After half a decade of virtual and afternoon ANCOP Global Walks (AGW) since the lockdowns, AGW brought back the dawn walk, this time with an impressive 18,000 walkers joining the actual event at the SM Mall of Asia Grounds on October 19.
Despite having to wake up probably as early as 2:00 AM or even earlier, walkers did not see the AGW as a burden, for people were all smiles. “I enjoy the company of my fellow workers”, said Fr. Joel Jason, sharing how he heard people describe the event during interviews, emphasizing how much fun they had.
7k steps for a cause
With the theme “Walk in Light,” inspired by 1 John 1:7 “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin”, AGW 2024 radiated love, sacrifice, camaraderie, and joy.
CFC East B Sector Head Bro. Rodron Maranan kicked off the day by leading the lively opening worship. Participants of AGW 2024 set out on a 5-kilometer walk, roughly 7,000 steps, around the Mall of Asia Complex. Starting from Seaside Boulevard, the route led to the Manila Film Center, made a turn, and ultimately led back to the main venue.
Pets and babies at AGW2024
This year’s ANCOP Global Walk welcomed individuals from all walks of life. Each sector showcased its unique spirit with colorful headpieces, creative decorations, banners, and face paint.
People walked with their pets, danced, sang, and waved glow sticks. Families with strollers (Yes,even babies were present!), kids on scooters, and people in wheelchairs were up before the sun for AGW 2024. Aside from their matching shirts and bibs, people brought AGW paraphernalia of all kinds: banners, balloons, flags, and flaglets. Meanwhile, ANCOP scholars and alumni were present at the event with some of them facilitating games and giving free face painting along the route.
‘Hindi pa tayo tapos…’
After the walk, the program continued with the offering of Holy Eucharist, presided over by Fr. Joel Jason, Spiritual Director of Couples for Christ. Afterwards, Bro. Rey Reyes delivered a heartfelt message on behalf of the CFC International Council. He acknowledged the selflessness of the AGW 2024 walkers. He noted how, despite their own needs, they showed up to help others in distress. “This proves that nobody is too poor to give, nor too rich to receive,” Bro. Rey added.
The event concluded with a closing prayer led by Bro. Ding Regino, Sector Head of Metro Manila West B, who thanked God for the success of the event and asked for the spirit of compassion and generosity to continue inspiring others. He said: “May we return home renewed in spirit, committed to making a difference in the world.”
“May we return home renewed in spirit, committed to making a difference in the world.”
As the event ended, everyone was reminded that the mission of helping ANCOP’s scholars and seminarians does not end with the physical walk. “Hindi pa tayo tapos, hangga’t may scholars pa tayong pinapatapos” (We’re not done until we have scholars to send to school). Together, everyone at the AGW 2024 not only walked but also created lasting memories and forged connections, all while making a big impact on the lives of the scholars and seminarians.
