In Davao Real Independence Begins..

When I told Mama I would be applying for the Congressional Internship Program for Young Mindanao Leaders (CIPYML) I had dim hopes of being approved for traveling since I will be based in so many locations. 

However I was quite surprised when she pushed me further to realizing my dreams even if it means being far away from her. When I had the chance to finally comply to all the requirements needed by the Congressional Program of the Philippines House of Representatives. Eventually I got selected and was instructed to be at Davao for the final interview. I admit it is kinda scary for I haven't had the experience of traveling alone without any family member to accompany me as my chaperon. Hehe. It was exciting and this was what I was thinking for the longest haul. This is the start of what we call REAL INDEPENDENCE. 

So here are pictures of myself traveling to Davao and en route to Digos with my batchmates and loved ones. Truly a great experience indeed.   ♥ =)

Also I met my 10th pamangkin Liam Jacob Alindajao Aban. I carried him in my arms for the very first time and it feels so good since for a very very long time I now find myself carrying another future generation in my arms. The second apo bearing the last name of my Father. This is the new hope, another ABAN added in our family. Welcome to the family, baby LJ. Love love u.. <3 :)

Proud to be 23!

Tis the day to be happy! Finally I am turning the golden age of 23. LOL! I am proud to say that of this age the people whom I treasure are there to celebrate it with me. It's been a fun ride to the so-called LIFE. A double celebration for today since we will also be celebrating Mother's Day. Truly it is a day full of love and happiness. I hope to celebrate this same experience soon with the same people and with other faces I shall soon meet and play an important role in my life. I am just thankful that God has blessed me another year to live. I am overwhelmed beyond words.  ♥ =)

Of Chameleons and Newness...

ADAPTABILITY. This is one of the things I admire about chameleons. They change their skin color as an instinct to protect themselves from upcoming danger. They are able to adapt with the environment once they feel they are approached by their predators. They bamboozle their way through by altering their skin color which I believe is pretty awesome. FOR SURVIVAL.

For years, I've always been quite pampered and protected since I am the baby princess in the family. My parents wouldn't even want to take their eyes off of me. Wherever I go it is like they have ears and eyes everywhere. Until such time I entered law school that I somehow acquired FREEDOM. To travel. To work. To be in a relationship. Hehe! That freedom was such a feat in my life. With that, planning for my future and wanting to learn to adapt is something I look forward to. 

NEWNESS. This incredibly optimistic outlook is something beautiful but dangerous. I don't want to bail out immediately for this privilege of being independent. This fear of too much freedom could be good or bad for me. New experiences are waiting to be discovered. New stories are to be told. This heartbeat. The doubts. All of these are emerging in my chest. I am flushed with excitement and paralyzed with fear. It's fun. It's new. It's agonizing because of the uncertainty in what lies ahead but giddy with every ounce of desire to try it!

No matter how naive this entry sounds to you all out there, I know in one way or another you can relate to how I feel. This freedom, I hope won't consume me or hurt me like hell. I've rebelled once and it wasn't pretty. It ate my conscience. It felt ugly. I've lived a lie because of that stupid idea. I was hurting other people and I swear I will never do it again. And now that FREEDOM is offered to me, I thought of NEVER wishing for this at all. But I gotta learn to muscle up! This is oddly comforting since it feels like I am playing my first ever vulnerable card in the hope of finding it all. It's mystery and beauty tempts me in every way. This has given me all the more the reason to hope mightily for the best. GOD BLESS me indeed! ♥ =)

BOMB EXPLOSION IN ILIGAN CITY, 2 dead and 30 wounded

May 5, 2012 on a Saturday night where everyone was enjoying the weekend, out of the blue a hand grenade was thrown out in front of the El Centro Bar in Iligan City.  The bomb explosion happened around 7:57 PM along Roxas Avenue according to military spokesman Lt. Col. Randolph Cabangbang. This has caused the life of at least two people and 30 others who were reportedly injured and is still in critical condition. Many believed that this was due to terrorism or a sudden outrage of illegal loggers during the Sendong tragedy last year. Yet Col. Daniel Lucero of the Philippine Army maintains this was just a case of “petty crime”. 

Rey P. So-ong, a law student of MSU – Law Iligan is one of those critically hit. He is still admitted at Mindanao Sanitarium Hospital and is now in a stable condition as his MU KAPPA PHI family also came to the rescue.

The Vice – Chairman for Political Affairs of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, Mr. Ghadzali Jaafar urged that police authorities should avoid “witch hunting” and name the exact identities of these bombers to avoid biased reports creating turmoil between the Christian and Muslim communities.  

As of the moment, police investigators are in the hunt for the attackers who are behind this. A credible witness who was one of the survivors of the bombing incident has already made a sworn affidavit and is now in police custody. This could lead them to hunt down the men behind this explosion and bring justice to the said victims.

The Vow

Technically, today was my second day at work in the law office. Nothing really much to do since not much people were around and some might have been pretty tired due to the summer heat and perhaps because of the rotational scheduled brownout as well. Then right before we end the day at work, our boss, my brother who is a lawyer, called us while he was at CDO on a hearing session, reminded us that there will be a wedding that's gonna happen in the office. A civil wedding. My. First. Time. Yeah! Ya got it right! My first time to witness a civil wedding and what was really surprising was the groom was the son of my god mother. Haha! What a small world. And the most exciting part was I get to hear their vows.It was so sweet and I loved the preaching done by the bishop. It was about letting GOD be the center of the marriage. That we should not love our spouses in a manner of "because of" but rather we chose to marry and love our partners "inspite of" everything. It's an unconditional love where the will of God is what makes the bond strong. That such marriage also centers TRUST and LOYALTY. And that we may also instill in our minds this passage in the Bible which states that: 

"Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart." "But my God shall  supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."  (Psalm 37:4 and Phillipians 4:19) ♥ =)

Gawad Kalinga - Bayani Challenge 2012

Ever since my mother persuaded me to attend on conventions at law school since I had to because I am also an officer in a student council, she would allow me to travel far from my hometown and has given me freedom to do what I love. It felt great especially so when I engaged myself when it comes to volunteering for community service such as the 5-day camp in Gawad Kalinga- Bayani Challenge at Sta. Elena, Steeltown where people have been invited to help out build houses, refurbish schools, tree planting etc. 

The fact that I and my bestfriend were to take on our final exams on a major subject at law school, we were absent on the first day of the challenge. But it was worth it because what matters the most is ones presence to be deeply involved to help irregardless if we have not filled up the 5 day challenge from April 9-14 of this year. In five days, workers, youth volunteers, NGO's, the government, the military and others helped day and night at the site. Painting and building the houses, planting and beautifying the surroundings were some of the activities I have witnessed in my short stay there. At night time, there were fun-filled activities too and a live band to accompany the workers and liven up their spirits while a group of dj's based from Manila are doing more like a comical skit and playing motivating songs to push the pedal to the metal. It was a great experience to have helped and met people not just in the Philippines but some volunteers too who are from abroad. It was a nice feeling to have known that there are still people who have the heart to serve and help other people irregardless of one's status, religion or creed. That is why I can still say, that there is still hope for the future. :)

Looking at the site, we talked to a bunch of engineers and they told us that things were doing pretty good and a fast pace of building houses are in progress. We've seen youth from different barangay's here in Iligan and in different parts of the Philippines. All were very busy, determined and in high spirits that this shall push through. We've helped out landscaping and shoveling whilst talking to some other youth volunteers on their experiences at Sta.Elena. Despite the scorching heat of the sun, the unpredictable weather, still, things went pretty well and it was totally an unforgettable encounter in my 22 years of existence.

Every time I try to extend my help to other people, this gratifying feeling of lightness and goodness in you makes one feel so good even if we too are facing our own demons. We forget about the harshness of life and instead we think about selfless help we can give back to the others. That feeling alone made my day even more beautiful! 

My bestfriend and a colleague from College of Law were in cahoots together to help out. Here are some of the pictures we took for us to share to you our unforgettable experience. Browse through :)

Helping other people and reaching out to them especially in times of defeat and in need -- This is our way of giving back to the society and to our Almighty creator for saving me, my family and people who are dear to me far from harm during last year's Sendong tragedy. ♥ =)

Proverbs 16:09

"In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his step.."

The end of second semester is where another journey awaits for me. So many plans this summer, travels and seeking for enhancing once intelligence. I am glad that my family is always there to support me 101% all the way. I just wish that I won't disappoint them in anyway possible and that God will continue to guide me in whatever plans I am ambitiously taking on. That my Dad who is now in heaven will also guide, protect and bestow me the wisdom and patience that I will be needing  as I undergo such challenge to make my dreams a reality. I am turning 23 next month and I am not getting any younger. Time is precious and I believe I have a few moments left on earth for me to reach my ambitions. Maybe I'll have roughly about, say 30 more years to live depending on whether I stay as healthy as now. I have so many plans for my life and for my family. I am sure it will not be an easy journey but I'll have with me my family's love and my determination plus GOD backing me up anywhere and anytime. Those are the things that I need, enough for me to jumpstart my soon to be amazing journey. Wish me luck everyone and please pray for me! Mwah! ♥ =)