There can be no better time than NOW.

Lately, I have been thinking of the things that I have been doing, and I can't help but be inspired.

They say that people who are in love are always inspired. Well, I do not have a significant other, but I do know for a fact that I have really fallen in love with my country. Like we always say in GK La Salle, I do not have a love life, but I am living a life full of love because of Gawad Kalinga.  (Pero Lord, kung naririnig mo ako, okay lang din po kung meron. Haha!)

Over the past months, life has taken me where I did not think I would be. We have so many challenges at present, whether it be within the confines of the university or outside. In the university alone, we have to face the challenge of having to inspire more Lasallians to realize their part and their calling to achieve and to dream not only for themselves, but also for the country. I like how Mike Enriquez reiterated the quote during one of the masses of the Lasallian action week, "To whom much is given, much is required."

In a lot of ways, we are so blessed. The kind of education we get is simply the best we could ever hope to receive, but whether or not we make the most out of it is a different matter. What is making the most out of our education? For me, it means teaching minds, touching hearts, and transforming lives guided by the spirit of faith, zeal of service, and communion in mission. How do we do this? By actively seeking ways to be of genuine service to the last, the least, and the lost. Archers always try with all their might to hit the bulls-eyes. Tito RD put it more beautifully when he said,  "Aim your BOW and release the ARROW of your dreams to the dream of your country, especially the poor." 

How can we expect change to happen if we do not act on it ourselves? A lot of us can complain about how institutions have failed. Yeah, they might have done that. But do we ask ourselves, how many times have I failed my country as a Filipino? When we cheated during our exams, when we failed to follow traffic rules, when we bribed officers to get away with the things we do, and when we have given up hope that there is a better and brighter future waiting for our country. 

It is so easy to be very negative. It is easy to say that we can no longer hope. It is easy to give up when the battle isn't over. But can we be negative, can we say that we can no longer hope,  can we give up the battle for the ones we love?

We may be right when we say that there are so many flaws in our system. The question of accepting the matter however, poses a challenge on us. Tito Tony always tells us during love forums that there is no perfect person, but our love can make the person perfect. Putting it in the context of loving our country, it means that we may not have a perfect country now, but giving it our love, devoting our time, talents, and treasures to make things better and to bring out the best in every single Filipino, can make it perfect for us. When I studied in STC, we were always told to let our light shine and be a blessing to others, and it means not just keeping the light but also passing it on to others so that they too can affect real and lasting change in the country. 

We can always be right about the things that are happening, we can come up with so many studies about possible solutions, but what is more important than being right? It is better to love than to be right. To love means to give the best for this country and to become part of the solution by acting now. Mother Teresa says, "We can do no great things, only small things with great love." 

When we worry about whether or not there is a future for this country, let us start acting now to ensure that there is even a future to speak of. I personally would not want to face my nephews and nieces (and maybe my future daughters and sons -- but I'm not hoping to have some anytime soon, mind you. Haha!) and apologize to them for not having built my dreams on this country. I would not want to tell them, sorry, I was not able to make this country better for you will no longer witness the beauty that this country used to have, simply because I failed to love and to care. We must really start anchoring our dreams on the dreams of this country, hopefully sooner than later.

Now is the perfect time to start loving.

Now is the perfect time to start caring.

And now is the perfect time to be part of the beautiful future of our country. 

The Archer is finally HOME

I started this day at around 5:00am getting ready for yet another GK build with the organization, Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (JPIA). Inspired by the Nescafe commercial, I literally made myself a cup of coffee (not exactly a good idea to let me do this, by the way. I take a while before i get the "right" mix which is still wrong. haha!), and yes, it was Nescafe because I just wanted to internalize the commercial, then rushed for the build as I had to be in school at 6:30. I, of course, arrived a few minutes after the call time. Don't ask why. Haha. Sorry. Haha. 

Anyway, as I was travelling this morning, I was truly excited. Today marks the first time that there were so many Lasallians who came to spend time to volunteer at GK Baseco. I think that the last time I saw that many Lasallians go there was not even in person. In fact, it was in a video we unearthed thanks to Coach, and that was way back when I was just a frosh or sophomore, I think. If you have seen pictures of the past builds we had this year, you'd know that they were all held in GK Pinagsama. In so many ways, we are very thankful that GK Pinagsama hosted us when we needed to inspire organizations and volunteers who partnered with us, but there has been this longing in our hearts that always sought to find the place where God calls us to serve and use the best of our education to affect meaningful social transformation. Today, when I woke up, I felt really purposeful and happy because I knew that this day is the answer to our prayers. I knew that today will be part of a learning experience that has truly changed my life forever, and in so many ways, I hope that it would be the same for our new heroes.

GK Baseco has been home to a lot of us in GK La Salle (whether alumni or students). In fact, in the last year, there were just times when we literally went there to hang out. Call us crazy, but when you get to know the people there, you'd really feel that sense of community. They're like family. Personally, I know that like any other daughter or sister, I've had my share of misgivings to the community, and it took a while for me to figure things out. In my quest to answer the longings in my heart for the last two years, I figured that I also cannot ask people to be committed if I can't give them a concrete way to use their time, talent and treasure. Hence, this will continue to be a learning process for us, the core and volunteers, to come up with ways to see where people fit in. 

I also think that when the core prayed for blessings today, God truly gave us the gift of knowing what we can and ought to do, and how we ourselves can learn in the process through the people we will serve with, that is, including the KB and SIGA of GK Baseco, as well as the challenges that we were going to face. 

The day started  earlier than  expected. I was really happy to see the SIGA of Baseco and how they're growing. Yes, some of them are getting taller than I am. Haha. (I'm scared. Haha.) But I'm also happy that they were able to share their stories with confidence to the new volunteers. I'm also proud of the fact that  they were able to tour the volunteers around the GK site and tell the story of each village with much detail. I just hope and pray that there will be more GK SIGA in Baseco in the future who will be like them. :) 

Of course, since this isn't our first time, we let the new ones have all the fun and have a hand at what it takes to be a bayani. It wasn't easy because they had to transfer soil and gravel from one place to another, and according to them, it was hard yet once they'd accomplished the work, it was really fulfilling. I'm happy knowing that they were getting this warm and fuzzy feeling because that's where it all starts. I think that in some ways, these men and women who came to build will have something they can always take pride in, and hopefully, today, we've planted those seeds of faith and patriotism in their hearts. 

In so many ways, I also became extra happy today because we were able to reconnect with people, starting with some of the KB. I was also happy when I saw Eman, the little boy I always play with whenever I go there. I can still remember the first time I saw him, and oh my, has he grown! (wag mo lang ako unahan, please, utang na loob! Haha!) It was fun playing with him again and his friend Janjan. I got exhausted just running around the plaza with them playing tag and carrying them! I am also happy to see the SIGA in Baseco whom I missed so dearly. I loved being able to make kumusta and catch up with them! Also, I was happy because we were able to talk to Tita Mae and started thinking of ways by which we can help in the community. Finally, I was happy seeing the GK volunteers, both new and old, trying to find their place in the movement. It all seems to fit in with our plans. I always remember Br. Mike saying, "Think big. Start small. Act now." I think that in some ways, we kind of figured how we can start small with our big plans. 

I am also happy because we were able to share the vision with our fellow Lasallians in the hope that they too, will be inspired. It will be a long haul for us, but we need more bayanis to fuel the mission. It was also the first time we were able to integrate Lasallian values of faith, service, and communion, into our talks to make it relevant to the students. Sabi nga, madaling naging Lasalista pero mahirap maging Lasalyano. And hopefully, we were able to inspire them to aspire to become Lasallians in its truest essence. Thanks to the Gomez sisters for giving the talks, by the way. Kim, Fei, Donna and Cora, you guys are next in line! Haha! :)

Finally, I am happy that I got to go down GK La Salle memory lane. We've long planned to just go to Intramuros and hangout (sadly, we weren't able to find the place with the really good cheap food), but we did not know that the place had some historical significance to GK La Salle. Niki pointed out a place called Batibot with a tree on it where the BBB talks and GK La Salle itself was envisioned. We sat there for a while and I got goosebumps because I know that we still have a long way to go.  

So what lies ahead after this build? Well, we seriously have to work on the Green Print 2017 now. 

Okay. You may be wondering what the Green Print is. Well, I always say that it is a blueprint but it's green. Kidding. You know how blueprints are made to show the skeleton of a building? The green print is our way of really ensuring that from that strong backbone comes strong structures. How are we going to do it? By using our Lasallian education to be able to transform Baseco, initially through education and social enterprises. In the long run, we want GK Baseco to become a model community for social progress in the country. Sounds like a challenge, but through bayanihan, I think that we can make it possible. :)

Now, let me take this opportunity to thank and honor all the heroes who came and built with us. You just don't know how much you've contributed. Look forward to seeing more of Baseco in the coming weeks and months and years. Special thanks to JPIA who partnered with us again and promised us a next time. :D 

(okay, I'm being told to sleep now because I haven't really rested since this morning! Haha! I'm gonna end this na!) 

For now, I hope that we won't stop at doing builds. Let's get to know the community more and immerse. We hope that what we have done will be sustained developmentally. Let's move forward guided by the spirit of faith, zeal of service and communion in mission. Let us make the most out of our Lasallian education now. We are Lasallians and Filipinos now for a reason, and that is because we have a society to transform through our heroism. I also hope that we just don't do service out of a requirement that was imposed on us. In the words of one of our GK La Salle SIGA Scholars, "Ang service, ginagawa ko sya dahil tao ako." And I hope that it will be our reason. Everyone has equal worth and dignity, and I hope that we see the gem in every Filipino. :)

Finally, I am so happy to say that GK La Salle, we are finally home. 

Br. Mike, allow me to quote you, as always. :D

"God be praised! Home is where the heart is and the heart of GK-La Salle is in Baseco, we have truly come home to serve where God invites us to serve. Alleluia!" 

Have a great weekend everyone and WALANG IWANAN. :)

A Future Full of Hope :)

If you think that all hope is lost in the country, take a look at these kids who worked hard to be able to study in the BEST school in the country. They keep me going and they're the reason why I do what I do. :)

That Warm and Fuzzy Feeling I Can Never Get Rid Of

It's been days since I came home from Palawan but I am having trouble moving on from what has happened. I've not really felt this sense of home for a while now, and I suppose the Bayani Challenge experience made me feel that kind of love I could never explain. 

I cried after the recollection because I was moved by the fact that I was inspired and that I knew at the back of my mind that I was not resolving my struggles alone. I had a team. I was also holding back tears before we boarded the plane. I suppose that was because I did not want to let go of what I felt I was starting to have. 

Of course, this all started back when we were planning the whole team up. It all seemed surreal that time and everytime I got an e-mail or text from either Ate Cla or Frank, I was always thinking that it was a dream. I did not know what to expect. I did not know what to do once we landed! It seemed as if it was just about forming teams for the build. Something as plain and simple as that. But it was God's amazing design that brought us to where we are now.

When we reached Palawan, we did not really do hardcore builds (as in from ground zero, passing the hollowblocks around, etc.) but we had another sort of build -- building relationships. And from what I've experienced in those 8 days, it was enough for us to be close enough to promise each other that we won't leave anyone behind. Walang iwanan. 

Sure, there were moments of awkwardness and second-guessing -- but when the ice was broken, the fun never ended! Even when there were problems, everything was still fine. Last year, I'd never thought that I'd really have fun WITH the Ateneans during the bayani challenge. I'd never imagined truly sharing the experience of the 9-hour ride, the injuries, the playtime, the super long boat ride, and even the sabaw nights with them. It's like my family just got bigger. Even when I side-tripped for a sharing in a CLP, almost everyone who saw me before I left wished me well even if they barely had an idea of what I was really going to do. And that's something that I'll always treasure.

We may have left Palawan early, but I could honestly say that a part of my heart will always be there knowing that I spent eight amazing days with you! I will forever be grateful for the fun and challenges we've all had together:) 

Whatever magic Palawan had on the team is a challenge for us. It's something that we must build on and sustain. More than the friendships that have been formed, it's about how we will move forward and inspire other people to unite to help our country. 

I love you all. Hope to see you all very soon! :) <3

This is just one of the greatest stories I could ever tell :)

I could remember it as if it was yesterday.

April 12, 2009. I was with Team CSB, boarding the plane for the 4th GK Bayani Challenge in Zamboanga. On the same plane was Team GK Ateneo. If you asked me last year if it were possible for DLSU and Ateneo to have a joint team during for the Bayani Challenge, I would say, that is a humongous mountain to climb. Maybe I'd need more prayers if I wanted that to come true. It was something that seemed nearly impossible to me. Considering the circumstances our team was subjected to last year, I didn't know how to take the first step towards approaching Team Ateneo and asking them if they wanted to participate with us. I had my hesitations, and along the way, I've given up on the prospect of participating for this year's Bayani Challenge. I did not even consider heading a delegation of Lasallians. I declined invitations. I told Ate Cla and Dhang time and again that I won't be coming. Of course, I have a more valid excuse to tell them. I am a student (again) and we have deadlines. 

Fast forward mid-February 2010. Here's how I could truly say that if God wills something for you, He'll find ways for you even if you've turned the opportunity down time and again. I randomly decided to go to the office that day to give updates to Br. Roly.(I'm usually at GK Baseco). He had his own kwentos about his recent GK meeting with a certain Mr. Frank Chiu from GK Ateneo about the Social Enterprises. Of course, I listened to his plans and stuff. And then he remembered that Frank mentioned this "Bayani thing in Palawan". Oh, the Bayani Challenge! Haha. And he said that DLSU should participate WITH Ateneo. "Leave your rivalry in the basketball court," he told me. 

He did not give me any contact numbers so I did not know what to do. I suppose that I could say it was fate which brought me to that GK1MB volunteer management training in Ateneo the following Wednesday. While I was waiting for my friend Jai to finish his meeting with Justine and Leigh, I was able to meet Frank. And I was praying after that, "Lord, salamat at alam ko na kung paano silang icontact!". Haha. 

And so the team started planning: I, together with Frank, Ate Cla and Jai, with whom I've found great support when everything seemed so up in the air. Almost every single day, I found myself exchanging texts and calls with them making sure that every single detail was taken care of. Really, the task was difficult, pero dahil WALANG IWANAN, everything became possible. I talked to the community organizers of Baseco, Tito Jun, Tito Isaac and Tita Baby, who have all been really great to me. I've made Dhang kulit time and again about the details. The participants weren't even sure of coming. Our target was just then reduced to producing one (1) DLSU/DLS-CSB team at that time!
Phone calls left and right had to be taken! And these weren't just from ordinary individuals! These were actually from people who had a lot of influence in the University! GRABE lang ang masasabi ko everytime I had to take one call or meet someone personally! It was quite a rollercoaster ride! 

Letters were sent to solicit funds. We needed a lot since we really couldn't afford to go to Palawan unsupported. I personally found myself praying even more constantly and hoping that somehow, we could get enough funds to get us through the whole Bayani Challenge. A bit of extra wouldn't hurt, I told God. And when we asked, God did not just open one door but several floodgates. We've raised a couple of thousands more than our initial target. We don't really even have to spend a single centavo because everything's already been paid for.

Everything went from slow to fast. It seemed as if everything was still a dream. And even today, as I finished packing the things I need to bring, I still could not believe that it was all coming true -- that what our team has worked for is being realized. 

Even more so, the two best schools (YES!) in the country, which people tend to pit against each other, will be working TOGETHER to end poverty! 

My doubts and fears from last year have been cast! Excitement is an understatement to what I'm feeling right now. I would never be able to put into words just how great and inspiring this story is. This is where leaving no one behind takes us! 

Like what I said during the orientation, "Puro sobrang galing lang talaga ang nasasabi ko kasi sobrang galing lang talaga ni God na nangyari ito." This story is greater than how I could put it into words, really! I myself, couldn't give justice to the marvel that has unraveled in the span of a month and a half!:) 

God has given us to work and see how the country could rise before our very eyes! :D

AD MAJOREM DEI GLORIAM!

(Thank you to everyone who are making this trip possible. I'm so excited for tomorrow!:D)

Rivals, really?

Here in the Philippines, the top two educational institutions are De La Salle University and the Ateneo de Manila University. I'm a Green Archer. Well, I was practically raised to be one! Ever since I was three, I was being brought to La Salle. Ask some of those who are still working in DLSU, they'd probably know me from when I was little and running around the campus! 

Anyway, when DLSU and ADMU comes to mind, we'd always think UAAP basketball, rivalries, the corporations making huge money out of those games, stuff like that! It's actually been blown out of proportion in many instances. As in exaggerated na talaga sometimes!

But if there's one thing that GK really taught me, it's to transcend factors that cause divisiveness in society. And so I value Ateneo's part in nation-building. If anything, hats off to Ateneo because they're really doing great at what they're doing (shout out to GK Ateneo friends!) and that I could only wish for La Salle to take Ateneo's example. What's the point of being achievers for God and country if we couldn't even really live up to it, right? 

One very fine day as I reported in the office, I got news that I was being made to work with Ateneo. It really made me feel absolutely excited! If anything, it made my job more interesting because I always was with the same people almost every week. Another reason is because I would love to have the opportunity to work with them because I want to take notes on how they did the things they've done already! And the most exciting part of it is that we're teaming up for the Bayani Challenge! I didn't even plan on going to Palawan because of grad school, but I was told that I should take charge. Leave the rivalry in the court. Well, this mattered more to me than any rivalry. It was about uniting in the face of poverty and so many other challenges to this country! (although now, my problem is actually finding participants! haha!)

I mean, WOW! For the longest time, DLSU and ADMU are always on opposite sides. But now, it's our time to show what it means to be Lasallian or Atenean. It's not about us. It's about helping the country rise. It's about sharing the privilege of being Lasallian or Atenean to be a blessing to others. :) 

I always take inspiration from this video:

This was one of the first GK videos which has truly inspired me to serve. First, because EDSA is something close to my heart. Second and most importantly, it's the message delivered by Kuya Greg which can be heard towards the end of the video...

"People used to think that the greatest enemy of La Salle was Ateneo, and that the greatest enemy of Ateneo was La Salle. But the people were wrong. The greatest enemy of Ateneo and La Salle is poverty, and this is the greatest enemy of all Filipinos! And we must now unite and build a new nation free from slums, violence and poverty! Now the youth of my generation are saying, we're tired of praying for this country. We want to become the answer to our country's prayer!" - Greg Mercado

And wow, what a dream we're realizing. What a prayer we're answering.  

Why stay?

I have been a GK worker in DLSU for almost two years now. Contrary to popular belief, it does not pay that much. Actually, what I get is just enough to get me through. As they all say, it's take home pay that won't take you home. I've been getting some stick for it, as a result. You see, being the only one in the community in this family makes it a struggle. Not to mention that having cousins who spend their salaries to travel everywhere causes a rift between me and everyone else here once in a while. 

It would be a lie if I've said that I had never considered leaving for another job that pays well. It has actually crossed my mind several times. Also, considering the fact that I almost got into one of the top corporations in the country makes things difficult. People know that you're capable of earning thrice as much as you're earning now. But why settle for something like GK?

1. It is a calling. When God calls you,as much as you can, do not second-guess. He has a purpose for having you do things or make unpopular choices. He has set a mission for us when we were being conceived. It is also His way of saying, just do as I tell you and everything will be okay. 
2. God gives you things that you never thought you'd get. I suppose that for the most part of my service, I was lucky enough to get either free or discounted trips elsewhere. Not to mention that He gave me people who became the instruments as to why I've even reached the places I've been to. Over the last year, I've went to Cebu, Zamboanga, Baguio, and this year, I'll be going to Palawan! And mind you, I barely had to spend my own money to take those trips. Aside from that, I got a full scholarship for my masters degree! (and that's why some of titas are cool with my job now. haha!) He has also blessed me with friends who are truly for keeps. He has brought people into my life who could share the joy in doing His work! And for that alone, I'm thankful!
3. I now have the courage to speak about the beauty of His work. I used to think that this work was for nuts. I mean, who would give a lot of things up for something like this? I've witnessed the beauty of being a Filipino through Gawad Kalinga at the time when I was not really seeing it as a blessing. But more than that, He helped me enhance my talent in writing so that I could share my experiences to you. :) 
4. It has helped me appreciate what I have. True, I may not be rich. Actually, we're just making ends meet. And it does become difficult. But when I think about it, I have more than what others have. I have a support group, the best education that money could buy, books to teach me lessons, enough money to spend on leisure, a family who's always willing to accept me for my misgivings. Everything is a blessing. (Kulang nalang, someone whom I can truly share it with for the rest of my life. Haha! But I believe that in God's perfect time, it will happen! And yes, I'm praying for that.)
5. I've got my whole life ahead of me. I could always earn more later, but right now, I want to do something crazy while I'm young. People regret not being able to do the kind of things I do when they were younger. I do not want to say that, sayang I missed a chance at rebuilding the country by the time I'm 36! In 2024, I want to say, I was part of this movement which helped the country rise from being 3rd world to 1st!

There are so many other reasons I could list down, but I suppose, these are the most important. :)

Till the next GK adventure! :)

How it all began.

I suppose it's best to kick things off with the history of my GK experience.

What I lacked so much in life, Gawad Kalinga and the CFC-Youth For Christ and Singles For Christ communities have filled. I think I was a broken person in every sense when I started being active in the community.

My parents have long been separated and I was leaning towards agnostic. I lied about going to mass. Actually, what I used to do was to go out of the house for one hour and stay in the internet cafe and check my social networking accounts. I was so absorbed in my routine activities, that I have forgotten my sense of humanity. I was angry at what was happening to the world. I was vigilant enough, but I suppose I chose to just say my piece then leave the issue hanging. I knew what I was capable of doing but was scared that people might think I'm crazy. I think it was quite a struggle for me, because by nature, my favorite subject was Social Science. I could say that I've excelled in it. I also loved Palihan (our community service activity in high school) But I suppose, I was more absorbed in what kind of future I have than thinking about what's best for the country.

Back when I was in college, my dream was to get out of this country. I wanted to be a diplomat because I thought that it would be a perfect opportunity to travel around the world (for free). I used to see myself as settling in another country (as in Spain or France or England) as well. Aside from the fact that I was a very eager football fanatic (oh how I loved UEFA), I just wanted to be rich and famous. I clung to my pride in so many instances. I got active in organizations so that I will have a great job after college. I was conscious of my choices then, because I thought that what mattered was that I can secure my future.

In my continuous pursuit of credentials to back my future applications up, I've forgotten what was real. I've lost my heart. I was already becoming a robot and a slave to my work. Everything was a routine. My life was very basic: home-class-student council. Until one day, I was feeling bad about what was happening to me. And together with my good friend, Annie, I decided to take a break from everything. At one point, I told God, if You're really here with me, show me a sign that would lead me back to You.

And so after staying at the YFC tambayan for a very long time (the "IS Friends" usually went there just to study, nothing more), I came back to Gawad Kalinga through the Inter-Tambayani Tournament because my friends from OBB were organizing one. Also, during those days when we were preparing for the event that God won me back over. It was through one worship. I did not know why I was there, but since my friends insisted, I joined in. I cannot explain the feeling, and so all I could do was cry.

The song?

I'm coming back to the heart of worship

And it's all about You, it's all about You, Jesus!

Some days of the vacation after that event were then dedicated to GK and YFC.

I suppose, God had a really strange way in calling me. He knew what I was capable of doing, and He woke the part of me that was genuinely human. He knew that through my brokenness, I could mend wounds. I could help families stay together whenever I help build communities because I know that no child deserves to live in such a setting. It was His way of having me share the many blessings I've received. He touched my heart through every single GK experience I've had and He wanted me to secure a future in this country and nowhere else; a country wherein everyone can live their dream because there's no poverty to crush them anymore.

Some people tell me that to be secure, we should find jobs that are well paying. But I suppose we could only find genuine security if we rebuild this country.