Most of the parents taught their children to study well to get a brighter future, agree? To make them happy, I studied well, resulting in excellent grades. The time I accepted my diploma and medals, I witnessed how my parents became emotional on stage. My Nanay was smiling, but there were tears in her eyes. I don’t have children yet, but I know that from parents’ perspective, seeing their children on a graduation is such a rewarding moment that gives them real happiness.
I started working for a BPO company two months after graduation. Like what a usual working individual does: work, receive paychecks, and spend them on something. With my career improving, I was thinking that happiness is already at this stage, but I kept asking myself for something that is missing. To balance my work and social life, I go mountaineering and backpacking.
Photo Taken in 2013, Dampalitan Island
I created an event for an island hopping, for our summer getaway, in Quezon Province, where I met a girl and a boy. We were having our breakfast when they passed by our tents, playing “pass the ball” using a coconut as their ball. They were both wearing dirty clothes, and their skin looked the same. We invited them to join us, and they did, and had a short conversation.
Photo Taken in 2015
The girl (seven years old) talks very well. According to her, she needs to ride in a boat from the island to the mainland and then walk an hour to school. Their parents can’t sustain her financial needs daily, so she lives at her auntie's house as a schoolgirl at a very young age. After two years, I went back to the island with another set of friends. This time, I brought a few pieces of school supplies and printed photos taken when we first met. My first statement was: “May ibibigay ako sa inyo,” and I handed it to them. Before saying thank you, they hugged me like I was their older brother. There was a unique feeling that I couldn’t explain, but my happy hormones were alive. At that moment, I easily thought: “That’s what I am missing – to help others!”
Children of North Uyao, Oriental Mindoro.
Eventually, I started joining outreach programs, created by some mountaineering groups and private individuals, giving out slippers and school supplies to some tribe members in the mountains. After joining several programs and giving out something to others, I told myself, “Joining an event is a good thing, but creating my own event to help others is much better!” Then, with the support of my friends, I created Lamyerda Outreach. This group is a bridge that connects people to reach out less fortunate.
Every time I hear the words “Salamat” and “Thank you,” the joy that I am feeling is unexplainable and extraordinary. One of the most unforgettable experiences was when we were giving out school supplies to the Aetas in Zambales. A mother with three children approached me and said, “Maraming salamat” while her tears rolled down her face. It happened for a few seconds, but I can’t explain the emotion.
The hardest but the happiest decision that I made was donating my long and gorgeous hair to a Progeria patient, as a wig for her 18th Birthday. Progeria is an extremely rare genetic disorder in which symptoms resembling aspects of aging are manifested at a very young age. Just a few weeks ago, I heard that she had already passed away. Sad news, but I know that she already fulfilled her duty as an inspiration to others, even for a short period. Every time I see this single photo (photo above), it reminds me of her amazing smile and how happy she was when I met her.
According to Booker T. Washington: “Those who are happiest are those who do the most for others.”
Change is Coming!
We can start creating change in ourselves, like the Huawei P9, which can “Change the Way You See Mobile Photography.” Huawei P9’s 12 MP camera is co-engineered with Leica. It has dual lenses that produce high-quality and stunning photos and allow users to take amazing monochrome, slo-mo, and light painting photos, among others, which is matched with a 5.2-inch high definition screen.
On the other hand, traveling in the Philippines is highly recommended because of its hidden beauty. Want to explore stunning places? Here’s my full travel guide after visiting all 82 provinces in the Philippines.
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