Reflection of Understanding the Self

“The Unexamined Life is not Worth Living”

  LIFE: A COLORFUL RAINBOW

Understanding the Self subject has moved me from just experiencing into profound understanding. It encouraged me to self-awareness and consciousness towards myself. Indeed, it was a subject who taught me something beyond the book. From the legendary philosophers’ theories and realities such as Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, and many more, and putting those down on writing had been a great innovation tool that passes down the stories of days that are long gone. One of their most lovingly cherished aphorism that has ever affected me is, “The unexamined life is not worth living”, from Socrates where he meant the resilience against human soul, evil, pain hardships and misery. It’s undeniable that only self-awareness can we hope to improve our life and to perfect one’s character.

The subject, technically speaking, was a feasible one that can be understood without great effort. Perspectives about self, facts about life, and concepts of great philosophers can easily be scrutinized and inculcated on our mind. But can we question our ability to think if we really do comprehend and figure out what they really meant? Because life is not just one colour, but it’s a colourful rainbow that if you see things from a different perspective, it will help you to see that it was a substance full of art. It was a substance to help us appreciate ourselves. It was a substance that can increase our value as a human being. Indeed, it was a substance that can be a catalyst for our change.

It has been made easy to cognize and quench our thirst for knowledge with the supervision of our subject Professor, Dr. Landicho. With the help of her creatively done Powerpoint presentations, and meticulously well-thought-out scrutiny made us easier to understand everything about the course of study. My lust for learning and appetite for knowledge have been allowed by her by mugging up realizations and information beyond what is written on the book. One immeasurable realization came from her that made me immensely grateful is that life is a journey and a hard-fighting battle that cannot be easy for anyone. But ourselves determine what we become so always give it your all, and dare to be all you can be. I may not know where my life voyage may lead, and I may not know when it will end. But one thing that is for sure, the Lord is with me wherever I go.

About myself…

About myself…

          Everyone fondly call me Kevin. I am a person who looks so naïve and timid, but talking to me will change the idea. Mama and Papa were able to raise me in Marikina City. Talking about my present, we are currently resided in Antipolo City together with my elder brother for 14 years now. Indeed, time flies so fast.

            Back when I was a kid, I always end up getting down because I am a shy-type person. It feels like I always want to be in a secluded place. I want to be alone. Indeed, I am an introvert in societal norms. But that pushed me to dream more. Regardless of self-aggrandizement, of this young-age of my life, I already was able to give back to my community. I’d been the English Club President in my alma mater way back year 2017. In addition, I’d also been one of the editorial staff of The Stentor, English publication of the school; Feature Editor. In line with this, one of the exciting moments upon being a student journalist, I was able to be heard on air and voice out my thoughts in the whole Philippines, where I was interviewed in DZRH Radio Station, spearheaded by Jana Banana. Moreover, I am a former 3 year- consecutive officer of the Youth for Environment in School Organizations (YES-O); an active volunteer and officer of Red Cross Youth, in the whole Rizal Province. It just feels surreal to look back and reminisce how I did well in my previous years. Not only I was able to line myself in the summit of success, but what’s more important, I also was able to give back to the community. And that is one of the greatest assets that I can always be proud of.

            I believe that my life right now is not any longer just for myself and for my family. I want to share something to the world and serve my fellow compatriots. As part of my endearment, I want to be in a law field. My heart speaks to be a lawyer someday. But due to some reasons, I ended up in my second choice, Human Resource Management.

Little I did know that being a Human Resource Manager deals with handling the manpower of a company. I would always love to be with top executives on strategic planning; and serve as a link between an organization's management and its employees. I landed in EARIST to pursue my college dream after knowing its quality education. Besides, it is a practical decision to enjoy the free tuition fees in a state university. It is always my childhood dream to be in an office wearing a suit and a tie. To be sure, that is the reason why I am now in this field.

For the future ahead, I see myself as someone who already conquered himself. I will be someone who is capable to think of the welfare of others instead of just for myself. In this college journey of mine, I anticipate that this would be a hard-fought battle. Many scraps and glitches will come, but I am always open to face these positively. I know I will be bombarded with lot of responsibilities and will be assailed persistently with lot of things from my back. And there will come a time that I will be failed. Nonetheless, I always have this in my mind, failures are part of learning process. It is an inevitable catastrophe in life, we all cannot evade. But what most necessary in life is, in every game I fight, I know that I don’t just win, but I learn.

My Person of the Year

In the midst of all negativities, she was there. Amidst the trials and struggles, she never thought of leaving me alone. And for all of my wickedness, she always embrace me with goodness. To the fullest degree, nothing can really compare to a genuine and true love a mother can give. Indeed, to love is one of the most precious things in life. Inasmuch, to be loved is the greatest thing of all.

There is always grief in life. Because life is always relatively interconnected with sorrow and sadness. But despite of this, there will always be one person in your life that you know you can count on anytime. That person is the one who gave me life and loves me unconditionally. Without a doubt, a mother’s love is priceless and incomparable and will always exist. It is something that cannot be taken away by othersnor reimbursed by money or any material thing.

My mother is the toughest and strongest person I know. She has never gave up for us nor herself. The mere fact that life is interconnected with hardships, I have never seen her giving up. She always had the courage and bravery to get away from it. She was also able to educate and raise her children in the best ways she knows how.

She is my person of the year. The year 2019 maybe just starting but I can already mark my mother as the person of the year of my life. It is not just because of her commitment. But then, it’s about her enthusiasm and patience. It’s about her passion and affection. Nevertheless, it’s about me and my brother. Even with all of our rudeness and importunate behaviours, she never forsakes and neglects us. This beginning of the year roars a million difficulties and sufferings. And I cannot totally deny that these things really affect my family. And truly, we cannot really evade from the catastrophes in life. But then again, that’s when I realized that the ultimate precious thing in life is not having all of the material things in the world. But it is the pure and genuine love coming from the heart of a mother.

I had never been into relationships. But I can say that I have the best girlfriend in the whole wide world. When I wake up in the morning, I am always filled with delicious breakfast. Going the school, knowing that I had enough money and support not just financially is one of the treasurable things I can have. When going home at night from an exhausting day, I can always smell a delightful and mouth-watering dinner prepared at the round table. When I always end up getting my room disordered, messy, and unhygienic, I will just wake up seeing it as dirt free and spotless. When I am getting failed achieving my goals, she’s always at my back cheering me up saying that winning is just a bonus, what is important is that I learn from my experience.

If I would just be given the chance to crown the most beautiful Miss Universe in my life, I would definitely place the crown on my mother’s head. It is just a mark and distinctiveness that she has done a lot for me and she deserves to be valued and loved. Likewise, I would hook on to her body the sash saying the Most-Loving Mother to bigheadedly and proudly let the world know that she is a pure and the best mother everyone can have.

Even though sometimes, it may seem to her that we take her love for granted, I can assure that it can't be. Sometimes, it is not just action that shows what your heart really feels. Because sometimes, it is in the silence that shows the true and wholesome feeling. Mother, we may not be close, but I can roughly say that your love is so priceless.

Reflection Paper for Work Immersion

Wayback Feb. 06, 2019, a seminar entitled "Empowering K-12 Students to Develop Holistic 21st Century Learner Through Wok Immersion" was executed. In line with this, there had been four speakers from different fields specifically Psychology, Communication Arts, and Criminology which was spearheaded by the University (Our Lady of Fatima University-Antipolo Campus) heads.

With this, the speakers were able to inculcate in the minds of the graduating students the life that they will be going through when they enter in college pursuing the courses inclined to HUMSS Strand. Nevertheless, I have been fully aware and informed about the life and environment of a psychologist, criminologist, and communication arts professionals. It is somehow a look of pity the struggles that they have been through the years of profession but it is now just tantalizing on how they are serving the people with heart and passion.

We cannot totally deny that the words of wisdom coming from the speakers indeed served as the inspiration for many youngsters who are now in the process of achieving and fulfilling their goals in life. Moreover, it is indeed a good start by knowing the different stages that we may face as we enter college and knowing the struggles that we are going to face positively and persistently.

In such manner, students at grade 12 stage is such a hard path for decisions making. It is the stage when you are ought to decide for where school you are going to enter and definitely of what course you are going to pursue. In fact, there are still lot of confused students about the path they want to chase. They don't still know on what they they really want. And we are still on the process of discovering ourself. But one thing is for sure, if you want to be a teacher, just go for it. If you want to be a psychologist, just wholeheartedly pursue that course. But if you want to be one of those who protect and serve the country, persistently go for criminology. Because at the end of the day, you follow your dreams, I don't think you can go wrong. Indeed, it is where you heart is will craft out the passion within you despite of the hardships it may be accompanied with.

It is good that the heads of the school were able to execute a seminar like what is mentioned above. It is essential and very helpful to somehow open the minds of the people about the careers and fo us to have an inch about the work under the different careers we may take.

Through the knowledge-giving speaker from communication arts field, I was able to learn alot and inculcate in my mind the different things that I may encounter. It is so exciting since it is one of my choices in choosing a college course. But regardless of deceitfulnes, I am still confused deciding the spicific course I am going to pursue. However, it is good that they were able to somehow open the knowledge of students regarding different courses that wr may soon take.

Journey to the Unknown

Journey to the Unknown
By Tresia Mae Domanico and Jan Kevin Mendoza

In a small village of Black Mountain, there were different families struggling to live in the portal of poverty. People are starving and the place was almost lifeless. There’s this one girl named Aleja, she’s the sole child of Mrs. Lourdes. Just like any other children, her body is covered with bruises and scars. She’s really thin and devoid of any strength, despite the fact that she’s very determined and brave enough. She made a simple living for herself and her blind mother by selling handicrafts to the other villages, but yet not enough to support their food and other necessities so, she was firced to work in the market at the same time. Aleja survives every day hoping that someday, the world will hear all her whims and plea and help her find the light.

One Sunday Morning, the Villagers woke up early to prepare for another survival day but they were disturbed by the huge and beautiful vehicle that is different from anything they’ve seen before. It’s not just one but there were three. They set up tents, tables and stuffs, and everyone is still shocked when a woman in mid-40’s came in front. She introduced her team which she called, “Hope for All Foundation” and announced that they’re going to hold a track and field competition that will have different obstacles and challenges, the competition is titled  “Journey to the Unknown”. In addition, the winner of the contest will be granted three wishes. Everyone is excited, this is the first time it was ever happened. The youth will be the participants of the said event. And Aleja can’t explain how the world enlightens before her eyes. This is the day she’s hoping for. She enumerated and listed her wishes in her mind and it’ll just excite her more. She feels overwhelmed by the fact that she can already have the opportunity to dream.
The next morning, Aleja can’t remember the exact tme she woke up but she knew that she can’t sleep at all. She immediately kissed her mother, goodbyes and jumps in excitement when she reached the venue. She got confused because there were two ways in the middle and she was sure that it is the starting point. There were four other girls in the side, she remembered their name was Maui, Bea, Elena and Kara. They are Aleja's neighbors but she isn’t really closed with them because she’s always busy finding ways to survive every single day, finding food to eat and water to drink, and the four other girls do the same. They all lived in the same dilapidated shelter for the past years and now, they’re getting the same opportunity to get out of the place.
In line to the Journey to the Unknown, the administrator instructed that there are only three people who could get into the path A, the wider one and the safe path. On the other hand, the remaining two will be forced to take the path B which is dark, narrow and dangerous. As the signal was released, Aleja immediately ran the fastest way she can to get to the safest path but Bea gripped into her arm making her stop on her track and other ladies used the opportunity to run ahead. Bea, Kara and Maui already took the path A. Now, she had no choice but to take path B with Elena, the shy and scared girl. She ran to the narrow and scary path and she doesn’t know what’s waiting for her. She looked at her back and she saw the spark in Elena’s eyes. She’s struggling to run but the hope in her eyes cannot be taken down by the pain and wound in her knees. It fuels the desire in her soul to win this competition. Everyone is striving hard and she must do the same because only one of them can win. And it must be her. She ran ahead, not recognizing the thorns that sink deep in her skin. She ran the fastest way she can. But she heard a loud tugged somewhere behind her only to find Elena catching her breath, she didn’t think about it anymore she immediately tends Elena. She can’t her suffered so that she can win. Her heart can’t contain that. Elena reached something in her pocket and Aleja helped her sipped on her inhaler. Elena tries to calm down before muttering thanks. She’s contemplating whether to turn her back and move on, Bea and the others might be in the half way now, or stay here with Elena. Her thoughts seemed to be heard by the helpless girl in front of her. She’s putting a bright smile even though the disappointment in her eyes is almost as evident as the sun. She’s a brave girl, much braver than her. Maybe she deserves it more.
“Go!” the girl whispers softly.
Aleja felt confused for a second. She doesn’t understand the intention of the girl. But it just smiled sweetly and muttered the words she never expected to hear.
“Being able to help even you’re also in need is a wonderful thing. I can’t say anything but thank you.”
She felt frozen and stunned for a brief moment. She never felt overwhelmed before. As a kid who grew with nothing it’s a hard thing to receive the word ‘thank you’. She hasn’t helped anyone before except her mother because they barely had anything they would want. Elena’s word is like magic; it generates the energy she lost for the whole run. The picture of her mother invades her mind with a nod she chooses to continue. She ran and ran until she saw the others ahead. She gave all her might to equal the pace of the others. Bea, Kara and Maui looked tired and worn out mirroring her own. They stare crossed her eyes and they looked sorry. Desperation really makes us do something we never expected we can. Bea is the perfect example. She had a huge family, somehow Aleja understands her.
They continue running ahead when Kara loses her balanced. All of them stop, tears continue to fell from her eyes. Three of them couldn’t do anything, Maui Kara’s best friend chooses to stay. Her loyalty causes her everything but there’s no regret in her eyes. Since there’s no time left, Aleja and Bea chose to continue, they ran together but like any other competition only one must be the winner. Right before the finish line is a box. A treasure box. Enable to pass through you need to sacrifice something you treasure the most. She didn’t bring anything. Now, it’s Bea’s chance. She forced a tired smile.
“You go, Bea!”
But instead of passing through, Bea offers a smile and gave her a bracelet. The latter smiled sadly.
“That’s the only thing that I have. It’s precious to me because it’s that one thing that I bought not for anyone but myself. This bracelet has my dreams and hope and I’m giving it to you.”
Aleja doesn’t know what to say anymore. This whole journey is something she would forever treasure. She hugged Bea tightly hoping it would express the gratitude she’s feeling right now. With one glance she continued to the end. There’s only one reason why she joined this competition, that’s because of the three wishes but through her journey she found something more important. In this journey she encountered the endless amount of courage in the eyes of other villager. This journey to the unknown is like the journey in our life. We don’t know what will happen but whatever it is, there’s only one thing we should always remember. Don’t live only for yourself, live for the others because they live for you.
Applause and flowers welcomed her. The woman in mid-40s shook her hands and congratulate her. But inside her heart, it wasn’t her that had been congratulating, it should be them. Because it if wasn’t for them, she wouldn’t be here.
“You did accomplish the competition, Ms. Aleja. Now, it’s your time to be awarded.”
She already knew what to wish for.
“I don’t need three wishes. I only wish for thing. I want each five of us to get one wish because we all strived hard and sacrificed every ounce of our strength and it’s right for all of us to be awarded. The woman was surprised for a moment but she just nodded. The four other girls seem shocked, later on they shed tears and mouthed ‘thank you’ to her. She smiled and thank the world for hearing her plea.

Painting

As part of my endearment to protect the environment from harm and destruction,I would always love to see peaceful places like a very expanse of ocean with the curling of long body of water.

Being a former three-year consecutive officer of Youth For Environment in Schools Organization with its advocacy,
love for the nature, I would always be an advocate of maintaining the cleanliness and a spearhead of waste segregation. In line with this, mixing waste produces methane gas that can contribute to global warming causing climate change.

Just like what the painting reflects, it shows how aesthetic and pleasing-to-eye our nature is. Inasmuch, upon looking at it will always make our heart missed a bit at the same time of breathing a new, breezy, cool and fresh air.

I want to be a knight of earth who will be the bridge to bring our cultural heritage and the authentic beauty of the nature into the next generation.

Not only that, we will be able to prove that we are competent enough in bigger industries that we are capable to line our country in the summit of success.

However, these might be simple, but I really do have faith that our micro efforts will have a macro effect in helping save our nature, our planet, our home.

Work Immersion at ABS-CBN

I will not forget that time. The first time I had a visitation and to wander the ABS-CBN compound.

It is indeed an exhaustin' yet remarkable experience. Even up to these days,everything is still sinking in.

Way back the time we were roaming around the compound, it made my heart missed a beat. As I stared intently to different studios and witness the actual place behind the camera really made me senseless and dazzled.

It made me marvelled and filled me with wonder as I learn from the well-sharpened and knowledge-giving tour guide, Ms. Kath with regards to cracking the reality and authenticity behind every story ever told and aired in the television.

However, we were displeased and failed to fulfill our hope which is to watch and take part on some TV shows like Showtime, where we expected and hoped to be one of the guests.

On the other hand, the tour was able to inculcate in the mind of every aspiring student the things that we should learn if we really want to be part of the admirable industry. In fact, it energized and inspired the life of the many to persist and endeavor to shine splendidly in our life goals.

Not only that, the simple and quick studio tour was a great experience that it filled me with a long lasting motivation, that I can use to strive and make harder efforts to be part of it, soon.

In such manner, it was an experience I will forever treasure. And with all determination together with prayers, I know I can make it. Because intelligence without ambition is like a bird without wings.

Performance Appraisal at AdvComTech Computer Solutions

As part of my endearment to make my summer productive, I found myself in the need to immerse myself in a job. Without further do, I was able to land at AdvComTech Solutions, a company that I little did know produces Tarpaulin printings and T shirt printings, spearheaded by Mr. Jon Abdao, or often I call him, Kuya Jon.

In the very first days of my immersion to actual workplace, it seems like I was pressured for the reason that it is my first time to be immersed at work. It was a hard-fought battle for myself to socialize with the many, the mere fact that I am just a naive and timid person.

As the days go by, I found myself subtle and accustomed as I little by little learn everything I'd never expect I would learn. By that, it was able to make my heart missed a beat. It was indeed a fresh and new thing I can bring once I end my journey at AdvComTech.

Moreover, the way I give an inch of my expectations regarding the life I would have inside the workplace, I just expected nothing just like a fish that goes with the flow, I just let myself experience everything since I am open for improvements and innovative ideas that can inculcate in me changing me into better one.

Not only that, I was able to move forward in terms of the knowledge that I have in printing Tarpaulin. Just so I learned that it is not just like a typical printing of documents, but it covers large format and takes more of your energy. In contrast, tarpaulin printing is an exhaustin work mingled with excitement and happiness once you made a succesful production. In addition, I was able to experience producing hundreds of tarpaulin just for the election. The happening was  tiring but a remarkable thing.

Furthermore, the company taught me the different process of printing T-shirt. Such as, Digital Printing, Vinyl printing, sublimation, dark and light transfer. It made me realized that nothing is easy in life, because everything needs not just effort, but patience and consistency. Due to its meticulous process, using Cameo and Cutter Plotter, we cannot totally deny that it was a tough and difficult work. But it was the best and exciting part of the work that really caught my attention and really freed the happiness caged of mine. The feeling is very surreal to produce my very first and very own production team T-shirt which is themed Team MAK followed by the customers' requirement such as Ate Rosalinda Catering Services and Frienship Tees.

Nevertheless, I was able to learn the process of creating PVC IDs, Panaflex, Sticker on Sintra Board, Invitation Cards, and Layout Services. I was also able to enhance my organizational skills in terms of maintaining the cleanliness of the workplace, and communication skills.

Talking about communication, the company was able to amplify my sociability and the techniques to avoid communication barriers and to have an effective communication between people. It is very important to be dignified and to know how to manipulate and filter the information that involves the company.

Moreover, the pleasure is mine as we were able to line the Project that was piled to us, Team MAK, in the summit of success. We had a less month-long preparation to think out of the box planning for Caitlin's first birthday party. We just started from scratch turning into reality. We cannot really deny that we are the asset of the success of the event. We are the persons behind the creatively done tarpaulins, meticulously made souvenirs and invitation cards, and very precised and detailed event designs. Indeed, the event was an amazing experience. It made me someone who is capable of denying fatigue over responsibility.

In fact, there are still things that I don't know. However, everything I may bring in my departure is enough for my more than one month experience. I will openheartedly treasure everything and will forever be grateful to the company for being able to impart something in me.

In conclusion, my summer had been productive yet profitable at well. Although, regardless of falsehood, the salary was not that big enough, it still makes the day worth spending for. It isn't still that bad for acquiring free lunch, noonday snack, and dinner. As a matter of fact, the workplace is a feel-at-home environment. And that's when I realized that nothing can really compare to the feeling of gaining something as a product of your hardwork and sacrifice.