#BFF: 2023 Family Week Celebration Highlights

National Family Week is an annual celebration in the Philippines mandated by Presidential Proclamation 60 issued on September 28, 1992 by former President Fidel V. Ramos. As one of its main proponents, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been in the forefront of Family Week since its inception.

Here are some of the highlights of this year’s celebration:

For the first time ever, a kickoff event with the Area Presidency was held last September 2 at the Urdaneta Stake Center in Pangasinan. Elder Steven R. Bangerter and his wife, Sister Susan Bangerter were joined by Elder Yoon Hwan Choi and his wife Sister Bon Choi, as well as Elder Carlos G. Revillo and his wife Sister Marie Revillo. This is the first time that the Area Presidency was able to participate in a face-to-face Family Week event because they are usually at Church Headquarters attending General Authority and General Officers Leadership meetings during the last week of September.

“Our hearts were filled with gratitude to join with thousands of members of the Church, and non-members alike who joined online broadcast in early September,” shared Elder Bangerter. “The true focus of our gathering was to feel the joy that comes through our Heavenly Father’s great Plan of Happiness. His Plan enables families to have hope that their loving bonds will last through eternity.”

A #BFF Songwriting and Photo Contest was also held to emphasize the Church theme of “We can build forever families through Christ.” The winning song was written by Heber Nathaniel Martinez, a Filipino young single adult from Abu Dhabi. Entitled “F.A.M. (Forevers are Made)” the song was recorded by Caleb Costales, Daday Baluyot, and Xia Vigor and used to promote Family Week.

The winning photo, entitled “Bonded by Love: Simple Joys of Family Unity behind Mountain Shadows” was taken by Zia Louise Mariano of Rosario Ward, Agoo Philippines Stake. The photo illustrated how we can find the light of Christ and build forever families regardless of our temporal circumstances. “… In challenging circumstances and in small wins, true devotion and love can flourish, illuminating even the darkest and lightest corners of our lives as individuals and as a family,” explains the photographer.

Elder Choi congratulated the winners and noted how the focus on the eternal family inspired and edified everyone. “Thank you to all who participated and helped us feel the spirit through their works,” he added.

Stakes and districts all over the country organized various activities in cooperation with partner organizations in the community. In Metro Manila, a #BFF Covenant Path Family Adventure culminating event was held at the Mall of Asia concert grounds on September 30.

Thousands of members from 30 stakes in Metro Manila and surrounding areas enjoyed gospel-themed games and fun activities. Eric “Eruption Tai who hosted the program with his wife Rona shared, “It’s always so gratifying to be part of the Family Week projects of the Church because I get to celebrate the two thing that inspire me and give my life meaning: my faith and my family.”