CHAPTER 1: WHO WAS I YESTERDAY?

DAYCARE

Who was I yesterday? I was a kid always excited to go to school—not because of the lessons, but because
of the people I met during my daycare days. In my not-so-tidy plaid uniforms and with my newly bought
Dora bag, I felt both tense and excited.

Being a shy girl by nature, I stayed in the corner, listening attentively to what my teacher said, as I didn’t
want to embarrass myself on my very first day of school.

Since I always observed my surroundings, I noticed that most of my classmates seemed a little strange to
me. There was a boy with his baby bottle during recess, another kid stealing Rebisco, a girl crying
because her mother had left, a kid who kept shouting, and a boy who captured my attention.

At the age of four, I had my first crush, and I felt so shy about it. As I stared at him a little longer, a girl
entered the picture. She was excited to see me, and I felt the same way. We had been friends since we
were babies, and now, there we were, taking our first steps to unlock our dreams.

As soon as she arrived, I felt happy and more excited about going to school. I told her about the boy I had
a crush on, and she instantly giggled. She promised to keep it to herself, but I doubted that.

I acted casual around the boy, pretending not to notice him, but in reality, my mind would go blank
whenever I was near him. I was too shy to let him find out, afraid of embarrassing myself for having a
crush on him.

I had already talked to all of my classmates as time went by—except for one. I grew comfortable with
everyone, except for him. I didn’t know why I was like that. Maybe it was because I was nervous he
might discover how I truly felt.

But it didn’t take long before I finally got to talk to him. Eventually, I became comfortable around him,
maybe because I got used to it. After all, our mothers were friends, and he often came to our house at
noon. We would play together until his ride arrived to take him home. I wasn’t sure if he ever found out
that I had feelings for him, but it didn’t matter anymore.

As our friendship deepened, our graduation day drew closer. My emotions were a mix of happiness,
excitement, and sadness. I was happy because I had reached the town of Baco—a place I rarely got to
visit. I was also felt the boredom because, for a child like me, ceremonies like that could quickly feel
boring. And I was sad because it might be the last time we’d see each other.

Even so, I was still happy because my mother bought me ice cream, a rare treat. She even took me around
the town before we went home, which made my smile even brighter. That day became one of the most
unforgettable moments of my life, a memory I would always cherish, one that no material thing could
ever replace.
GRADE 1

I enjoyed my vacation so much that I didn’t even notice how quickly time passed, and before I knew it,
school was about to start again. With the new school year approaching, I was supposed to enter
Kindergarten. However, because I was already a bit older for Kindergarten, I wasn’t admitted and was
moved straight to Grade 1.

I felt incredibly nervous, which only made me even shyer. When I entered the classroom, my eyes
immediately searched for my old friend from daycare, and spotting them eased my pounding heart a little.

But for some unexplainable reason, we both seemed awkward around each other at first. I managed only a
small smile and quietly sat beside them. I stayed silent throughout the class, observing the new faces
around me and gauging my surroundings.

It didn’t take long before my friend and I were happily laughing together again. We ate together during
recess and lunch and went home together after school. Later, another classmate joined us, making our
small circle of friends even more enjoyable.

There were many boys in our class, but one of them caught my attention. He had tan skin, a sharp nose,
and straight hair. He was popular in school because of his good looks, and many girls liked him. I kept
my admiration for him a secret, sharing it only with my close friend. Besides, he liked my friend, so I had
no intention of ever letting him know how I felt.

Math was my biggest struggle that year, and it made my classes even harder. I was slow at understanding
numbers, so I often ended up copying from my friend, who was blessed with intelligence in every subject.
There was even a time when I traded my brand-new paper just to copy answers in math. Because of this,
my mom scolded me after noticing how quickly I ran out of the paper she had just bought, and I couldn’t
give her a proper explanation.

It was also during this time that I experienced bullying. A classmate, who was following the orders of
another friend, pressured us into teasing a member of an indigenous group. If we didn’t do it, we wouldn’t
get any of their lunch snacks. Unfortunately, my older sibling caught us in the act, and we immediately
apologized for our behavior.

This was also the year I found myself wishing we were wealthy. Many of my friends were part of the
school band, but because financial constraints didn’t allow us to prioritize such activities, I could only
watch from the classroom window as they practiced. I envied my classmates and friends deeply, but I
kept my feelings to myself because I didn’t want anyone to pity me.
Grade 2

The year ended with my friendships growing even stronger. However, things took a turn for the worse
when the three of us were unexpectedly separated. I was transferred to another section because, according
to my teacher, my paper were in her classroom. With no choice, I moved to the new section, feeling
defeated and with my shoulders slumped.

I hardly learned anything because our advisory teacher was known for being lazy. She wasn’t organized
in her teaching, and she only taught us whenever she felt like it. Most of the time, she just made us watch
TV, which was odd since it was supposed to be used only for presentations.

Because she was often absent and rarely checked on us, she didn’t even know that two of my classmates
had been fighting. One of them, a boy who was effeminate, stabbed another girl classmate with a pencil
during an argument. Neither of them wanted to back down, and things escalated. Our teacher had no
choice but to call their parents immediately.

There was also a time when I kept getting my things stolen in the classroom, and as a result, I sometimes
had nothing to eat during recess. This happened repeatedly, even with my sandwich. When I couldn’t take
it anymore, I finally told my mom about it.

Since my two close friends were in another section, I didn’t have anyone I was particularly close to in my
class. My classmates were rowdy, so I couldn’t really connect with them. Instead, I would go to my
friends’ section during recess and lunch so we could eat together.

I was also bullied, although it wasn’t severe. Because I was quiet and they knew I wouldn’t fight back, I
became a target for teasing. They often used my nickname to mock me. Even when I felt like crying, I
held it in because I knew crying wouldn’t change anything.

Despite all the challenges, I tried my best to focus on my studies, even though it felt difficult to stay
motivated. I spent more time with my two friends during breaks, and those moments became my refuge.
They made me feel less alone, even if we were in different sections.

By the end of the year, I didn’t feel entirely victorious, but I was proud of myself for enduring it all. Even
though that period was filled with hardships, it taught me resilience and self-reliance—lessons I carried
forward as I continued my journey in school.
Grade 3

I couldn’t say that my time as a Grade 3 student was easy. It was a mix of joy, difficulty, and sadness. No
matter how much we try to avoid certain challenges, we all know they are part of life.

I was reunited with one of my friends from daycare, but another friend ended up in a different class.
Despite this, we found ways to spend time together during our free periods. Our bond remained strong,
and by the end of that school year, we were still close.

Even back then, I wasn’t very noticeable at school. Aside from not excelling academically, I also didn’t
learn any sports. Because I was thin and frail, people considered me weak and often excluded me from
games during intramurals.

I still remember being told to leave the volleyball court because they thought I might faint at any moment.
They also said I was too weak to catch the ball. I understood that my teachers were only concerned for my
well-being, and I couldn’t blame them. After all, my mother would often remind them not to let me
participate in such activities.

Because of these experiences, I stopped trying to sign up for events during intramurals. It became
ingrained in my mind that I was fragile and incapable of such things, so I grew up with that mindset and
never tried again.
Grade 4
When I was in grade 4, many memorable events happened to me. I experienced joy, sadness, excitement,
surprise, and a variety of other emotions. I felt all of these throughout the year, which helped strengthen
my character.

During that time, I experienced being transferred from one classroom to another and having multiple
advisory teachers. I didn’t understand why it happened, but we ended up moving to three different
classrooms and had three different advisory teachers. Adjusting to this situation was challenging because
we were new and still adapting to the new teachers. However, one of them turned out to be one of the
kindest teachers I had ever met.

Since my two friends and I became classmates again, we decided to save money together so we could
have funds for things we wanted to buy. Unfortunately, all our savings were stolen, leaving us with
nothing.

Eager to find out who took the money, we chased after a classmate we suspected but couldn’t catch up
with them. We reported the incident to the principal. At first, the classmate denied the accusation, but
later on, they confessed to taking the money. I don’t remember how we were convinced to let the
situation pass, but eventually, we accepted their apology.

Grade 5
When we reached fifth grade, our group of three was separated again. Two of us ended up in the same
section, while the other was assigned to a different one. This distance between our classrooms limited the
time we could spend together.

That year, I distinctly remember struggling with my subjects because I lacked interest in studying. Even
as a child, I never enjoyed reading, writing, or other academic activities, so my knowledge in schoolwork
was quite limited.

It was also during this time that I experienced embroidering my name for the first time. I was extremely
proud of myself because only a few of us in class were able to do it. We even created our own cleaning
rags as part of a project.

There were also moments when we were chosen to perform a dance for the mayor’s upcoming birthday
celebration. My two friends and I were selected to join the performance. However, instead of feeling
happy, I felt envious because my two friends were also chosen to perform with the high school students.
From what I observed, those selected for the high school performance were often the attractive ones,
which made sense since the facilitator was a man.

Later on, my cousin was invited to model for a photography session and decided to bring me along. Her
photos turned out beautiful, but since I wasn’t particularly photogenic or attractive, I only had about three
to five pictures taken. That was fine with me because I wasn’t really supposed to be part of it anyway.

Grade 6
When I was in grade 6, I realized how much I struggled academically. It was during this time that I
regretted not putting in the effort to understand my lessons, which could have made my school life more
enjoyable. I still don’t know how I managed to survive that year, considering how vividly I remember the
difficulty I had with division.

I used to tremble whenever it was time for mathematics. Back then, teachers didn’t rotate subjects like
they do now. Our advisory teacher handled all the subjects. She would often tell us that she would focus
on math, science, and English because those were the most useful. She believed we could understand the
other subjects on our own.

Every time the bell rang, signaling the start of class, my anxiety would peak. Unfortunately, my teacher
often called on the weaker students in math to solve problems on the board—and I was one of them. To
make matters worse, my long-time crush, who had been my classmate since grade 1, was in the same
room. The embarrassment made me wish I could just disappear.

I remember waking up early one morning to memorize the multiplication table because we had a
scheduled recitation. I was filled with nervous energy, especially since I hadn’t cared about it before.
Thankfully, that day’s recitation was postponed, giving me more time to prepare. By the next day, I
confidently went to the front of the class and recited my answers. It felt so rewarding.

One experience I’ll never forget is how much I cried over learning division. I had been in a class with a
teacher who barely taught us, so I never learned division or multiplication properly. As a result, solving
problems became a huge challenge for me.

That same year, I formed a strong circle of friends called “Cyhach.” There were five of us—all girls—and
I felt incredibly lucky to have them. They helped me catch up with our lessons, and I was so grateful for
their support. Their impact on my life was profound and remains significant to this day, for which I will
always be thankful.
Grade 7
I clearly remember telling my mom that I didn’t want to go to high school. My siblings kept scaring me,
saying that math would be harder in high school. Because of that, I was really nervous during the first day
of school.

To my surprise, I wasn’t as bad at academics as I thought. I was able to keep up with my classmates in
recitation, so I didn’t struggle that much. The teachers were kind and excellent at teaching, so I quickly
grasped the lessons. I couldn’t believe I was even included in the ranking, as I had always thought I
wasn’t smart.

I was also selected to represent our school at the Banana Festival. We were excused from class for nearly
a month to practice for the competition. We put in a lot of hard work to make sure we were all in sync
with the steps. When we were announced as champions, the joy we felt was indescribable.

Grade 8
When I was in grade 8, I was mostly happy and excited to go to school because I didn’t stress myself too
much. I just went with the flow.
I was once again selected for a dance performance during the foundation day. We were excused from
class for over a month to practice for the big event. The preparation process was tiring, but it was worth it.
I also made many new friends through dancing.

Even though I was enjoying it, I still received two medals during the recognition ceremony: one for being
with honors and another for best in conduct. I was extremely happy because it was the first time I had
ever received a medal in my life. It felt like all the effort I had put in was finally rewarded.

G9
By grade 9, it was already a common belief that this year was the most challenging in high school, so I
got nervous. But with the support of my friends, I felt like it wasn’t such a big deal. Our class ran
smoothly because we had such a happy circle of friends.
I was also selected for a pageant during the intramurals. It was a memorable experience, and apart from
winning several awards, I was also crowned ‘Ms. Intramurals 2019.’ I also participated in the games,
which made the intramurals even more enjoyable.

However, everything changed when the pandemic hit. We were unable to attend school due to the
COVID-19. We initially thought the class suspension would only last for a week, but it ended up being
almost a year. Since there were no classes, I decided to learn how to crochet, which turned out to be a
good thing because I was able to earn money from it.
G10
When the pandemic started, all our usual activities were prohibited. It was an adjustment, especially in
terms of learning methods. Schools implemented modular learning to ensure students could continue their
education despite the pandemic.

I found the new normal in education extremely challenging, especially with the modular setup. Besides
self-studying, I also had to manage our street food business during the day. I spent almost the entire day at
the shop, leaving me with only the evenings to work on my modules. However, I often fell asleep due to
exhaustion, causing delays in submission. This led to my teachers frequently reaching out to me. Despite
these struggles, I still managed to be part of the honor roll.

Our graduation was conducted virtually. I was assigned to lead the prayer, which required me to visit the
school for a recording. However, it didn’t feel like a proper graduation since it wasn’t the traditional face-
to-face ceremony we had anticipated. While it was meaningful, I knew it would have been more
memorable if we had experienced it in person.

Grade 11
When I reached Grade 11, not much had changed. We still followed the modular learning system. By
then, I had adapted to balancing my time between managing our business and completing my modules.
Perhaps it became easier because I had gotten used to it after a year of this setup.

The SSG adviser recommended me for the Vice President position because I lived close to the school.
Initially, I was hesitant, as I didn’t like responsibilities and lacked leadership skills and experience.
However, I eventually agreed. Thankfully, there weren’t many tasks, as most activities were done
remotely, except for occasional meetings at school.

Since I knew how to dance, I was also chosen to represent our school in a competition. Our team worked
hard, filming in various locations, and our efforts paid off as we won first place. It was a fulfilling
experience despite the challenges.
Grade 12
When it was announced that we would finally have face-to-face classes in Grade 12, I felt a mix of
excitement, nervousness, and joy. My classmates and I couldn’t contain our happiness, as we knew we’d
create new and memorable experiences together as graduating students. We spent the first few days
catching up with one another, which I had missed during the remote learning period.

Studying was much easier with face-to-face classes, as lessons were more understandable, and tasks were
less overwhelming. Being a graduating student, I also had to undergo immersion. Our supervisors guided
us well, and I gained so much from the experience. Despite the difficulties, I earned three awards: With
High Honors, Best in Research, and Best in Conduct.

My family didn’t prepare much for my graduation because they decided to combine it with my 18 th
birthday celebration. It came as a surprise to me, as I was expecting a simple gathering.

Despite the rainy season, that birthday became one of the happiest memories I’ll carry for the rest of my
life. Beyond the gifts I received, I appreciated the effort, time, and love poured into making that night
special. As I embraced adulthood, I felt incredibly grateful for the experience, one I will treasure forever.
Chapter 2: Who am I today?
1st year
When I enrolled in college, I didn’t really like the course I chose. I only took up Education because it was
what my parents wanted for me. Although it wasn’t my first choice, I decided to push through with it to
make them happy.

One of the most nerve-wracking moments was my interview with Doc Bicaldo. My heart was pounding
the entire time, and I was so anxious about whether I would pass or not. Thankfully, by God’s grace, I got
through it successfully.

Despite my initial hesitations, making friends during my first year was not difficult. I quickly found
myself surrounded by kind and supportive people, which made the experience enjoyable.

The flow of my first year as a student went smoothly. I was able to adjust well to the new environment
and challenges. What made it even more exciting was my active participation in activities related to
dancing. Joining these events not only helped me improve my skills but also boosted my confidence. I
saw a significant improvement in my movements, and I became more expressive in my performances.

As the months went by, I began to appreciate the value of the course I had chosen, even though it wasn’t
my first choice. I realized that Education was not just about teaching—it was about shaping lives, making
a difference, and inspiring others. I grew to understand that the skills I was learning, both in academics
and in extracurricular activities like dancing, were helping me develop as a well-rounded person.

The challenges I faced, from the pressure of living up to my parents’ expectations to overcoming my own
doubts, taught me the importance of perseverance and open-mindedness. I also started seeing how my
interactions with others and my involvement in different activities enriched my college experience.

Looking back, my first year wasn’t just about adjusting to a new academic life, but also about discovering
my passions, building meaningful relationships, and learning more about myself. It became clear to me
that even if things don’t start exactly how we expect, they can still lead to growth and fulfillment.
Through these experiences, I learned to embrace both the planned and unexpected moments of my
journey, knowing they would shape me into the person I am becoming.

Because of this, my social life expanded, and I met many wonderful people who shared the same
interests. Looking back, I feel grateful for the experiences and the growth I achieved, both socially and
personally, during my first year. It was a journey that started with doubt but eventually turned into a
memorable chapter in my life.
2ND YEAR
As I take my step on my 2nd year on college, I realized that becoming an education student is not an easy
journey. It requires excellent time management skills to juggle the overwhelming responsibilities that
come with the program. Balancing tasks and meeting deadlines can be challenging, but I continue to
persevere, finding ways to get everything done despite the workload.

Throughout this journey, I have met many incredible people who have become a significant part of my
life. These connections have made the experience even more meaningful and memorable. At the same
time, my bond with my old friends has grown even stronger. We have supported each other through the
ups and downs, proving that true friendships only become more resilient with time.

Though this may not have been the profession I initially wanted, I remain determined to give my best. I
continue to work hard and stay committed to finishing my studies, knowing that this effort will lead me
toward a brighter future. The journey may be tough, but I am proud of how far I have come and the
lessons I have learned along the way.

As I look forward to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, I remind myself of the purpose
behind my efforts. Though the path I’m walking may not have been my first choice, I have come to
understand that sometimes, life’s detours lead us to unexpected growth and fulfillment.

In my second year, I’ve discovered new strengths I never thought I had—resilience, adaptability, and a
deeper sense of responsibility. The challenges I face in juggling academic work, extracurricular activities,
and personal commitments push me to become more disciplined and resourceful. These experiences are
shaping me not just as a student, but as a future educator who will one day inspire others to persevere
through their own struggles.

Moreover, my involvement in various school activities has allowed me to explore different facets of
myself. Dancing, which started as a hobby, has become an outlet for my creativity and stress. It reminds
me that no matter how overwhelming my responsibilities may seem, I can always find joy and fulfillment
in pursuing my passions.

As I take each step forward, I’m learning to embrace this journey with an open heart and a positive
mindset. Each challenge becomes an opportunity to grow, each failure a lesson to learn from, and each
success a reminder of what I am capable of achieving. I am confident that with faith, determination, and
the support of the people around me, I will continue to overcome whatever comes my way.
Looking back on my journey so far, I feel a deep sense of gratitude for the experiences that have shaped
me into who I am today. Starting with doubt and hesitation, I’ve learned to embrace the challenges that
come with being an education student. The friendships I’ve built, the skills I’ve developed, and the
lessons I’ve learned along the way have made the path more rewarding than I could have imagined. I am
no longer just going through the motions of my chosen course; I am finding purpose and fulfillment in
every step.

This journey has taught me that growth often comes from stepping out of our comfort zones. The
challenges I’ve faced have pushed me to discover strengths I didn’t know I had—resilience, perseverance,
and adaptability. They’ve also helped me realize the value of staying committed to my goals, even when
the road feels uncertain. Whether it’s through academics, dancing, or the relationships I’ve nurtured, I’ve
come to see how every experience contributes to my personal and professional growth.

As I continue forward, I carry with me the lessons of my first and second years: to keep striving, to
embrace the unexpected, and to find joy in the journey. I know there will be more challenges ahead, but I
also know that with hard work, faith, and the support of those around me, I will overcome them. This is
not just a path to earning a degree; it’s a path to becoming the person I am meant to be. And for that, I am
deeply thankful.
Chapter 3: Who will be am I tomorrow

A Decade From Now

Ten years from now, I see myself living a life I worked hard to achieve. Looking back, I will feel proud
of the decision to go back to school and take up a new course, Bachelor of Science in Tourism
Management (BSTM). I chose this path because of my love for traveling. I wanted a career that would
allow me to see new places and experience different cultures.

During my studies, I focused on learning the skills I needed to become a flight attendant. It wasn’t always
easy, but I stayed determined because I knew it would lead me to my dream job. After graduating,
applying for jobs was a tough process. There were many challenges, and I faced rejection more times than
I could count. However, I didn’t give up. I kept trying until I finally got hired by an airline.

Getting the job was one of the happiest moments of my life. It felt amazing to achieve something I had
worked so hard for. Being a flight attendant has been a rewarding experience. I get to travel, meet new
people, and learn about different cultures—all while doing a job I love.

My work has also allowed me to help my family. I am proud to support them financially and give back
for all the sacrifices they made for me. Being able to buy the things I want with my own money is another
achievement that brings me joy.

Because I’ve learned how to manage my money wisely, I’ve been able to move out and live on my own.
Having my own place is a big step toward becoming independent, and it shows how far I’ve come. It’s
not just about having my own house but also about proving to myself that I can stand on my own two
feet.

Ten years from now, I will look back at this journey with gratitude. Every struggle and challenge helped
me grow into the person I am. I am excited to see where life will take me next, but one thing is for sure—
I will always be proud of how far I’ve come.

Chapter 4: What over the years and now I consider a gift of pain?

Pain is a harsh teacher, one that arrives uninvited and often leaves us feeling broken. Yet, as years pass, it
becomes clear that pain carries lessons that shape who we are and guide us toward growth. Reflecting on
my own life, the most painful experience I faced was rooted in my selfishness—a time when I could only
think of myself and my dreams, unaware of the struggles my family was enduring. This experience,
though deeply sorrowful, became one of the most transformative gifts in my life.

As a young person, I was filled with ambition and determination to study at Benguet State University
(BSU), believing that achieving my dream was my ultimate goal. My heart was set, and I could see no
other path. However, my mother opposed the idea. I couldn’t understand why she wouldn’t allow me to
study there, even when I explained that it was all for my future. I became frustrated, thinking she didn’t
support my aspirations. I planted seeds of resentment in my heart, blaming her for standing in the way of
my dreams.

What I failed to realize at that time was the reality my family was facing. My father was gravely ill, and
my mother was carrying the heavy burden of our family’s financial struggles. We simply couldn’t afford
for me to study far away, and she worried about my safety and well-being in case I got sick or faced
challenges away from home. But in my selfishness, I overlooked her sacrifices and pain.

The turning point came when my mother, with tears streaming down her face, finally explained her
reasons. In that moment, the weight of my selfishness hit me like a storm. She wasn’t trying to hold me
back; she was protecting me and doing everything she could to keep our family afloat. Her worries were
rooted in love, not in opposition to my dreams.

I was deeply ashamed of how blind I had been to her struggles. My father’s illness and our family’s
financial hardships were realities I had ignored, consumed by my own desires. This realization was
painful—it shattered my pride and forced me to confront the truth about my actions. However, it was also
the beginning of my growth.

Instead of clinging to bitterness, I chose to honor my mother’s sacrifices by excelling where I was. I
stayed and studied at a local school, even though it wasn’t the path I had envisioned. I worked hard, not
because I loved the journey I was on, but because I wanted to make her proud. Over time, I came to
understand that success isn’t just about achieving our own dreams—it’s also about lifting the people we
love along the way.

This painful chapter in my life taught me many things. First, it showed me the importance of gratitude.
My mother’s unwavering love and strength became a source of inspiration. She taught me that sacrifice is
the language of love and that her decisions were made with my best interests at heart, even when I
couldn’t see it at the time.

Second, this experience taught me the value of humility. Pain humbled me, showing me that I didn’t have
all the answers and that my perspective was limited. It taught me to listen and to consider the struggles of
others before judging their actions.
Lastly, the pain I experienced became a foundation for resilience. Though I walked a different path from
what I originally wanted, I learned to make the most of the opportunities I was given. It taught me to
persevere, even in circumstances I didn’t like, because I understood that life isn’t always about what we
want—it’s about how we respond to challenges.

Looking back, I now see that pain was a gift. It was through this experience that I grew into a more
compassionate and understanding person. Pain, though unwelcome at first, became a guide that shaped
my character and deepened my love for my family.

Today, I carry the lessons of that time with me. I have learned to appreciate the sacrifices of others, to be
more mindful of the struggles people face, and to approach life with gratitude for the love and support I
receive. Pain, as much as it hurts, is a reminder that growth often comes from the most difficult places.
Chapter 5: What over the years and now I consider a gift of joy?

For every person, there are simple things that bring immense happiness, and for me, one of the most
joyous memories of my life was the first time our family attended mass together. It may seem simple to
others, but to me, it brought an inexplicable feeling of joy, one that almost brought me to tears.

Ever since I was a child, I have admired families who go to church together. I often wondered what it
would feel like to have an entire family praying and dedicating time to God together. In our family, this
rarely happened. The daily hustle and bustle of my parents—day and night—often hindered us from
doing this as a family. Instead, Sundays became their only time to rest from the relentless grind of
providing for us.

Most of the time, we only attended mass through the television. It served as a way for us to stay
connected to our faith, but it was never the same as attending mass in person as a complete family. Aside
from my parents’ busy schedules, my two siblings were also working in Manila, far from home. This
made my dream seem almost impossible, so I tried to let go of the thought. Yet, deep inside, I still hoped.

Then one day, it was as if God had finally heard my long-time prayer. It may have taken a while, but He
granted it in His perfect time. I will never forget that day. At last, we attended mass together as a family.
While listening to Father’s homily, I couldn’t help but shed tears—not out of sadness, but of pure joy and
gratitude. Finally, I experienced what I had longed for.

I do not know when this will happen again, especially since my siblings have now gone abroad for work.
It might take another ten years or even longer before such a moment occurs. But what matters most is that
I experienced it, even just once in my life. That day will always be a cherished memory—a reminder that
some things may not come immediately, but when granted by God, they are always worth the wait