MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines is preparing to host, 20-27 November, 2009, the 5th Asian Youth Day, which will bring together youth from all over the continent, for an experience in the spirit of WYD.

As the Youth Pastoral Ministry delegates of various southeast Asian nations point out, there are still many youth who were not able to attend WYD and can now attend the Asian Youth Day. The event will help strengthen communion among the youth of Asia, which is a fruitful and limitless land for evangelization.

There are expected to be groups from 22 countries. The youth from various countries will be hosted by families and parishes, will participate in catechesis, group seminars, Masses, and Confession.

The first Day was held in Bangkok, Thailand in 1999 as a regional encounter of Asian youth, after the WYD. The event was a great success and the Bishops decided to hold another. In 2001, it was hosted by the Church in Taipei (Taiwan). The third was held in Bangalore, India in 2003. The last one was held in Hong Kong, in 2006.