Strong Mind Foundation Third Spiritual Seminar: A Testament of Healing and Hope

Disclaimer: This article may contain triggering content on depression and suicide and is intended for mature audiences; discretion is advised.

On August 16, 2025, the Strong Mind Foundation successfully held its Third Spiritual Seminar in San Agustin, Iriga City, Camarines Sur. 

Guided by its founder, Mr. Rolando Bañaria Cortez, the gathering once again provided a space for reflection, prayer, and support for those seeking comfort in the midst of life’s struggles.

Spiritual Renewal

The Strong Mind Foundation has built a tradition of offering seminars that focus on spiritual healing and mental well-being. 

In 2024, the second seminar took place at Betania Retreat House in Iriga City, where participants found comfort in opening up about their struggles without fear of judgment. The lessons shared during that gathering became a source of encouragement for those facing physical, emotional, and mental challenges.

This year, the Strong Mind Foundation returned to the same venue, continuing its commitment to providing a space for rest and spiritual growth. Under the leadership of founder Mr. Rolando Bañaria Cortez, a.k.a. Papa Wow, the event became another meaningful step toward healing for many attendees.

In a heartfelt reflection, Mr. Cortez wrote about finding peace despite life’s pain and suffering. According to him, acceptance brings calmness and hope, reminding everyone of the Paschal Mystery, which is Christ’s suffering, death, and resurrection, as a model of resilience.

“Pahinga ko ang #StrongMindSpiritualSeminar… Sa likod ng mga pagsubok na aking tinatahak sa buhay… pain and suffering is from womb to tomb—accept and you will be at peace… katulad ni Kristo, pinahirapan, namatay at nabuhay (Paskal na Misteryo),” Mr. Cortez wrote in a Facebook post.

Furthermore, Mr. Cortez’s words emphasized the importance of living with peace in the present moment and dedicating one’s breath and strength to family, work, and service to others through the Strong Mind Foundation.

Attendees’ Reflection

Beyond the formal sessions, what made the seminar impactful were the personal testimonies from participants that Mr. Cortez later shared on his Facebook post. 

One such reflection came from Mrs. Egen Bersola, who expressed gratitude for the insights she gained as a solo parent.

“My realization in attending the Strong Mind Foundation seminar helps me a lot of being a solo parent.  It makes my thoughts wider about what life is. When a  person has hope, they are more likely to reach out for help, make positive changes in their life, and find solutions to their problems,” shared Mrs. Bersola in her reflection on the seminar.

Mrs. Bersola further thanked the Strong Mind Foundation for raising awareness about suicide prevention and for helping connect individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts to treatment and support services. Her words reflected the Foundation’s commitment to addressing mental health concerns with compassion and responsibility.

Another reflection came from Mrs. Gina Lagyap, who courageously shared her own experience of loss and recovery. She recalled how her husband’s suicide left her with deep emotional and financial struggles, often leaving her overwhelmed and questioning her own strength to go on. 

“When I attended the Strong Mind Spiritual Seminar last August 16, 2025, marami akong natutunan sa topic ni Manoy Rolly B. Cortez. He is a good facilitator, natutunan kong mahalaga ang buhay ng isang tao.  Hindi dapat nating wakasan ang buhay… lalo na [para] sa akin at sa anak ko. Nagkaroon kami ng trauma about what happened to my husband. He committed suicide. After it happened, a lot of problems I encountered—emotionally, financially. Minsan sinasabi ko sa sarili ko, sumunod na ako sa kanya when I felt depressed. And thanks to God, iniisip ko pa rin ang mga anak ko,” shared Mrs. Lagyap.

During the seminar, Mrs. Lagyap found encouragement in hearing the stories of others facing different challenges. Seeing how they persevered made her realize that if they could overcome their struggles, she could rise above her own as well.

For anyone going through difficult times, reaching out for support can be a powerful step toward healing.

National Center for Mental Health Crisis Hotline

Phone: 1553
09663514518
09086392672
09190571553 
09178998727 

Strong Mind Foundation
0917-4567429
rolandobcortez@gmail.com