In observance of Suicide Prevention Month, communities worldwide are working to break the stigma surrounding mental health and offer lifelines to those suffering in silence.
For today’s youth, navigating modern pressures requires safe spaces where emotional vulnerability is matched with compassion, community, and faith. Recognizing this need, the Strong Mind Foundation partnered with the Young Adults Group of The Lord’s Flock Catholic Charismatic Community.
Held on August 30, 2026, at the Heritage Worship and Spiritual Formation Center, the day-long program titled “Hope Lives Here: Strong Mind Spiritual Seminar” served as a safe space for young adults seeking emotional clarity, spiritual renewal, and mental strength.
The foundation aims to combine mental health guidance with faith. The morning began with lively praise and worship. To break the ice, The Lord’s Flock ministry led a heart-to-heart “Kamusta ka?” exercise, helping attendees build real connections with one another. The organizers made sure every participant felt welcomed and supported throughout the gathering.
Taking center stage, Strong Mind Foundation President and Viyline General Manager, Rolando “Papa Wow” Bañaria Cortez, led an engaging talk on everyday human struggles, describing life as a series of trials “from womb to tomb.”
Drawing from over 25 years of research on mental health and suicide prevention, he emphasized the importance of living each day with love and purpose, reminding everyone that tomorrow is never guaranteed.
He also shared his personal story to explain how handing over internal struggles to God creates room for mental strength and peace of mind.
At the center of his message was the life-changing meaning of the Paschal seed, rooted in the passion, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ.
The sem
inar taught that to step into a lighter, peaceful, and healed life, a person must first let go of their old self, ego, and past hurts.
The core message connected with the young adults in attendance, leaving them with clear lessons on self-compassion and growing in faith:
“Biggest lesson? Patawarin mo muna ang sarili mo, because healing starts there. Unti-unti, everything will make sense, and babalik ka stronger, better, and closer to your best version.” — Seminar Participant
“Tumatak talaga sa akin ‘yung sinabi ng speaker: in order to follow Jesus, you need to surrender your life to God—not physically, but by letting go of your old self. Kasi ‘pag may totoong relasyon ka sa Kanya, magbabago lahat at ma-aalign ang mga desisyon mo.” — Seminar Participant
“Life is simply too short to spend it carrying resentment.” — Seminar Participant
“Today is a gift, and tomorrow is a blessing.” — Seminar Participant
Highlighting the foundation’s core message, the event shared the comforting words of John 14:27:
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
The Lord’s Flock Ministry presented Mr. Cortez with a gift and certificate of appreciation, thanking him for helping guide the youth through depression and struggle.
This collaboration stands as a timely reminder during Suicide Prevention Month that awareness must lead to action. The Strong Mind Foundation stays focused on its mission to save lives, build strong minds, and remind everyone that no one has to walk through hard times alone. With a supportive community and an open heart, a brighter tomorrow is always possible.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, feeling overwhelmed, or having thoughts of self-harm, please know that you do not have to carry this burden alone. Help is available 24/7:
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