Twice Answered Calling

“Kailan ka pa natutong tumanggi sa tuwing ika’y inanyayahang maglingkod?”

These words of Tatay Monch, when combined, simple as they may seem, have concealed meanings that allow you to pause, think, and reflect on this rhetorical question. As a leader, you must be aware that the moment you chose to be one, there are a hundredfold responsibilities waiting for you. So you must be physically, mentally, and emotionally prepared beforehand. Despite the time constraints and limitations that a leader experiences, there is always a way of doing what is asked of you as a leader, if you have the will and the passion. 


The Ayala Young Leaders Alumni Association–Central Luzon is one of the active clusters of the Ayala Young Leaders Congress (AYLC) delegates in the country. With the strong-willed and extremely dedicated young leaders behind this cluster, a lot of leadership activities and projects were brought up, planned, and successfully materialized. Also, meetings are being regularly held due to the determination and initiatives of the AYLAA-CL officers through their “kulit” announcements via text  messages and facebook.


The latest activity was the General Assembly of the cluster wherein we were even invited to change our timeline photos in facebook into the AYLAA-CL General Assembly announcement. You see how youth-oriented the officials behind this cluster are? They really know how to reach out and get the taste of its members to make a lot of them attend. And they did not fail, a total of 32 went, listened to the activities presented, shared their thoughts and ideas, and enjoyed the happiness of being part of AYLAA-CL family.


At the start of the assembly, we, the AYLC Batch 2012 were welcomed, and asked to introduce ourselves and say an animal related to us. The answers of my batch mates were humorous, yet intellectual. So when it’s already my turn, I didn’t know if they will also find it the same way. Nevertheless, I said, “If I’ll be an animal, magiging lovebird ako. Kasi love ko kayong lahat.” Luckily, they found it amusing as well. Little did I know, the word “lovebird” already spreads like a communicable disease in facebook after that. They even call me lovebird now!


Funny as it may seem, the introduction we’ve done was very helpful for the other AYLC batches to be familiar with us. And it is a way of expressing our personality. From there, you could already see the rapport established among each one of us. This made the general assembly more enjoyable and smoothly flowing.


So when the AYLAA-CL former Cluster Head Joseph Navarro (we call him Kuya Ju) already presented the report, and when one of our cluster advisers Mildred Ople (we’re fond of calling her Ate Dred) announced the upcoming activities of the AYLA community like the Central Luzon-wide Youth Leadership Summit, AYLAA–CL Babad–an immersion activity in an IP Community, and AYLAA–CL Fund Run–a Resource Mobilization Effort, we found it easy to share our thoughts and reactions, which made the aura of the meeting lighter. So when the election proper already began, it was easier for us to nominate and vote the ones deserving for a certain position because we had the chance to know each other even with just four hours of being together in the meeting. 


Just to share, I had my first week of internship at Ayala Foundation, Inc. prior to the date of the AYLAA-CL General Assembly. Every Friday after work, I go home to Pampanga to be with my family. I went out of the office at 6:00pm because I needed to finish some stuffs, so I encountered the stressful traffic at EDSA, and experienced sitting on the back seat of a provincial bus since there were no empty seats left but that one, which made me really dizzy. I arrived home at 9:00pm, very tired. I had dinner, fixed myself, and slept at 11:00pm. It was truly a tiring ride, and I wanted to catch up some sleep because I’m still on the process of getting used to sleeping in my bedspace unit in Makati (I didn’t get enough sleep on my first week there).
You see, I had happy, fulfilling days at work, yet restless nights in my place. But, I was invited to be in that assembly. The mere fact that they have invited me there is already equivalent to an invitation to serve. Who am I to decline the invitation of my fellow AYLAA-CL? I was called. I responded. And I said, “yes,” with no second or third thoughts.


I’m glad I made the right decision. Because I have witnessed not only the family-like relationship we have, as manifested by the smiles, laughs, and fun we shared, but more importantly, the eagerness and the sincere passion to serve in each and every one of us–elected or not.


I was called to be one of the new officers. I knew I had a lot of responsibilities as a student and as a student leader in school. Nevertheless, I still responded with a believing heart that I’d be able to do my responsibilities well. So I answered, “yes,” for the second time. I’m sure my fellow alumni in Central Luzon are also busy doing a lot of things, but they amazingly have the heart that can’t say “no” to AYLAA-CL. 


I answered twice to the calling of my AYLAA-CL family. I was supposed to write something about “Challenge Accepted” in my article. But I suddenly realized that serving is not a challenge after all; rather, it is a calling that must be answered, for our nation’s sake, for God’s glory.

The author is currently on her senior year in college pursuing a degree on communications. She was also part of the 14th National Ayala Young Leaders Congress, the Ayala Group's commitment to Nation Building.

When the yellow blossoms start to fall

People say that the seminary is a place of fright because of its many trees. Ever since its foundation, the seminary has been a tree-sanctuary – especially of those sturdy Narra trees. At first look, these trees only seem to provide enough shade and fresh air for the seminary’s tenants. But upon second reflection, these trees mean more than shade.

The Narra is a significant symbol of success in the seminary. For us, seminarians, the falling of the yellow Narra flowers symbolize the near end of another formation year. With this in mind, we become more sentimental as we also realize that our days with the graduating batches are numbered. As more and more yellow blossoms start to fall, our days spent with them become less and less.

During the month of June – a month which marks the beginning of another formation year – the Narra can be seen as a symbol of hope with its leaves in shimmering green. However, as the months go by, these green leaves turn dry into dull brown. From appearance alone, the Narra, with the shades gone, seems to be dead.  However, for us, seminarians, this is a time of expectations – a waiting for the advent of the recapturing of the beauty of the Narra, a waiting for the yellow blossoms to start to bloom and eventually fall, a waiting for the end of yet another year.

In the month of March, the pathway sheltered by the Narra trees is filled with brilliant yellow flowers. As one walks through the flower-filled path, the incredibly good scent of the flowers never fails to fill one’s olfactory desires.

Whenever I see these tiny flowers, I reminisce the many years that I have spent in the seminary. It feels as if every flower is a symbol of my success in the seminary. Even when every formation year presents a bombardment of schedules, activities, academic and extracurricular requirements, every effort exerted is still worth it. Every seminarian would feel happy and proud after having conquered all the hardships, hurdles and hassles throughout the year.  

These trees have become instruments of God, telling us how great we are and what a great job we have done. These trees are manifestations of God’s promise that He will never abandon us. God tells us that, like those Narra trees, we may, for a time, dry up but, eventually, by His grace, we will all be producing beautiful and fragrant flowers.

Congratulations, graduates!

Baclaran

Pundasyon ng pananampalata

Pormasyon ng identidad ng nakataya

Iba’t ibang konstruksyon, tagong depinisyon

 Ng bansang patuloy ang transpormasyon

 

Saklolo... Saklolo... Saklolo

 O Ina ng laging saklolo

Pawiin ang  sakit ng ulo

Na bunga ng problema ko

 

Lipunang matulungin

Ngayon ay nasa bingit ng alanganin

Huwag mong salangin

Baka sa huli ikaw ay paslangin

 

Pagbuo ng buhay

Pagbuo ng bahay

Sa panalangin iuusal

Paulit-ulit na dasal

 

Isang kamulatan

Isang kasalatan

Kahulugan ng tao

Nakataga sa bato

 

Lipunang umiinog

Sa samu’t saring sayaw umiindayog

Pangarap nang pag-ahon sa hirap

Na balang araw ay magiging ganap

 

Tala: Kagaya ng Quiapo, ang Baclaran ay tila isang munting Pilipinas. Para sa ilan, ang komunidad na ito ay sumasalamin sa pundasyon ng paniniwala at pananampalaya, pormasyon ng identidad, ibat ibang konstruksyon ng mula sa buhay hanggang sa bahay, transpormasyon sa nagbabagong mundo ng Pilipino. Sa lugar na ito nagaganap ang negosasyon ng mayaman at mahirap kung paano kikilos sa lipunang naghihikahos, at gagalaw sa lipunang magaslaw. Isang bahagi ng katotohanan at maraming kabalintunaan.

TaHANGALang Pambansa

TaHANGALang Pambansa

ni Joseph G. Navarro

Taong isang libo siyam naraan animnapu’t anim nang ikaw ay simulan

Taong isang libo siyam na raan animnapu’t siyam nang ikaw ay buksan

Ang buong mundo sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon ikaw nasilayan

Nabighani sa iyong taglay mong nakariktan

Tunay ngang biyaya sa sangkatauhan

 

Sa panahon ni Marcos nang ikaw ay ginawa

Sa mga kuwento ni Imelda  sila’y pahanga

Kabi-kabila ang kanyang pagpapasinaya

Habang ang marami ay gutom at nakatunganga

Sa pinunong tila walang hiya.

 

Si Leandro Locsin ang iyong arkitekto

Sa kanyang mga kamay nabuo ang iyong dibuho

Sabi ng ilan ikaw tanda ng pagbabago

Ngunit tila ika’y instrumento  ng pang-aabuso

Ang tunay na kalagayan ng bansa’y tinago

 

 

Katotohanan, kagandahan at kabutihan

Tunay ngang masarap mapakinggan

Na sa sining at kultura ,ikaw ay tahanan

Yaman ng lahi ay napapangalagaan

Isang pangarap na tila baha-bahangdan

 

Apat na dekada na pala ang nakararaan

Ikaw ngayon ay isang malaking pasyalan

Sa mga Pilipino’t dayuha’y dumuduyan

Samu’t saring palabas na matutunghayan

Sa bayang hanggang sa ngayon ay nasa karimlan

Naging inspirasyon ng may akda ng tula ang kanyang pagbisita noong ika-16 ng Hulyo 2011 sa CCP sa opisyal na pagbubukas ng Cinemalaya, isang annual independent film festival sa Pilipinas . 

Ang mga lawaran ay mula sa internet. 

May KAHULUGAN ka, KABAHAGI ka at may MAGAGAWA ka para sa PAGBABAGO

Sa bawat pangako ay maraming umaasa. Sa bawat pag-asa’y maraming naghihintay. Bawat naghihintay ay nagnanais na makawala sa nararanasang kahirapan. Bawat nagnanasang makawala sa kahirapan ay umaasa sa pangakong binitawan. Ang nakapag-iisip, sa ob­serbasyon ko, napakarami ng nagsilbi sa ating bayan na mataas ang pinag-aralan, subalit ako’y patuloy na nababahala sa ating kinabukasan sapagkat hindi nagkulang sa mga matatalinong mga indibidwal ang naglingkod sa ating bayan.

 

Sa aking palagay ay kulang sa pagmamahal sa ating Bayan ang marami sa mga namuno sa ating bansa. Maaaring mayroon naman ngunit hindi ito ang nasa una, ngunit ang sariling interes bago ang interes ng bayan. Sa ating sitwasyon, mahigit 70 porsyento ng mga halal na opisyal ay hanap-buhay nila ang pulitika. Kung kaya’t ito na rin ang dahilan kung bakit sila ay nakikipagpatayan sa mga laban sa pulitika sapagka’t kabuhayan ang kanilang pinag-aawayan.

 

Walang makapagsasabi ng tiyak na sukatan at pamantanyan ng isang mahusay na pamumuno dahil bawat indibidwal ay may sariling konsepto ukol dito. Sa simpleng pananaw, bahagi na ng ating tradisyunal na sistema ang magkaroon ng isang pinuno. Lahat ng bagay at nilalang na nilikha ay hindi makakatayo ng matuwid kung walang pinunong  tutulong  at aagapay. Aminin man natin o hindi, ito ang realidad ng buhay.

 

Hindi lingid sa ating kaalaman na taglay ng isang tao ang abilidad na mamuno. Walang simuman ang makakapagsabi na pili lamang ang biniyayaan ng ganitong katangian sapagkat bawat isa sa atin ay angkin ang kakayahang ito. Gayunpaman, bibihira lamang ang nakakaunawa sa tunay na kahulugan ng isang responsableng pamumuno. Ito marahil ang dahilan kung bakit ang ating panahon ay patuloy na ibinabaon sa karukhaan.

 

Ang pamumuno ay hindi lamang kapangyarihan at karangalan, manapa’y isang tungkulin at pananagutan sa bawat taong sakop ng pamamahala ng isang pinuno.Ang isang batayan ng mabuting mamumuno ay ang kanyang marangal na karakter at walang pag-iimbot na serbisyo sa kanyang organisasyon. Sa mata ng mga tagasunod, ang kanyang pamumuno ay ang lahat ng mga bagay na ginawa niya na nagdudulot ng epekto sa mga layunin at ikabubuti ng organisasyon.

 

Isang karangalan para sa akin ang  makasama at maging kabahagi ng Ayala Young Leaders Congress 2012. Sa loob ng apat na araw, masasabi kong ang mga naging karanasan ko sa Congress na ito ay talaga namang naging daan upang mas lalong mahubog ang aking buong pagkatao sa larangan ng paglilingkod. Mapalad ako sapagkat nagkaroon ako ng pagkakataon na makilala ang iba pang kabataang lider na nagmula sa ibat-ibang sulok ng Pilipinas.Gaya ko, magkakaiba man ang aming mga tinig na binibigkas, napag-uungay naman ito ng iisang hangarin. Isang hangarin na magiging daan tungo sa pagbabago. Isa sa nabago ng Congress na katangian ko ay ang pagiging sensitibo ko, pakiramdam ko kasi dumarating sa puntong nawawalan ako ng silbi kapag nabibigo ako sa aking hangarin, samu’t saring salita ang sa aki’y ibinabato na talaga namang halos mayurak ang aking puso sa subrang sakit, naisip ko nalang na huminto na ako sa paglilingkod. Subalit ng marinig ko  ang karanasan ng isa sa aming panauhing tagapagsalita. Siya’y isang bulag, isang bulag na buong-buo ang loob na harapin ang hamon sa buhay, isang bulag na punong-puno ng pag-asa, isang bulag na may didikasyon upang magpatuloy sa paglilingkod. Bulag man ang kanyang paningin subalit ang kanyang puso’y nagsisilbing instremento niya upang makakita at maging modelo ng isang mabuting lider.  Ang kanyang tinig ang bumasag sa kahinaan ko,naramdaman ko ang alab sa aking puso na magpatuloy sa paglilingkod. Sapagkat ako na biniyayaan ng kumpletong bahagi ng katawan na magagamit ko upang maglingkod ay hindi dapat magpa-apekto sa mga naririnig ko, basta’t alam kong wala akong natatapakang tao, patuloy pa rin ako sa paglilingkod.

 

Bukod sa tinig na bumasag sa aking kahinaan,tatlong salita ang masasabi kong nagbigay inspirasyon sa akin upang magpatuloy sa paglilingkod, ito ay ang una, bilang isang lider may KAHULUGAN ako,ikalawa, KABAHAGI ako at ikatlo may MAGAGAWA ako.

 

May kahulugan ako sapagkat, bilang naging kabahagi ng Ayala Young Leaders ang mga natutunan at mga naging karanasan ko ay kinakailangan kong maibahagi sa aking pinaglilingkuran, sa aking paaralan, sa aking pamayanan at upang makaimpluwensya sa aking kapwa lider. Kabahagi ako ng hangaring magkaroon ng pagbabago hindi para sa akin bagkus para sa bayan ko, at higit sa lahat may magagawa ako para sa pagbabago. Sa pamamagitan ng simpleng paraan, gaya ng sinasabi sa kanta ni G. Noel Cabangon na;

 

Ipinagtatanggol ko ang mamamayang Pilipino

Mga karapatan nila’y kinikilala ko

Iginagalang ko ang aking kapwa tao

Ipinaglalaban ko ang dangal ng bayan ko

Pagka’t akoy isang mabuting Pilipino

 

 Pakiramdam ko matapos ang apat araw na aking karanasan sa Ayala Young Leaders Congress 2012, tila ako’y isang nagbabagang bakal na nakadarang sa apoy, isang bakal na patuloy na hinulma upang maging isang sandata, isang sandata na hindi para sa larangan ng pakikidigma bagkus para maging mas epektibong lider para sa aking pinaglilingkuran. Ang Ayala Young Leaders Congress 2012 ang pumanday sa bubot kong karanasan, hinulma ng bagong dimensyon ng buhay upang patuloy na maglingkod.

 

Ang ating Inang Bayan ay uhaw sa isang pinunong mag-aahon sa kanya mula sa kanyang matagal ng pagkakabaon sa karukhaan. Lagi nating iisipin na  ang pinunong may takot sa Diyos at marunong magpakumbaba at di nag-iisip ng sariling kapakinabangan sa halip ay ang kapakanan ng kanyang nasasakupan, ay isang mahusay na pinuno. Sa kanyang panunungkulan, kakamtin niya ang walang hanggang pagpapala at gabay ng Poong Maykapal. Ang pinuno ay isang lingkod. Upang magpasimuno, kailangan niyang malaman kung paano sumunod. Ang pinuno ay isang katulong, isang tagapagbalita, isang boses para sa marami.

Ilang beses marahil nating itinatanung sa ating sarili kung bakit kailangan magkaroon ng isang pinuno. Kung tutuusin, tayo ay binigyan ng Maykapal ng talino upang makapagdisisyon para sa ating mga sarili. Ngunit sa lohikal na pananaw, ang isang eroplano ay hindi makakarating sa direksyong kanyang pupuntahan kung wala ang piloto.

 

Ilang henerasyon na ring nilamon ng baluktot na sistema ng pamamahala ang ating lipunan. Ngunit hindi pa huli ang lahat. May pag-asa pang natatanaw. Tayo ang butil ng palay na bubuhay sa susunod na henerasyon. Ang pagbabago ay nasa ating palad. Ngayong narito ka, may bagong pag-asa, maraming natutunan at ganap na naunawaan. Ano ngayon ang iyong gagawin?

 

May oras pa ngayon. May KAHULUGAN ka, KABAHAGI ka at may MAGAGAWA ka para sa PAGBABAGO. Mabuhay SALIMBAY!!!

AYLC: making great things possible

It was my dream of representing our university in any school competitions, school gatherings, seminars and the like. I find it hard to make this dream of mine possible because I believed that there are hundreds of students before me to represent our university in certain events unless it is required in our class. 

“Congrats Dado nakapasa ka nap o sa AYLC.” A text message that settled everything!

The 14th National Ayala Young Leaders Congress (AYLC) arrived in my life and it became the instrument for me to represent our school in this once in a lifetime opportunity. As one of my colleague said, “Not all people at our age can experience AYLC.” That’s why when I got the news that I made it to the list of 81 students who will participate AYLC, ang saya ko ay sadyang walang paglagyan!

A week before the congress I was in Baguio to attend the 3-day seminar of Information Technology Students as requirement in one of our subjects. On the last day while on our way home, I asked myself “nakakabitin naman wala na bang kasunod?!” After a while I saw outside the Marquee Mall, Ayala Malls. And I guess it was a sign that it will be my next destination.

It was Monday my call time at Cubao is 2pm but because I fixed my stuffs at school first, I was late and made it to Cubao by 4pm. What a coincidence! I was fetched by the same driver who picked me during the panel interviews! Through the adopt-a-delegate project I met kuya Bong (supposedly I will be adopted by kuya Ralph but he didn’t make it due to his schedule.) I was with two other delegates and I can say that the experience was awesome and we had the chance to know each other well. Kuya Bong gave us a tour in his condo and he even cooked for us!

The next day we bid goodbye to kuya Bong. I met the other delegates at the Filipinas Heritage and again, the feeling to be there was awesome! I can’t believe that my dream is happening right that time! We were oriented of what will happen to the next four days of our lives. The moment that I got my ID and journal, Excited Much!

As we were traveling I got to know one of the delegates, we talked and after a while we fell asleep. I got awakened when there was noise coming from my ears. And I was startled to see outside “ang taas na namin!” I was really amazed of the place. I got more excited the moment that we entered the gate of San Miguel Corporation – Management Training Center. The tarpaulin saying Welcome, and more tarpaulins as we entered the long path that made me smile and the most beautiful during the arrival is to see the alumni dancing and other staffs welcoming us!

As I entered our room I can’t believed that my stuffs especially the jacket is already there! I immediately checked if my jacket fits me. Shirts for the next three days, tumbler, bag and many more were the stuffs at our bed. I really can’t believe that it was happening. Hayy.. sobrang saya!

I met new people. It seems like every day is like getting to know each other stage for us delegates because we were hunger to know everyone. The speakers and how can I forgot Mr. Bernie Liu whom I requested to sign on my Penshoppe shirt! To my workshop group wherein everyone was ready to help each other despite that we were sleepy. A photo taken with Mr. JZA and all the people who became part of my AYLC journey.

I learned and I discovered new things that there is a “Tarzan inside of me”. I learned how to trust with my outdoor group mates and I discovered how to go outside the maze (that was quite though). Listening is the best instrument of leadership.

Most of all I ate a lot! hahaha! It was the best feeding program ever from the appetizer to desert, from breakfast to dinner! I’m craving right now. Aside from the mouth-watering food, what I like about our feeding program is that I got the chance to know the different executives of Ayala Corporation. 

The Congress was truly a life-changing one. Despite of all the good times, kulitan, and all the happy moments as day passed by, nalulungkot ako. Dahil alam ko, after all those happy moments, it will come to an end.

I will never forget the last activity at the Helipad that made me emotional. It’s been a long time since that last time I cried and maybe AYLC reminded me that there is nothing wrong to cry. With that activity, parang naglakbay ako gamit ang time machine which is yun ang dahilan kung bakit talaga ako naiyak. I remembered the times I was answering my application form, the day of panel interview where I was zero degrees cold, my waiting days and my conversation with the Lord every night. And the fact that the congress will later on be ended which was hard to accept.

As I entered college, I thought that I’ll be just an ordinary student. A passive, a yes ma’am yes sir student and has school-home-home-school routine. I thought that my extra-curricular activities in high school will stop there but I was wrong. 

Just like with this year’s theme Winning Hearts and Minds: Changing Paradigms, I realized that being in-line with the best student leaders in our country today, I already won the hearts and minds of the people around me. My classmates as they elected me as their President from first year college up to now. My Department for trusting me to be their Board Member at the Local Student Council to my organization, the Ayala Corporation who screened my application, my panelist during the interview and to all the people I met along the way who believed in my capabilities.

And with all the things I learned during the congress, I am set keep the fire burning and Change the Paradigms! The jacket I received from the congress is not just for a porma and prestige, but that jacket is a jacket of responsibility to win more hearts and minds and change more paradigms.

I only attended few leadership seminars before AYLC and I would always be grateful that in once in my life, I attended a national congress (yung feeling na national, yung all-over the Philippines tapos kasama ka, eto yun oh!), a congress like no other, but a congress on which I came to know more yourself, I came to know other great student-leaders in the country and came to know that I could do more towards the development for the betterment of our country.

Thank you to AYLC for giving me the chance to represent our school in this kind of event. Before it was just a dream but now it became possible!

P.S.

While I was on my way to the Congress I was surprised with the news that I’ll be running for the Student Government Elections as the Standard Bearer of our party. I was very worried because I know that I don’t have the capability to be the President. AYLC tapped me to realize that if others can do, I can do it as well and I have this untapped potential. I thank AYLC for helping me to prepare for the SG Elections. Even though I lost 4 days of campaign (because I was at the congress) I still didn’t lose hope to win the Presidency. And as of this moment, I am the new President-Elect of our University!

Starfish Thrower

Man will be graced by different events and experiences in his lifetime. Some happen because Heaven willed them to happen. Others are those that come to us by reason of our hard and passionate efforts. Then there are those events and experiences that occur because of both faith and action. These define us, moments that capture who we really are.

One such defining moment, event or experience that I had is being part of the 14th Ayala Young Leaders Congress, the country’s most prestigious youth development program, a covenant of responsibility and servant leadership, a family of dedicated and passionate young leaders.

Truth be told, I found it quite a dilemma, articulating what the congress was for me. It's not that there was nothing to share, but it's precisely because much is to be said of it. Given the profound feelings I had for those four fateful days of reflection and transformation, it is no easy task to write an essay, or a piece narrating those special moments I had. 

I remember how after submitting my application online, I wrote on a green sticky paper the words, "I WILL BE ONE OF THE 14TH AYLC 81 DELEGATES", and posted it on my cabinet. I remember how since then, I woke everyday uttering those words and doing the same every night before I slept.  I remember how I continued that when I learned that I was to be interviewed at Makati, and of course, even after the interview. The same words, the same paper.

I remember how one day, I woke from a bad dream, a dream that almost tore my heart apart, a dream about how I failed an interview, a dream how I failed to be part of AYLC 2012 batch. I remember that very day, when I received a text message telling me to go our Office of Student Affairs and Financial Aid. I remember how our OSAFA director showed me the fax containing the names of those who made it to the congress. I remember how I saw my name, and how I ran and jumped, laughed and smiled.

I remember how one day, I found myself saying, "I AM ONE OF THE 14TH AYLC 81 DELEGATES".

I remember forgetting the tiredness I felt after a long drive from Angeles, upon seeing the towering structures that dominated the Makati skyline. I remember how excitedly we, Cheska and I, rushed to the meeting place and saw TatayMonch, Ate Ika, Ate Lis and the other members of the AYLC family. I remember seeing and greetings other delegates, delegates who were still waiting for the AYLC alumni who generously volunteered to be our hosts, alumni who in a sense, would adopt us for the day.

I remember smiling after seeing the previous batch dancing and waving us hello. I remember how I went to find my room and see all these wonderful gifts waiting for me. I remember how I immediately took the jacket and tried it on, how I felt a certain sense of joy and pride, of worth and achievement.

I remember how I woke up every morning enjoying the greetings of the cool winds, the freshness of the air, and the warmth of the sun. I remember how I would wake hearing different voices and sounds, and yet enjoy a sense of peace and tranquility.

I rememberwalking to the dining area, and seeing the tables beautifully prepared, how we would flock to the buffet table and wait in line for us to taste the sumptuous meals prepared. I remember how we were greeted and invited by friendly and warm executives, heads of the country's premier conglomerate, and just have that rare opportunity to talk basically about anything that the light touches.

I remember how some of us, me included, would try to set their sights on that special someone/s, and luckily find them doing the same to us.

I remember how I would sit in awe as I hear the stories of our speakers, how I would listen to the thoughts and opinions of 79 of the country's best and most promising youth leaders. I remember how I found similaritieswith the opinions and perspectives they shared, and how I learned to respect and appreciate the uniqueness of the differences we had.

I remember those four days clearly. I remember those four days affectionately. I remember those four days passionately. And now, as the veils of reality are again raised, I find myself dumfounded as I recall one of the greatest and most significant chapters in my life. A defining moment which allowed to me to rediscover that flare for service and renew that passion for servant leadership. An opportunity to learn and share insights with like-minded individuals and forge bonds which will last for a lifetime.

Words are not and will never be enough to encapsulate the extraordinary experience the 14th Ayala Young Leaders gave me. But I do hope that through these words I've so sincerely crafted, one may have a sense of how I truly feel. I am Abriam Josh D. Esteban, a dreamer, a champion of the Filipino people, a starfish thrower.

AYLC: Answering the Youth’s Leadership Challenges

The following is my humble contribution to the blog. It bespeaks about my post-congress experience in AYLC during my time. Thanks and Kudos to AYLAA-Central Luzon!

The journey towards Ayala Young Leaders Congress is a steep rocky mountain, arduous to climb, yet exciting and fulfilling to reach its summit. Preparing all the necessary documents for the application to this prestigious search really entailed sacrifice and patience. But I didn’t let myself be discouraged; I joined the search and submitted my application.

December 16, 2011. I was then traversing the long and winding thoroughfares of Baguio City to attend a national conference when Sir Jerry, my AYLC adviser, received a call from the university informing him of a letter sent by the AYLC Secretariat. After that call, Sir Jerry gleefully said “Congratulations Dan, you and Totoy made it to the Ayala.” I just smiled but deep inside, my intestines were jumping in gladness. I can’t shout my jubilance that time for I might bother all the other 60 passengers inside the bus. Then I whispered above, “Thank you Lord!”

‘Twas indeed a great morning; GOD has listened to my prayers. After the long wait, the good news has come. A simple DAN made it to the elite list of the Outstanding Ayala Young Leaders in the Philippines. I remembered myself telling Totoy that time in the bus, “GOD gave me this gift, a consolation to all my leadership sacrifices… for my endeavors as a leader do not wait payment in return.”

Then the rest was history until I found myself traveling on the morning of February 9, 2011 passing through the highland Tagaytay City bound to Alfonso, Cavite where the 13^th Ayala Young Leaders Congress will be conducted. A waving welcome of the facilitators, staff and AYLC alumni greeted us as we reached our destination.

Being part of AYLC 2011, tagged as the Batch KISLAP, was more than a prestige and honor, it was for me agift and a great blessing bestowed upon by God, a very rare opportunity and a life-transforming experience one would truly treasure throughout his life, just like what it did to me.

The congress truly touched my heart and enriched my mind in a very unique way. The insights and thought-provoking words uttered by multitude of great leaders, guest speakers, facilitators and my fellow delegates moved me in a way I have never felt before. I enjoyed sharing my thoughts with my session group members, my endeared Kalembang Group. Equal enjoyment I felt in executing various challenges with the L outdoor group, a group bonded with teamwork and unison.

Meeting, talking and knowing the 80 most promising and brightest young leaders of the archipelago really excited me the most in the congress. Yet, I wasn’t able to meet them all in the congress; still I always find time to know each one of them through various means that I know. The reflections and sharings emerged after every course, activity and session as well as the powerful words and motivating phrases about servant leadershipawakened me into a better perspective.

Listening to the panel discussions inspired and invigorated me so much. Every piece of insights I got from each panelist will always be kept in my heart and mind. Doing all the course challenges and the sharing of learnings afterwards, kept me most alive in the congress. While the cheers and encouraging yells of my co-delegates whenever I perform the challenges, energized me a lot. Talking to my fellow youth leaders during the congress, and picking valuable lessons from them, raged the burning passion of leadership in me.

The congress taught me a myriad of priceless lessons. More than knowing myself well, I have relearned the value of teamwork and unity; that concerted effort among the group members would always lead to success and victory. I have also relearned the value of listening. One should not always the one who talks and he should sometimes need to listen, for listening would always pilot the group to understanding and would lead to clearer plans and actions. The value of giving your trust to your colleagues is also one of the lessons I have relearned in the congress. One should never doubt the capacity of his members if he really wants to achieve the next value, the value of creating good rapport with your co-members.

I have gained a lot of insights and experiences which I believe would truly help me so much. All the learning I acquired from AYLC molded me more into a better individual, better leader and a better member of our family. It changed some of my perspectives in life into a more optimistic one.

I could affirm that attending the congress for three days transformed me into a more grown-up DAN. I became more sensitive to the feelings of others, especially of my colleagues in an organization. I became more passionate in responding to my social responsibility as I always believe that I exist not only for myself but also for others. Likewise, I became more energized to continue my visions towards contriving substantial transformations in our community and in the nation as a whole. And became more appreciative to the things which I know will make me a better person.

After the congress, I was able to live up and continue upholding the precious thoughts, lessons and insights I have learned as I continue to be an effective instrument for change. And I realized that all what I’ve learned in AYLC is worthless if I will not be able to apply these in the real world and that is serving our community towards transforming the lives of my fellow men and sustaining the passion for service and leadership.

I would always be grateful that in once in my life, I attended a national congress, not an ordinary one, but a congress on which I came to know myself, I came to know other great youth leaders in the country and came to know that I could do more towards building the nation.

Indeed, the Ayala Young Leaders Congress is a collage of treasured memories, fountain of unforgettable moments, haven of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, threshold of meeting great leaders and a rare opportunity of knowing oneself and one’s leadership potentialities better.

Author’s Note:

Danilo V. Rogayan Jr. is a current senior student of Ramon Magsaysay Technological University – San Marcelino Campus in San Marcelino, Zambales, taking up a Degree in Secondary Education, Major in Biological Science. He was one of the 81 delegates in the 13^th National Ayala Young Leaders Congress on February 9-11, 2011 at Alfonso, Cavite, Philippines.

Media: Instrumento sa Pagpapalaya at Pang-aalipin

Tunay ngang bahagi na ng buhay ng isang tao ang media mula  sa kanyang pagsilang hangang sa  kanyang pagkamatay. Kaya nga lubhang mahalaga para sa atin ang magkaroon ng wasto at sapat na kaalaman at kakayahan sa bat ibang anyo o uri ng media, na sa ayaw at sa gusto natin ay tuwiran at di-tuwirang nagbibigay kabuluhan at kahulugan sa  ating karanasan sa  ating pag-unawa sa mga mga ideya at mensahe sa media sa siya namang nagbibigay anyo o hugis sa kamalayan bilang mga  manlilikha nito.

Pagpapalaya at pang-aalipin, dalawang magkasalungat na salita na maaaring maglarawan sa bahaging ginagampanan ng media sa ating pang-araw-araw na buhay. Kasabay ng ating paglago at pagyabong  bilang isang indibidwal  ang  paglawak ng ating karanasan sa media.

Sa pamamagitan ng media, ang dating simpleng mundo ay nagiging komplikado. Halimbawa nito ang ebolusyon sa kung paano tayo makitungo sa ibang tao. Sa pamamagitan ng media, ang dating isang kasinungalingan ay maaring maging isang katotohanan.Kapag paulit ulit nating nababasa, naririnig o napapanood may posibilidad  na ito ay maging katotohanan sa marami. Sa pamamagitan ng media, ang dating kagustuhan at nagiging isang pangangailangan.

Hindi lingid sa ating kaalaman, na ang media ay maaring mahalintulad sa isang espada na magkabila ang talim, ito ay maaring magamit sa mabuti o sa masama, depende sa tao o grupo ng mga taong gumagamit nito at sa kanilang intensyon.Hindi rin lingid sa ating kaalaman, na ang media ay produkto  ng isang kultura o tradisyon.

Anumang uri ng  teknolohiya gaya nang  ibat ibang anyo ng media ay may potensyal na maging instrumento ng pagpapalaya at pang-aalipin ng mga tao. Pagpapalaya, kung ito ay nagagamit upang maging bukas ang isipan ng bawat tao sa realidad ng buhay. Pang-aalipin, kung ito ay nagagamit upang manatiling mangmang ang mga tao sa pamamagitan ng magmamanipula sa mga isip nito.

Katulad ng nabanggit sa artikulo ni Winston isang dalubhasa sa araling pang midya, ang lahat ng uri ng teknolohiya ay hindi neutral. Ito ay binubuo ng mga ideya, pangangailangan, kagustuhan, at imahinasyon ng mga taong may gawa nito. Sa madaling sabi, ang bawat medium ay may kanya-kanyang pakay at gamit. At ang bawat isa ay sumasagot sa isang pangangailangan o  kagustuhan ng isang lipunan sa isang  espisipikong lugar o panahon. Ang pagsilang at pagkamatay ng isang medium ay batay narin sa napagkasunduang kalakaran ng mga taong may malaking impluwensya sa ating lipunan.

Sa artikulo ni Winston at sa  aklat na media studies,  ipinakita kung paano ang isang medium ay  dumaan at patuloy na dumadaan sa ebolusyon upang lubos na mapakinabangan ng mga tao. Komplikado ang pagbuo at pagsilang, at paglago ng isang teknolohiya, kung saan ang bawat isa ay  produkto ng maraming pag-aaral at pananaliksik. At kung saan ang  isang teknolohiya ay bunga dugot pawis  ng ibat ibang tao sa kasaysayan. Ipinakita rin dito kung paano ang  laro ng sosyo –pulitikal na aspeto sa pagsilang at pagkamatay ng isang teknolohiya. Dagdag pa rito ang mga gamit ng isang teknolohiyang  sa kasaysayan.

Sinabi ni Winston na hindi lamang ang teknolohiya ang salik na nakaiimpluwensya sa takbo ng buhay ng mga tao. Kung ating babalikan ang ating kasaysayan mauunawaan natin na ang pagkakaroon at pagkawala ng isang uri ng teknolohiya ay bunga narin ng mga salik na nagsusulong ng interes ng mga  kapangyarihang tao o grupo sa panahong iyon. At kadalasan, ang gamit ng isang teknolohiya ay batay narin sa  kasalukuyang kalakaran, na kumikiling at nangangalaga sa kapakanan ng iilan at makapangyarihan.

Dito papasok ang implikasyon na nakapaloob sa pulitika at ekonomiya ng media,  at kung sa kung paano ang paraan ng mediation ay nakaka-apekto sa mensahe na pinabaimbulog ibat ibang uri ng tao base sa kanilang pangangailngan at kagustuhan. Dito makikita ang laro ng kontrol at manipulasyon sa mga taong walang pagkakatoon masuri o makilatis ang media na kanilang ginagamit o nagagamit. Samakatuwid, ang pag-aaral at pananaliksik sa gampanin ng media sa ating lipunan ay mahalaga hindi lang para sa mga iskolar ng komunikasyon at media  lalot higit sa mga pangkaraniwang tao .

Si Harry Potter at ang AYLC

Kung pag babasihan mo ang pamagat ng likhang-sining na ito, malamang ay mai-tutuhog mo sa mundo ng mahika ang gusto kong ipahayag sa mga susunod pang pangungusap at talata. Ngunit, HINDI! hahaha naikonekta ko si Harry Potter sa AYLC dahil gusto kong palalimin ang "Sorting Ceremony" ng programa kaiba sa ating nakasanayan na houses sa libro't pelikula.

Tanong: Who are you? 

Sagot: I am an Ayala Young Leader!

Alam kong naalala mo pa kung paano tumindig ang balahibo mo ng ikaw ay tanungin habang napapaikutan ng animo'y mga sundalong panatiko na handa kang ipagsanggalang sa oras ng kagipitan. Sy*t! ASTIG ako! I'm invincible eka nga ng karamihan! ngunit kagaya nga ng aking mga naunang komento at pakikipag tunggalian ng opinyon at talastasan ng mga balangkas ng ideya - Hindi kailanman kasiguraduhan ang pagsusuot ng JACKET para  lamang maipag sigawan mo na isa akong LIDER LINGKOD! Gaya na lamang din ng nasasaad na hindi porke't naka suot ka ng kapa at may hawak na makapangyarihang patpat ay isa ka ng WIZARD.

Kagaya sa serye ng Harry Potter, ang bawat pagtatapos ay pagsisimula. Ang bawat taon na itinatagal ng programang AYLC ay panibagong hakbang tungo sa pag-unlad na ating hangad. Panibagong hakbang na susubok sa mga kakayahang ating ipinagyabang pagdaka'y ipinamalas sa karamihan para maging karapat dapat tayo sa karangalang ibinibigay lamang sa piling iilan.

Bawat Patronus daw ay walang kaparis sa mundo ng mahika. Kagaya na lamang ng bawat Ayala Young Leader na ang angking kakayahang ay naiiba sa karamihan at lalo't higit katangi-tangi sa kanyang pagkakakilanlan. 

Tanong: Saan ka liligaya? Saan mabibigo? Saan ka tutungo?

Sagot:  Sa Hogwarts!

Alam nating lahat ang pinag daanan ni Harry Potter bago siya makatungtong sa pamosong paaralan ng Hogwarts. Naryang hindi sa kanya ipabasa ang sarili niyang sulat, ikinulong siya sa cupboard at hindi pinayagang lumabas at hanggang umabot na nga ito sa pag lalayo sa kanya ng kanyang mga kamag-anak para lamang hindi siya maka tupad at hindi niya magampanan ang kanyang tadhana...

Bilang Ayala Young Leader maraming sagabal sa ating pagpasok sa masalimuot, magulo, mahirap, mapanubok at higit sa lahat mapanuring mundo ng Nation Building. Pili't tayong inilalayo ng ating hangaring umasenso sa buhay, sabi nga ng mga ilan kong kakilala "Hindi ka yayaman sa development work, mag corporate ka kaya!". Subali't naiintindihan ko din ang kanilang punto kagaya ng pagkaka unawa ko sa mga kumukupkop kay Harry Potter. Takot lamang silang makita natin ang ating Life's purpose dahil sila man ay nakakulong sa pagpigil sa ambisyon at kaligayahan ng iba.

Tumungo na tayo sa buod ng aking sanaysay.

Tayong lahat ay pinagkalooban ng kalayaan para sa ating mga desisyon. Desisyon na kung sa paanong sayaw ng hangin magiging matatag ang ating hinaharap. 

pasukan natin ng medyo klasikong komentaryo mula kay Anthony Lenard ng Australian Catholic University. Sa kanyang saliksik na pinamagatang: 

How the boy wizard can assist young people in making choices

Maari na nating masalamin ang tuwid na pagkakahulugan sa atin ng salitang Pagpili at Pinili.

Sa kabila ng mataas na pagtingin sa atin nga mga paaralan,  mga guro't manggagawa sa pagpapaunlad ng mga mag aaral at higit sa lahat sa ating mga kapwa estudyante...

Nasa atin pa din ang kapangyarihan kung paano tayong Pipili sa kabila ng tayo na ang Pinili.

‘I know how you’re feeling Harry,’ said Dumbledore very quietly. 

‘No you don’t,’ said Harry, and his voice was suddenly loud and strong;

Bilang mga Lider Lingkod Mag-Aaral, alam nating pumili sa mga pagkakataong hindi tayo binibigyan ng kalayaang sabihin ang totoo nating nararamdaman. Maging ugat sana ang pagbadya ng ating kaliwanagan sa isyu ng kung paano mabalaghan ang iniikutang mundo ni Harry ay siya ding katulad kung paano tayo gumalaw sa pang araw-araw nating pagharap sa mga sitwasyong nakakagayuma ng isip na pilit tayong ililigaw kung saan dapat tayo patungo.

Alam kong hindi sila nagkamali, sigurado akong may gagampanan tayong mahalaga sa hinaharap. Maging bida man yan o kagaya ni Ron na palaging back-up lang o ni Hermione kaya na ginagamit lang pag kailangan...Sa kung paanong paraan tayo tutupad sa ating tadhana bilang mga bagong lider ng henerasyon - ang pangarap ko nalamang ay malagpasan natin ang mga pagsubok na ilalatag ng ating kanya-kanyang Voldemort!

Pero sigurado ako, after all...masasabi ko na I am the BOY who lived.