by Christopher Peña
I got to check out the “Manhood Unscripted” panel on Aug. 8 at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Queens Village, and, honestly, it was an eye-opening experience.
The goal was to get young men to think about how to live as men of faith — especially in a world that isn’t always clear on exactly what that means.
The panel had a mix of speakers who shared real, personal stories. Some were big “victory moments,” while others were about times they had to be disciplined and make tough calls. Hearing them talk about their struggles and how God shaped them really hit me. One speaker, Royal Tanis, said he felt like he was just drifting through life until he “yielded to God.” That stuck with me, because I think a lot of young men can relate to that feeling, and not everyone thinks to turn to God when they’re stuck.
What I liked most was how each speaker brought a different angle.
Estevan Cruz talked about the importance of fitness — not just for looking good or being strong, but for building discipline, confidence, and a healthy mindset. It was a reminder that taking care of your body can connect back to your spiritual life.
Then there was Jesus Vargas, who brought in mental health terms and concepts that gave the conversation more depth. He made it clear how faith and mental health aren’t separate, but go hand in hand. That was a big takeaway for me.
David Duncan hosted the panel and did a great job of keeping things moving. He shared how some of the men on stage have impacted his life, which made it feel like a genuine conversation between friends rather than a formal event.
One part that really stood out was Brandon “The Symbol” Morel’s rap performance. I’ve never seen someone perform like that at a church event, and judging by the reaction, I don’t think most of the crowd had either. His lyrics weren’t just catchy, but they were full of messages about encouragement, growth, faith, and hope. It was a reminder that faith can be expressed in ways that connect with where young people are at.
Overall, the panel was more than just people talking on stage — it was a mix of stories, music, fitness, mental health insight, and real-life advice.
I left with a better understanding of what it can look like to be a man who lives with God at the center, and I think a lot of other young guys in the room did too.
Christopher Peña is a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish and a pre-dental college student.