're there to score on the court or filled with uplifting messages during worship sessions, there's something for everyone at this vibrant gathering. If you haven’t experienced such enjoyment, don’t miss next year’s camp meeting. Trust me—it’s an experience full of joy, unity, and inspiring moments!
Pastor John Lumacang is 3ABN Director of World Evangelism, and hosts several 3ABN programs, also vocalist was the guest speaker of the 2025 camp meeting with the theme “Revive in Christ, Renewed for His Mission”. Pastor Tony Cortez, speakers for young adult, Pastor Matt Reyes, for the Youth and Pastor Chermilyn Pedernal for the children respectively.
Saturday evening was a cultural show presented by every church members. The Surrey Filipino Church was awarded first prize for their captivating performance of "Singkil," a traditional folk dance that originates from the Maranao people of Mindanao. The Victoria FilCan secured second place with their entry, the traditional dance "Ang Lahat Magkakaugnay." The North Shore group claimed third place with their presentation of “Kalesa” - Filipino Folk Song by Ernani J. Cuenco, while Burnaby Fil-Can, led by Rose Antonio, earned fourth place with their performance of "Mamang Sorbetero", a song was composed by Jose Mari Chan and sung by Celeste Legaspi, features the traditional ice cream vendor of the Philippines, has been an integral part of Filipino culture for decades. This beloved figure brings joy and refreshment to people of all ages, offering a delightful array of sweet treats, not only satisfies cravings but also serves as a reminder of the rich culinary heritage that defines the Filipino experience. Finally, Agape Praise Church showcased a contemporary dance titled "My Seven Wives," which garnered fifth prize.
FAABBC organized an energetic tournament that included both volleyball and basketball matches, with players showcasing their skills and sportsmanship for their teams. The closing day of the camp meeting featured an awards ceremony that honored the accomplishments of every player. This year, the Vancouver FilCan Church triumphed in the basketball competition, while the joint team from Burnaby and North Shore proudly claimed the first-place trophy with their coach brother Atoy Arguelles. Combined team from Burnaby FilCan and North Shore also took home first-place in volleyball.
Suitable board games and traditional Filipino games like piko, patintero are rich in lessons on leadership, strategy, collaboration, and trust, was join by both seniors and children. These games not only provide entertainment but also foster essential life skills that can be beneficial to participants to connect with and remember important cultural values.