A58C LC ENWRD-Group 3 Magazine

VOLUME 1 | FEBRUARY 2O22

ontents C

from the team:

I.

US AND YOU.

Meet the Team.

How are you today?

16 Words to

soothe the soul

VOCA

TIO.

II.

vocation

26

III.

Our Why.

Letters for the Block

1 Looks Can

3 They Call Her Sister

Not Like Your 6 Lola's Fairytales

12 For He is Hope

Be Deceiving

In the Shoes of 17 the Other

PASsio.

10

CORROSIVE

18

passion

19

On Writing Volleyball: Not Just a Sport

20

A Good Turnaround

23

See, Judge, Act

This is Us.

Diane Hu ld

g on

Pathfinders Gian G

m

i

en

ida v r Se

av

id

Rhosw en

ez

D

al

K rist

Ka

il a J S i m o n ae

An all in one team of

editorsin-chief

A n g el

B

Bi

as

alo

col

writers

Jo s

n e D o mi

ic

lay-out designers publishers

i.

ello, to whom am I speaking to exactly? You. Well, how’ve you been? What have you been up to, are you doing something? Are you pursuing someone?

Is it a boy? Oops, my apologies, I didn’t mean to be intrusive.

Walking towards our goals is exhausting but then again what road isn’t; the struggles that we may face may push us over the edge. But, promise me to never jump on that edge, sadly Heavenly Insurance doesn’t provide parachutes in such scenarios.

But things haven’t been going as planned for you huh?

Well certainly hasn’t been for me. I mean Miss Rona is already at the 2nd year of her world tour; and we’re all here suffering because of it. Going to school ends up being tedious and frankly it’s starting to become a chore.

With requirements stacked up in front of us like dirty dishes in the sink.

Because each person has their own reasons to carry on and others don’t; maybe it’s a choice or they have yet to discover it. If the latter reflects your current situations, then I suggest testing anything out. Life is a gamble and you in this case you are the gambler. If you feel lucky, or you just feel like it, try something new; who knows?

Maybe you’re actually passionate about something.

H

It’s perfectly normal to have a melancholic disposition at some points in our existence; it’s what gives life its nuance, a different point of view in order better understand ourselves. There are more than enough valid reasons to feel this way but don’t let it be your lasting memento before they attach your gravestone. Remember, smiling all the time may lead to less wrinkles, but people would start to think your smile is fake.

With that said, never be afraid of failure because that would mean you’re afraid of learning. Things will get better, trust me, I know.

Finally, once all of this is over, we can all eventually meet at the big city. How about we go out for some coffee, tea, or perhaps a booze? A toast to what we have achieved through this ordeal, and to bravely face what’s yet to come as better individuals. :)

ii.

o e f t F a a F ith e h T “What do you want to be?”

Surely, such a question has been asked to everyone at least once in their life.

During childhood, parents ask us to determine what our future might look like.

Relatives ask us as a conversation starter. Even the guidance counselor in school is curious.

Oftentimes, it’s not an easy question to answer, and many spend hours contemplating. The Path magazine aims to help its readers find their vocation, hence, why it’s called The Path.

Like our parents or the country we’re born into, our vocation is not something we can choose willingly. Rather, our vocation calls out to us, and the magazine’s goal is to help the readers follow the path that calls out to them.

“The heart of a man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” iii

THGILTOPS

You create meaning in your life. I believe may nagsasabi na we are all predestined, but make your own decision. That meaning is just there in you.

iv.

ng

g

oOks

iane Therese M. H

By D uldo n

vi

i d be can ece After a few minutes of messaging : D: I take it that you are a seminarian, Sir?

W

hen I first heard of Fr. Cabunilas through a close friend, I looked his name up on Facebook and saw countless photos of him either showing the shipment of new Philosophy and Theology books in their seminary, or him with his colleagues building their sanctuary inside of their institution through planting, tilling the land, and processing donations. I mistakenly thought he was a seminarian himself. It was a mistake I realized when I naively asked him (now in hindsight, brazenly) whether he was a seminarian. I was confused. I did not see pictures of mass, nor the normal posts shared through a chain containing prayers with faces of Mother Mary or Jesus crying on the cross superimposed in the background. As I was lost in my considerably judgmental confusion, he replied to my question with:

P: Hindi, pari ako.

I was profusely sorry, and as I told the friend who knew Fr. Cabunilas personally, felt very stupid. As we laughed, I mentally took a note to find out what there is to find out about Fr. Cabunilas, and find out I did.

He is what my friend’s mother called a radical priest.

H

e leaned more to the side of spreading Jesus’ ministry by helping Indigenous People in the Cordilleras and looking for ways to reform and revolutionize democratic processes through a school of governance called deliberative democracy where people are encouraged

1

to engage in extensive dialogue about their political candidates and ideology (or lack thereof) before they get to exercise their voting rights in the representative democracy we have in the Philippines. His brand advocates for fruitful dialogue, as he believes in the philosophy

of communication and how it truly affects and touches people, from all perspectives, whether political or theological. As George Washington in the acclaimed musical Hamilton put it:

m an But living and knowing what to do is immensely difficult for a lot of us. All throughout the history of mankind, various religions, cults, and sects have prospered not because of their symbolism or the idols and monuments put up in honour of the gods they worship and the unknown that they fear might catch them in their sleep, unaware; but because of their desire to find meaning and know the unknowable.

Countless men, women, and people in between have also found their purpose in life, with the deliverance of God’s will being the centre of their souls. It is as if they have gone into the innermost caverns of their soul

der

and returned to say that they have found their true essence.

This essence derives from their ardent belief and dedication to enacting a life where true worship of the Lord is the heart. One example of this is Fr. Shierwin Cabunilas, a priest who entered the seminary to become one in 1998, and has since gone to different towns in the Philippines spreading the Ministry of Jesus as well as pursuing his graduate studies in the University of Baguio and his doctorate in the Centre for Ethics, Social and Political Philosophy in the University of Leuven in Belgium.

2

THGILTOPS

When she smiles, when she laughs, the world gets brighter. Who would have thought that under her intimidating façade, the sweet Sr. Ortencia appears?

MCST

v.

C al l y T he By: Gian Victor D. Gimenez

I

e Hr

S

ister

t was 12 years ago. The sun was at its peak as the teachers were murmuring about the arrival of the new sister who is destined in a little town called Macalelon. In the grounds of Mary Immaculate Parochial School (MIPS) where blue is the color of each students’ uniform, a woman wearing a cream-colored habit, a nun’s clothing, arrived. It was intimidating yet exhilarating for the students who were expecting that she would continue the legacy of the outgoing sister who built the school from the ground up.

And there she was, Sr. Ortencia G. Hubilla, MCST. In her office, the Diocese’s Superintendent, together with the outgoing sister, who is also the current principal, were discussing the school’s next head.

When each board member’s decision met halfway, the school celebrated the appointment of MIPS’ new head.

3

As the days of the students’ flowed together with the progress of time, the divine presence of the newly appointed principal has been felt in the school. She delivers a very matured ambiance as if a lurking danger is heading towards you. Her eyes are sharp like an eagle who can see its prey from miles away. But when she smiles, when she laughs, the world gets brighter. Who would have thought that under her intimidating façade, the sweet Sr. Ortencia appears? But these moments are rare. It’s so rare to see a woman laughing but when she’s with her students, these moments often occur.

As the days of the students’ flowed together with the progress of time, the divine presence of the newly appointed principal has been felt in the school.

She delivers a very matured ambiance as if a lurking danger is heading towards you. Her eyes are sharp like an eagle who can see its prey from miles away. But when she smiles, when she laughs, the world gets brighter.

Who would have thought that under her intimidating façade, the sweet Sr. Ortencia appears? But these moments are rare. It’s so rare to see a woman laughing but when she’s with her students, these moments often occur.

Sister Back in Time

Before being wed with Jesus Christ, her faith-devoted life began with her family. She grew up in a household who has a deep connection with the Church. In her early days, a priest encouraged her to study catechetical matters and even though a faint voice of her calling whispers behind her eye, resisting this voice is what she did because she did not want to live a religious life– being a nun or a sister.

(Continue in Next Page)

4

But when time tested her resistance– when her mother got ill, she felt that Jesus was calling her. Following this incident, it was she who fell ill. 10 days were all it took for her to accept the divine calling of the person in Heaven. “Jesus pagalingin mon a po ako at susunod na ako sa Iyo,” she promised. The next day, she got better as if her sickness did not exist at all. And the rest is history. but what about mother?

Despite the ardent love of hers to Jesus, it seemed that her mother, whom she is really close to, did not support her decision to enter the convent. Of course, it was very hard for a parent to see her young one leave her familial hug. It is so hard to see your kids live in a place where ‘Nanay’ is not there.

Yet if love and faith are the reasons for your separation, then regrets will not bug her to leave the convent and quit her catechism studies. All for Jesus, she will give in. All for Jesus, she will follow.

In the real World

Everyone is scared to initiate a conversation with their sister. With the intimidating aura, one’s knees might fall and tremble. With her authoritative voice, the school will immediately bow and follow her orders. But it was for the betterment of the learning institution.

When she started teaching at MIPS, she also founded the innovation of the place. It was in her time that the K-12 Program entered into the premises of the school whereas she definitely continued the legacy of the former principal who founded the school. The innovation of modern-age technology gets to be placed in the confines of her second home.

And so it’s been 12 years since she came and the changes occurred the moment she stepped in that little town. It’s been 12 years since she profoundly accepted the job and it was fulfilling. Being one of her students is definitely an honor and I will continue to believe in her capabilities as a servant of the Lord. So, thank you, Sister.

5

ness I realized that marriage is not a requirement unlike what I had been taught all my life.

THGILTOPS

De vi.

N

t

By Rhoswen Syanne Servida

t is no secret that a lot of people’s notions of romantic love are heavily affected by popular culture and mass media. Unbeknownst to many, the onslaught of romance in films, such as in the original Disney princesses and the more adult romcoms, can skew our expectations of what a happy and successful life is. Most of the time, these films portray two endings: 1.) the happy one, where the protagonist reaches the airport right on time, just a few seconds before the love of his life boards the plane, and 2.) the sad one, where all odds are against the couple, and meet again after a few years only to find out they’ve married other people. Cue the melancholic music and dramatic montage.

Filmmakers often forget another possible option: being single—and willingly, at that. A happy unmarried life is a concept foreign to many, but is, in fact, possible. Such is the life of Rosalina De Guzman, who, despite being single by circumstance found true happiness with herself and her family, outside of social expectations.

6

My name is Rosalina De Guzman and I’m 63 years old. I am now retired but I was a nurse and worked in Saudi Arabia for 36 years. I was previously married but annulled, and I have three children who are all currently working.

Single Blessedness, to me, means you’re blessed and free to decide and live on your own. Blessed ka kasi naiiraos mo nang mag-isa ang buhay, nandyan si God na tinutulungan kang maging masaya at successful, at nakakapag-focus ka sa sarili mo, sa work mo at family mo.

It was due to certain circumstances that I did not choose. I did not choose to be single because my husband left me for another woman, pero na-realize ko rin na kahit single ka, masaya pa rin ang buhay. When I was married, my husband and I had a lot of problems. I couldn’t find the right person, but eventually I realized that marriage is not a requirement unlike what I had been taught all my life. In a way, I’m also single by choice. I had many chances to find a partner, but I chose to focus on my children, my career, and my parents noong buhay pa sila.

7

At first, para sa akin, parang hindi normal, kasi hindi buo ang family ko. In general, parang nagiging social stigma ka na matanda ka na pero single ka, parang yung term na “matandang dalaga.”

Marami ring lumalapit na iba-iba ang motibo sa’yo.

Compared to people my age who are still married and buo ang family, pag single ka, nagdedepende ka sa pamilya mo, sa mga kamag-anak mo. Ngayon naman na malalaki na ang mga anak ko, nakakadepende na rin ako sa kanila. Mahirap lang kasi baka there will come a time na magkakaroon sila ng ibang pamilya o ibang obligasyon.

Pag-isipan nang mabuti. Marami ring challenges ang pagiging single.

First, you have to decide everything by yourself. Mahihirapan kang kumilos dahil mag-isa ka. When you make a mistake, you suffer the consequences. Dapat matatag ka. You can also feel pressured by other people to marry, but if you’re sure that being single is what you really want in life, then go for it. You do not have to listen to what others say or follow norms.

Yes, especially as a single mother. Sometimes I get jealous of complete and happy families, but when I think about it, getting separated from my abusive husband was the best choice I could make.

I am satisfied with my life now. I had a lot of time to focus on my family, especially because we have a lot of relatives, myself, and my job as a nurse.

8

“You do not have to listen to what others say or follow norms.”

9

a poem

C

By Kristal Rose David & Jose Dominic Bicol orruption is prevalent in countries like ours Longing for greediness fill the air People trying to gain money for hours This is not the right time to stop and stare Police, politicians, public servants measured as authoritative yet carry out engagements beyond the law this is something we should be aware of and not a manhole to continue to fall into

Exploited privileges, complicated situations The absence of regulations and transparency, definitely no control Making use of money for extravagant purposes This shouldn’t be anyone’s rightful role Connected for a common goal An ambition to aim towards Bring back what they’ve stole Our solution just might be next door Power drives us to lurch hither and thither And greed corrupts us, where our souls wither Where we can willingly point a gun at every brother and sister Yet can’t even be bothered to cry up a river.

They lie about unity in front of our faces Bask in glory as we sing their praises Can twist the truth inside the history pages Yet hide from responsibility when it doesn't suit their cases

10

ord or all to see light the torch

f

In the Philippines, corruption is a major barrier to public administration.

Although considerable attempts have been made to fight corruption, nothing appears to be working. This poem intends to raise public awareness of the subject, particularly in light of the next elections, so that people will think again about their votes.

How your children turned their backs and flee While the rest cower and plea For the blood of another is worth none to their degree They took the reigns but strangled the horse Take every ounce of opulence by corrupted force Line their pockets straight from the source

Yet leave none to the poor but remorse Feet don't fail me now!

Wipe the sweat dripping from my brow Remember their names and the promise we vowed :

justice

and

avenge

them all

If You would allow.

A Member of the Principalia

- the Elite class during the Spanish colonial period. The influence of the Principalia reached into the modern-day Filipino elites controlling most of the government power.

11

memory memory lane lane Sky

Sky

Gian

Gian

Diane

Rhos

Angel

Kaila

Diane

Kristal

Kaila

Angel

Kristal

Rhos

THGILTOPS

Wala talaga sa priority ko magcommit sa ibang bagay kasi alam kong committed ako sa vocation ko

vii.

12

POWER OF YO For He is Hope By" Gian Victor D. Gimenez

F

rom a simple step of taking part of the church as an altar server, turned into a beacon of inspiration for the youth who wanted to wear an attire that is partnered with chasuble and stole. A youngster of today serves as a proof that priesthood vocation is still not dead in this age of modern technology.

stands on the pedestal of courage for he took the most underrated profession the youth nowadays rarely consider. From the time of his investiture, he already looked up to the priests he served with when he was an altar server of the Macalelon Parish Church. And as the earth circulates, he gradually sees himself in the future that he wants to be the same as theirs, to be the same star that illuminates the world through God’s word.

From the first moment he entered the Mount St. Aloysius College All the way from the province of Quezon, Seminary, the voice of God was his motivation– his calling. But for others, this kind of calling might change along the way for this Jose 'Joes' Elvin De los Santos persevere seminarian, this calling is what empowers him to follow the footsteps of Jesus Christ. However, life’s not a plain road.

Everyone has to experience bumps and humps to strengthen their fortitude and commitment. “Noong una, sobrang hirap kasi attached na attached ako sa labas, naenjoy ko masyado SHS life lalo na kasi nasa city ako that time. Then nung nasa seminary na ako, hirapan ako maka adjust sa tahimik na lugar and at the same time, sa small community na literal pagmulat mo sa umaga hanggang bago ka pumikit sa gabi ay sila ang kasama mo,” he narrated.

Coming to this point of life in which he survived these 6 hardships, now, Joes said that there are times that he...

(Continue on Page 14)

OUTH

13

14

would rather stay inside the quiet spaces of the seminary than gamble with the noise found outside the borders of his school.

All for the Divine Vocation

Self, opportunities, the dreams of his family, and marriage are just some of the things he sacrificed for the life of simplicity. “Minsan nasabi ko sa Spiritual Director ko na everytime na umuuwi ako sa parish at nakakasama ko mga friends ko, most of the time na may girls, hindi na ako naa-attract, then I reflected on that, na parang wala na, wala talaga sa priority ko magcommit sa ibang bagay kasi alam kong committed ako sa vocation ko,” he added.

In line with this, Joes proved that even though seminarians are indulging deeper with the holy teachings of the Lord, it is very much important to go into your core especially when times are testing them. Thus, living a chaste life is very important for someone like them.

Today going Tomorrow

As the sun continues to rise every morning, the life of a Joes is profoundly devoted to the divine service to others. Thus, his little footsteps would reach his goal– priesthood vocation. But will the Joes today be the same tomorrow?

According to the seminarian, if his calling would stay the same, which everyone prays to be, it is his responsibility to become a priest who is holy. Someone who goes back to his core in times of uncertainty and someone who continuously follows his years of formation. Second, he would be a priest who not only possesses knowledge but wisdom. Someone who knows how to properly use his gifts.

Even if the church’s foundation is being tested, the faith everyone puts in, which is the solidifying factor of this foundation, is what everyone needs in order to stand against

time– make the world see that people like Jo unspoken warriors of the world. They are t who use faith as their weapon to spread the W and to proclaim that at the end of the day, th man named Jesus who will save humanity from end. Humanity's time might come into an everlasting life promised in the sacred texts o 6 us, surely to be fulfilled. This is what God gave

oes are those those people Word of God here will be a m its unfaithful end but the of the Lord is

7 15

wo r d s to soothe the soul

On Finding Meaning

J e r

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

em

“For I am convinced that neither death nor John Henry life, neither angels nor demons, Newman neither the present nor the On Loneliness future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

"He has not created me for naught "

Romans 8:38-39

62:6 wehttaM

01:14 haiasI

If you or your loved ones are sick

i a h 2 9 :11 “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns,

On Self Worth

and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than them?”

16

I honestly imagined myself becoming old with him and being happy together.

THGILTOPS

& AGNES MORADO

viii.

In

By Kristal Rose David

hoes of the Other

S

How did you meet your husband and why did you choose to marry him? Did anything or anyone influence that decision?

Having said all that, what can you advise young people who are in a relationship right now and have plans to settle? What are your secrets to a happy and lasting marriage?

When I first met my husband, we started out as colleagues in a bank

Communication, understanding, and, most importantly, love, are the cornerstones to a longlasting and, more significantly, healthy

and eventually became

relationship, in my experience. My advice to

good friends. I honestly imagined myself becoming old with him and being

young people nowadays is to take it slowly. Don't accept anything less than the best. Always make sure your judgments are logical, and make sure

happy together.

you communicate and understand each other

How long were you guys dating before you decided to get married and how did you adjust to each other’s differences? How did you overcome the challenges the both of you experienced?

We’ve been in a relationship for about five years before deciding to settle down. Arguments and misunderstandings are common in relationships; we simply strive to comprehend and put ourselves in the shoes of the other.

How long have the both of you been married? And are there any blessings or advantages of married life?

Don't accept any

thing

properly.

less than

THE BEST

We have been married for 21 years. This year will be our 22nd wedding anniversary, and I couldn't be anymore happier. Knowing that someone is always there for you, in good times and bad, and will always support you, makes married life feel so different.

17

PASS

IONs ix.

lley

By Franceska Abigail M. Basalo

Vball: V

Not just a sport

olleyball has been a part of my life since I was in third grade (2012). "I don't really think I could go that far because one, I'm not that intelligent to get accepted into a big university, second, I'm short and I think it is a disadvantage for me, and third, I'm not that good at the sport I love and am passionate about," I told myself in junior high school.

When I was in senior high school, I told my club coach (graduate player of the DLSU men's volleyball team) that I wanted to play in the UAAP, and he said he'd be happy to help me, but we'd have to practice a lot for me to be ready for anything in tryouts, and I'd have to perform well in school.

This, I thought, could be it; this may be the key to achieving my goals.

Because I couldn't choose between volleyball and my other sports, I continued to train them all at the same time.

I worked hard every day to improve and correct my mistakes, but then quarantine occurred. When quarantine began, I believed I'd never be able to train again and that I'd missed my chance, but when the number of Covid cases dropped, our club continued to train. I then told my family and coaches that I had been accepted to DLSU, and I cried because it brought back memories of doubting myself and feeling unworthy, but I did it, and I am one step closer to pursuing my passion. I have not yet pursued my ambition, but I am confident that if it is for me, it is completely for me. But if that isn't the case, God has other, better plans for me. There were numerous callings I received for this hobby, but the one that drew me in the most was the opportunity I received when I was at my lowest point, when I was convinced that this was not the pastime for me.

18

ul M. H dong e s

Diane Ther y e B

On

W

Writing

riting is grasping at something that you want to get, but will never hold. Millions of words can be written without those millions not being enough. Still, as I write, it feels as if the head disconnects and attaches itself to my fingers gently torturing the keys of the laptop as it transcribes my opinions, or my hand grasping a fine-tip pen as it scribbles on a faded journal, almost as if it is under the trance of thoughts better left written than said, better left seen than heard, better felt than experienced. It is like running endlessly through the maze of your mind, finding patterns and connections in between the synapses, and releasing the smallest amount of dopamine it so craves when you felt that you’ve written that good hook, that good phrase, the resounding conclusion to tie down the ideas that come recklessly racing through your mind like a bunch of jeepney drivers on a busy, narrow street somewhere in Manila.

I so wanted to believe in magic then, My pot-bellied uncles would make their thumbs disappear or make them float under the cover of their other hand, frustrating me when I tried to peer into what they were covering or repeatedly asking them how they did it. And as the ink spread itself on the leaves of that notebook, I finally felt like I had a magic trick that can amaze everyone, leaving me with a sick, petulant satisfaction because I could finally say that a magician never reveals her secrets.

It is more than a hobby or an interest.

But, to be honest, I have never done as much writing as I ought to. Maybe it is because of the imagined pressures of work in college clouding my motivation, manifesting itself in my laziness. Or perhaps it may be the result of the abundance of things to write about revealing itself to a writer who only sees the scarcity of thought within herself.

Words and the act and art of writing can be trapping and freeing, this or that, the same and the opposite because it is human.

Humans are walking idiosyncrasies, and we do not know if we might be villains or heroes.

It depends on who perceives us, and in this case, who reads this. We have invented words and made up different ways of conveying our deepest feelings through writing because sometimes speaking is only noise.

It has given me so much, even if I write so little. It is not the heretical lack of faith that has made me this way, rather it is the lack of conviction, of focus on the things I want to really say over the things I force myself to say. It makes for a seizure of words, it cages them and buries them deep in my thoughts.

The magic, I feel is not quickly running out, but rather laying dormant in me as I pick up the disjointed pieces of my motivation to focus on writing and shutting the noise of the cloistered world out.

We are not wholly comforted with hearing the truth, we are more inclined to see it for ourselves, and that is what writing is to me. Bad or good writing, it doesn’t matter. As long as it tugs at someone or slaps them in the face like a contrabida from the many rehashes of 90s telenovelas on GMA7 or on the nowdefunct-on-paper ABS-CBN.

Writing, arts, culture, poetry. These are not just the food of love, but the food of life. It is what shapes humans and it is what humanity shapes, as much as religion does. As much as love does.

Words and writing are gifts, that much is It often confuses me true. It only differs depending on whether one believes God has given it to us, or We whether writing has made gave it to ourselves. This duality reflects me who I am today, or if humanity, it reflects the nature of writing as an abstract thing. who I am today shapes It is a very enjoyable riddle that has gripped me for years, even if I have not done the the way I write, and see same in knowing its intricate heart.

things.

19

a good turn around by kaila jae simon

It may have been an end to something once great but that artistic mindset of mine turned to another for the better.

As I recall the last moments of my previous passion, it is surprising to realize that it has been 7 years since I last danced in the name of my school.

It was one of the highlights of my life for it gave me the key to unlock my true self and be able to express it through the rhythm of my body.

I agree with that for I had a stiff body and never did I have the confidence in anything in particular.

During a lunch break, I was walking around with a friend of mine until his older cousin approached us to invite us to the new dance group he started.

I immediately declined the offer because I would have never imagined myself joining such clubs and I might embarrass myself as I had no sort of experience in dancing. He highly encouraged us to come even if we were just beginners.

My friend convinced me to join and I In high school, I was finally accepted with a timid person who the thought in my you wouldn’t imagine mind, “I might as well as someone who join for fun.” could dance.

It felt as if it was something I was destined to pursue and showcase my expression of emotions through the art of hip-hop dance. I view passion as something that I would be willing to give in all of my attention, effort, and dedication to.

However, there came a point where I had to let go of that dream of becoming a dancer who was able to perform on stages in other parts of the world. It may have been an end to something once great but that artistic mindset of mine turned to another for the better.

20

afraid, and had no sort of idea what I was doing. My 2 years of memories were shared inside that hall with other dancers that became my friends who I called my family, my LSA Street Archers. To my surprise, I was one of the chosen to dance for the school in a competition called, KADSA Hip Hop Dance Competition. Throughout, I fell in love with dancing compared to anything else because I felt that those were the times I found myself and was able to truly share my feelings with others in expressional lyrical rhythms. No words could express how much I loved dancing and how it transformed me from that timid shy girl into a joyous, empowered, and fun self. Unfortunately, it had to come to an end because I had to make a tough decision of letting it go, or my academics and quality time with my family would be disregarded. Up to this day, I still miss dancing on that dance floor with the others and how I wish it could have been different.

It has been a long time since I pursued dancing, so I had to move on. With that in mind, I currently found myself leaning towards an interest that would somehow make up for that

21

loss. In the past year, due to the lockdown of COVID-19, I became aware and confused about what I wanted to do besides prioritizing things that would eventually be gone after a few years.

I’m quite practical with the things I want to do with my life and pressured myself into trying out things I never liked in the first place. From then on, I became obsessed with seeking to express myself in something I wish to pursue. There is a YouTuber that I have admired since I was 13 years old, she was also a Filipina dancer living in the USA. I found out that she had another platform of work which was on Podcast.

nd u o

if

ittle did I know that it was one of the best decisions I made throughout my life. As I walked into that dance hall, I was timid,

myself

and was able to truly share my feelings with others in expressional lyrical

rhythms.

She made a solo HeadGum podcast with her as a host interviewing people about particular topics which sounds so fun, entertaining, and relatable. It made me have an idea of creating my Podcast and uploading it on Spotify. It was a surreal experience to do with my group of friends. I am extremely lucky to have such supportive friends and family on this idea of mine. What was the reason why I wanted to pursue this? In all honesty, at first, I had no sort of goal or practical reason why I started it. It was just because I thought it was something fun I could do with my friends while we become honest to tell stories with each other about our past experiences. I soon realized that it made me feel similar to dancing. I got to express myself through words and with the people I love and am comfortable with. Now, I plan to take my Podcasting seriously and pursue it as one of my side jobs of passion.

I thouroughly researched that pursuing to be a Podcaster comes with challenges and dedication.

I fell in love with the idea of talking to other people about particular topics as if we have a close bond and me being the safe space of the person. I’m willing to pursue and do it along with content creation on YouTube and Twitch.

Skills and visionary hopes can only bring you so far while dedication and passion drive lasts until the end.

This may be viewed as a hobby of mine and would make me look delusional and naive to pursue as my career. I am still uncertain of what I exactly want and plan to do but I know that these things would make me happy which counts more than money. A passionate pursuit passes more than what money can buy. It is quite unfortunate I have lost something dear along the road but, it gave me another opportunity to pursue creativity and freedom of expression.

Dancing was a part of me and will always be.

All of the nostalgic memories and excitement it gave will always remain deep in my heart. Now, I have developed into a different person because of my current obsession with Podcasting and Content Creation. I am moving forward with this new level of confidence and passion. Personally, promises are full of empty words. In that case, I am confidently continuing this road in pursuit of a passion that would eventually and might become my career path. Skills and visionary hopes can only bring you so far while dedication and passion drive lasts until the end.

22

E E S SEE E E S At some point in our lives, we would take a moment to recall and reflect on everything we have experienced. Every single moment, each time we would smile ear to ear and even comfortably feel that we were “at home.” Slowly contemplating how to fit in those aspects to ourselves, without realizing, it would question if it was something we are willing to spend the rest of our life doing and be proud to say, “I found my calling.” It does not limit to the career paths of one’s choice, it also embraces a decision worth making because it is the sole reason for satisfaction and fulfillment.

Unfortunately, people view it as more distinctive and standard where our life depends on practical decisions and straight paths. The majority goes out of their way to seek proper, normalized and stable factors which are labeled as, “as what everyone has or does.” Due to the obsession of committing to fit in the norms of society, people who often forget their desire of choices are included among the majority with the probability of failure. For a long time, people have enforced impractical norms where one can only be called successful when one achieved fortune from promising careers, a complete loving family, and a perfect lifestyle. This is a prevalent issue that goes unnoticed because people disregard the fact that these social stereotypes shape the community into thinking that all of the perfect ones can attain it must be attainable by all when in fact all are different and unique on their own.

23

judge

There are only a few people among many who have decided with determination and faith to serve the Lord for they know from the very moment they stepped foot in seminaries and then the rest is history. Taking a closer observation on the interviews with the priests, the path of pursuing to become one comes with numerous challenges and unexpected outcomes. Nevertheless, it was a decision they never regretted. However, these individuals are looked at differently and are quickly judged as naive and delusional with their life choices. This has become the way of our society where the norms are the trend among the community. Neglecting other passions and choices that do not fit in the same category.

Not only that, because of the common standards among families and relationships, dysfunctional families and unhealthy relationships would be judged as failure in their personhood for not being able to properly handle and fix the wretched situations that occurred which lead to such unfortunate outcomes.

Our community fixated on social norms which shaped the people's particular mindset of having the perfect lifestyle. It is a continuous cycle of judgment on others and wreckage of self-confidence and pride. It reached the point that these judgemental mindsets are normalized and passed to young generations which led to think it is valid to judge someone’s life and choices. Obviously, it does not assist in the betterment of our society.

24

T C A

These social stereotypes among the community should be put to an end! The interviews with these individuals have given us a wider perspective and inception of that perfect lifestyle being a myth. Attaining that promising career, complete family under a roof and long-lasting relationships are viewed as successful factors of one's life However, people would not take notice that success and fulfillment is not only limited to these factors, rather it is not only the half of it. People may have the same goal of success but, it does not mean it should be attained in a similar way others are pursuing it.

If you have decided to become a doctor, you are successful. Pursuing to be a priest to serve the Lord as their calling also makes them successful individuals. A whole loving family enjoying dinner together is viewed as beautiful and a success. A family with a single parent lovingly hugs their children is also viewed as beautiful and a success. Even reaching a gold anniversary with the same person you have met at first sight shows you made it successfully with your partner. The view of success does not limit to the perfection of one's life; rather it is the significant things that makes it better, stronger and, more importantly fulfilling after a drastic drama of misfortune.

We have come far from long generations of social norms within the community. Taking note of this prevalent issue will be the first step to transform these secluded norms into free from adverse choices. Onto the next step of eradicating fixated mindsets, it is encouraged to educate that all successes are differently interpreted in ways we view them as contented and fulfilling. With the use of this information from the interviews with such admirable individuals, they have embraced their life out of the boundaries of the norm which made them as setted examples of society as inspirational and brave. It is important to remind the youth and those who still seek for their desired choices to be not afraid of all of the judgement and negative commentary they are to witness. The community should broaden their view and break the social norms for it will be a continuous cycle and the end only starts with you.

25

0 etters for the 4 lock 1 3 1

L B

Hello, blockmates! How are things progressing on your end? Hope y’all are fine. Anyway, I just want to thank all of you for the connection/relationship that made my first year in college blissful. Y’all are precious and rare gems to me regardless of the fact that we’ve only known each for months. And, I’m not really that expressive, but I’m really grateful to have you guys. Y’all did help me with my adjustments in this online setting, and I couldn’t be more grateful for this benign gesture. Together, let’s all help each other in unity, pursue our aspirations, reach for the undiscovered stars, and live our lives victoriously. Love y’all. Stay safe always and please, don’t forget me, okay? God bless!

Hi! I just wanna say thank you to all of you kasi you guys are so approachable and easy to get along with despite this online setting. Even if I only talk to a few people, I know na all of you guys are kind. if ever na we get separated soon, I hope na all of you will get to shine in your own way and reach your dream.

- Danielle

- Gab

A 5 8 C

It's been an awful good cheer to meet you all! You've been a delight, Block 04131. Was under the impression we wouldn't be much of an active block, but yet you wonderful people have proven me wrong. The simple things which the internet can do, huh? Provide dopamine by connecting people? Nah, just being able to meet really cool people like you all. Wouldn't wanna single any of you cause you've made college life seems brighter than gloomy. It’s those separate personalities all combined that made Block 04131 a cluster of UNFORGETABLITY. You guys are reMARCable. I can’t want to see you all in the future.

And if ever, we’re all here to accompany each other. Love you guys!

- Cram I thought I would have a difficult time collaborating and sharing my thoughts with my new blockmates.

To my surprise, I found it easy to get along and share ideas with others. I was afraid that I would be placed with a group of people that would pressure me to act unnaturally; but, I was able to be myself in this block. Thank you, 04131! I wish to come across more people like you! See you during face-to-face!

- Yhescya

To the class Thank you for making this academic year great, everyone was very wonderful to work with bringing with them their own unique and very fun personalities especially to both of my buddies Cram and Diane. Even though we havent really met in real life, it was still fun hanging out digitally in the discord server with the events hosted by the mod team.

Hopefully we'll all be able to meet up and hangout face to face soon.

- Clarito

26

Dear Future Me, Today is the year 2022 and it is not a good time. Currently, we are overloaded with different works, both academic and personal matters. Just last night, I was wondering, what would happen to me 10 years from now? Will I be the person I dreamed of since I was little or I would change career? Silly, time will tell but I can’t help but wonder, where will I be in the future? Where will I locate you, my future self? Well I hope that you are okay and safe. I want you to know that whatever you are going through at this time is going to be a blessing and you will be the best person you can be. Times may be rough at this moment but I’m sure, it will be worth it. All the tears we poured, all the heartbreaks, and even our breakdown will teach us how to strive in this world. 10 years may be our distance but I’m pretty sure the road you took is something to look forward to.

I wish you more success and love from the ones that love you back. You are the best person I know that would weather any storm, and come out of it, hungrier than ever. As long as you are content and moneyed, I know I’m always going to support you. I trust that you have found yourself and you are pursuing a career that satisfies your heart. I hope that this vocation you chose is something that drives your passion soar high and I hope that the embrace of your loved ones constantly warms your core. Your adventures will never stop, and they will increase as much as the things you will be grateful for. Don’t forget to pray, future me. The Lord is always there, He will never leave you, us. When you feel happy or sad, just talk to Him– pray.

Honey, faith is our best friend, don't forget.

I wish you more, you’re too good to settle for less.

Yours, 19-Year Old You February 7, 2022

The Path Magazine Contact Us +63 9143 190 0890 Follow us on our socials!

The Path @thePath thePath

All Rights Reserved 2022