Positive Memoirs

Leap of Faith. I can't wait for 2013 to start. I hope it's going to be my year. The emerald color, the 13 and more! Making new memories, dreaming big and sharing it with the people I love. This is another special thing that I am going to do when 2013 is up and running. I am excited what positive memories I shall be reading at New Year's eve on December 31, 2013. It's going to be a great thing to do once as I begin to celebrate for year 2014 too. I pray everything will be alright and hopefully God will still grant me the gift of life so that I will be able to live a meaningful life according to his will. Amen. :)

The Circle of Life

Our family is a circle of strength and love. With every birth and union it grows throughout the years. Every crisis faced together makes the circle stronger than ever. Such a blissful day since I've got back to Iligan for 2 months already. Happiness is only real when shared especially with people who motivate you and mold you to be the best that you can be. Although I can't say I'm totally happy knowing that my father can't be with us to personally celebrate his natal day, we just have to accept the fact that there are certain things in life that are already a given from the very beginning. Death robbed us the best man in our family who already went ahead of us now and enjoying tranquility up in the heavens. Tatay Doms may not be with us now but he is with us in spirit. He will always be a guiding light to all of us for forever and always. We love you, Pops! ♥ :)
#familycomesfirst

 

 

CIPYML Post Meeting

In order to help promote programs and projects for Mindanao, batches 13th and 14th of CIPYML gathered at the House of Representatives Conference Rooms 3 & 4 to discuss matters we shall soon be doing for each of our respective hometowns. May this meeting be fruitful and will hopefully help the most far - flung areas in Mindanao in terms of education, peace, health and the likes. Only 9 days to go. May God bless our great plans to the place we call home. I pray that my brothers and sisters who are CIPYML alumni shall be able to extend their help as well and God-willing things will be ironed out soon. :)

 

 

UP Graduation

The moment of truth. Well, not really since we still have part 2 for our commencement exercises with the Ambassador and hopefully with the US Secretary of State Mrs. Hilary Clinton this October 03 at Century Hotel. Hmn.. I'll be missing my batch. The last batch for the Congressional Internship Program for Young Mindanao Leaders. Finally we are now alumnus and alumna of the University of the Philippines. Congratulations to all of us and thanks so much to those who have become a part of this journey and who have imparted their knowledge to us. God bless us all. This is not yet goodbye for we shall be seeing soon for the alumni homecoming. Let's keep the communication lines open, promote programs and projects for Mindanao and that wherever we go, may we stay grounded, lift our heads up and be a proud alumni of CIPYML. Mabuhay! ♥ :)

That song!

One.Two.Ready.Go!
"Magagawa natin ang lahat ng bagay, ang lahat ng bagay sa mundo.." Muhaha! ♥
We will miss Ma'am Berna! This song means alot sa kada worksheets namo. Waa!! CIPYML moments, love it! ♥ :)

When boredom strikes!

Happy to have received a great compliment and a satisfying grade/evaluation from my mentors and our Committee Secretary in the House of Representatives. T'was something I wasn't expecting for and I am all smiles now. Hope this happiness continues as we are fast approaching the end of the Congressional Internship Program. Hoping for the best! ;)

Words That Change Lives

I'll be missing my family in the Committee on Government Enterprises and Privatization at the House of Representatives especially Ma'am Cora our Committee Secretary, Ms. Cherryl & Sir Greg. My mentors in the fields of academic, work, also in love (winks*) and life in general. Haha! I was caught off guard for kaninas despidada & gift. Re-reading your message on a stick note you guys inserted in the HREP bag was so sweet and I'm tryna stop myself from crying na jud. LOL! Thank you so much for taking good care of me, for making me feel comfortable as if I've already worked with you all for years & for teaching me the mundane tasks that I need to know within the HREP. It's been a great four-month stay in the Committee. You guys are amazing! I'm blessed to have met you guys along with Atty. Mon, Sir Jay, Ma'am Celly, Ma'am Lina, Ma'am Rica, Sir Paulo and the others. God bless po, stay young at heart & see y'all soon! I'll bare in mind these messages you carefully crafted. I'll treasure it in my heart. Until we meet again. ♥ ;) #blissandbless

Policy Paper Defense

September 12 is the day. God bless to us, group 10! All throughout the journey, I am glad I met you guys. Never did I expect that I get to befriend people like you who hail from different parts in Mindanao. Forming a bond with you guys is one of the best thing that happened in my CIPYML journey. To our bubbly and unpredictably quirky leader, Ralph, we love you! This once in a lifetime chance to meet other potential leaders in Mindanao made a big impact in my entire being. You all have been an inspiration to finish this policy paper. To Ma'am Malou salamat po. Our abrupt stay in the Congress was one great experience we will never forget especially people like you who have treated us as your very own children. Thank you! Finally we're done with the madugong labanan at UP-NCPAG. Thankfully things were good and we will be doing some finishing touches soon. Much paper works to accomplish and until then, buh-bye Manila! I so want to go home na. Iligan, I miss you! October 05 please magmadali ka na. Hehe. Oh well, kudos to my groupmates Aliah Pumbaya, Yush, Prince Noroddin Ibrahim, Yash Gutierrez Maba and especially sa among group leader, my baby girl Ralph Ivan thanks for being so patient and understanding. Mwah! Good job to all of us! Now's the time to unwind. Hehe! ♥ :)

You Make Me Smile Like a Fool

Jog by 5:00pm just running and running like hell all over Don Antonio Subdivision. Dieting and deleting rice in my mundane meal replacing it with oatmeal. I guess it doesn't have that much calories and including coffee slimming tea too. Remembering him all of a sudden out of this busy schedule whilst preparing my executive summary report & RTD meet up later in the office didn't give me much of a hassle. Instead, I am inspired! Haha! I am just happy just thinking about you. That mysterious smirk and chinky eyes makes me smile despite the busy lifestyle here in Metro Manila. #inspired ♥ ;)

ANC Square off CVC Law Debate Up Close

First time to witness the CVC Law Debate, LIVE! I enjoyed every moment of it. Kudos to USC for bagging the award as CHAMPIONS versus to that of ADMU. Basta Bisaya, astig! Haha! Finally, since I am a huge fan of this TV episode in ANC, I eventually saw my favorite debater in person. Sayang nga lang I forgot to take a picture with him. Oh well, hanggang pangarap ka na lang. LOL! This is another adventure I've experienced in my stay here in the Metro with my fellow co-CIPYML interns. Less than a month, uwian na! Excited much ;)

 

 

 

 

Bulakenyo!

Only a few more days left and as they say it, “uwian na!”. Yup! It is time to go home but before we journey back to our respective hometowns, we got to face first insurmountable mountains of challenges starting off with just the recently concluded round table discussion which was actually a success by the way, then we have to focus for this week’s three-day defense for our policy papers and then the submission for our individual book reviews of Jeffrey Sachs “The End of Poverty”.

But all throughout the running of errands, the hectic schedules and other mundane tasks assigned to us as interns of the House of Representatives, we still had time to do an LGU visit especially in Bulacan where it prides itself for its rich historical heritage. It was such a great adventure having been able to step and feel the breeze of the place where the historic Barasoain Church in Malolos, the birthplace of the First Constitutional Democracy is situated.

At exactly 5:00 in the morning, all interns were already prepped up and giddy to travel en route to Bulacan and so when we arrived by around 8:20 in the morning, we then first hopped to the Plaza and witnessed a program to commemorate the “Linggo ng Bulacan” which is mainly done to celebrate also some of the activities designed for the Youth which they call “Hakbang Para Sa Kabataan”. 

The environment was feisty and everyone was happy. At first we thought there was a fiesta but then when we finally went out from our vans, we realized there was actually a celebration going on for the youth. It was a good timing given that we, as the Youth from Mindanao, are also looking forward to see for ourselves the plans and activities Bulacan has to offer to develop the skills of their young generation.

We were warmly welcomed by the Provincial Hall Staff and a courtesy call from the office of the Provincial Administrator Hon. Jim C. Valerio was done to acknowledge the presence of the Mindanao Congressional Interns. We took lots of pictures and had fun meeting different people from different places. The encounter we had with them and the knowledge they have imparted to the rest of the interns was for us, a gem to be treasured with for the rest of our lives. 

After that, despite the scorching heat of the sun, we head on to Bulacan’s Provincial Cooperative and Economic Development Office (PCEDO) where Ms. Irene Lopez, Mr. Randy Po and Mr. Ronald Santos show-cased to us a short powerpoint presentation regarding the background of Bulacan, how it became a province, the awards it accomplished despite being prone to various national disasters like flooding and earthquakes and they also presented to us their GIS (Geographic Information System) and elucidated 

further how they are able to monitor their constituencies making use of state of the art technologies in order to locate, know the conditions of their communities, the trends, patterns and modelling per se. The SBGIS (Satellite Based Geographic Information System) of Bulacan has helped the province address its societal issues which garnered them awards like having the highest literacy rate in the Country and being a consecutive champion as the Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition.

Right after the power point presentations provided to us by the Staff of the Province of Bulacan, we were given a souvenir which to us, the interns, was quite new because this was the only LGU visit where we have been handed with such a memento. The interns were glad to have received this as an advance gift before we head back home. The gift was a courtesy from Bulacan’s Governor, Hon. Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado.

Other than roaming around the Provincial Hall and at PCEDO, we also ventured at the infamous Barasoian Church and their Pasalubong Center where we have seen most of their amazing handicrafts and how effective their livelihood projects are to help facilitate and extend a helping hand to some of their not-so-fortunate individuals who hailed from a few of their ill-stricken community. The interns spend time to appreciate the Bulakenyo’s maniobras (masterpieces) such as their hand-woven bags, clutches, garments, as well as the intricate furniture, sweets and other wide selection of elegant native crafts and sumptuous delicacies. Some of the interns bought quite a lot of pasalubongs (gifts) to bring home to their loved ones and brag about how awesome their travel was when they had the opportunity to discover the beauty of Bulacan.

Truly, it was a once in a lifetime experience to actually be there and to learn so much from this tour. Visiting one of the Philippines ideal tourist destination and one of the most progressive provinces was refreshing to all interns given the pressure and stress that we acquired from all the paperworks we need to deal with before we pack our things and go back to Mindanao. For that, in behalf of the Congressional Interns, group four of the RTD, is very elated and grateful for the learning opportunity we have acquired because of the efforts extended to us by the USAID – GEM program, the House of Representatives, the MSU system and UP-NCPAG. God bless you more and a million thanks! 

My RTD Experience!

When Ma'am Maggie told me I'd lead the pack, I was quite surprised. Although I am used to lead the group but the idea of having to prepare a Round Table Discussion with prominent heads of the Philippine LGU's, staff of the House of Representatives, Manila based Media, politicians and students from different universities in Manila is quite nerve-wracking. Being a probinsyana, this was an insurmountable mountain to conquer. Sleepless nights, minute disagreements and conflict of ideas with my fellow members from the Congressional Internship Program for Young Mindanao Leaders was not a joke at all. I knew this was coming but things were successful in the end. Thank God for supportive group mates, HREP advisers, mentors as well as the love and inspiration radiated to me by my family, friends and that special someone back in Iligan City.

Hmn.. this is my team. Our overnight sessions, eatings and kagagohan and just about everything that adds up spice in our CIPYML journey! I'll be missing these people, my a.k.a. COAL PEEPS! ;)

Values

For almost four months, I have already known some of my co-interns attitudes towards the others. Some are good, some are tolerable, some are worth looking up to and there are some which made me stop and think for a moment, why from the very start these kinds of people have been admitted in the program when in their selves they pretend and that in their hearts they have injected biases and prejudices amongst the other interns who have different beliefs.

When I heard of this program and knew about its goals, I took it by heart. I know that I shall soon be dealing with different kinds of people and with God’s grace; I have adjusted well even though I am the kind of person who is a bit stubborn and easily loses my temper. I know not all people are able to absorb the idea on what proper etiquette is, I know I have my lapses too but I am grateful to the Almighty that my parents have raised me and my siblings right. Although we may have not been bestowed with richness and prominence but we were taught well and are surrounded with genuine love, respect, to fear the Almighty, to be grounded and to do good deeds to others as much as possible. More particularly, my parents raised me to understand what responsibility is and for that I am thankful for their guidance and the trust given to me for which I will forever value. 

Unfortunately, in this generation, it is sad to know that when it comes to values, it is actually slowly degenerating. I only pray and hope for the best that eventually before this program ends, that the interns are able to learn and mold their skills not just academically but also rooted on good morals, values and sensitivity in all things such as beginning to accept the differences in religion, beliefs, cultures and even ones gender. I know there are still people who are not attuned to the unconventional type of society but going back to the main purpose of this program, since we were trained to become the future leaders of Mindanao, as leaders, we have to be flexible in all matters, maintaining a mind that is neutral and accepting.

I am now counting the days left and the busy schedule for this month has kept me preoccupied to do my best in order to fulfil the requirements provided to us by USAID-GEM. I am enjoying every ride especially during high tides where I am bombarded with lots of things to do. After all, this is part of the training and for the remaining days, I am excited for the travels, the new experiences, the new learnings and the thought of going back to my hometown with something new to share to them.♥ =)

CARPE DIEM!

Only one month left and we’re back into our ordinary lives again. The question posed for all of us Congressional Interns will be “What comes next after CIPYML?”. However, before I answer that question, I am pretty sure I will be missing the people who have become part of my life in this particular journey. This has been pretty much one of the best memories in my life and as always, I am so grateful to be in this program and the learnings I have acquired is something worth sharing with.         

   

I guess with the remaining days left, I will truly make the most out of it. Well, the word of the day, as inspired from one of the Latin poems of Horace is CARPE DIEM. I have one month more to recapitulate the things I have learned in the Congress, the preaching’s of my second family in the Committee on Government Enterprises and Privatization under the supervision of Ma’am Cora, Ma’am Shierryl and Sir Greg, the enlightenment and reviews given to me every morning from our Committee neighbour, Atty. Mon, the revisions and constructive critique in my policy paper from my mentors Ma’am Alou and Ma’am Diola, the pieces of advice by Ma’am Lina, our ever supportive mentor for the round table discussion, the friendship I’ve formed from most of the Committees in the House of Representatives and from my co-interns from CIPYML plus the new experiences I’ve had during my stay here in Manila is a blessing and something I will forever cherish.            

So what comes next after CIPYML? I think, if God permits, if there is a job offer here in Manila especially in the HREP, I might grab the chance to work here and to continue studying Law as well in one of the prominent universities in Manila. I already told my family about my plans and they somehow approved of it. My brother would always tell me that I am special, that I have what it takes to do more and that Iligan is too small for my dreams. I believe that in order for me to make some of my “to-do-list” a reality, I better step out of my comfort zone and start discovering new opportunities for me to grow as an individual. I submit that it is high time for me to truly test the waters given that I am now 23 and bestowed with the freedom to do what I believe is just and the trust reposed to me by my family, I will do my best because this is not just for me but for them too and for the future of our next generation in the family, which I value being an auntie of five nephews and five nieces.

So yeah, CARPE DIEM to that! ♥ =)

For You. This. Always.

10703.8 miles away. G'nyt, you! YES, you! Belated happy birthday. I may have not greeted you personally or on that day but know only this, for eight long years, I have loved you silently. I missed you big time, if only you knew. ♥ :)

Self-centeredness

A close friend of mine suggested that I immediately read a certain book of which he believes I would love to and perhaps get addicted to it whence I get the chance to hold it and read it for myself. And so, I DID. There’s a particular line there which totally captured my attention especially to the situation that I am in right now, hence the title, SELF-CENTEREDNESS.

“Selfishness is weakness. But loving and caring for others is

a position of power beyond anything

we can possibly imagine.”

               

Some people are gifted with the virtue of patience and understanding but not all are blessed to have this. Perhaps others are totally naïve to notice that their being self-centered or selfishness has caused to the disadvantage of others. And these kinds of people may forget that sometimes, it is not always that one is able to control their temper or are able to understand with an open mind and heart. Human as we are, we are never limited to err, for to err is human as they say it. And this becomes worst when the person abuses such patience bestowed to them especially when that person’s patience has already come to its limit, or has already pushed the red button, the fact that such person is sick or is suffering from such illness at that particular instance. I may have encountered a not so serious altercation with one of the interns but I was hoping that a little compassion nor common sense was observed in such a way that I was in deep slumber and needed a sufficient rest to overcome such illness. We may have expressed our apologies as I was the one who asked for her to come back and talk it out civilly as matured persons do but I believe such was not enough to address the issue. I have forgiven such a person despite some instances where other co-interns would observe her being such self-centered. I do not know if such person has made up stories to tarnish my reputation but I am in good faith and believe that only God knows what the truth is.

Either way, even with a sick body, my mind was working on our policy paper and round table discussion. Even if I am nauseating, my mind couldn’t rest until such time that I have completed my unfinished business. My fever did not stop me from accomplishing what needs to be done. Although I may have been absent in the HREP for one day, for the first time, but I have worked out my aim for that particular period even when at home and not feeling that well at all. I am also grateful that my RTD group mates visited me at my dwelling to check up if whether I was doing fine. Such companionship together with Ma’am Nor-en has lifted up my weary-spirit and weakened heart. I do not appeal for any bad remarks against that person but I wish her well and pray to God that she may have also realized her mistakes the way I did. I am guilty of not being faultless, because maybe I may have unconsciously hurt her feelings too, but I am hoping things will get better between us two as I do not want to end such friendship in bitterness. This does not only refer to her but to some other interns who are guilty also of being such self-centered individuals who at some point have not really understood the real essence why we have been chosen by this program. ♥ =)

Let’s Inspire Each Other

INSPIRATION. This has been one of the recurring words I’ve had in mind for this week’s event in my life here in Manila. The word itself is very powerful and could change lives for the best. I’ve been inspired in so many ways from the chat I’ve had with my big brother straight from Jubail, from a visit in the Makati City Hall, hearing pieces of advices from my fellow co-interns and of course, being in love with the same man for eight years. Nothing beats a heart full of passion to learn and to share what I have learned from the most inspiring people I’ve had chit-chats with during my CIPYML journey.

I say INSPIRATION because this fuels me to push through my plans in life given that I am now at the age of 23 and is not getting any younger. Time flies by so fast and so cherish every moment, every second that passes by. My brother would always remind me that there is only one life to live so we should have to seize the day, thus, CARPE DIEM! I’ve had a chat with him via Skype and he among the other members of the family would always motivate me to do great, be good to others and stay grounded. His advices pertaining to the love department always amazes me. His warnings, his foresight, his guidance and love for his little sister have given me enough reason to be the best that I could be.

I see the same INSPIRATION too when we just had our LGU visit at the Makati City Hall last Friday. Seeing the grandeur and efficacy portrayed in each of Mayor Jun Binay’s employees and his noble plans for the so-called Wallstreet City of the Philippines, is truly an inspiration that the National Government must implore. The visit was quite refreshing and they were very accommodating to us, the CIPYML interns. The experience we had at the helipad on the 24th floor was breath-taking as if we were floating on cloud nine.

Since I am mentally dazed which is caused by a tremendous pile of paper works and meeting deadlines, I am actually lucky and INSPIRED to be with the people from Don Antonio with even just for a few months. Together we cried, we smiled, we were defeated, we have triumphed and we became a family through thick and thin. This bond was tested when in this week we had experienced the wrath of typhoons and monsoons in the capital city of the Philippines. We were hand in hand as we transferred to another room since our previous place was drenched with rainwater. It was a scary experience having heard and seen the news of flooding in some parts of Manila. My family back in Iligan & Jubail was scared and called me every now and then to check if I was doing well and is far from danger. I assured them that I was doing fine and that they have nothing to worry about since I am with a group of people who will never leave me and will stay by my side no matter what happens.

Lastly, I am inspired of the thought that once I am finished with the training, I shall be coming back home with a heart full of love and lightness. That special someone my family approves of is waiting for me and with such INSPIRATION stemming from true love, my plans for the betterment of my society based on my learnings in the Congressional Internship shall be successfully applied. God-willing! J ♥ =)

Rolling in the Deep

It’s twelve forty in the morning and still it is raining hard outside. It’s been more than a week that Manila have had stormy days the same thing I feel whenever I go about my paper works for the policy and round table discussion. It feels like I am rolling in the deep for me to survive this Congressional Internship and I am beginning to feel the real tension. So in order for me to comply with the said requirements, I’ve made my own timetable since I know this month and that of September will be our “hell months”. I say it’s “hell” because we are competing with the limited time we have in order for us to polish our paper assignments. I admit, it’s quite perplexed but I am learning a lot and I am trying to enjoy the journey as much as possible even if I am bombarded with heartaches and homesickness.

In my fourth week stay here in the Congress, I’ve had manifested the intricate processes in the lower chamber and I’ve compared it with my exposure as well in the Senate. I’ve enjoyed it a lot even if it was only held on a half day due to the stormy weather. From Pasay to Quezon, upon going back home, me and the rest of the CIPYML interns residing at Don Antonio did such hilarious stuffs. Surprisingly, we decided to make our own music video covers just like that of Georgina Wilson and company’s cover on “Call Me Maybe” which was a hit on Youtube. We surely had fun and that was another amazing memory in my Congressional Internship journey.

Yet we go back to the mundane tasks as interns, just last Thursday I attended for the first time a committee hearing pertaining to GOCC’s particularly GSIS. I have witnessed heated arguments between the counsels of GSIS and other stakeholders involved like the TWG of Government Enterprises and Privatization, DEPED, various representatives from the Congressmen’s offices among others. I was even flabbergasted to have seen how each counsel have defended their stand on each section provided in the matrix that I have helped created. It was such a gratifying feeling to have seen them civilly managed a heated argument like that which most definitely made me all the more inspired to continue my quest of becoming a lawyer once I finish this training.

Having met other people from the Congress such as the Committee Secretary on the Committee on Suffrage has also given me the chance to talk to them and learn a lot from them. Since one of my close co-interns, RI (Ralph Ivan) is celebrating his bday, the Com. Sec. on Suffrage, Ma'am Debbie, Ma'am Karla and the rest treated RI, me, Karen and Venus also as a reward for the assistance we gave them during the mock election held at the Congress in coordination with Smartmatics. It was also another beautiful experience with such nice people. 

      

Other than that, I’ve also met with my group for the RTD and having discussed with them our plans for August 29 excites me. The pressure is on and I am even more motivated to push this through because of my group members. I am inspired to work with such amazing people. But I am a bit frightened and sad for my group on the policy paper since we shall soon have our pre-defense this 16^th and we just had to change the title of our policy paper which is quite alarming given the limited time we have. I just pray that we can make it through this and although hope may be a bitch sometimes (please excuse my profane words) but I am still firing up the passion and desire I have for the success of our papers. I will, in my might to have this polished soon even if I am now rolling in the deep covered with thoughts of giving up. I CAN DO THIS. WE WILL PROSPER! J ♥ =)

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.♥ =)