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. 

kumu'KULO'ng Sining

Lahat ay nagulat sa balitang totoo 

sa radyo, telebisyon at peryodiko

ito'y makikita mo

dugo ng mga Obispo

ay pinaKULO nito.

Ang sabi ng ilan

"Sining po lamang"

sa karamihan naman ay kabastusan

ang ibang sosyal may banat din naman

Blasphemy pa daw ang dapat ingalan.

Oh, Mideo sana ikaw ay maliwanagan

sa pagbibigay ibang kahulugan 

sa mga nakagisnan nating mga larawan

ng ang mga nasa pulpito ay magalak 

sa ating tanan.

Ako nama'y walang napunang mali

o sadya lamang talagang artistiko akong mag - isip

ang iba naman ay kay kitid ng isip

bato bato sa langit tamaan silang malilinis

Bilib naman ako sa mga Pilipino

pag ba gawang Noypi ay bastos?

hindi porke't tayo'y bansang kristyano

wala ng puwang ang malayang sining 

kagaya ng mga pinaKULO ni Mideo.

Ang banat ko lang naman ay ganito

maintindihan sana natin ang kapwa tao

wala naman talagang bastos 

sapagkat lahat ay likha ng Diyos

Nakadepende na lamang ito

sa mga taong labis ang reaksyon

wala namang laman at sustansya

ang mga puna at batikos.


Kaya para sa inyo...
magpaKULO na lamang tayo
ng mainom na ang Kapeng Barako.

Bilang pag alala sa nakalipas na pitong (7) buwan ng masalimuot na 

pagluluksa ng malayang sining.

Balik-Bayan Box

Isang daan at limampung taon na ang nakararaan

Isang bayani ang sa mundo ay nagdaan

At hinangad ang higit na ikabubuti ng bayan

Sa pagsaksakripisyo at pag-aalay ng sarili siyay lumisan

Baon ang inasaasm na kasarinlan sa kanyang libingan

 

Isang hudyat ng rebolusyon ang kanyng pagkamatay

Upang ang mga puso’t isip ay gumising sa pagkakangalay

Sa mahigit tatlong daang taon pagduduyan at pagsalabay

Sa imperyo ng dayuhang kunwari’y gumabay at umakay

Noon pala’y lihim na kaaway at nagpasasang tunay

Ang sabi ng bayani, kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan

Ngunit hanggang sa ngayon ito’y isang ilusyon at imahinasyon

Marami ang isyu at problemang walang solusyon

Realidad ng buhay ay unti-unting binaon

Sa karagatan ng umano’y kaunlaran ay nagpati-anod sa alon

 

Marami sa atin ang tila nakalimot na

Sa mga pagsasakit ng mga bayaning tulad niya

Ang akala ko’y sa pagtanda nang dating mga bata

Bayan  ay uusbong at mamumunga ng marami

Aani ng mga bayani  at silang mamamayani

 

Kung babalik-bayan ngayon si Rizal

Ano kaya ang kanyang iuusal

Sa bayang hanggang sa ngayon ay nasa sukal

Patuloy ang pagpupumiglas sa tanikalang sumasakal

Na siyang umangkin sa kang puri at dangal

Naging inspirasyon ng may akda ng tula ang kanyang pagbisita noong ika-2 ng Hulyo 2011 sa isang exbihit na may pamagat na “Balik sa Bayan Box:Travels of Rizal” ng Team Manila sa Ayala Museum.Ang naturang exhibit ay itatanghal mula ika-25 ng Hunyo hangang ika-20 ng Hulyo 2011.

Untitled

Is this for real? Am I really in? These were just some of the questions that popped up when I learned the unbelievable news that I made it to the 14^th National Ayala Young Leaders Congress. All I can say is “wow”. The first time I heard it, I was like - are you joking or what. I was in great shock. It never sank into me – that I was a delegate of the said congress, until I was there. Even the first few hours of the bonding I had with my co-delegates still weren’t enough to convince me, that I am part of that, that prestigious and great congress.

Arriving at the congress venue, then and there have I only realized I was really living the dream that only few can attain. The warm hospitality that made us smile and made us feel so welcome really was the start of a once in a life time journey that I knew I was able to take part in. Upon arriving at the venue I was able to mingle with my co-delegates. I was able to see and feel for myself the so-called AYLC magic and that magic was the feeling you have known a person for so long but you only met each other then at the congress proper for the first time. It was amazing.

This journey was a roller coaster ride for me. I was like a child ready to take on this grand roller coaster ride for the first time. I was hesitant at first and full of worries. I was like a pessimist at the start. Thinking of things like – can I really take this on, do I have what it takes, what if during the course of the ride I would suddenly want to quit. These were the dominant thoughts that I exactly had before the congress. But guess what, like any other ride - I learned to conquer it. I faced it, embraced it and learned to love it. In the end it was life changing.

 Crossing paths with people of their caliber was indeed an experience to treasure. After that first ride I got the hang of it and never again did I got intimidated. I met people with brilliant minds and of great character. From them I learned things that I will always remember. We did not only learn from each other’s leadership experiences but also from each other’s journey in life. This congress was a manifestation of the countries diverse culture. I met people from different races with different language and culture and from them I found not only friends but as well as a new family.

This year’s congress theme is Winning Hearts and Minds: Changing Paradigms and the congress I believe did it in each one of us. They won our hearts and minds and they changed our paradigms. And now, we have a vision for ourselves, I personally have this vision of touching or winning hearts and minds to be able to change paradigms as many as I could.   

We were able to meet great people that shared a bit of their lives that had a great impact on us. I am referring to the persons who have graced us with their presence during the congress. AYLC arranged some of the great Filipinos of our time that lives with an advocacy so strong that changed lives of so many. From them we have gained knowledge and understanding towards issues concerning not only the leader part in us but as well as the totality of our being human as well.

This for me was the beginning of a new chapter of my life. It was by far one of the biggest accomplishment I had and one of the greatest blessings I have received from God. I am very thankful for this opportunity that He has given me. It has opened new doors for me – doors that I believe that will eventually lead me to my success. I have built a new foundation of myself that strengthened my totality as a person. It greatly helped me realized how bless I am and how capable I was. I thank Ayala for giving us young leaders an avenue to grow and dig deeper in our hearts on what can we do, what must we do and how can we do it. Their advocacy of producing and grooming leaders for tomorrows need was tradition to be maintained.

Up to now I can’t describe this whole journey in just a one word. I believe no word would suffice the whole experienced we had. People always asks me, what did you do, what is AYLC like, what did you learn and so much more but right now, all I can say is – This once in a lifetime experience is an amazing memory to be treasured and it is a life changing one. AYLC is a magic that won my heart and mind and changed my paradigm.

The Real Journey

 I had once dreamt of a country with no more street children deprived of proper education–of the happiness the school brings, of the learning of ABC’s and 123’s, and of the pride one could feel when he or she already holds a diploma. I thought there will never come a time when I can finally do something to make this dream come true, until I found my passion and purpose in service. From there, I started to join organizations in which I can fulfil my passion. And this passion became even stronger when the Ayala Young Leaders Congress came into picture.

“It’s not just a privilege; it’s more than just an award.”

Indeed, this is true. For being a part of AYLC is a blessing, a life-changing experience. Who would have thought that a student-leader like me would be blessed to be called an Ayala Young Leader? I was not an officer of the student government, where most of the Ayala Young Leaders came from. But one thing I am proud of is that I’m a student-journalist, and I’m part of Pathways to Higher Education–AUF Chapter that serves the street children in our community. My passion has always been writing, but when I became a volunteer teacher, and eventually, an officer of Pathways, I realized that my deeper passion is in serving the children.

Through my passion in writing, I am able to write articles in my column with regards to the current condition of our community, of course, focusing on the street children in our society. And by being a part of Pathways, I am able to be a hands-on teacher of these children, giving them hope,and being a reason for their smiles.

How did AYLC change me not only as a leader, but as a person?

It is inexplicably true that God calls you to where your deep gladness and world’s hunger meet. For where God calls you is where you can serve best, as what Tatay Monch mentioned in his Leadership Framework Talk. With these words of Tatay Monch, I was able to reflect, and so I am enlightened that my purpose is really in servant-leadership–I became aware of myself even more. I realized that with my passion, I am able to make a difference in the lives of these children. Although they are just one per cent of the disadvantaged children in our country, I am fulfilled for I know I’ve already done the first step in realizing my vision.

“Pursue what is deepest in your heart,” as what Bro. Armin Luistro, Department of Education Secretary said in his Keynote Address.

 I was amazed with his leadership story. That he just found himself in a situation where he needed to act. And from there, he became a leader. I was like, “Wow!” His story is somehow similar to mine. For before I became a Pathways officer, I was just a volunteer. I just felt the need to do something, and so I found my deep meaning of existence in helping these children fulfil their dreams–to be a doctor, a teacher, or a policeman someday, for them to help their families stand from their poor situation.

I was even changed not only through the inspiring talks or the informative panel discussions from the recognized people in our country, but also through the really “challenging” Challenge Courses. I was caught in a situation where I needed to think about a certain leadership challenge I am experiencing (of course, I thought aboutmy vision about the children). Blind-folded, I needed to literally find my way out of the ropes, and figuratively find my way out to solve my leadership challenge within 30 minutes. I have helpers as I go through this course, but I can only ask either questions answerable by yes, no, or maybe, or ask for help. At first, I only asked questions. I was so confused because my helper kept on answering yes or maybe. I felt so hopeless, so scared. I kept on trying, but I felt like I was just going on circles. So I asked, “Ma’am, can you please help me?” These few words are very simple, yet they are actually the answers to my leadership challenge.

I tried to find my way out by myself. But you see, as a leader, and as a person, courage is not measured by your independence; rather, it is measured by your humility in accepting that you need the help of others to achieve your vision.

With this, I felt that I can already do anything. I was renewed. Because I know that there are people who are willing to help me. In AYLC, I found a family–in my workshop group, in my outdoor group, in Ayala Foundation, in the Ayala Young Leaders Alumni Association.

However, the real challenge is that when I go home, how can I win the hearts and minds of the people I serve through my learning and experiences in AYLC?This:

I know my real journey starts after AYLC. And in this journey, I will keep the fire burning inside my heart, and share the light of this fire with others. With this, I know I can make my vision a reality someday, for our nation’s sake, for God’s glory.

Cheska is pursuing a degree in Communication Arts 

at Angeles University Foundation

The Choice

I found myself in a dilemma when a member from the AYLAA-CL told us to write about our experience in the recently concluded Ayala Young Leaders Congress.  It is really hard for me to put into words what is on my mind right now; I can’t organize my thoughts – there are so many things to write about.

The congress was somehow a novelty to my humanity. It was the first time that the Mother of Good Counsel Seminary would join this national congress. I do not really have a background on what Ayala Young Leaders Congress is, save the fact that it is a nationwide congress for chosen young leaders, as stated by the poster in our bulletin board. As a lover of wisdom, I was overcome by curiosity and interest. I know that it is just high time for me to quench my thirst for knowledge. I am aware of the fact that the search for knowledge is not limited by the walls of the seminary – that the seminary cannot provide all the wisdom and knowledge in the world. Therefore, I must not limit my existence within the confinements of the seminary. As a seminarian and as a citizen, a wider view of things will greatly help my being. So I applied for the congress.

During the interview, I said that the congress offers lots of learning and sharing opportunities. I enjoyed telling the panel my stories that I even hoped that the time for the interview was a bit longer.

Upon receiving my letter from AYLC, our dean congratulated me for being accepted as a delegate. He told me that of all those who applied for the congress, I was the one he least expected to pass. Until now, I do not know if that was a compliment. He then said that I have the potential to be a good leader, adding that a leader who has fully actualized his potentials would not be needing this kind of congress anymore. At first, I was bothered by the idea of traveling alone. I do not know what might happen but excitement still triumphed over fear. With all this, there was still one problem.

I was given two choices by my director: to attend the AYLC or to attend our annual human formation seminar. It was a very tough decision to make since it would require from me lots of sacrifices and consequences. Every time I prayed, I prayed for answers. “Just follow your heart.”, said my spiritual director. And, certainly, I did. It was on the communion part of the community Mass when my prayers were answered. While praying after I took the Holy Communion, I heard the choir sing, “I think I’ll follow the voice that calls within, dance to the silent song it sings.” I almost cried then for I knew God answered my prayers and confirmed my decision. Hello, goosebumps! I chose to attend the Ayala Young Leaders Congress.

I met my fellow delegates in the congress. I thought it would be hard for me to get along with them since my life inside the seminary is far from their lifestyle. And then I found out that I was wrong. They were all friendly, kind and caring. I felt that I was still in the seminary. Even when it was only our first day, we talked as if we were all long time friends trying to catch up with what is going on with our lives. Even though we were from different places and had different perspectives, our differences filled each other’s emptiness. I was really happy because I became part of the congress. I learned a lot of things which I knew, for sure, will help me.

 The outdoor activities were really challenging. It was physical challenge mixed with emotion and intellect. My favorite part was the initiative wall. I volunteered to be the first one to climb the wall so that I would be the one pulling the others up. The climb was a very momentous moment for us. There were so many insights and inspiring stories that I got from the panel discussions. And most especially, I got a bracelet from Mr. Noel Cabangon.

I wished that I will remembered by my fellow young leaders not as the tallest man in the group, not as a boy who loves to play the guitar, not as a guy who taught them how to dougie but a brother who inspired them and have been inspired by them in this once in a life time experience.

The choice that I made and the path that I took had made the best out of me. I know I won’t regret in my deathbed that I became an Ayala Young Leader. Now, am I wishing for more? Absolutely, yes!

Nikki is the sole delegate and first from 

Mother of Good Counsel Seminary in Pampanga.