Born at the twilight of the people power revolution in the Philippines, my childhood saw a new daylight of freedom, faith and hope. Coming from a lower-class family in Manila during the 80’s, I was a child of the streets; and the overcrowded, inner alley of the city is my playground.
Our city-life is short lived, and as the demands of a growing family with four kids became a financial hardship, my parents decided we move to the province, except for my father who needs to continue to work in Manila. For quite some it works, with us adjusting from city life to the relaxed pace of rural living, and my father having the perfect alibi to leave us, for good. If there were another reason why he left us, my mother wasn’t able to tell. Her toxic goiter made sure of that.
My mother’s passing left us, four children aged 5 – 11, at the care of our relatives. Life then wasn’t easy, which motivates me to finish my studies and allows me to understand, at an early age, the importance of grit, determination and perseverance. With the help of family, friends and scholarships grants, I earned my college degree, started a career and now living a life different from where I came from.
I have committed myself to live the lessons of my past, persevere through the highs and lows of the present, and dream for tomorrow.
As a work in progress, I am now going through the stages of wins and failures, of indecisions and goals. Now living with my own family in the wonderful island in the central region of the Philippines, I have committed myself to live the lessons of my past, persevere through the highs and lows of the present, and dream for tomorrow. I am not sure yet where life will take me. After all, it’s the journey that matters.