13/07/2026
When an invitation arrived to celebrate "80 Years of Devotion, Grace, and Mission" with the Our Mother of Perpetual Help in Jaro, Iloilo, a four-member team from the Davao Suzuki Youth Orchestra (DSYO) packed their bags and immediately flew to the City of Love. As most DSYO members are students who have recently started the new academic term, they were unable to attend.
Representing the orchestra were Director Krizmagnum Ibaos , DSYO Social Media & Event Coordinator/ PR Officer Robert Melvin Legal , alongside orchestra members Tanya Camingawan and Sybel Belle Sy Norcos.
From the moment they touched down, the team was enveloped in warm Ilonggo hospitality, settling comfortably into the Iloilo Grand Hotel. Over the course of a spiritually uplifting three-day celebration, they provided the musical heartbeat for the Holy Masses at St. Clement's Church and participated in the International Convention of the Our Mother of Perpetual Help Novena at Iloilo Convention Center (ICON). It was an experience that felt less like a gig and more like a rewarding spiritual renewal.
But the journey didn't end at the altar. No trip to Iloilo is complete without a bit of wandering, and the group fully immersed themselves in the city’s rich history, exploring iconic churches, striking museums, and diving headfirst into local foodventures.
To cap off an already unforgettable trip, the team crossed the waters to Guimaras Island. There, they chased the island's wonders—from the towering turbines of the San Lorenzo Wind Farm and the historic Navalas Church to the scenic Roca Encantada, the serene Trappist Monastery, and the sun-kissed shores of Alobijod Cove. It was the perfect grand finale: a journey that allowed them to offer their music to Mama Mary, while enjoying a well-deserved escape.
A heartfelt thank you to Fr. Julius Martin Malacas, CSsR, for his wonderful hospitality and generosity. The team would also like to express my sincere gratitude to Ms. Mayngel Angela Rosales for the lovely treat at Courtyard, Marriott Iloilo. And also thanks to our dear friend Ms. Princess Garlet for always helping us in so many ways.
