Ramadan Eid Mubarak

I wanted to try something new in honor of my CIPYML co-intern Muslim brothers and sisters. Ate with them during sahur, haven't eaten the whole day and then just had iftar. Yey! I survived for today. Once again, Ramadhan Eid Mubarak! I'm eating Mimipan's icing candy after dinner which is a gift from Yasser all the way from Cubao with love. Haha! Namnam! Appreciate it much my friend. #sweettooth #foodie :)

First Impressions Don’t Last

While I was making this journal around two in the morning, I am actually listening to Yiruma’s instrumental piano pieces, smelling the incense from my katol (mosquito killer) and sipping hot coffee whilst the rain is pouring hard outside. Melancholy. Homesickness. Foresight. These all struck me in a blink of an eye. I could barely put my feelings into words right now but I have to since I am bound to write my weekly journal. It would be way better for me to express my sentiments using my own native tongue though.

Oh well, I joined my Muslim co-interns during their sahur. I tried to sleep early but still my eyes are wide open as if it has its own mind so does my hands. Aside from my family, I kind of missed someone special. (Eek! :P) Instead of thinking about that person, I shifted to write my thoughts on my journal and on my personal diary.  I couldn’t sleep because I missed him badly and the weather is kind of gloomy and scary at the same time. It is a strange feeling to say the least because I have become too sensitive these days.  Perhaps homesickness has that big percentage which effected with how I am feeling from being away with my loved ones. This is a rare occasion when I am down and to have truly missed that one person back in Iligan. The only motivation I have is to count the days left. Just reminding myself every now and then, crossing the remaining days on the calendar and praying that I stay as strong as ever. For I still believe that no matter where we are in life, God has more in store. He never wants us to stop growing. He will always be beside me all throughout this journey we call life. I can honestly say that CIPYML has made me experience what life is. It became my avenue to escape my own comfort zone and just grow up! I realize that because of CIPYML, I did not just exist, I was actually living. I had total freedom where my hands have outstretched to receive all the goodness and badness that life had to offer for the moment. This is the beauty of freedom, to taste the good and bad in life and I have learnt to love it.

Last week’s events were as I say it, life changing. The mundane tasks at the committee, the faces, seeing those two crushes of mine every day who are employees in the HREP (haha!), the paper works for our policy and the pressure felt for being the leader from a pool of intelligent members in the upcoming round-table discussion were pulling down my energy but uplifting me too. Weird but this is the life we all live. The ups and downs are there to shape us. I’ve dealt with the ugly and the pretty stuffs life throws at me and CIPYML taught be to be strong.

But then there was this one occurrence last Thursday where some of my perceptions in life have changed. The visit we eventuated at Villar Foundation in the City of Las Piñas together with the head of cluster two and the committee secretary of the committee on ecology were all accommodating to have given us the chance to go and see for ourselves some of the environment friendly projects and programs of Congresswoman Villar. I have to confess, my first impression on this tour was leaning more due to politics but whether if it’s true, I have to say that the Villar’s have done great in uplifting a sustainable development, an eco-friendly program and livelihood project for its constituents. I hope the other elected representatives shall do the same too. The educational trip we had, taking almost a two-hour land travel was worth it! I wish to witness more of what the other members of the Congress have done in their respective constituencies too in the future.♥ =)

Pucker up!

SILVER LIPS! Haha! I so love this. Right before we finished lakwatcha to go shopping and eating dinner at Max's, my closest soro sis bought this cutesy purse for me. She's one of the sweetest sisters I am lucky to have with in the Mu Kappan family at law school. Her being thoughtful, funny, witty & candid is what I love about her. She's just like my elder biological sisters. Zamia as well as Glenice are two of my most treasured friends ever. Although Zam and I are here in Manila for the internship at UP, we really really missed another extension of our life back in Iligan which is Glenice. Haha! Soon, we shall be reunited. Ooh, what else is amazing for today is to have learned another expression from my co-interns all the way from Tawi-tawi. The word kalasahan takaw means I love you. So yeah, since Zam's from Tawi-tawi, I told her this and she was surprised. Haha! So much for that, thanks again for making me feel good. Xoxo. ♥ ;)
Mwah! Mwah! Tsup! Tsup! Slurp! Slurp! AyLLLL. Bleh! 

Iced Gems!

Found this foodie. Been a long time since I've gotten hold of this. I think I the last time I had a taste of this was during pre-school days. The package & sweetness hasn't changed at all. Hurrah for iced gems! Love 'em! Quite tired during the State of the Nation Address at HREP kanina so I'ma gonna devour the sweetness for now & will jog later. Since I am a good girl, I'ma share some sweets with one of my sweetest soro sis, Zamia! Hehe.. ♥ :)

 

Ang Report Para Kay Boss

Today marks one of the most historical events in the Philippines. The most awaited part is the President’s report or what we call the “State of the Nation Address”. Being in the House of Representatives has paved the way for me to be exposed in so many new things which brought about positive impact in my life. Before the sun let up, I was already giddy and prep myself to look as fabulous as the ever star-studded SONA. Naks! I’ve seen lots of artistas, took pictures with them and even chitchat for a bit. I have also spoken with our district representative Hon. Varf Belmonte and we have exchanged conversations pertaining to the issues in Iligan City and about my policy paper. It was one substantial and intelligent discussion with him. It is actually a rare opportunity to even come close to him and converse like long time colleagues. I have not even been given the chance to talk to him when I was still in Iligan. That is why I am so thankful that CIPYMLY was created to provide opportunities like this for the Youth. I am glad that our district representative was very accommodating not like the others who were pretending to be busy and act as though they are Gods in their own cities. Mr. Belmonte has even encouraged us to do best in our journey here in the House of Representatives. Further, he has even invited us for a simple celebration hopefully before we travel back to our respective hometowns. 

But I was most excited with the SONA which was done in the afternoon session. I am really elated to be a part of this event, to step in the corridors of the plenary session hall, to know how it feels like sitting there and watching the Speaker of the House deliver his opening message, to witness the processes of every bill and how it became a law, and eventually to see for myself and to hear what the President will report to his constituents regarding his plans and programs such as the reforms and effective implementation of technical education, the responsible parenthood bill, the freedom of information bill, the AFP modernization, an improved disaster preparedness in the country, bonus for the government workers among others. 

An hour and a half was all it took for him to deliver his SONA which he labelled as “Report Para Kay Boss”. I appreciate the fact that he has delivered the speech in Tagalog but there were certain loopholes. Still, I am a firm believer that there still persists hope in the Philippines. The reported accomplishments backed up by statistics are somewhat a means of leverage and a sign that our country has developed inch by inch. Although I may have not really felt the benefits of these reported developments but I pray that this shall linger, more so particularly for the next generation to come where to me, an ambitious result surfaces pretty soon. That great vision where our country can now be at par with other highly developed countries not just in the Asia but worldwide. ♥ =)

Homesickness

This has been our third week here in Manila and in that span of time I have learned so much. Although I miss my family but the things I have learned have compensated my homesickness. I have beckoned eerily to be at home any second from now for with a homesick heart, it is quite tough to contemplate to do the kind of things I would be doing everyday without even seeing them or talking to any of my family member. I am the type of person who doesn’t easily cry over silly things but just last week, out of the blue, I cried hard for the very first time. Zam, my roommate and a sister from a sorority at law school was even shocked to have seen me cry. She was a bit worried and laughed at the same time because it was her first time too to have seen me cry that deep. I don’t usually bawl at things and be seen by other people when a tear falls from my eye. Manila has definitely made me experience a lot of first times but then I realized this was also part of the training and somehow my roommates are there to cheer me up. I browse through words of wisdom from the bible via the internet and I read Psalms 139: 7 – 10 which says

“Whither shall I go from Love’s spirit? Or whither shall I flee from Love’s presence? If I ascend up into heaven, Love is there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, Love is there. If I tale the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; even there shall Love’s hand lead me, and Love’s right hand shall hold me”.

Truly, LOVE is everywhere and I found that kind of care and affection from the people I am with right now. If not for them, I would have cried and cried and not push through this journey. Without a doubt, my ties to home were stronger than I had anticipated and this homesickness is the result of it. A lady like me who is rooted with close family bond has had my share of facing my own demons. It was a battle of homesickness and being strong.

Anyway, today marks my second day at work in the House of Representatives assigned at the Committee on Government Enterprises and Privatization. I am pretty blessed to be under the supervision of amazing bosses like Ma’am Cora, Ma’am Shieryl and Sir Greg. When I first stepped in the cubicle, they received me well enough to feel like I really belong in the Committee. All of them are amazing and I am pleased to know that they too know how to speak in Bisaya. I wouldn’t have a hard time expressing my sentiments in my own dialect and the task given to me was worth it. I asked to borrow the book on Rules of the HOR to read over the weekend and I’ve learned quite a bit. Everyday is a learning process and having them as my mentors paved the way for me to be comfortable at learning the calisthenitics in the House of Representatives. I have to say that I am loved by God, for as compared to other interns who weren’t really treated well on their first day at work, I am just thankful to the Almighty that I have been assigned to a Committee where I can relate to and feel at home with.

 Indeed, LOVE is everywhere. ♥ =)

When I first met HREP

My first stroll at Philippines House of Representatives. Met a few known personalities in Philippine politics and had a conversation with new faces such as the alumni of CIPYML. It was a long, tiring but enlightening day at HREP. More tasks to be done for tomorrow and lots of things to learn. Aja! :)

Say hello to my Bhuzet Family :)

Another beautiful memory added in my life. It’s been almost a month or so that I am in this amazing journey because of CIPYML. New faces, new places, new experiences – these were all new to me. Listening to the remaining lectures at UP last week and being able to have been imparted with important knowledge is already a blessing. Learning a lot from people that I look up to has definitely molded me into a better person. And now that we have just stepped in the office of the House of Representatives and having met Senator Angara for the first time, having shook his hand and talked to him for a bit was extraordinarily thrilling. Not just because he looks ravishingly handsome but that this unexplainably overwhelming feeling to just be there and meet the leaders of our country and to be labelled finally as an INTERN of the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES is great!

When Ma’am Maggie told us that we shall be wearing our cultural attire on the very first day we will be stepping on at HOR was quite a trivia. I had to rent a Filipiniana for this very special occasion. Looking at the rest of the interns proudly wearing their individual tribal attires was so beautiful. The representation of different cultures, beliefs and traditions and seeing that within our batch, for the very first time in the GEM program, the UNITY of batch 13^th and 14^th is visible not just the attires we have worn but by that special bond that we have created. We formed FRIENDSHIP and amidst the differences we all have, there was RESPECT and ACCEPTANCE.

I know this INTERNSHIP would be hard looking from the way the coordinators have chosen us. The interview, the exams and all until finally the 52 are selected. I am still awe-struck of the thought that I am one of those who successfully made it here in Manila. To learn in the prestigious University of the Philippines and to hopefully work in RP’s House of Representatives is beyond words.

These new challenges are worth the risk. DUM SPIRO, SPERO! While I breathe, I hope. At times I loose grasping hope since I am far from the people I get strength from but then there were 51. Fifty one great people and my ANIMAX BHUZET family is there to help me make it through. To Zam, Karla, Fayeh, Venus, Karen, Ron, Yasser and Jeffrey even if you won’t be reading this journal, still I am very grateful that you guys became a part of my C IPYML journey. The laughters, the tears and the fun journey we still have to experience is as I say it, one beautiful memory added in my life. You guys have become an integral part of my life now. I am the kind of person who values friendship a lot and I am so happy to be with you guys.

Truly, life is a school of probabilities. I really thought I’d still be in the same place, being with the same people and same experiences but because of CIPYML it has given me the rare opportunity to open doors and to make me want to do what I really hoped and prayed to do now that I am twenty three years old. Life is cruel, life is beautiful and I am scared. These new experiences, the first times and all gives me the real taste of what life really is. Being away from my family and stepping on to a new territory all on my own is terrifying. But I have always been a firm believer of the plans God has prepared for me. Matthew 28:20 is all that takes to make me believe that HE, the Almighty is with me always through thick and thin, in joy and in tribulation. ♥ =)

Kopi & Fuchsia's First Kiss!

And I could really go for a cup of coffee and I am overdosed. Haha! Cold cold morning here in Manila. Trying to warm up my day sipping some hot kopi and listening party bopper songs from Katy Perry. Taking a quick picture of myself since vanity struck me all of a sudden the fact that I am wearing one of my fave Maybelline 160 Fifth Avenue Fuchsia lipstick. Puckering my pouty pinky lips despite this ever cold weather at UP. Gonna finish my kopi before the class begins under Atty. Emma. Haha! Maayong buntag, Pinas! ♥ :)

Back to Manila

Last June 30 was one of the most important occurrences in my life. I didn’t realize that I have had the capacity to endure this kind of training since I have had most of my first time experiences beginning this endeavor. To receive a text from the MSU Coordinator, Dr. Macabangkit Ati and be confirmed as one of those people who have succeeded in the training was such good news. Maybe because of my persistence and determination to be one of the interns for this program and the thought of bringing honour and dignity to my family being the youngest has driven me to succeed on my plans and for my future per se. 

On that very day, a simple celebration was done to commemorate our triumph. Members of the staff and the resident nominees of MSU had prepared a “kandori” or a feast for all of us. I have to say I am partially happy and sad at the same time. I am happy because I survived the so-called “elimination round” but I am also heart-broken to see some of the nominees who haven’t successfully passed the training.

After passing the final comprehensive exam, I and the rest of the 51 members of CIPYML batch 2012 head on to Manila to jumpstart another gruesome yet exciting adventure. From Iligan-Davao-Marawi-Manila, it has been totally a roller-coaster ride.

Last week marked the first day of my life to have been given the opportunity to study in the University of the Philippines. This amazing feeling to have stepped back in UP and feel the ambiance of highly intelligent students roaming around the vicinity motivates me to push forward in my studies here for two weeks. I’ve learned so much from big guns such as the Secretary General of the Philippines and other prominent professors of UP. The workshops have proliferated my sense of unity to deal with people from different tribes and religions. Mental enhancement, cultural sensitivity, budgeting and lots of adjustments are some of the things I’ve come to learn.

Although at times I feel sleepy, bored and tired on a series of lectures on a mundane basis but whenever I think about all the blessings God bestowed upon me then I go back on track and carry on whatever challenges life throws at me. Turning 23 just this year, I guess it’s high time for me to discover new horizons and this training is just the start of it. Alanis said in her song “you live, you learn”.

Now from the deepest part of my heart, I am grateful for this program to have liven up one of my dreams. This has definitely marked in my life as one of the most unforgettable journey’s I’ve had in my stay here on earth. Truly, this is one life-changing experience I am forever grateful for.  ♥ =)