Joy~Nostalg July 2024 Culture Day: Celebrating CHRISTUDE

On July 5, 2024, Joy~Nostalg Group hosted its Culture Day at Ballroom A & B, Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria, with over 450 onsite participants and 200 joining online. The day was dedicated to exploring our foundational core value, CHRISTUDE, through various insightful sessions aimed at deepening understanding and inspiring action within our community.

Morning Soul Session with Dr. John Paul “Lance” Bolano

The day began with an enriching Soul Session by Dr. John Paul “Lance” Bolano, a respected Biblical Theology scholar from Ateneo de Manila University. Dr. Bolano captivated the audience with a deep dive into the meaning of CHRISTUDE, exploring its essence as an authentic choice to live spiritually Christ-like. He dissected the concepts of ‘Christ-like’ and ‘Compassion’, emphasizing how these qualities should manifest in everyday actions and decisions. His talk connected these ideals with emotional depth, using biblical narratives such as the feeding of the 5,000 and the healing of a man with leprosy to illustrate Christ’s compassion in action.?

Dr. Bolano encouraged the participants to reflect on their personal experiences of compassion, challenging them to consider when they last felt a profound, gut-wrenching empathy towards others. He discussed the Greek and Hebrew words for pity and compassion, providing a richer understanding of these emotions as visceral, deeply rooted responses that call for action. By linking these feelings to the willingness to “enter the chaos of another” as described by James Keenan, SJ, Dr. Bolano not only defined what it means to be Christ-like but also inspired attendees to apply these principles more consciously in their interactions, fostering a culture of genuine care and empathy within the community. Watch Soul Culture Recap here.

Thanksgiving Mass and Reflection

The spiritual tone continued with a Thanksgiving Mass presided over by Fr. Cyril Vincent S. Noel, SDB. He stressed that embodying Christ-like compassion means more than feeling empathy; it requires actively engaging in others’ lives and struggles. By invoking the earlier discussions of compassion’s deep roots in Christian teaching, Fr. Noel encouraged attendees to move beyond sympathy to genuine, actionable support, truly reflecting Christ’s teachings in their daily interactions and commitments.

Mind Session with Ms. Rissa Singson-Kawpeng

During the afternoon Mind Session, Ms. Rissa Singson-Kawpeng, a renowned author and Catholic influencer, explored the ‘BIG 5 of CHRISTUDE’: Choice, Cost, Commitment, Compassion, and Celebration. She articulated how these core values interlink, influencing decision-making in both personal and professional realms. Ms. Singson-Kawpeng highlighted the significance of making choices aligned with Christian values, understanding the sacrifices involved (Cost), and staying committed to these choices despite challenges. She emphasized Compassion as vital for genuinely serving others and Celebration as a way to acknowledge and rejoice in the blessings and achievements that come from living these values.

Her presentation was filled with practical examples and personal stories that brought these concepts to life, making them relatable and actionable for everyone present. By the end of the session, attendees were equipped with actionable strategies to integrate these CHRISTUDE values into their daily routines, enhancing both personal growth and workplace engagement. Watch Mind Culture Recap here.

Body Session with Ms. Remy Rivera

Ms. Remy Rivera from the Christian Life Community in the Philippines led a compelling Body Session focused on the practice of discernment, aimed at deepening attendees’ relationships with the divine in daily life. She explained discernment as more than a decision-making process—it’s about recognizing and responding to God’s presence in all aspects of life, from the mundane to the significant. Ms. Rivera highlighted practical methods such as the “Discernment of Presence,” which encourages awareness of God’s continuous communication through our daily experiences.

Throughout the session, Ms. Rivera engaged the audience with interactive exercises, like mindful breathing and reflective journaling, to practice these techniques. These activities helped participants learn to sift through their feelings and experiences to discern God’s direction, transforming routine interactions into moments of profound spiritual insight and personal growth.

Pasinaya ng Dangal Video with Liza U. dela Cruz

During our Culture Day, we shared the inspiring journey of Liza U. Dela Cruz, a dynamic youth leader from Pasinaya Homes West in Naic, Cavite. At just 22, Liza has evolved from a reserved individual into the confident president of Kabataan ng West. Balancing her college studies with community responsibilities, Liza’s story exemplifies the impact of our core values, particularly her commitment to listening and making inclusive decisions that benefit her entire community. Watch the Pasinaya ng Dangal video here.

GEO Talk and Reflections

The day featured a compelling GEO Talk led by Mr. Terrence Christopher G. Ang, CEO of the Joy~Nostalg Foundation, alongside our Group Executive Officer, Mr. Jacinto C. Ng, Jr. Together, they delved into the historical origins and profound significance of the CHRISTUDE values within our organization. During their talk, both leaders emphasized the importance of living a life intertwined with Christ, explaining how this relationship shapes not only personal conduct but also our professional interactions. They posed thought-provoking questions about personal and collective experiences with compassion, challenging each attendee to reflect on how they can actively embody these values in their daily lives. Mr. Ang and Mr. Ng’s discussion highlighted the transformative power of a genuine faith-based approach to leadership and organizational culture, inspiring all attendees to “go and do likewise” by integrating faith deeply into both their personal and professional lives.

Celebratory Toast for Joy~Nostalg’s 17th Anniversary

The day’s events culminated with a celebratory toast marking the 17th anniversary of Joy~Nostalg. This special moment provided an opportunity for reflection on the growth and achievements we’ve shared as a company. It was a joyful affirmation of our continued commitment to the CHRISTUDE values and a look forward to future endeavors where these principles will guide our actions and interactions.

Joy~Nostalg’s July 2024 Culture Day was not just a series of events but a profound communal experience that reinforced our commitment to the values we hold dear. As we move forward, we carry the insights and inspirations from the day to continually shape a culture that celebrates, lives, and breathes CHRISTUDE every day.

Watch July 2024 Recap Video here