The Office of Student Affairs successfully held the Student Leaders’ Retreat on 18–19 April 2026, at Arrupe Convention Hall, Ateneo de Naga University (Bagumbayan Campus). With the theme “No Filter: Tapat na Pamumuno, Mula sa Puso,” the retreat brought together thirty-four student leaders from twenty-two recognized student organizations for two days of prayer, reflection, and leadership formation.
Jo-ed Tome, a spiritual director, transpersonal psychologist, and programs associate and researcher at the Emmaus Center for Psycho-Spiritual Formation and Accompaniment, served as the retreat director. He guided and accompanied the participants, grounding the experience in Ignatian spirituality and psycho-spiritual formation.
Anchored on the call to authentic leadership, the participants were invited to examine the “filters” or masks they wear, often shaped by expectations, pressures, and past wounds. While these can serve as coping mechanisms, they may also hinder genuine self-expression and wholehearted service. Through a creative exercise of painting their personal masks, participants were guided to externalize these inner realities, opening space for honesty, vulnerability, and healing.
Tome also facilitated an input on reflective leadership, where participants explored the gaps among their actual self, true self, ideal self, and “ought self.” The session highlighted reflection as an essential practice in aligning leadership with one’s values and purpose. Participants were also introduced to the “inner compass” framework: East for beginnings, West for letting go, North for direction, and South for grounding. The framework helped situate their experiences and decisions within their leadership journeys. The retreat likewise underscored the importance of rest and self-care, emphasizing that caring for oneself is necessary in becoming a grounded and effective leader.
In the afternoon, a communal reconciliation service was facilitated by Fr. Celerino Ignacio M. Reyes SJ, which included the blessing of exorcism oil for those experiencing anxiety and depression. This was followed by the Sacrament of Reconciliation, administered by Fr. Reyes and Fr. Rico Adapon, SJ. Later that evening, Tome led the participants in a liturgy featuring the offering and blessing of masks and compasses, emphasizing that while masks are not inherently wrong, they can become limiting when they replace one’s genuine self.
Tome concluded the retreat with a reflection inspired by Thích Nhất Hạnh, reminding participants that “life waits patiently for true heroes,” and that when leaders have not yet found themselves, they may be tempted to rely on money, fame, or power—things that cannot sustain the inner life. The reflection encouraged participants to slow down, confront their inner struggles, and grow into authentic leaders grounded in self-awareness and depth.
The retreat also highlighted key Ignatian values such as Magis, understood as choosing what leads to the greater good, and Cura Personalis, or care for the whole person. The retreat concluded with the Holy Eucharist presided over by Fr. Reyes.
Through the retreat, OSA hopes that the participants carry with them what they discovered in this retreat, not just insights, but the courage to lead without filters – with honesty, compassion, and mula sa puso.
