Earlier this month, I got some scary news from a doctor. It was a bit serious, a possibility of a sickness not a lot of people can survive from.

Earlier this week, I received tangible findings with results that made me stop everything I was doing at work and stare at my laptop blank. 

Earlier today, I finally went to get a “second opinion,” I found myself almost crying because  anything was possible. I COULD BE SICK. I’m still young, and there are so many things still in store.

To take my mind of these things, I left and relished the recent victory of HABI with my partners and our community. Went on to do errands with them and celebrated. I did not want to think of anything negative. 

Earlier tonight, I went back and got my final results. Safe. Cleared. Nothing to worry about. 

And now as I end my day, I find myself so thankful because this is a chance for me to take care of myself and value life more. I could have been diagnosed with something, but I left the hospital happy, relieved, and humbled ;and all I was able to say to my Dad when he fetched me was, “I’m hungry.” 

Life is normal again. But there are some things that are bound to change from now on. 

Thank You, Lord.

A second shot at life. :)

Just got home from the Ateneo Cultural Laboratory Seminar in Bohol, which was definitely one of the best decisions I have made. Almost three weeks of staying in a rural town, avoiding “tourist”-y traps and places and immersing mainly for service for the community were all worth it. Not to mention the friends I met during the seminar were all in the “same wavelength” as I am. It was nice to engage in conversations, random or serious, without judgment. It was nice to talk to people who understand my penchant for trivia and culture. With those said, I do hope that Bohol will not be the last trip we’ll ever have together…

The trip also made me realize what I really want to do, which is to serve communities through culturaldevelopment. Doors will open eventually, but I will not stop searching. Suddenly, I even want to take masters in Sociology or Anthropology. God has been so good to me lately, opening up my eyes to what is out there and readying me for the big beyond. As for now, I am continually waiting and hoping that the right opportunity will finally present itself… 

That comforting and bittersweet feeling when you find out that what you once had was not so futile after all…

That even though it’s now just a memory…

At some point, it was alive and full of meaning…

And now, you can finally move on. 

At last, move on. 

:)

Musmos just recently held its project (the biggest of every year) called, C/Krismusmos last December 10-11 at the Ateneo Grade School Covered Courts. It’s our two-day Christmas party with the Musmos kids from Katipunan and Cubao. 

I’m really proud of how it turned out this year. The project team really did all they can and it showed in the results! Great performances from the kids and our guest orgs,dedicated volunteers, awesome decorations, generous amounts of gifts from donors and sponsors, and never-before-done activities were what made this year’s C/Krismusmos a definite success. :) 

Thank you, Lord. Indeed. 

Took photos of my sister for an impromptu portrait photoshoot. I put a little amount of make-up on her that’s age-appropriate. The shots aren’t perfect, but I’m satisfied with the results. I basically just played around with the lighting in my room.

I have yet to be an expert in Photography, but I’m learning. :)

Held last October 17-19,2011 at Villa Lorenza Resort. 

Two things struck me most during this seminar : TIME and SOLIDARITY. Time because it was here where I was confronted by the reality that I only have approximately 130 days left in my term as Musmos Coordinator, which I’ll definitely miss. It was a journey worth all the tears and laughs. Solidarity because it was in the company of my fellow student leaders that I was able to just freely let out all my sentiments (both good and bad), and still feel grounded. It really does help to be in the company of your peers, and hearing from them how they feel the same way as you do adds so much to the solace. With those said, I felt so reenergized after the event and thankful that I was blessed with these people, this opportunity, and this vocation. Four more months of service to go! 

With fellow Sector-Based Cluster Presidents and CHESTs (love these people)

With them again, plus LEX President, Nel.

With fellow presidents and COA members: Ian (CODE), Tasha (SPEED), Cel (ALAC), Ayke (GABAY),  Ej (STC), and Kitkat (ACIL)

photos c/o Nikki Alcantar and Raf Versoza

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