One Year Blogging Anniversary — The Best Is Yet To Be

I know I should be doing some last minute review for my SAT subject tests right now but as I posted my post on taking my last SATs tomorrow just a few minutes ago, I noticed a WordPress notification with a little trophy and as I clicked on it, there it came, “Happy Anniversary with WordPress.com!”

One year of finding the silver lining in every step of the journey

Indeed, time flies. I can’t believe it’s been a year since I started this blog. And reading through some of my posts, I can’t help but feel that I’ve somehow learned how to enjoy life more, to make life count a bit more.

Funny how in some ways, I have gone through a 360 degree change but deep down, I’m still the same David who one year ago started this blog with a purpose. This same purpose I guess is what has enabled me to continue blogging about my experiences, learnings and adventures. 

And no matter how much I’ve changed since the day I started my blog, January 23, 2013, I’m actually still the same curious student of life with a bit more love for writing, but just as perplexed with the obscurities of life as I ever was.

Last Quarter of Senior Year – Let’s Make It Count

I sat there finishing my common application during New Year until the very next day, pulling off an all night-er after spending the previous week just working on several different drafts.

Then a few days later, the Christmas break is all over. Got to admit, time does fly by quickly. Freshman year seemed just like yesterday yet there I was finishing up my college applications then BOOM!

TOMORROW is finally the start of the final quarter of my senior year. First quarter was the warm-up, second quarter was the start of the race, third quarter was the mid way mark and finally, here it is, the trek to the finish line, the fourth quarter.

Blessings in Disguise – When One Door Closes, Another Opens!

“How did you find out about this?”

That was question that I was asked yesterday during the Hands On Manila Volunteer Orientation that I attended. I didn’t want to explain the whole story so I simply said that I googled it out of curiosity during my free time. To be honest, this answer was very vague and superficial, and does not fully explain how I really ended up finding out about Hands On Manila and the orientation.

That lackluster answer is actually half true and half false. There are times where the vapid answer is the safer answer especially when you just met the person who’s asking you the question but her follow up question really struck me, “Why did you search for something like Hands On Manila?”

Obviously, my friend and I were the only high school students there so they must have been really shocked and at the same time intrigued as to why we were there. The first answer that popped out of my mouth was because I had some free time that I didn’t know how to kill but the truth is, I’m actually really busy right now reviewing for SAT, answering practice tests, writing blog posts, planning projects for my committees and clubs and other things, but I nonetheless decided to go.

 To be honest, I wasn’t really planning to attend because of all the aforementioned things I have on my plate and to add to that, I’m still recuperating from the knee injury I suffered and I can’t really walk properly yet but there was just this little voice inside me saying why not, it might be an opportunity of a lifetime. Aside from that, I recently wrote a blogpost about “stepping out your comfort zone, taking the initiative, being the change and volunteering” and I wanted to walk the talk especially since I wrote that blog post in support for the organization that was hosting the orientation.

Looking at it from a different perspective, if I had not tore my ACL, I probably would have been coming home from practice at the time of the orientation and I probably wouldn’t have gone to the orientation. Actually, I probably wouldn’t have even searched for volunteer organizations, let alone find Hands On Manila. But because I did tear my ACL, I realized how unpredictable life is and how anything can happen in an instant.

At the same time, I learned how to accept my situation, appreciate what I have and count my blessings. It occurred to me that there are a lot more people out there in a worse situation. Because of these realizations, I wanted to make the most out of my injury, find a way to make a difference in the society and share my blessings.

Because of a bit more free time I have for I can’t go to practice, I ended up finding the Facebook page of Hands On Manila, participating in the Bloggers for Social Change Project and going to the Volunteer orientation.

The orientation really opened my eyes and introduced me to the different philanthropic organizations out there. I also got to meet several convivial and amiable people who were very easy to approach and talk to. I really learned so much last night and I’m really happy that I decided to join the orientation.

So far, the fulfillment and genuine happiness I’ve gained from doing the aforementioned has really been priceless. However, for now, I’ll have to focus first on reviewing for the SAT since I have two weeks left before one of the biggest tests in my life! Nevertheless, I’m really pumped up to share my blessings and talents and I really can’t wait to start volunteering in the different projects!

Attending the orientation is definitely a step forward to my goal of making the most out of this year by losing myself in the service of others and really making a difference in the lives of the less fortunate! 🙂

-DOitChoco

Step Out of your Comfort Zone, Take the Initiative, Be the Change and Volunteer TODAY!

The harsh reality is that it’s human nature for us to choose the easier and more comfortable path. At the same time, it is also human nature for us to do things that bring us happiness but the things we do and spend our time on, more often than not, rewards us only with partial and transient happiness. How then does one attain genuine fulfillment and happiness? Well, the formula for authentic happiness isn’t that perplexing, it’s quite simple actually.

It all starts with a simple ideal called “Volunteerism.” One doesn’t need to be exuding with altruism or benevolence to volunteer, all it takes is one simple step and the rest will fall into place. This crucial and vital stride is more commonly known as, “Stepping out of your comfort zone.” 

To a lot of us, stepping out of our comfort zone is not the simplest or most facile of tasks. It takes a lot of willpower, potency, self-esteem but most importantly, a lot of heart. Volunteering entails that you leave all your superciliousness and ego outside as you enter a whole new environment.

It’s about putting everything aside, becoming more aware of your surroundings and simply caring more. Once you are able to do the aforementioned, you are well on your way to attaining that unparalleled genuine happiness that everyone desires. 

Today, we need more people who are willing to step out of their comfort zone and make a difference in the world. It’s not just about personal fulfillment anymore, it’s about being humane, and simply caring more about life and our society.

 A lot of people complain about how imperfect and flawed our society is but they don’t even ponder upon the possibility that their complacency may be the root cause for the flawed society they live in. The key to solving this is to have the INITIATIVE. The initiative to be the CHANGE you want to see.

So what are you waiting for? Volunteer TODAY! It doesn’t have to be so grand or colossal, even simple acts like volunteering to cook for your family, participating in your local charity program, starting a Green initiative or just the simple act of volunteering to teach your siblings or classmates who are having a hard time can make a big difference.

 Rome wasn’t built in one day. These simple acts you voluntarily do will build up and a ripple effect will start, and before you know it, what didn’t seem like anything then was the start of something new. Aside from that, volunteering is about building the habit. The habit of caring more about the “You/Them” and less about the “Me.”

Aside from the surreal feeling one gets after volunteering for a just cause, volunteering goes a long way. For instance, when you volunteer in a Youth Organization, a Christmas Charity Program, a Peer Counselors Club or maybe even a Teach to Read program, you get to meet new people, broaden your horizons, experience new things, all while making a difference in the lives of others.

We won’t live forever but volunteering and taking the initiative to make something happen can change the lives of many. Isn’t this what life is about? Life is about finding that purpose that will bring you fulfillment and enable you to sincerely say that you made the most out of your life. What better way to leave a legacy then by VOLUNTEERING!

You’ll be amazed how much YOU can make a difference as long as you have the will to. There are so many outlets out there for you to and find your niche and share your talent and passion to others. You have no excuses for information is so easily accessible now a days, from announcements in Social Media sites to just simply going to Google and searching for local organizations.

Think about the smiles, joys and happiness that you won’t only attain but you’ll also be able to bring to others as well; that alone is reason enough to start volunteering. Don’t wait until it is too late, make a difference TODAY!

-DOitChoco

PS. For local Filipinos out there who are interested in volunteering and making a difference, I’ve done the research for you and I’ve found a list of volunteer orgs you can join:

http://www.interaksyon.com/lifestyle/7-volunteer-orgs-to-share-your-talents-with-this-summer

Just in time for the season, one of the organizations that will be having a back to school project is Hands On Manila. Please do check out their Facebook page for details on how you can make a difference TODAY:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hands-On-Manila/80263279481?fref=ts

 

The Man Who Never Fails To Inspire

This blog post is something that I’ve decided to write the day the beloved Director and President of Xavier School gave his last general assembly speech, which was on February 21, 2013. I chose to finally complete this post today and dedicate it to him as he ends his run as Director and President of Xavier School.

This man has brought about a myriad number of innovations and moved a profuse amount of lives in the last twelve years. Personally, these last twelve years have been a journey like no other, and it truly is heart breaking how the one man who made it all possible and the one man who made my journey in Xavier school such a surreal experience is leaving right before my culminating year in Xavier, senior year, the year I graduate.

This man and beloved Director of Xavier School is non-other than the revered Father Johnny Go from the Society of Jesus. I really don’t know how to thank such a passionate and fervent man who moved mountains and changed the lives of thousands of people. Honestly, it would be impossible to put into words the impact Father has had in not only Xavier School, but also in the educational development and culture of the Philippines. He pioneered and spear-headed several projects and innovations that ultimately, transformed Xavier into if not the best school in the Philippines, definitely one of the top schools in the country. He revolutionized the way we learned and brought about changes that an ordinary director would not even think of contemplating, but Father Go is no ordinary director.

He was an innovator, a man who was not afraid to take risks if he knew the outcome would be worth it. He has given us students a learning experience like no other that we could have only dreamed of. Trusting us students and giving us the power to take advantage of technology by allowing us to bring MacBooks and iPads to school are just some of the few things that have taken our Xavier learning experience to a whole new level.

It really is mind boggling how just a few years back, I was sitting in the classroom listening and learning from Father Go himself. I was truly fortunate to be part of the select few who have experienced being taught by Father Go for an entire school year. Looking back at those unconventional classes and all the novel activities he made us do, that one year under Father Go was one of the most life-changing and surreal years in my stay in Xavier School. To be honest with you, I wouldn’t even be writing this blogpost or you wouldn’t even be reading this blogpost for I wouldn’t even contemplate on making a blog if it weren’t for those unbelievable sessions with Father Go about the power of words (Father Go is a ardent blogger himself and one of the best at that; His works never fail to inspire. Check out his blog here: http://www.jcgosj.com/?page_id=769).

As he ends his venture here in Xavier School, I can’t help but feel sentimental and at the same time thankful that I was able to learn from such an accomplished man, who emphasized the importance of taking risks, stepping out of your comfort zone and continually learning each and everyday. Father proved to us that each one of us can make a difference in this world as long as we aren’t afraid to step out of our comfort zone and believe in what we are capable of doing.

His parting speech during his last general assembly about how he ended up become director and what he learned during all those years leading Xavier school really moved a lot of people and left everyone in awe. Father Go never fails to inspire people and he truly has changed the lives of thousands and thousands of people. Just with his words, you can’t help but be inspired to make the most out of life.

There were two lessons from Father Go that really struck me. These two lessons are lessons that I will never forget.

The first lesson and quote from Father during that speech that really struck me was, “You have to love what you’re doing.” In life, we will be place into situations and scenarios that we don’t expect but nevertheless, in all these situations we must learn how to adapt and love what we’re doing. When one loves and enjoys what he/she is doing, one is filled with a different zeal and vibrance that enables one to make the most out of the situation.

The second lesson that I learned from Father’s speech was that, “Everyday is a chance to learn something new and grow as a person; We never stop learning until the day we die.” Nobody is perfect and there will always be things that we can learn. The world has so much more to offer and there is still a numerous amount of things that we do not know.

Father Go was thrown into an unknown and foreign situation the day he was assigned to become director, yet he took everything with a positive stride and made the most out of his situation. He learned how to love what he was doing and eventually pass on and instill in a lot of students the same mindset. He made everyday a learning experience and never stopped learning. He stepped out of his comfort zone and made changes that no other director would ever think about.

He is the perfect embodiment of MAGIS, going the extra mile. Even when he could’ve just laid back and go with the norm, he didn’t for he wanted to give us students the best possible education and learning experience so that we could grow into men fully endowed with the passion for justice and the skills for development. Just by looking at Father Go and everything he has done, one can see what a Xaverian is all about, a man for others. A man who moves mountains and goes the extra mile, not for personal glory, but for the betterment of thousands and thousands of young men.

Father Go truly is an inspiration to thousands and thousands of people. Father Go will always be a man I will look up to for he shaped me into who I am today and changed my life in more ways than one. Dedicating this blogpost to him his the least I could do to show my gratitude to Father Go and everything he has done not only for me, but for the whole Xavier Community in his stint as Director and President!

Thank you so much Father Go and I wish you the best in all your future endeavors!

-DOitChoco

Science Fair – Chemistry of Social Beings At Its Best

Fountain International Science Fair – February 23, 2013

I was never really a fan or advocate of fairs, let alone Science Fairs but recently, I’ve become more a more outgoing and gregarious person for I’ve realized how much fun fairs can be.

When my mom mentioned to me how there was an ongoing Science fair last Saturday, I was really fascinated and curious as to what this fair had to offer. It’s not everyday that you see grade school and high school students presenting their respective science and math projects in middle of a mall in front of the public.

I was really excited to go and see the different projects of young minds more or less the same age as me. I also saw it as an opportunity to meet new people and make new friends. I immediately called up several friends of mine if they were available or if they wanted to accompany me. A lot of them had previous obligations already but luckily, I had one friend who was willing to accompany me and be my partner in crime for the day.

It was also just last saturday when we had our Chinese Quarterly Oral Test, so I was really hyper and in a good mood already when I headed to V-mall where the Science fair was taking place. I had nothing to lose anyway and everything to gain especially since I had nothing planned for that afternoon and I would’ve ended up just bumming around if I didn’t go. Aside from that, I was really going to V-mall to finally buy an otter box for my phone.

As I caught sight of the Science fair, I was a bit skeptical that I would be able to see any breathtaking projects or get to meet any new friends but I knew I wouldn’t know unless I tried. I just said to myself, I won’t lose anything if I go but if I don’t go, I might have just passed on an amazing opportunity to learn and make new friends.

To my surprise, I actually had one amazing and breath taking experience. Some of the booths that really astonished me and left me a bit in awe were the solar powered robots and the mind reading using binary codes. These two were really innovative and it was really inspiring how students younger than me were able to come up with these projects.

What really made last saturday a surreal experience was the fact that I really interacted with the students and simply had fun trying out their inventions, inquiring about their projects and flat out just conversing and having a good time. I even made new friends and that feeling of gaining new friends will never get old.

The joy and extraordinary feeling one gets when interacting, socializing and getting to know new people is just indescribable. Quoting from my CLE teacher, we are social beings and we need each one in order to make the most out of our lives. Going to this science fair and getting to meet new people was an experience like no other and was definitely time well spent.

-DOitChoco