Green Patches of Hope

Photo taken at Anawangin, Zambales

Last November 22-24, I volunteered myself to interview assist in the last phase of the qualifying procedures of the Ayala Young Leaders Congress, an annual event sponsored by the Ayala Group of Companies as a concrete expression of their commitment in developing young leaders for nation building. It is my second year in doing so and again, I’m filled with so much happiness and inspiration, having been able to meet some of the country’s top student and community leaders.

This year, I was able to meet a diverse group of young and idealistic individuals as I spent at least 40 minutes with them while they wait for their turn to be interviewed by some of Ayala’s top executives. I felt that it was my task to at least ease down their growing tension as they wait, and to be able to do that, I usually ask them of what they do or what are they busy with. This simple question introduced me to stories which I consider, green patches of hope that are foundations necessary for Nation Building.

Of the 179 interviewees, I was able to meet at least 15 of them. To speak of variety, some of them are seminarians, students from the Philippine Military Academy, debaters (whom I did not try to speak too much. heheJ), NGO volunteers, Muslim youth advocates, Church youth leaders and some former Sangguniang Kabataan officials. Noticeable however, is that all of these young minds were able to see that there are some flaws in each institution they belong to, with the Church not spared. However, it is also worth noticing that despite the status quo, they are ‘in’ for bringing about lasting change in their crusade of conveying goodness into whatever field they’re indulged to.

 “There is no such thing as a perfect organization, but that’s why we are here--to make a difference..” an interviewee told me.

True indeed, that is actually what matters most--- that we make a positive difference regardless of how small or big our actions are. We may not, in our leadership, change the systems in our organizations which we think are wrong, but through our leadership we CAN at least inspire our members to do good so that the ripple may reach the farthest parts of the sea.

These youth leaders are said to be rare or as they said, a part of the chosen few. It is now becoming a challenge to multiply this breed of leaders, but on a second thought, it is possible. 

Just imagine a country where all the youth (or at least the majority) are doing their part in nation building. Imagine these green patches of hope boosting it colors to the already faded colored archipelago. 

Imagine.

I always emphasize when I deliver speeches to the youth that we must already rephrase Rizal’s words, “Kabataan ang Pag-asa ng Bayan” with “Kabataan na Dapat ang Naasahan ng Bayan.” These young individuals are concrete proof that the later statement is now becoming reality-- that slowly but surely, the youth are living up to their predestined purpose of making this country a much better place.

Dying with Purpose

On my way home from attending the necrological service and the burial of a co-AYLC alumni, I received a text message that my friend’s dad just died. He was not just my friend’s dad—in many ways, he had also become our dad.

Two deaths in a row.

The death of my co-alumnus Kuya JD, got everyone by shock. He was a soldier who had served his purpose. He died in war and he died a hero. Everyone grieved for the loss of a soldier and a country’s youth leader whom at his very young age had offered his life fighting for peace and his advocacies.

To all good leaders who do nation building for loving this country so much, please do not get killed. This country needs you. Let’s try to live so that others may live as well. Let’s try to live so that we may be able to touch as many lives as possible and bring them the greater good. We are in desperate need of heroes who are alive and kicking and are on fire.

On the other hand, my friend’s dad, Tito Tony, died in a slow yet so fast way. Monday, he had been rushed to the hospital. The next two days, he had kept us waiting for a miracle, until the day arrived and he decided to finally, be a big fish in heaven. He died of liver cirrhosis, surpassing 12 years of the "taning" the doctor gave 15 years ago.

Tito, in his life time had been able to live lights and shades. He can star a movie of a man who was a goon-turned-hero. A bad guy, who had become a family man, changed his disposition in life and become God’s loving servant. Hearing his stories from my friend and from some of my aunts and uncles who had been his friend, made me visualize how there is hidden goodness in every person—that despite all our delinquent deeds, we are set for a greater purpose.

Also, tito also sent us the message of not abusing our bodies now that we are still young and full of zeal because indeed, everything has its own consequences. We may not feel that now, but time will come that we’ll get to reap just what we sown.

Two deaths in a row made me ponder the importance of life—how we usually take it for granted and how it may run by so easily. In an instance, this precious life that we try so hard to protect and nourish could be gone. Who knows?

The message I’m trying to get here is that, let’s try to live our lives to the fullest by trying to understand and live our purpose. This purpose may have come to us in the early stages of our life or even on our dying moment. Whatever it is, let’s not put it into waste—so that when we die, we know that we lived.

To kuya JD and Tito Tony, you had live a life of purpose. Please send my regards to Jesus.