40/43. I drove to La Libertad with my family to visit a dormitory built through a partnership between the Rotary Club of Makati and former VP Leni Robredo.
We brought mattresses for the students’ beds, and other things that hopefully will make them more comfortable, and inspired to finish their studies.
Twenty girls live in this particular dorm. This is now the second batch of residents. The teachers screen who qualifies to live in the dorm, prioritizing those who live farthest from the school.
It’s inspiring to see how such a simple project changes lives. Such a privilege to talk to the girls.
Thank you, La Libertad Mayor Emmanuel Iway for prioritizing education in your municipality, and for supporting this, and other projects. (Thank you for also being our designated driver for the day.)
What a great coincidence to also see Cong. Josy Sy Limkaichong. We even joined the fiesta at Brgy. Pacuan.
It was a good day to celebrate my upcoming birthday. To celebrate education, and efforts to level the playing field.
May we always have Tiny Human by our side when we do our share for the country.
*****
41/43. The work of a child is play.
Something we try to remember even when we just want to sleep and watch movies on weekends.
We just visited Gun-ob River in La Libertad, which unlocked some precious childhood memories whenever we would explore the rivers in Amlan, together with Papa.
Looking at Tiny Human confidently navigating the paths, I again reminded myself that:
- We need to lessen saying No to our kids, and avoid excessive reminders of “Be careful!” In nature, kids naturally tap into their inner nature — so capable of keeping themselves safe.
- If we let our kids climb rocks, navigate steep hills, etc., they learn to depend on their own strength, and learn to trust themselves. When they grow up, they carry with them good judgment and instinct.
- Kids who grow up in nature will love and fight for nature when they grow up. Let’s keep it that way.
- Nature is unpredictable. Kids will ask for your help when they need it, and you need to be there with them, every step of the way. Our Tiny Human climbed on rocks and hills. Sunod-sunod ang Mama oi.
- Parenting is hard but love is easy. It’s no joke to be carrying a toddler while crossing a river with strong current; but if it keeps her safe, then it must be done.
What a beautiful and magical place. Thank you, La Libertad.
*****
42/43. Friendship has many faces, and at 43, I know for sure that I’m a better person because of the friends I keep:
The friends I have disorganized chats with, on a daily basis. The constants. The friends who know my principles, my politics, my pet peeves;
The friends I cry with whenever I feel vulnerable. Or whenever I made stupid mistakes when we were younger;
The friends who never call, who seldom chat, but would travel thousands of miles to make it to my wedding;
The friends who would randomly call because something is making them laugh or cry or think — and they know I would understand what they mean;
That one friend who sends postcards from whereever he is in the world, and writes: This market reminds me of you. End of note. No explanation. And it makes you smile nevertheless; The friends who held my hand, and held me close when I was crying endlessly because I just got news that Mama was very sick. They packed my bags; and cooked for me so I could fly home immediately. They brought winter boots to the airport when I flew back to Stockholm after Mama finished her radiation cycle;
The friends with whom I share cups of coffee or bottles of beer, every five years or so. And we just go straight into conversations about life, love, and everything in between like we were just continuing our talk from yesterday. We may not be talking with each other often, but we write long emails about the big and small things in our lives;
Then there are relatively- new friends, the ones I met later in life, but who make me feel like I’ve known them for a long time. We’re friends just because.
Celebrate your friends. Celebrate life.
*****
43/43. For things in your life that matter, don’t go in half-baked, half-way. Go all-in. Go big or go home.
Many of my life wins were not easy, are not easy.
It can’t be done.
You are up against very powerful forces.
Don’t do it!
You will lose so much to gain what?
Statistically, it won’t happen.
A wise man once said: “Never tell me the odds.” Because I will only work smarter and love harder to beat the odds.
With God, going all-in. Heart first.
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Author’s email: [email protected]
