My Top 10 from World Youth Day 2013 in Brazil

In the light of Pope Francis' Papal Visit to the Philippines, I'd like to share my experience during the World Youth Day last 2013 held at Rio de Janeiro Brazil.

The De La Salle Philippines Delegation with some of our new friends at the World Youth Day at Copacabana Beach.
Photo from Karla Co.
Not in photo: Sir JayJay and Sir Rico.

The Road to Brazil 2013 (Part 1 of 3)

De La Salle University

17 July 2013 - It was a Wednesday and I was sitting in my Introduction to Philosophy class. With a professor who interestingly explains the conscious and the unconscious and with my natural instinct to take notes, I was physically there but mentally miles away.

Sandwiched between my friends Anton, Jeline, Sofia, and Rupert (who were all wearing pink except Rupert who was wearing green), I think I made the most noise and distractions that day. Two of us played a pen and paper game while the other three were unusually distant and were crowding together. 

To my surprise, by the end of the period, they gave me a "Have fun in Brazil" card. It was the sweetest gesture that day. Thanks for the sunshine, you guys <3

We called ourselves "The Watchmen" since we all wore watches.
We also wore pink every Wednesday. 

Click:

The 1st Google Student Leader's Summit PH

At 8:00 in the morning of the 27th of April 2013, I eagerly went up the elevator of the JVC Building in Aguirre street in Makati City. I remember being enthralled by the buttons of the elevator because you see that they were kind of from years back because of their design - white, plastic, and opaque and the whole button lights up when you click them. But when the elevator bell buzzed to signal I was in the 3rd floor (the Orange and Bronze Inc. offices), I immediately snapped out of my enthrallment. As the door opened, the voices of chit chat slowly filled in the elevator. 

As I stepped out, I was greeted by the light gray carpet and fifty (50) student leaders from across the metro talking to one another. Some were seated on the couch, some were on the coffee table chairs, and the others looking out the window. There were some familiar faces from the university where I come from and we said hi. Right after, I saw the other Google Student Ambassadors - Ryan Caro (who spearheaded this event), Kirk Jamison, and Kriztoff Dela Cruz. We were also greeted by our new friends from Orange and Bronze Inc.

Click "read more" to know more about what happened and to see more photos!

YOU can be a Google Student Ambassador!!

Here's your chance!!

We're excited to announce the opening of applications for the Google Student Ambassador Program!

The GSA Program is available for university students in SEA pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's Degree.

Submit your application here! 

http://goo.gl/GHO2r

Please only submit ONCE.

If you're from the Philippines, you can check out our Google Student Ambassador pages:

Google+

Facebook

You can check out this video from our experience in the Google Student Ambassador Summit to learn more about the program!

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At the same time, it's Google week in DLSU! 

Catch talks from different Googlers flying in from Singapore and from the Philippine office to talk about opportunities at Google, the Google Student Ambassador Program, Google products, and so much more!!

Check out our site for the event: DLSU GOOGLE WEEK SITE

The Launch of Google's Manila Office

The Philippine Google Student Ambassadors
Back (L-R): Kriz Toff, Jyle Sulit, Patric Sugay, JM Basa, Mikee Villegas, Pat Chengliong
Front (L-R): David Ramos,  Kirk Jamison, Mafe Ortego, Queenie Reyes, Johan Aguilar

Wednesday, January 23rd Google officially launches its Manila office.

Click read more to read more and see more photos!!

Teach Me How to Present

NOTE: Throughout the blog, you will see hot pink and blue text. They are clickable links.

Last November 23, my fellow Google Student Ambassador Pat Chengliong and I gave a talk on Google products students can use when making presentations. We focused on two core products: Google Docs: Presentation and Youtube. We also took the opportunity to talk about the Free and Open Web Campaign.

Instagram photo by Rhozabel Rivadeneira

CLICK:

Geek Girl Manila Meetup

One of the great things I love about being a Google Student Ambassador is that I'm constantly learning new things in the world of technology. Take the word "developer" for example. In lay mans terms, this can be someone who develops something. In the technological world, this is probably a common word for someone who is making the applications ("apps" as we call it) in the devices we are using.

Last October 2012 (yes, it's been a while), Google had its 1st Geek Girl Manila MeetUp at the Globe Telecom Showroom in Makati. I was a little bit nervous going into the event because I didn't know anyone who was going to be there, with the exception of the some Google people I met in Singapore and g|Philippines.

Once I stepped past the automatic opaque sliding glass doors, the first thing I found was a room filled with tables embellished with sequined cloth of bright azure and hot pink colors, and chairs with big tulle (if I remember right) ribbons. The one thing I definitely didn't miss was all the women in the room. It was 95%

Women of Character

Hello again :) It's been over a month since I've blogged with all the work I've been doing for school. But I'm not gonna let 12.12.12 pass without an entry! (haha parang high school journal entry lang eh)

Anywaaays, I spent this day back at my high school alma matter. Today was the beginning of a series of talks on college and career for the juniors and seniors. Together with Inha Arceo, we talked about our current colleges now - admissions, academics, university culture, college adjustment, and the like. I go to the green school and she goes to the blue school. Oooh! Imagine how fun that was (in a good way of course). It was also great to see Inha again and to see that our dynamic duo was back in action after two years! (She was the President while I was the Vice-President of our student council back in our senior year).

Click "read more" below to see more photos and read more about today's experience!

One Million Lights

Back in high school, my friend named Tricia Peralta told me about this organization she was working on with Mark Lozano. Now, it's this big thing wherein they've helped so many people in our country already. You can read more about them and see what they're doing on their Facebook page

Mark called me one day asking me if I wanted to volunteer as the photobooth photographer in their project before Christmas called Parol for a Cause. After being able to volunteer before in the Philippine Model Congress, I wanted to give it another try and learn. Plus, I really wanted to volunteer by making a parol beforehand, so being able to help in another way was a bonus!

The function room of St. James the Great Parish was slowly being filled by volunteers of many ages but mostly they were the youth. It was great seeing many people my age and even younger coming together towards a cause!

 Christmas music was playing in the background with Taylor Swift songs coming here and there. Also, a band played and their original music was great!

 I also got to use many photography equipment that I didn't get to before such as the lights that point to the backdrop, this thing called the slave light if I got that right, and I learned a few new things about the settings of my camera. One day, when I get really good at it, maybe I'll blog about it. But now, let the professionals and the fanatics do it :)

with Mark Lozano

In this entry were some of the photos I took which were postprocessed by Chris Yuhico. The ones where I'm in, Chris took those.

It was a long day filled with many new experiences! I will definitely want to volunteer with OML again and you should too! :) Let's support this great organization!

You can check out the rest of the photobooth pictures here.

g|Philippines

Today's been such a coffee/ cuddle weather with the rain pouring all day and the sweet cool breeze blowing against our faces. I'm supposed to be reading 26 court cases right now for my Personal Effectiveness 2 class OR I'm supposed to be in a road trip right now with friends but physically, it's really not possible to finish all these readings during the road trip. I really miss hanging out with my friends. A road trip sounded really good. Plus, there's a typhoon right now.. but instead of reading the court cases, I feel like blogging. This shouldn't take long. Let's talk about G|Philippines (in short for Google Philippines).

Future Faces

Growing up, I've always been constantly been reminded of the importance of education. Teachers would tell us to cherish the education our parents are paying for because not everyone gets to enjoy their right to be in a classroom, to do school-related activities, to sit in a classroom and listen to teachers, and all the other things we do in school; not everyone gets the same quality education we are getting in our private schools. 

My parents would also remind me of the importance of prayer, studying, making the most of my time through time management, and the list goes on but I put emphasis on studying.

Five years ago, all these led to me having this great belief that education is the key to a progressive future. 

Our generation and the generations to come are the future leaders of our country. Imagine having more leaders who make educated decisions. Imagine the course our country would be taking. Imagine more laws and programs being made that would progress our country. Imagine more corporate social responsibility present. Imagine that wonderful future you dream of concretized. Imagine a just and free society. All these imaginations can someday be a reality. I really think one way is through education. 

Education is important because it sharpens a person’s mind and character. We learn lessons we need in life (although there are still some that I don't understand why we have to study haha). Kidding aside, it is through education that we can actualize the potentials of the Filipino people. We mold their minds, their hearts, their character. We teach them the sense of patriotism to be of service to the Filipino people. We teach them to be Lasallian achievers for God and country.

Last August, I had the privilege of helping a charity called Future Faces Manila Foundation. The foundation aims to "maximize educational opportunity for children from low-income families by offering them tuition assistance to attend colleges and universities in the Philippines." They had their 2^nd annual fundraising activity called Heartisty 2 where they had a fashion show and I got check two things off my Things to do before I reach 20 list (haha yeaaa I have a list) which I made five years ago because of it: 

1. To help out in a non-profit organization specifically one that does something about education and 

2. Walk on a runway in a fashion show.  

The event was held at the Rockwell Tent last August 10, 2012.

Photo credits to Served Fresh
The show was hosted by Chris Tiu and Alex Gonzaga (both in white).
And that's the Chief Executive Officer of Future Faces Manila, Winnie Wong (in red)

         

Philippine Model Congress

From what started from a text from a high school friend, led to an eye-opening and learning experience.

My friend Tricia and I
Photo by Thomas Rosal

I was doing my homework when my friend Tricia texted me telling me that she and a couple of her friends are organizing this thing called the Philippine Model Congress to be held in the Batasan Pambansa (which was eventually held in the Senate). She was wondering if I was interested in helping out. My instinct said YES but reluctance followed because I wasn't so sure what this Congress was exactly about. So, I had follow up questions.

I got to view the website they were still working on and understood what it was. It was simulating the youth into what goes on in the proceedings in the House of Representatives. I thought that it was such a pioneering idea. And I got on board. I posted about the event on Facebook hoping students at my university would sign-up.

Photo by Michael Lorenzana

2nd Global Youth Summit

Last September 7, my friend Elle and I attended the 2nd Global Youth Summit at SM North Edsa Skydome. Since we had to join in groups, we were fortunate enough to join the UA&P group since the ones from DLSU were already full.

There Skydome was packed! Students from the different universities in our country and even outside came in for this summit. There were many speakers who inspired us and taught us ideas from communicating our ideas, to project management, to upscaling our ideas, and getting support to be able to turn these ideas into reality.

Some of the speakers were Chito Macapagal, Anton del Rosario, Jim Paredes from the Apo Hiking Society, and Michael Lobrim. They taught us about how one idea, no matter how small or how big, if you believe in it and get people to believe in it to, and once you work together towards that goal, it can become a reality. We can also touch many lives from that idea.

Never the Strangers, the band behind the Moving Closer song in one of the toothpaste commercials, played!

Each group was given a case to solve. My group was given a topic on the health sector; about how to get people to invest on their health. We focused on marginalized groups. We want them to be able to be hands on with their health. Aside from the simple projects of medical-dental missions, we want to ensure that the local health centers are fully equipped with the medicines that their people need. This entails help from the local government units to fund the project and to do so with integrity since it is their responsibility to ensure the health of their constituents.

Also, in the case, it wants us to solve the problem of the people investing on health insurance. This brings up the Philhealth card that our government has which you can read more about here.

The event was fun! We learned so much, we gained connections, we were moved, and we were inspired. Hopefully, more of the youth today can join more of these so that we can all come together and work together so that we can work towards the progress of our country! :)

Cheerdancing

One thing that makes me really happy is dancing.

It's when I let the music take me away and just let every fiber in my body move along to its beat and rhythm. It's about the moves I can make; the different ways I can contort my body. It's a way for me to relax whether it be through dancing to the bass blasting through the speakers or through pretending to be a ballerina with slower tunes.

Photo by Mari Olan

Dance gives me a certain euphoria. When I dance, I feel like I'm in a whole new zone; it's my little world where I know I best express myself. Let's face it.. I'm not exactly a singer like my sibling who can carry many different tunes, I'm working on my writing, and I definitely know I talk a lot too. But when I dance, it's inexplainable. I know there's a term to describe it, but I just can't catch it right now.

Ever since I entered college, dance went from my top priorities to one of my least priorities as compared to high school. I became more focused on my academics. I became very active in a political organization. I still hung-out with friends. I made time for my family and time to pray. I have no complaints. I'm very happy where I am in my life right now. But a certain realization just entered my head - I practically shunned dance off. There were a few moments I got to relive it. My friend Alex got me to go dance with a dance crew in school called Skittlez. But I only got myself to go twice. Again, I didn't prioritize it.

More Updates on Ate Conching

Ate Conching is currently at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH), ward 2, bed 30. 

If you don't know where PGH is, you can use Google Maps (Click to get linked), search for "Philippine General Hospital, Padre Faura, Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines" and you'll be given the exact location. 

It would be appreciated if you could drop by to give her some company and/or bring/send her some food and drinks. :)

If you opt to help financially, her bank account details can be found on the wall of the Ate Conching Beats Breast Cancer Facebook Page.

Moreover, her mastectomy didn't push through last Thursday. Hopes are for it to be on Wednesday. 
The sooner, the better!

Let's continue praying!

Thank you!


We wouldn't have all these information without Mrs. Sator, my high school mentor, who has been constantly updating my friends and I about Ate Conching and Mrs. Escasa, my high school Composition teacher, who was the one who talked to Ate Conching (and Ina Villegas who informed me about the latter). Thank you!

Updates on Ate Conching

Good evening!

Based on how the views for my Ate Conching post shot up within the first 24 hours since it was posted, I really feel the love we have for her. It's really amazing how the Woodrose community came together for her. Thank you also to those who aren't part of the Woodrose community but also expressed their concern and desire to help and pray for her.

Below is the link to the Facebook page where updates will be posted regarding Ate Conching. We figured it'd be the best avenue especially since a lot of people are already on Facebook. However, I'll update you all here every now and then.

Let's help and let's continue praying!
Remember to pray to St. Josemaria Escriva!

Thank you everyone. Ate Conching is really grateful! :)


LINK: Ate Conching Beats Breast Cancer Facebook page
People really are amazing! 151 likes in the first 10 minutes and still counting!  :) WOW! Let's spread the word!

Ate Conching

Thoughtful, sweet, hardworking, lively - these were the first four words that entered into my mind when I think about Ate Conching. She was a humble member of the auxiliary back in my alma matter, PAREF Woodrose.

Ate Conching with my batchmate, Anna

When my batch and I entered Woodrose in 2000, she was already working as the person in charge of the Physical Education facilities. Normally every PE class when we have sports, she was the person from whom we got the volleyballs, badminton rackets, and what not from. We were always greeted with her warm smile and lively personality.

We grew up with her in our lives. She was assigned to different tasks which she did with love throughout the years. Moreover, when we reached high school, she was assigned to our building.

In the high school building, the auxiliary had their nook near the girls washroom. And being normal Woodrose girls, we took our time in the bathroom chit-chatting and just chilling there. But the point is that, a lot of the times I'd enter the washroom, she'd be like "Hi Queen!" which she pronounced as "Kwen". One of us would start making conversation and a lot of the times we'd talk about our families and our lives. Those were good moments.

#RescuePH

Rains have poured continuously in many areas in the Philippines leaving many places flooded and leaving many people away from the comforts of their own home.

Credits to REUTERS/ Stringer

Many waited to be saved on the roofs of their houses. Many were separated from their loved ones. Many lost the items they sell for a living or even the clothing they wear. Many had to cramp in evacuation centers. Many are hungry. Many are cold.

Some hospitals got flooded and lost power giving their patients an even more difficult time. Some lost their loved ones.

Credits to REUTERS/ Erik De Castro

But on the bright side, many were heroes - braving the heavy rains and the current of the flood just to save their kababayans (countrymen); creating awareness and informing the public of people who need help (making #RescuePH part of the top trending on Twitter in the Philippines); and helping out in relief operations with their time, effort, and donations in their schools or in evacuation centers. 

It sums up to many of our country men are facing hard times right now. Many of us were and are blessed to be safe in the comforts of our homes. Let us do what we can to help.

Credits to REUTERS/ Romeo Ranoco

Released on Facebook and Google+ by the Filipino Google Student Ambassadors on 08/07/12
Link to the Rappler article mentioned above.
Link to the Google Doc mentioned above.

Released by the Filipino Google Student Ambassadors's on 08/08/12

For the La Sallians, you can help out through Sagip Metro 3. Classes and office work resume on Monday, August 13, 2012.

Credits to the DLSU University Student Government

Credits to ALYANSANG TAPAT SA LASALLISTA

Credits to Santugon sa Tawag ng Panahon

If you're in the South/ Alabang area, you can help out in La Salle Zobel, Woodrose, Southridge, and St. James.

Credits to the Woodrose Student Council 2012-2013.

Here are some of the evacuees in Alabang, Muntinlupa lining up for food earlier today. Some of my friends helped out in relief operations there.

At the Paaralang Elementarya ng Alabang (Elementary School of Alabang)
Credits to Aldo Manzano

 If you're from the University of Asia and the Pacific or any area near there, you can help out in UA&P.

Credits to the person who made this. I got this from Ina Villegas' Facebook.

If it's one thing that's sure throughout this whole event is that no matter how strong and tumultuous Typhoon Gener was..

I got this on Facebook. Credits to http://katria.tumblr.com

Google Student Ambassador Summit: Day 2

Hello! :) So, day 2! Let's go!

The second day was generally learning more about Google and their different products and services. One of the first things we learned was about the culture at Google. As you will see in the next few photos, it's pretty chill, casual, colorful yet simple. The environment makes you want to match up to its creativity and simplicity which I think is important when you're talking about Google. 

If it's one of the few things that come into mind when I think about Google besides it being worldwide, big-time, and "Google's mission is to organize the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful.", it's that it's all about creativity and simplicity. Don't you feel that when you're using your gMail or Youtube? It's easy to use. :) 

Anyways, that definitely wasn't the perfect explanation of the culture but I just wanted to share what I felt and what I picked up from the talk and my stay there. Definitely, there's a lot more I'll learn throughout this whole year and there's a great possibility that I'll share it with you guys in the future.

Treats table :) 

Google Student Ambassador Summit: Day 1

Taking risks is definitely one of the most rewarding things EVER. ..so far

It all started with an application that one day of March 2012. I sent in my application to this Google Student Ambassador program not knowing what the outcome would be. It was those things I didn't tell anyone until I found out the outcome. When May arrived, 120 students from across Southeast Asia got emails telling them they were selected to be the Google Student Ambassadors for Southeast Asia for school year 2012-2013. 

There was one thing really risky for me though. We had to attend a summit in Singapore for three days. The opportunity cost of going to Singapore would be missing classes and having to catch up in missed lessons and take make-up exams. The no-brainer decision, the experiences and lessons I will have and learn, plus the people I would meet in Singapore would definitely over power the norm of going to school. But also, if Google told you they were paying for your airplane rides, hotel accommodation, and all your meals, wouldn't you say YES immediately too? :))

The Filipino Google Student Ambassadors first time to assemble as a group.