MY ADVOCACIES

The activities that I have participated and organized that are in line with my advocacies...

TRAININGS I'VE ATTENDED

The trainings, summits, conferences and other activities that I have attended...;

MY ADVENTURES

The places that I have been to, foods that I have tasted and things that I have discovered ...

MEETING PEOPLE

Very important people that I have met in conferences, summits, and other activities that I have joined in ...

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Showing posts with label Adventure. Show all posts

Written by oyyvernie in , ,


CYLS Babies participate in Kapamilya Tree Planting Activity

After one week, the CYLS (Cebu Young Leaders Summit) delegates, or CYLS babies as we call ourselves, met again to participate in the ABS-CBN and DYAB-Abante Pa Bisaya Kapamilya Tree Planting Activity at Cabangkalan, Jubay, Lilo-an, Cebu last June 4, 2011. The event is in cooperation with the Municipality of Lilo-an and Metropolitan Cebu Water District. Other participants were members of the Association of concerned texters, NSTP students of UC Banilad, Philippine Army, etc.

Kaming mga CYLS Babies at si Genny Lopez Jr.
 
Supposedly, those CYLS babies who live in the south of Cebu should meet in USC Main at 5:00am. Unfortunately, the bus arrived late. When we got to ABS-CBN station at Jagobiao, Mandaue, the bus which should be used to transport us to Lilo-an already left so we had to commute.
at ABS-CBN


PIOLO ASKAAAAALLLL!!!
we had to commute ;D
it's raining men! it rained when we arrived at Lilo-an

 While others were planting, I was… taking pictures :D

ang photoshoot: modern jose rizal and andres bonifacio
 
We got interviewed by Maayong Buntag Kapamilya!

nganong importante man ang kahoy, Baxs?

It’s so nice to see my co-delegates again. What’s more fulfilling is that it was not just an ordinary reunion: we did something to help mother earth. I hope the seedlings that we planted will grow as sturdy trees that would prevent flood, shelter animals, and provide life to our now bald mountains.  And, as these seedlings grow, may we, the youth, also grow as dependable individuals and be the hope of our nation.

ang mga dakilang tree growers
CYLS BABIES who were there:

Written by oyyvernie in ,


The 2nd Cebu Young Leaders Summit

Last June 27-29, I joined the 2nd Cebu Young Leaders Summit as one of the representatives of the Aboitiz Leaders of Excellence. There I met youth leaders from different schools, mostly members of the Supreme Student Government, and some SK Chairpersons of different barangays in Cebu City.
The CYLS delegates with Ms. Rachelle Dangin, Mr. Chris Tio, Mr. Jules Bungcaras and Mr. Mike Lopez
 
At the summit, we met influencial people like the AYLC Director Mr. Monchito Mossesgeld, an economics teacher from USC whom I look up to and is one of my idols Mr. Miguel Antonio Garcia, the former National Youth Commissioner Mr. Mike Lopez, a successful entrepreneur who also works in the government Mr. Chris Tio, and a justice advocate who’s part of the International Justice Movement Mr. Jules Bungcaras. 
Mr. Monchito Mossesgeld gives a talk on servant-leadership

The four panelists with the moderator, Ms. Elisabeth Baumgart
Mr. Miguel Antonio Garcia talked about leadership branding
 
We listened to talks on servant-leadership, self awareness, and leadership branding. And for the first time, the CYLS delegates had the experiential learning education through Kool Adventure Camp activities (i.e. Trolley Walk, Find a Tree, Great Egg Drop, Land mines, and Initiative Wall). We, the delegates surely would not forget what we have experienced because per Aristotle “we learn by doing things”.
Through the visions that we have, we made our personal commitments.
FVC


self-awareness acitivity


LESSONS LEARNED DURING THE CEBU YOUNG LEADERS SUMMIT:
  •  Know your greatest passion; what makes you happy; and what makes you get out of bed in the morning.
  • The best tool in leadership is YOU.
  • When someone argues with you, don’t argue with him too. Instead, ask him to help you understand his point.
  • Don’t keep what you have learned to yourself- share it to others.
  • Take a stand. “If you stand on something, you won’t fall for anything.”
  • Take a breather. Stop and re-evaluate what you’re doing.
  • Learn what to do and what not to do. Learn from mistakes. Do not let your mistakes in the past ruin your future.
  • Go out. The more you keep yourself out there, the more chances of learning.
  • Level off. Encourage people yet at the same time stay grounded.
  • Go back to the basics: be a good student first before being a good leader; you can’t give what you don’t have; a lot is expected from a leader and; there’s nothing worthwhile in life that comes easy
  • Happiness= what you are good at + what challenges you + what gives you meaning
  • We learn by doing things.
  • As a leader, you should know who you are leading; as a follower, you should know who you are following
  • Learn to withdraw and let others take the lead.
  • You vision in life should be clear and specific; and you must set indicators whether you have accomplished it.
  • Leaders have the desire to serve others first before themselves.
  • Have integrity --- what you do and what you say should be one.
  • As a steward, use your power to empower.
  • Never ask someone to do something that you cannot do.
  • There is no success without a successor.
  • Keep asking “what can I do? How can I serve best?”
  • Once the fruit starts to ripen, it starts to rot; empty your cups, be open to learn new things.
  • Have a brand--How do you want to be remembered? Why did your members put you in that position? Do they really need you? What makes you different as a leader?
  • Know your skills and bank on them.
  • Go back to where it all began and keep track of your leadership growth.
  • Experience AND REFLECTION is the best teacher.
  • A leader does not need a position to serve
  • YOU are the change maker 

Leader ko Bai!

 REFLEECTIONS:

I really look up to AYLA-Bai for they are really great leaders. “Who was I compared to these people?” that was my question before the summit started. But, after the summit, I’ve realized that I can be a great leader, too. And I don’t need a position just to serve.

After bonding with fellow delegates for two and a half days, I’ve realized that I have to stop belittling myself and start thinking that I can do great things if I just believe. Also, I’ve realized that I can work with leaders whom I thought are far better than me. In the summit, I have found my voice. If felt comfortable sharing my thoughts and experiences to them because I knew they’d understand. I don’t know whether it’s the program or the people that somehow changed me and helped me grow.

And, knowing that there are still people who are willing to serve others before serving themselves inspire me to keep moving forward. 

“We are the hope of our country” may be an overused phrase that defines the Filipino youth but, it is very true. I hope and pray that all of us will participate in nation building because the Philippines needs us. 

So, here's a short message to everyone:
Life is not just about FINDING YOUR TREE-your vision, it also about finding a way on how to get there TOGETHER. There may be landmines, but DON'T let these hinder you from finding it.
"Vision without action is a dream" per Joel Barker.

As leaders, we should know OUR EGG-ourselves. We should protect it using all the ways that we can think. We should spot our weak and strong points; develop the weak and harness the strong ones.
If you fail, don't worry; it's because of mistakes that we learn. Keep making mistakes and keep learning.

If you STAND OUT, some people may hammer you down. Never mind them. US President Obama said that “If you’re walking down the right path and you’re willing to keep walking, eventually you’ll make progress.” Keep walking. Keep doing the right thing.
Continue Effecting and Affecting change, fellow leaders.

And always remember, you just need a LITTLE EXTRA to be extraordinary.

Move forward! Be a catalyst, be a changemaker!

Sugbuanon, IKAW ang sinugdanan sa kabag-ohan!

Izza, Rhyle, Mariejo, Danica, and me--- the representatives of ALEx for CYLS
Leader ko bai :D

Written by oyyvernie in , ,


Shoebox Project: a unique way of gift giving

22 youth leaders who are part of the Aboitiz Leaders of Excellence (ALEx) gave out shoeboxes to some children from different municipalities in the north of Cebu namely Mandaue, Lilo-an, Carmen, Catmon, Sogod last June 23, 2011. Called “Shoebox Project: Kahon Pahalipay sa Sugbo- Habagatan Edition”, this project was made possible through the efforts of ALEx management council and active members. Most of the shoeboxes or the “Kahon Pahalipay” came from the Netherlands through the headship of a Dutch youth leader Sanne Pronk; some are from the USC Education 20 class, from the Young Minds Academy Season 5 scholars, and from the ALEx members.


The Adam Gennie’s Center for Special Children was the first place that was visited. A short program was held. Mr. Lee Gennie gave a welcome address. The children gave a dance presentation. Mr. Adam Gennie, an American citizen, talked about how it is to be away from home, to serve the Philippine Army and how he started the center. Shoeboxes were then given to 27 children with special needs. 
students from Adam Gennie's
ALEx members with Adam Gennie's staff

The next stop was the Municipality of Lilo-an. The event was held in front of the Municipal Hall. Since there is just a small space and 100 children were lining up and are accompanied by their parents, we just proceeded directly to the giving of shoeboxes.
ayyyy.. line para PBB?

 When we arrived at the gymnasium of the Municipality of Carmen, everything was prepared and was very organized. The program started with a prayer. The national anthem was then played. Ms. Gianne Sanchez, the former SK Federation Chair of the Municipality of Liloan and is an ALEx member, gave an introduction of how the Shoebox Project started. It was hosted by Jan Noel Canieso and Martin Misterio. 100 kids from different barangays of Carmen received shoeboxes. 
wowowie! :D
 
The children who were at the sea-side Pavilion of the Municipality of Catmon were very “noisy” when we arrived. Noisy because they were very excited to receive some gifts of joy that we were bringing. 100 shoeboxes were given to the children.
a simple thank you with a smile melted our hearts :D
 
The municipality of Sogod was our last stop. When we arrived there, we were somehow shocked because we didn’t know that we have to share the gymnasium with a basketball team who were practicing for their upcoming game. Anyway, the program continued. One hundred children from ten barangays of Carmen received shoeboxes. 
class picture??? :D

 We then headed to Ma Benita Resort in the Municipality of Borbon. We did a debriefing of the activity. After that, we had dinner. Those who had events the day after, headed home while those who didn’t have, stayed.

Vernie Naraja is busy...
group hug! :D KUDOS ALEx!
 
The event somehow did a great impact, not only to the recipients of the shoeboxes but also to the ALEx members. It is very fulfilling to see the kids smile after we hand out the shoeboxes to them. A simple thank you filled our hearts with joy. At the end of the day, despite the tiredness that I have felt, I saw myself smiling. The best question that was asked to me was “how many lives have you touched today?”

Ikaw,  “how many lives have you touched today?”

Written by oyyvernie in


in the land of the rising sun :D

Japan, the land of the rising sun.

I have been there last December 18-January 3. We visited a lot of places :D 

NAGOYA UNIVERSITY

                All the rooms are well ventilated and are equipped with learning materials such as projectors, a TV, a VHS, and a free WIFI connection. Students have their designated places to study in their study rooms. They also have a card that entitles them to photocopy up to 900+ pages. When they already used up the 900+, they just have to renew the card.

There are no security guards; the students are responsible for their safety. Their cafeteria is so spacious. Their roads are very clean and wide. Their comfort rooms are also clean.

The school’s water and electricity is subsidized by their government.    

Brian, a Filipino student of Nagoya University, Stephanie and me



the card 
                
 
HIGAYASHIMA ZOO

                You can see diverse animal species from different parts of Japan: monkeys, tigers, eagles, elephants, giraffes, pandas, and many others.  It was also my first time to see polar bears dancing, sea lions showing off their swimming skills, and penguins entertaining little children with their cuteness.

waaa im so fat  ;DD

a polar bear!!!

oh, HAPPY FEET!


KYOTO TOEI MOVIE LAND

Old-style Japanese houses, Edo Period Law Courts, Edo Period Shops, Movie Museums, Old-style Theater and Samurai houses surround the village. It was named as such because most Japanese movies that require old settings are usually filmed there.

                There are quarters where we saw courtesans in traditional costumes; some were dressed as geishas and samurais. You saw live samurai movies being shot on authentic outdoor Edo-period sets. You also watched TV samurai dramas in the making at the simulated live film studios.

                 It is also famous for its Haunted House which is dubbed as the scariest haunted house in Japan. When we entered, two Japanese ladies dressed in traditional costumes entertained us. They reminded us that some of the ghost characters are members of the TOEI Theater Group and whenever we get scared, we cannot hurt them.  We were also not allowed to take pictures. When we got inside the haunted house proper, forming a line with our hands raised forward and touching the shoulder of the person in front of us, it scared the hell out of me. The ghost seemed so real: their make-ups, costumes, facial expressions and actions are so ghost-like. I screamed and screamed and I almost cried. Whoa. It is indeed scary.

At Kyoto Toei Movie Land, Japanese History is really kept alive.

Samurai san :DD

outside the scariest haunted house in Japan LOL

a geisha :D

vernie went to an old japanese town AHAHAH


UNVERSAL STUDIOS JAPAN

                While still at the gates, the magical sound of Disney music welcomed us. We headed to the ticket area and bought some tickets. (See picture for the ticket prices)

                There are stalls where Disney products are sold such as Sesame Street caps and shirts.

 I did not mind my motion problems; we tried all the rides and had fun. After each ride, I felt like vomiting but I controlled it all. We tried Back to the Future, Space Fantasy, Jurrasic Park ride and Jaws. It is after the Space Fantasy ride that my motion problem really worsened.  

We also watched Spiderman 4D and Backdraft, where we did not pretty much enjoy since we did not understand what the characters were saying since they’re all in Japanese.

Every night, there are parades of the Disney characters, made of properly arranged metals and colorful lights. There's also a romantic musical played by Universal Studio actors.


ihap nag yen dira.. tag pila ang ticket?? HAHAH

samuk2x sa tindahan


RAWR! hahah with our host family

whoa. in the land of the rising sun!

colorful light parade

nindot sa? haah 





 CAN I GO BACK? :DDDD

                

Written by oyyvernie in ,


Triennials Xchange Series 7



To give awards and recognition to individuals and institutions that made significant contributions in Visayas and Mindanao, the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (RAFI) created the RAFI Triennial Awards.

These contributions should be shared to the public that’s why RAFI initiated the Triennial Public Exposure and post awards engagement program which was attended by the 10 active members of the Aboitiz Leaders of Excellence (ALEx) who were chosen as Triennial Xchange Delegates, the Triennials Laureates, the students and staff of Ateneo de Davao University and some important individuals.

This event was held in Davao City. Here are some pictures that we took during our stay in Davao.


 aerial view of davao




green environment


wide and clean roads


Davao is very famous for its durian. :P


      for the last five years, there has been a strict implementation of their Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003 


 strict implementation of garbage segregation


During the first day of our stay there in Davao, we were divided into three groups, each group had to focus on one area of engagement: Environment, Health, Women and Children. I happen to be part of the Environment group.

Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF)

Our group had the chance to visit the Philippine Eagle Center, the conservation breeding facility of the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF). There we met Mr. Domingo “Domeng” Tadena, the former deputy director of PEF and a Triennial Laureate.


Mang Domeng is an advocate of education. Born from a poor family, he really did his best to find ways so that he could study: he applied for scholarships and worked until he finished schooling. He can remember back when he was in High School that he would bring his children to class because his wife has to work and no one would be left to look after their children.  

With perseverance, determination and trust in God, he has graduated and was able to go to different countries abroad.
TheTriennial Delegates and Laureates 

Mang Domeng was the first person to introduce the cooperative artificial insemination, an artificial way of breeding eagles.

An eagle lays only one egg per year. The egg has to be incubated for 56 days and it needs to be turned upside down every 3 hours or else, the egg would be overheated and the fetus might die.

After 14 years of experimenting, an eagle was successfully born. They named it Pag-asa because it is a symbol of hope since for the duration of their experiment, the world did not believe that cooperative artificial insemination was possible. The birth of Pag-asa opened the eyes of certain individuals and organizations which lead them to support PEF. Adoption of eagles is also possible. You may want to read about it HERE.

Pag-asa: a symbol of Hope

Brokenshire Integrated Health Ministries, Inc. (BIHMI)

We also had the chance to visit the hospital of Brokenshire Integrated Health Ministries, Inc. (BIHMI). According to some Davaoenos, it is the cleanest and best hospital in Davao. Not only do they treat poor patients and celebrities equally (as stated in their vision and fifth core value), they also treat all their patients as kings and queens, which makes their hospital not just a hospital but a hospital: a hospital and a hotel.

Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center (MBRLC)

After visiting BIHMI, we proceeded to the Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center (MBRLC) where we were taught about some ways of farming. There, we also interacted with some of the Triennial Laureates. You can read the interviews that we made HERE and HERE.

one farming technique
Learnings and Insights

I have learned many things throughout the three-day event. And these are:

—  Everything is connected to everything else

—  The Philippine Eagle’s case: Forest degradation is worsening. If there are no more forests, there’ll be no more habitats for the eagles, people in the mountains will lose one source of their food, flooding will be more frequent which can affect the lives and businesses of the people. Everything is inextricably connected.

—  Never give up; Stay focused on your goals; Let failures be a gauge for success

—  Mang Domeng never gave up. He did not mind what other people said. He stayed focus on his goals and he did not let his failures affect him. Instead, he let these failures be a gauge for success.

—  Innovate; do something new

—  Pillars of Character and Leadership:
 
 Respect

 We have to respect every living thing here on earth, especially ourselves. It is when we respect ourselves that we start respecting others.

Responsibility

We have the responsibility to take good care of the things that God has given to us. If we do something wrong, we have the responsibility to make these things right.

Citizenship

As Filipinos, we should be proud that we are the center of the center of biodiversity in the world. We should also help our fellowmen before helping people from another land like what the workers in BIHMI are doing.

God centeredness

We should put God in our midst and trust him whenever we are in troubles or facing some obstacles like what Mang Domeng and the other Triennial Laureates did.

Humility

Mang Domeng stayed humble despite the awards and recognition that he has received. This tells us that we should stay grounded no matter what achievement we may get.

Fairness

BIHMI treats their patients equally. They do not prioritize celebrities or politicians. Perhaps we could start living this pillar too.


Being a Triennial delegate is really a great experience. I hope RAFI would still organize a program like this next year. :)))

Thanks for reading the post ;))))