Collection of Essays And Memoirs

When Scars becomes Art (Kwento ng Pagbangon)

Have you ever fall in love to someone?

When we were kids, we used to think, "Why seek someone else love and attention when you can get it from your family and friends?" As such, when it comes to love, adults and children's have different perspectives. Of course, kids used to play and they are happy doing simple things along with their family and friends. In connection to this, they get the love they want and they are happy with this. But when it comes to adults, they seek love more than what family and friends can provide. This is the reason why many adults or turning adults are very sensitive to love. Some even classify themselves as fragile (marupok) because they fall easily to people. Though, it is okay to fall in love just like what Kahlil Gibran said, "When love beckons to you, follow it." But be careful, "For even as love crowns you, so shall crucify you".

As a little kid, we viewed evenings as tranquil and peaceful. As we become older, we'll learn that it wasn't so peaceful, or at least, that is what I realize when I turn 20's. Adulting hits hard, and the night seems different. At night, our minds can be disturbed by various thoughts, making it difficult to fall asleep. Overthinking can creep in, fueled by the stresses of daily life, worries about the future, and regrets about the past. The stillness of the evening can amplify our thoughts, making it harder to quiet the mind. Concerns about work, relationships, family can swirl in our heads, making relaxation elusive. Additionally, the pressure to meet expectations, achieve goals, and maintain a work-life balance can weigh heavily on our minds.

Personally, my journey began in my third year college when I fall in love to a girl. Like Fidel from "Isang Daang Tula Para kay Estella," I was blinded by my innocence and vulnerability. As a result, the pain of heartache enveloped me. There were times when the weight of hopelessness felt crushing, and my mind raced with relentless doubts. Yet, I'm grateful to have emerged from that trying period, scarred but stronger. I thank God for guiding me through the darkness, allowing me to survive and rise above the heartache.

During a challenging time of heartbreak, I found solace in volunteerism. Every Saturday, I dedicated my weekends to serving the community at Sidha San Jose City, Nueva Ecija, alongside fellow volunteers. The mission of the organization was to empower young learners at San Jose City Nueva Ecija through education and nutrition programs. As a volunteer, I used my skills and talents to support the development of the students. No doubt, teaching young learners to write proved particularly demanding, as many were just beginning to grasp this fundamental skill. This experience gave me profound respect for elementary teachers, who patiently guide students through their formative years.

Initially, I felt exhausted from the effort, but the joy and enthusiasm of the children made it all worthwhile. Seeing them grow and flourish was incredibly fulfilling. The simple gestures of affection, like hugs and greetings, melted my fatigue away. Through this volunteer work, I discovered a sense of purpose and healing. As I invested time and energy into nurturing these young minds, I found my heart slowly mending. The experience not only eased my emotional pain but also reignited my passion for making a positive impact in the lives of others.

My passion for volunteerism started during the pandemic when I met two inspiring volunteers from Cavite, Ivan and JC, members of the Canossian Volunteers of the Philippines. They were assigned to our parish at the bishop's request, with a mission to spread Jesus' teachings and love. Our church organizers introduced them to us, and with the church organizer believe in me, I was chosen to assist them. Due to respect, I addressed them as 'kuya' (older brother) eventhough were on the same age. Once a week we goes to Minuli to visit young students sharing Jesus' message. Once a week, our team heads to Minuli to spread Jesus' message among the young students. From the shed of sampaloc tree, during one of the session, kuya Ivan's profound lesson on selfless giving has stayed with me. He emphasized that,