“Faith and Calling : Manila Downtown YMCA Celebrated more than a Century of Service and Commitment”
“Faith and Calling : Manila Downtown YMCA Celebrated more than a Century of Service and Commitment”
“For more than a century, the Manila Downtown YMCA has been committed to serving the community, especially the youth. We continue to honor the traditions and culture that have shaped us through the years. We give deep respect to the leaders who came before us, whose dedication and vision helped build the Chinese YMCA into what it is today. Our mission has always been to serve the community and the youth by giving them a place to prepare for the future, develop their skills, pursue their passions, and take part in meaningful projects and activities.” – Dr. Honorio T. Tan, President
On September 26, 2025, a welcome dinner was held at The Champagne Room of The Manila Hotel. The Manila Downtown YMCA Board of Directors and staff were honored to host distinguished guests, including Ms. Marshia Mili Gomes, President of the National Council of YMCA Bangladesh; Mr. Peter Ho, General Secretary of the Hong Kong YMCA; Mr. Javkhlantugs Ganbaatar, Founding President of the Mongolia YMCA; Ms. Bolortuya Dondov, Former President and current APAY Board Member from Mongolia; and Mr. Chang Wen-Chun, Associate General Secretary of the Taipei YMCA, together with Mr. Chen Tzu-Wen, Swimming Instructor. Also present were four APAY Past Presidents: Prof. Chen Ching Sen of Taipei YMCA, Mr. Kan Tanikawa of Japan YMCA, Rev. Samuel Stephens of India YMCA, and Mr. Chim Hou Yan of Singapore YMCA. The APAY leadership team also joined, led by the Very Rev. Philip Thomas, APAY President and President of Kuala Lumpur YMCA, along with Mr. Beng Seng Chan, Project Coordinator for Climate Defender; Ms. Sunita Suna, Executive Secretary for Programs; and Mr. Nam Boo Wan, General Secretary.
The celebration continued on September 27, 2025, beginning with a Thanksgiving Service at 10:30 a.m. led by Pastor Jensen Wong. The main anniversary program followed at the Polkabal-Pandanggo Hall of The Manila Hotel with the theme “Faith and Calling.” The event was graced by Filipino-Chinese organizations and schools, as well as representatives from local YMCAs, including YMCA Philippines, YMCA Baguio, YMCA Quezon City, YMCA Manila, YMCA Makati, Albay YMCA, YMCA Cagayan de Oro, YMCA Tuguegarao, YMCA Cebu, and YMCA Negros Oriental.
The program opened with a lively dance and song performance by Bianca Ong and Joy Tiu. Dr. Honorio Tan then delivered his welcome remarks, followed by the traditional cake-cutting and toast led by the Board of Directors and Executive Director, Ms. Venus May Alinsod. Corporate Secretary Charlie L. Lim introduced the speakers for the special greetings, which were given by Atty. Elmer Balbin, President of the YMCA of the Philippines, and the Very Rev. Philip Thomas, APAY President. Corporate Member Atty. Danny L. Chan then introduced the keynote speaker, Mr. Victor Lim, President of the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc.
During the anniversary dinner, guests were entertained with musical performances. Members of the Women’s Club and the Golden Years Fellowship Club serenaded the audience with a Chinese song and the Filipino song “Magandang Gabi” (Good Evening). This was followed by performances from youth club members, with Bianca Ong and Joy Tiu singing in both English and Chinese, and Joshe Calvin Tiu showcasing his talent on the saxophone. Souvenirs from different YMCAs were exchanged, and awards were presented to outstanding volunteers of the Manila Downtown YMCA in recognition of their dedicated service to the community.
The celebration closed with remarks from Vice President Edison Dy Go, followed by the joyful singing and dancing of the YMCA song. Youth club members, alumni, the Golden Years Fellowship Club, the Women’s Club, and all the guests joined together, making the event a truly memorable and meaningful celebration.
