A Horizon of Hope: Celebrating Stories of Dignity and Transformation at the Likhalaya Fair
On September 26, 2026, the Ground Floor Atrium of Ateneo Rockwell became more than a place where people gathered.
It became a space where stories were shared, gifts were discovered, talents were celebrated, and hope was made visible.
The Likhalaya Fair, under the program Horizon of Hope, brought together the PJPS community, volunteers, partners, families, and friends of the prison ministry in a celebration of dignity, creativity, and transformation.
The day began with a community prayer led by Fr. Erwin “Bok” Arandia, SJ, together with PJPS staff, volunteers, and partners. It was a simple but meaningful beginning that reminded everyone why the gathering mattered.
Every person who walked through the fair was invited to become part of something bigger: a mission that believes every person deserves to be seen, valued, and given an opportunity to begin again.
Throughout the day, the atrium was filled with welcoming smiles.
Displayed throughout the fair were artworks and handicrafts created by Persons Deprived of Liberty and Persons Restored of Liberty. Each piece carried more than creativity. Behind every work was a person, a story, a struggle, and a desire to move forward.
For PJPS, supporting these creations means supporting the people behind them.
The fair also brought together different expressions of hospitality and community. PJPS Ex Preso welcomed visitors with coffee, while Chef Jessie and her team shared food that brought people together around the simple joy of eating and celebrating as one community.
At 2:30 PM, a special program led by Fr. Dom Bulan, SJ, gave everyone another reason to pause and listen.
The Musikalayaan, composed of PJPS scholars who are sons and daughters of Persons Deprived of Liberty, filled the Chapel of St. Thomas More with music. Their voices became a beautiful reminder that the circumstances of one generation do not have to define the dreams of the next.
Their music was not simply a performance.
It was a testimony of possibility.
Atty. Philip Gan, Executive Director of PJPS, welcomed everyone and shared the heart of the Likhalaya Fair. By supporting the fair, people are also supporting the prison ministry and the lives of PDLs, PRLs, scholars, and their families.
One of the most moving moments came when Kuya Jan Jan, a Person Restored of Liberty who now works as a barista at Ex Preso, shared his story. His journey is a reminder that transformation becomes possible when someone is given a chance, when someone chooses to continue, and when a community is willing to walk alongside them.
His story shows that restoration is not an abstract idea. It can be seen in a person finding meaningful work, rebuilding confidence, rediscovering dignity, and beginning to imagine a different future.
Jerica, one of the PJPS scholars and a member of Musikalayaan, also shared her story and expressed her gratitude to everyone who continues to support the mission.
Her voice represented many young people whose dreams continue to grow because someone chose to believe in them.
Behind every scholar is a family.
Behind every family is a story.
And behind every act of generosity is the possibility of opening another door.
The day ended with the celebration of Holy Mass at 5:15 PM, presided over by Fr. Bok and Fr. Dom, with the Ateneo community.
In prayer, everyone gathered once more to give thanks for the people who made the day possible and for the grace that continues to sustain the prison ministry.
PJPS is deeply grateful for the presence and continued support of Justice Karl Miranda and his family, as well as Justice Ivy Fajardo, who continue to stand with PJPS and the prison ministry.
We are also grateful to Ateneo Rockwell for providing a welcoming space for the fair, and to every staff member, volunteer, partner, visitor, supporter, and friend who helped make the day meaningful.
The Likhalaya Fair reminds us that hope can take many forms.
Sometimes, hope looks like a handmade creation crafted inside a place where freedom is limited.
Sometimes, hope sounds like the voice of a young scholar singing with confidence.
Sometimes, hope is a cup of coffee served by someone who has found a new beginning.
Sometimes, hope is simply a person being given another chance.
And sometimes, hope is a community choosing to walk together.
The Horizon of Hope continues.
We invite everyone to join us for the second round of the Likhalaya Fair on October 4, 2026, at Mary the Queen Parish Hall in San Juan City, from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Come and discover meaningful creations. Meet people whose stories inspire transformation. Support the work of the prison ministry. Most importantly, come and be part of a community that believes that dignity can be restored, lives can be transformed, and hope can always find a way forward.
Your presence matters.
Your support matters.
Your generosity can become part of someone’s journey toward a better tomorrow.
Together, let us continue creating a horizon where hope is not only imagined, but lived.
For the greater glory of God.
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam.
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