Heeding a higher call.

When I was asked to give a testimonial on how CWTS has made an impact on my life, I started thinking:

ANO NGA BA? MERON NGA BA? ANO BA TALAGANG NAGING SILBI NITO SA BUHAY KO? TALAGA BANG NAKATULONG AKO O GINAWA KO LANG TALAGA DAHIL REQUIRED?

And then I realized. WALANG KWENTA PALA TALAGA ANG CWTS! Inaksaya ko lang ang oras ko na dapat ginamit ko nalang para makapaglibang ako. Sobrang alam nyo yun, nakakafrustrate pala talaga... kasi...

Walang kwenta yung CWTS kung nung natapos ako nung program ko, hindi ko naisip na pahalagahan yung mga tao sa paligid ko.

Walang kwenta yung CWTS kung nung natapos ako, nanatili pa rin akong bulag at mangmang sa mga tunay na nangyayari sa buhay ng mga kababayan natin.

Walang kwenta yung CWTS kung nung natapos ako, ang inisip ko lang ay sarili ko bago ang iba.

Walang kwenta yung CWTS kung hindi ko narealize na required ito hindi dahil sa required ako by law, pero dahil required ako dahil ginawa ako ng Diyos na taong malayang nakakaisip at nagmamahal.  

We are a privileged minority here in this country. We have been blessed to have an education that does not just seek to equip us with skills that will take us further into our careers, to earn big money and to get the highest position at a multinational.

Yes, it is true. Our parents are paying so much for us to have a Lasallian education, and it is but natural for them to tell us that after we have graduated, we have to look for jobs that will pay us well and allow us to afford a luxurious lifestyle. But being a Lasallian is so much more than that. Allow me to share my own experience.

I first set foot in DLSU, believe it or not, when I was three years old. At that time, just being here was enough to make me feel privileged. Being a Lasallian then made me feel like it was all about achieving and making me work for good enough grades so that I can enter DLSU.

I formally entered DLSU 14 years later as a college froshie, hoping to finish my degree in International Studies on time. I took CWTS because my tita wouldn’t allow me to take ROTC (and she did give the officers a stern look when they approached me to do ROTC instead of CWTS)

It was in second term when I had my C1. We were deployed at Gawad Kalinga Manolo in Valenzuela. At that time, it was only Tito Roger and Tita Mila’s house that was built and finished (and had a really nice CR) May billiards table pa! So you can imagine, all of my classmates wanted to be assigned at that place. Funny thing? Me and two of my friends, Ruthy and Regz were the privileged ones. In the course of our program, we had a facilitator who really tried to look after our needs despite having a very hectic work schedule, and so there were times that my friends and I  had to step up and make sure that everything was okay. I remember that we used to hold our tutorial classes for the kids on the first floor of one house. I remember playing cards with our host’s daughter, Lorna. Each Saturday, my friends and I took turns to sponsor lunch. And towards the end of the day, we played billiards. Tita Leling used to be the one person we went to for attendance. During our last major CWTS day, we brought all the kids to Manila Zoo for fun. 

I felt true happiness at that time. And it did really make a difference in the way that I saw things because first and foremost, I was able to build a relationship with the community and truly empathize with them.

But of course, college life had to go on. I have to be honest. Like all good things, CWTS came to an end (or so I thought it did).

I fell into the traditional cycle of seeking out positions in organizations, being active to “build my resume.” At that time, it made sense to me because I had to get into Unilever or the United Nations, whichever one had a vacancy first. And maybe if I got there, did some CSR. That was my dream. And in the process of working hard to build MY future, I’ve forgotten about the poor. Iniwan ko sila. I have left them behind. I forgot what true happiness was. I had replaced it with “pleasure”. And as Dylan Wilk, former 8th richest Bachelor in the UK turned social entrepreneur in the Philippines who sold all his BMW’s to build 700 GK homes put it: “Pleasure is different from happiness. Pleasure is a fire that needs constant fuelling with new clothes, new cars, and vacations. Happiness comes from somewhere else -- it comes from relationships and from knowing that you are fulfilling God’s purpose in your life.”

So at that time when I was really getting stressed and unhappy, I went back to what made me happy. Thankfully, I had friends who were volunteers in Gawad Kalinga and reeled me in. It started with a few activities where we had fun overnights to prepare for the event the following day. When I graduated and worked at an International Organization accredited by the UN and earned really well (see, I kind of “lived my original dream”), I always made it a point to devote my Saturdays to help GK SIGA get scholarships in DLSU. One day, I decided that once my contract ended, I will go back to those who needed me. Yes, I had to take a huge pay cut and came back to DLSU, initially to coordinate Gawad Kalinga efforts within the university. I get less than half of what I used to receive as an intern at IOM. But why is the sacrifice worth it?

After working so hard and going through the process of seeking opportunities to engage people in getting our country out of poverty by the year 2024 through my work as Gawad Kalinga coordinator of DLSU, I have come to realize that I can build my resume so much. I can get a lot of awesome credentials. When I finish my Master’s degree, I will be a somebody. But at the end of the day, the greatest credential I can ever have is  being a NATION-BUILDER. In the end, I was able to say that my Lasallian education was able to enhance and enrich my capacity to dream for my country and its people, especially the last, the lost and the least.

My CWTS experience did not end when I got my final grade. My Catholic faith does not die when I go out of the church. My Lasallian education never ended when I graduated. My being Filipino does not end when I die.

Dahil ang pagiging estudyante, Lasalyano at Pilipino natin ay hindi natatapos kapag natapos ang CWTS. Dahil paglabas natin sa DLSU, may isang baying naghahanap ng mga taong handang magmahal at magmahal dito at aako ng responsibilidad para pagandahin ito. God did not make a mistake when He made me a Filipino, so I commit myself to working hard to make my country the best it can be. 

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. :)

True Love and Nation-Building

I would just like to say that I have enjoyed the last two Saturdays.

We've been having sessions with Tito Tony. It's been very inspiring seeing a whole new paradigm in loving. It's mind-blowing how love for God and country can mix with loving a person with whom you will share your life with. It's a totally different from what we frequently hear. It's given me a sense of liberty of sorts. 

You see, we're all made to see love as a way to stabilize our economic state and all that crap. But really, it's about being happy... and when you're happy, that's when stability comes in. Everything will fall into place. Even moreso, we always have this notion of the "other half that makes me whole". But the truth is, we do not bring our brokenness in relationships; we bring our wholeness as a person. And we do not seek a perfect partner because there's no perfect person... but your love makes the person more perfect each day you give yourself for loving.

The way I see it, when we love our country, it's not because we're taught this and that. It's because we genuinely and sincerely want our country to be the best it could be. We love our country because we know that if we don't, it will only be worse. And when we give it our utmost love and care, it will be more perfect each day. :)

Nice, isn't it?

Can't wait for the next Saturday session. My love forum friends will be in Bicol.


Anyways, bring home some Pili nuts pleaaaaaaaaaase!:)

The Challenge of a Hundred Days by Tony Meloto

(Editor’s note: Antonio Meloto, founder of Gawad Kalinga Foundation, is 2006 Ramon Magsaysay Awardee for Community Leadership.)

Is it possible for Filipinos within my lifetime—I just turned 60—to unite and raise a great President who can make us believe that ours can be a strong nation?

I believe we can.

That leader can be President-elect Benigno C. Aquino III. The historic moment can be now.

Hopefully, we don’t squander this chance. Time is running out on my generation and I don’t want my children to inherit a country that they cannot be proud of, that will not guarantee them safety and opportunity for a dignified life.

The first 100 days after June 30 is not just for the new President to prove to us that he can lead but, more importantly, for all of us to prove to ourselves that we love this country enough to set aside our differences and interests to help him succeed and finally show the world that we are not too selfish and self-serving…and downright stupid… in the practice of our faith and freedom.

The first 100 days is our test if we can do things differently given this new window of opportunity. We not only need a good leader but we have to prove to ourselves that we are deserving of a good one.

The new President has feet of clay who has yet to end his nicotine addiction and he will most likely fail us if we do not give him the strength he needs to overcome his weaknesses. He needs us as we need him to be strong as a people. Let’s try our best not to fail one another.

Now that elections are over it is time to come out and express solidarity with our chosen leader for the good of all by being what we demand him to be.

I deliberately hid from sight in the last election to remain non-partisan and respect the choices of friends with their multi-colored political loyalties. While I prayed for good leaders I personally knew to win, I kept my silence… and peace, and waited for winners to be proclaimed, eager to get back to work with those who want to work with us.

I saw no candidate as adversary or enemy. I engage those who respect our terms of engagement. Anyone who is a friend of the poor is a friend. Anyone who loves my country is family. I regret the defeat of good leaders I know, but look forward to working with the victors that I have yet to know.

Leadership after all is not about winning elections or staying in power but about going beyond self-interest and rising above rivalries for a higher cause, even working with political opponents—call it balimbing or whatever name you like—for the common good.

To build a strong nation, we must learn to engage everyone, bridge gaps that divide, and leverage limited resources by encouraging those who have to give more to those who have less.

While we must engage every politician without judgment and without compromise, our cause of nation-building must transcend politics. Politics is for politicians, nation-building is for everyone—from the highest leader of the land to the weakest squatter in the poorest slum. It is for ordinary citizens like me to help provide connectivity to the un-reached, build trust among the wary and give hope to those in despair.

In the first 100 days, let us be a people of faith.

First, it is good to start by having faith in our leader. We must accept him wholeheartedly as the President for all Filipinos, including those who did not vote for him.

Given the circumstances of his miraculous ascendancy to power, reluctant in the beginning yet resolute with an overwhelming mandate in the end, we must accept that it is his divine destiny to lead us. If he is God-sent then we must treasure the gift and provide him all the support and encouragement to build a just and prosperous nation.

Let us not trivialize the opportunity to start right with our petty politics nor be influenced by ugly cynics who do not see anything good in this country or in this life. Let us be radical optimists and hope-weavers for a change, to give our new leader and our country a chance.

It is imperative for those who worked hard for his victory to remain noble and true by not expecting any favors in return for their efforts. Great leaders are often pulled down by followers who demand their share of power. Great chances to do great good are spoiled when nobility is exchanged for the spoils of victory. On the other hand if asked by their leader to do a crucial task, they must also be humble enough to accept.

From our new President, let us demand nothing but faith in himself that he can be faithful to his covenant to govern with integrity, courage, and justice.

From every Filipino, let us also demand nothing less than faith in ourselves that we can transform an entire nation—slum after slum, barrio after barrio—by transforming ourselves first. Let us not simply depend on the awesome power of the President and blame everything on him if he fails to deliver. Rather, let us harness the awesome power of the people, united and committed to do good, to help the President deliver.

Concretely, what can we do?

Start by believing that every Filipino can help, even the poorest among them.

Like the poor in Payatas who did not sell their votes but even contributed their meager resources to his campaign or carried his yellow ribbon in their tricycle without getting paid. We must see the poor as a blessing, not a burden…as assets, not liabilities.

The poor are starting to see him as hope. This was their statement in the last election when they chose Noynoy. We must therefore help him champion the rising Filipino poor for their hope not to be dashed again. Help him help them out of extreme poverty and give them middle-class aspirations. That will motivate them to work and send their children to school. The rejected stones can be the foundation of a strong nation. A true leader is one who will make this happen.

To usher in a season of hope, we can do many things in the next 100 days.

• Give unproductive land to the squatters.
• Build a home for the homeless.
• Start a business.
• Join a medical mission.
• Plant a tree.
• Send a poor child to school.

The list of good things to do is endless. The list of things to complain about is also endless. Better to walk the talk than preach and bitch.

To start a period of grace for corruption to end, we can also do many honest things in the 100 days.

• Do not cheat the wife.
• Do not give or accept a bribe.
• Do not rob the poor of just wages.
• Do not pad the expense account.
• Do not cheat in exams.

Again, it is a long list but it always begins with me.

I cannot demand honesty from our government leaders if I cannot be honest myself.

As for me and my household, we will offer the 100 days in simple and sincere service to our poor countrymen. We will pursue our drive to build sustainable and empowered communities in every barangay (village) in the country. The Gawad Kalinga People Power Over Poverty campaign we launched in 2004 with Tita Cory will be a great legacy for the son to continue six years later. Continuity is key to development which does not happen overnight.

Many social initiatives that bloomed during the term of the mother may finally bear fruit and be ripe for harvest during the term of the son. But they must be willing to work with one another to make things work for the good of an entire nation.

This is key to the first 100 days. It must send the signal to everyone, starting at the top all the way to the ground, that the interest of the country is first.

To have impact, it must be supported by those who placed him in the highest office of the land. Imagine the power of the 14 million Filipinos who voted for Noynoy to lead in being good citizens—obeying traffic rules, avoid polluting our waterways, staying away from drugs, or simply not pissing in public.

We must be first in showing discipline and character in defining our own 100 days.

An important statement needs to be made. The Yellow Power is not just about waging a political campaign to win an election. It is about winning the campaign to build a nation.

This is also true for Filipinos abroad who gave Noynoy a big vote of confidence. They must have enough confidence in him to match this with action. They can visit, volunteer, remit, donate or invest, or whatever they can do for the country’s benefit. Most importantly, they must herald the advent of hope for a beloved Motherland and the emergence of the Global Filipino who will no longer allow himself to be defined by poverty and corruption.

I’m writing this piece at 4 a.m. in Washington DC on the third leg of an eight-city tour to rally Filipinos in America through GKUSA to build our Filipino Dream in this new springtime of hope with our People Power President.

Pardon the musings of a senior citizen who is tired of waiting for the right leader to come. This time I cannot afford to fail. I owe it to my six grandchildren and those who are still to come to give my all to make my new President the right one, for them and every Filipino to have a future full of grace in this cherished Pearl of the East.

Before I sleep let me end this with a prayer: Dear God, bless us with a leader who will be bold, able, and true and grant all of us the wisdom to honor the gift of being Filipino. Amen

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

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.