Ambassadors Around the World: Robin Caguioa (Dagupan, Philippines)

Through my travels, I have met many young people whose stories have offered meaningful lessons and encouragement. This article begins a periodic series that will introduce you to some of them and share their experiences to highlight how God’s way of life is lived in different parts of the world with different environments and circumstances.

Each story reflects both the challenges and blessings of faith, with the goal of helping us learn from one another and feel more connected to our brethren globally.

Beginning in the Philippines

The Philippines is an archipelago in Southeast Asia made up of more than 7,000 islands. Its history has been shaped by outside influences, strong local cultures and traditions. 

Before foreign rule, Filipino society was organized into small communities with their own customs, trade networks and belief systems.

Beginning in the 16th century, Spain colonized the Philippines for over 300 years, leaving a lasting imprint on the country’s language, culture and religion. Catholicism became deeply embedded in Filipino society and remains the country’s dominant faith today. 

Churches and religious festivals and traditions continue to shape Filipinos’ daily life and national identity. In fact, when I first visited, I was informed that Christmas celebrations start in September and last through the winter.

In this country, we find Robin Caguioa. 

Who is Robin?

I first met Robin in 2024 at the Feast of Tabernacles in Baguio, and I immediately knew he was a special person. Robin is a people person. 

“I am a good listener. I may not always be good at giving advice, but I do my best to make people feel heard and validated. I try to encourage others to keep moving forward and find their purpose. I believe strongly in friendship,” Robin says about himself. 

Some of Robin’s interests are watching movies, going to the beach and listening to music.

Growing up in the Church and embracing his faith

“I grew up in the Church. My parents were part of the Church before I was born.” 

As we all may know, being born in the Church doesn’t guarantee we’ll answer God’s calling. Robin says that he started to connect with God’s way of life during junior high school. The Sabbath day especially resonated with him. 

He says about the Sabbath, “We are blessed with rest, a time to breathe and rest from this fast-paced world that keeps us busy. It is a special day to worship God, our Creator, fellowship with the brethren during services, have meals together and learn teachings and lessons we can apply in our daily lives to guide us.”

Living God’s way of life in the Philippines 

In a country where about 80 percent of the people are Catholic, it is easy to see what separates the Church from the norm, and that is “almost everything.” 

Some of the differences that set Robin and other Church members apart are observing the Sabbath, not eating unclean meats and having different views on the afterlife.

The effect God’s way of life has on him

The first difference that posed a hurdle for Robin in everyday life was the Feast of Tabernacles. After nearly every Feast, Robin struggled to be able to make up exams he missed while being out of school for the Feast. Thankfully, he was always able to take special examinations to make up for those he missed. 

He also had Saturday classes that he did not attend during college. But thankfully, somehow he was still able to pass. However, it wasn’t always as simple as taking a makeup exam. One time, Robin says, “My professor in college said he would drop me if I did not attend his class at least once on Saturday.” 

Beyond classes, Robin shares, it has always been difficult to eat out or attend celebrations where there was unclean meat. And a job that does not require working on a Saturday is also hard to come by.

In his everyday life, he humorously refers to himself as an “errand boy.” He loves to serve and help others. 

As a fresh graduate, he shares that he is looking forward to the future, but is also scared of change. He also struggles with breaking bad habits and being consistent in improving himself. 

He finds comfort to get through his struggles by serving, especially on the Sabbath and God’s annual festivals.

What perspective has his environment given him?

One of the things Robin loves most about his country is nature. He especially loves the beaches and mountains; they help him really appreciate God’s creation. 

But despite the country’s vast beauty—which I witnessed firsthand while attending two Feasts there—he notes that a lack of job opportunities, along with poverty and corruption, deeply affects the country.

This especially impacts young people, as many parents go abroad in search of better job opportunities. While often done for good reasons, this often leaves children growing up without both parents and can result in a lack of guidance.

Lessons from Robin’s story

Robin’s story teaches us about the importance of community. Robin values the connections he has made. A scripture he holds close is Hebrews 3:13, which states, “But exhort one another daily.”

We need to be anchored to each other. This way of life can be difficult when lived alone. We need our brothers and sisters as we live life on this spiritual journey. 

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 reads, “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up.”

Robin says, “As someone who thought this battle was only about me, God taught me the importance of friendship and moral support, especially from the Church. God blessed me with good people, people I look up to, people who helped me become better, and people who made me realize my potential.”

Looking forward, Robin says the power of encouragement from others, especially in the Church, reminds him that he is not alone. He has people with the same goal and purpose.

His final message for anyone feeling alone in this faith is: 

“The right people will come into your life. Be inspired, and inspire others as well.”