Looking Unto Christ: Jirene Fernandez on Excellence and Faith

In a high-pressure world that often prizes achievement above all else, Jirene Fernandez stands out not just for her accomplishments but for her quiet, unwavering faith.

At 16 years old, Jirene is a silver medalist in international speech competitions, MVP of the Junior Varsity Girls Basketball team at International School Manila, and a National Honor Society inductee. But beneath the accolades is a young woman deeply rooted in her identity as a precious daughter of God.

“Whether it’s a stressful test or a big game,” she says, “I always find myself on my knees, sometimes even on the school bathroom floor, saying a prayer, asking the Lord for help. And every time, He answers. I always felt His love and strength that allowed me to overcome whatever challenge I was facing.”

Grounded in Faith, Raised in Love

Jirene is the youngest of four children in a family whose faith has shaped every season of life, from Manila to New Zealand and back again.

All four of the Fernandez children were born in the Philippines, but in 2012, the family moved to Wellington, New Zealand; a move driven by opportunity and guided by faith. There, they built a new life rooted in the same gospel values they carried from home.

Their commitment to the Lord is reflected in their children’s lives. Jirene’s eldest sibling, Yona, served in the New Zealand Hamilton Mission. Her brother Zhan served in Auckland New Zealand, while their brother Josh is currently serving in the Rwanda Kigali Mission in East Africa. Now, as the youngest, Jirene is determined to serve a mission too, following the legacy of discipleship and service laid before her.

In 2023, the family’s journey took an unexpected turn when they were called to return to the Philippines, this time to serve. President Janryll Fernandez and his wife Sister Liberty Fernandez were called as Mission Leaders of the Philippines Manila Mission, and the family answered the call with full, faithful hearts, even though it meant pausing their careers and routines to serve the Savior Jesus Christ and to lead young missionaries.

President Fernandez had previously worked as Associate Director for the Church’s Public Affairs Department in the Philippines and later continued his work in communications and public relations industry in New Zealand. Sister Fernandez worked as an IT manager in the Philippines and later pursued a career in cybersecurity overseas.

The Fernandez family did not expect to return to the Philippines, but when the mission call came in 2023, they accepted it with faith and a willingness to serve. Together, they have built a home where faith is lived, not just taught.

“We strive to live the gospel within the walls of our home,” Sister Liberty shared. “There’s no secret formula. Just daily family prayer, scripture study, going to Church, regular family home evening and visiting the temple. We believe it’s important to show our children that the gospel is worth prioritizing.”

That foundation took root early. At just six years old, Jirene once declined a birthday party invite from a friend because it fell on a Sunday. Today, she continues that quiet conviction through 100 percent early morning seminary attendance, daily scripture study, and a firm commitment to Sabbath observance, even when a Monday math test is looming.

“It might sound ridiculous,” she says, “but I really don’t study on Sundays. I sleep early so I can study early the next morning. I believe that when we keep the Sabbath holy, Heavenly Father blesses us and takes care of the rest.”

Rejection and Resilience

Transferring into a competitive international school environment wasn’t easy for Jirene. She faced rejection from clubs, auditions, and elections. But she kept showing up. Kept trying. Kept praying.

Her perseverance paid off in March 2025, when she represented International School Manila at the IASAS Speech & Debate Tournament, hosted by Taipei American School from March 4 to 8.

This prestigious event brings together students from some of the most elite schools in Southeast Asia, including International School Bangkok (Thailand), International School Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Jakarta Intercultural School (Indonesia), Singapore American School, and Taipei American School. Earning a medal means standing out among some of the brightest, most articulate high school students in the region.

Jirene’s dramatic monologue earned her a silver medal, a testament not just to talent, but to courage in the face of challenges and setbacks.

“My piece was about a couple that had a magical radio that could let them hear all the terrible things happening in their neighbors’ homes, which served as a reminder that although we don’t see it, everyone goes through tough times. The piece was fun to perform–it was like theatre.”

She also made friends, gained confidence, and, most importantly, found ways to share her faith. Whether it is kindly but firmly correcting someone who calls her “Mormon” or introducing the Book of Mormon to a fellow traveler on a plane, Jirene embraces every opportunity to testify, no matter how small.

“I learnt that I’m actually not as shy as I used to be. It took some courage, but practice will only help me get better,” she says.

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Hard Work, Holy Habits

Jirene’s school, International School Manila, is one of the top international schools in Asia, offering a rigorous academic program, competitive athletics, and a student body representing more than 90 nationalities. Excellence at ISM is not optional; it is expected.

That level of intensity sharpened Jirene’s time management and deepened her reliance on the Lord. She learned to anchor her schedule in prayer and to treat spiritual habits as non-negotiables, the way she would at practice or a class.

Jirene is also a fantastic basketball player for her age. Her basketball journey began during lockdown, shooting 100 baskets a day with her brothers. That consistency and work ethic helped her rise to the top and earn the MVP title on her team.

“I think the younger me would be very happy and proud,” she reflects. “All that consistency and hard work really paid off.”

Amid school projects, sports training, and leadership roles, she keeps her spiritual life front and center.

“President Nelson said we must make time for the Lord, not just find it. School can feel very intense, and it can be hard to juggle extracurriculars and callings,” Jirene shared.

“Making time for the Lord can be as simple as reading the scriptures before class starts or listening to General Conference talks on the bus. Even if it’s just a few minutes, I know that the Lord appreciates that we are prioritizing Him in our daily lives in whatever way we can,” she added.

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Building Forever Fernandez Family (BFFF)

For the Fernandez family, faithful gospel living isn’t a checklist; it is a culture. Dinner conversations include Come, Follow Me insights. Temple attendance, even when the nearest one was six hours away from Wellington, was a family priority. Now, as a mission family, they continue to walk the talk.

“Jirene knows what is important in life. She is grounded in her values and understands what matters most,” Sister Fernandez shares. “We once couldn’t find her one morning while rushing to school; she was in her room reading her scriptures. That’s the kind of young woman she is.”

Looking Ahead with Purpose

Jirene’s future is incredibly bright. She hopes to follow the example of her parents and older siblings by serving a full-time mission one day, continue using her musical and speaking talents, and grow spiritually through temple service and leadership in the Church.

To other young women trying to excel in a fast-paced world, she offers this message:

“Look unto Christ. He’s the only One who truly understands what you’re feeling. He is there to help us with everything. Never hesitate to turn to Him. Let Him be your best friend.”

“Reflect on and memorize the Young Woman theme. It reminds us of our purpose and who we are. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ believe in us, and sometimes all there is left for us to do is to just believe in ourselves as well.”