The Philippines is worth LOVING for.

Living a life filled with unpredictable challenges both from my own family and my chosen vocation isn't easy. From all the physical pains being a buttered child, emotional drama for I'm in a broken family, and a societal stigma, that despite all the stuff I'm doing I'm still discriminated because of my gender - how could I profess love? I guess, I could not be considered as a legit love prophet but I tell you - these challenges are my fuel why I continue to trust love and to trust life.

Falling in love.

Falling in love is the easiest while falling out of love is the hardest. Crazy? Yes. I think I am, especially when it comes to love. For me, when you say you're falling out of love it's as good as saying that "I don't care about my mother" or "Being a Filipino sucks!" I guess in these times, people are so preoccupied with a lot of stuff that they tend to easily lose hope, lose faith and lose love. 

 

Staying in love.

You may be wondering with my posts in facebook, tweets in twitter or articles in blogspot - most of them are positive, full of hope and (of course) love. But you know, behind it are my frustrations, sadness, emptiness and doubt. Yes, even if it seems that I'm so sure that I am offering my self for our country - my wholeness is still filled with questions of doubt. However, the heart which is filled with hope overpowers these dark moments. Behind the smiles are also my struggles. So many times that I wasn't able to attend my mother's birthday because I need to meet a mother who's in pain, so many times that I have to miss my sibling's recognition day because I need to go to a kid who is deprived of education. Staying in love is a struggle but you have to face it. That "hurting" moment is an assurance that you are truly loving.

 

 

Sino nga naman ang mangangahas ma-inlove sa isang bansa na puno ng kahirapan, puno ng pighati. I believe this is where the biggest challenge will come in. Are you ready to fall in love with the Philippines?

 

This is the Philippines according to your lenses.

 

 

I know I will still encounter problems, difficulties, and struggles. Being in Gawad Kalinga doesn't give me the assurance that I will be able to fulfill my dreams for the Philippines while I'm still alive. But one thing is clear, I'm not the only one who is madly and deeply in love with our country. Wherever this craziness leads me, what matters most is that I truly loved. And yes, forever I will shout:

THE PHILIPPINES IS WORTH LOVING for! 

Thanks MAY!

May had been an awesome month of surprises, friendship, travel, hope and love. 

Let me share with you my Top 6 MAYrific moments.

9th Parliament of Youth Leaders

National Youth Commission

Avenue Plaza Hotel

 

Fun

 

Work

 

 Love (#CHOS)

Siruma Gawad Kalinga Visit #1

Siruma, Camarines Sur

 

 

 

Spent two days of non-stop-work and walk in Siruma.

We are all eager for the Save Siruma Build.

Queen of Peace Birthday Outreach

Naga City

 

Nothing beats a day with friends and kids.

Thanks for this awesome day, Cheska!

Rotaract-Naga GK Summer Youth Camp

GK Balatas, Naga City

 

 

 

PAK! This word could sum up the passion and dedication

poured by the young ROTARCTS of the Rotary Club of Naga.

Orientation Seminar 2012

Kick-off to Magis

Ateneo de Naga University

 

 

 

My last ORSEM. Really starting to count my "LASTs" with Ateneo.

Saying goodbye to my CGC-family. Thanks for the 4 wonderful ORSEMS. Really happy to see our young volunteers step-up! :)

Save Siruma Build

Gawad Kalinga

Siruma, Camarines Sur

 

 

 

 

The most awesome event of May. Such an amazing event to see

real Filipino heroes working together to make the Philippines 

a country we all deserve. These people work together

to end poverty in the Philippines. 

My new blood type: GK+ (Gawad Kalinga positive)

Hope everyone had a blast this May.

We welcome June with arms wide open! 

GANDS

Hello friends,

For the past days, I've been writing about how happy I am being part of this awesome group called Gawad Kalinga, for the past days, I've been also very busy roaming around the province to visit different sites as an intern while trying to write my thesis. These activities resulted to "me not being with you most of the time".

Few notes:

You know that behind my craziness, my immaturity, my insecurities, my lapses, my failures is the heart to really be of help to others. You know that this heart could compromise a lot.

You know me more than anyone else. You know that I could not eat doughnut and sago't gulaman. You know that I cry most of time to weird circumstances, occasions, tv shows and celebrity funerals.

 

You know that I easily fall in love and I easily give up, but when the universe conspired and cupid whispered that he is "the one" - I pour everything, not leaving anything for me. "You know that when the heart breaks, it don't breaks even" (kanta?). Nah, you know that when I say that I'm sad - I'm really sad.

You know my secrets, my stories, my dreams and aspirations. I'm like an open book to most of you. This book is openly shared to everyone, without hesitation, without barriers. Accomplishments, failures - all of them I share to you. I'm happy that most of you appreciates what I'm doing. Know that your positive comments are happily embraced. (I get these more from you than from my family - dumadrama?) HAHAHA

I may have been featured in a national news paper, in television, been awarded by so many organizations, been invited by a lot of local and international groups to give a talk. Yes, I may have achieved all of those but you know that I never changed, I'm still that one you usually call (buto't balat dumudurat) HAHAHA - RAFFY. I still love going to our hiding place (water HAY-cinth sabi nga ni Rossy), love drinking wintermelon tea at Moonleaf, love walking around the city, love eating at Karlo's, love telling stories and jokes, love "availing" your frreebies, love listening to your sermons when I committed something stupid, love going to Magarao to "you know", love traveling with you (beaches, resorts, bars), love sleeping in your house, love playing cards until sunshine corazon arrives, love laughing for some crazy reasons. Know that I love being with all of you. OHA! Quota na!

 

More than the apologies, I would like to say thank you for being so understanding and patient. I know that I could really be crazy at times, but all of you still patiently stood by me and give guidance, all the way. During times of misunderstanding you would help me realize the things that I should "realize". You are all my Ate's and Kuya's. I just could not ask for more.

It has been years of laughter and tears. Know that even if I could not be with you most of the time (unlike those days, when we were all like conjoined twins which could hardly be separated), I still think of you. I'm bringing with me your smile and love. I've been so blessed by God. You've been an awesome company, friend and family.

Bibit - Keep on dreaming, keep on believing! Time now to follow your heart. I pray that God gives you the right person (no complications, just LOVE). Thanks for being my eldest brother :)

Ryan - I'm happy that you're now doing the things that you really want to do, I'm inspired by your dedication as a teacher. Keep it up, Kuya! All the way na yan to being a Dean. Naks!

Mac -  Your vocation as a nurse is really moving. Your passion and commitment when it comes to loving the person you really love is immeasurable.  

Dave - Happy that you're now setting goals for yourself and family. You've been an awesome brother to your siblings, an awesome son to your parents and a very loyal friend. 

Marlon - Our Travel Queen. Your enthusiasm to explore and to travel is really contagious. Keep on enjoying life and keep on traveling! I think you'll be the next DOT Secretary! :)

 

Ralph - My EX boyfriend. Charooo! Know that you'll always be special. Your very positive outlook in life drives us to live a life full of "youthfulness". Keep on making the group young and fresh, tugang! 

 

Oskie - You've been a very good friend to me and my family. Thanks for being there thru my ups and downs, you've been an awesome confidant and HOHOL-buddy. Indeed, stories are gift!

 

Bibang - I consider you my most "precise" friend. If you plan something it should be followed. Thanks for giving us more reasons to stay fit, to use (more-buetey) gee,I don't know how to spell it correctly (sounds like naman. Follow your heart, Bibs! 

Cuya - Hey girl! Thanks for always being there for us. It's more fun in Iriga because of you. There's no dull moments when I'm with you.

Rossy - Our baby girl na hindi halata. Thank you for updating our dictionary. Charooo! Seriously, you bring joy to all of us. May you remain positive and vibrant. 

 

Dad - Thanks for everything. For the love, for the support and for the guidance. Thanks for being a father, know that it means a lot to me. Words will never be enough, you that! :)

Sir Rico -  Your motherly/fatherly pieces of advise have been always important to all of us. Your songs, jokes and witty lines are the best. You are the living statement that "beauty never fades" OHA! :)

Thanks GANDS for everything. All of these I share to you.

Being with all of you is a reminder that God really gives the best to all of us!