Wider Horizons, Bigger Responsibility

Before anything else, I would like to greet over the internet, (even thoough, I have already greeted her over the phone) my beloved Tita Ann!

She is the reason why I am at De La Salle University - Dasmarinas. She is the reason why I am reaching places (becuase of the cost of the fare going here and there) and of course of my inspiration.

Thank You Tita and Belated Happy Birthday!

Me and my tita during the funeral of my Maternal Grandfather

Speaking of Inspiration, It has been 1 month today since she said "yes" to me. I would like to greet my floor leader, dawn, a Happy Montsary to you! ^__^

You are the most independent young lady that I have ever meet. You are very free spirited and free minded. That's why I respect and love you. ^__^

One of the most wonderful smile I have ever seen. Thanks Darren for this shot.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was 10th of December when we are invited to a courtesy call at the House of Representatives by the Committee of Youth and Sports Development, headed by that day by the Hon. Mark Llandro Mendoza, which happens to be my alumnus, in - lined with the Linggo ng Kabataan. This courtesy call serves as the presentation of the event and results happened during the 7th National Youth Parliament last November 7 - 11, 2008 at Development Academy of the Philippines, Tagaytay. 

It was also a venue for our youth leaders to discuss and ask matters that concerns the Filipino youth to the Committee on Youth and Sports Development. 

This is also to wave the support of the National Youth Parliament on the Reproductive Health Bill, the Magna Carta for Students and the SK Reform Bill

Leaded by Commissioner Benjie Oliva, commisioner representing visayas and Mr. Pol Melisa the Chief Operating Officer, we listened to some of the committee hearings wich are  the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Good Government and Sub - Committee on Railways. It was fun, not only being recognized during committee session, but the things that happens during the session. Also, it was a lot of fun meeting the "law makers".

But of course the reason why we went there is for the Committee on Youth and Sports and Development. It's my priviliged to meet my fellow lasallian and a graduate of my alma mater Hon. Mark Llandro Mendoza, the chair of the committe stated above. The presentation was leaded by our NYP President Neil Lim. He presented the accomplishments of the 7th NYP during the sessions and endorsed six (6) resolutions to the House of Representatives. Everything was fun, including the question and answer portion that made us gain additional information and knowledge about certain things and matters.

Some of the Parliamentarians with the Hon. Mendoza and staff for the Committee on Youth and Sports Development

The Plenary Hall, Bigger at  TV, Smaller in Reality

We got the priviliged to be toured inside the House of Representatives, its archives and to the plenary hall. Plus, we have gift packs and now some trivia (hehehehehe) like the oldest and the youngest member of the HOR. And the most special would be the food.

And then, as Manny Pacquaio came in to the HOR, the Represetatives started to came in, and after that, after Manny left the members also was reduced.

We also saw Vidal and Jeffrey. Yey!

Shot with Vidal. Too bad Jeffrey was not around.

After our stint at the House of Representatives and going to Gateway for some dinner. I called Dawn and eventually, it was not like a "private" conversation because it was more of a "work" as she talked to Neil for some updates about the NYP. Too bad Jordan and Jeff was the first two to leave that they haven't the time (and the kulitan moment) to talk to Dawn. After the call, we separate our ways. Aian, Darren and his friend catch a ride to Bicol Region. While Me, Dindo and Neil headed to look for a cab and search for the Adarna Food and Culture. 

Adarna Food and Culture's emblem

It was at the Katipunan road, almost near at the Eliptical Road. When we arrived at the place, Kiko (Bugoy look - a - like), also a parliament member, was waiting for us and welcomed us warmly. 

The place was full of people with advocacies. When we arrived, it was Hon. Lagman, was talking on the stage. I felt excitement of meeting of new people and, believe or not, a little shyness. 

It was a Christmas party, and like an night to honor the Human Rights and the people who supports RH Bill. 

Cheers with Dr. Flavier

We saw, the faculty members of Ateneo De Manila University, who supports the RH Bill, Member of the HOS who also supports the Bill, private individual who has their advocacies and the Son of Dr. Juan Flavier, which by the way confirmed that the attending physician during I and my two other siblings was the sister of the former senator.

Belo only touches our skin, who touces yours?

The night was a fruitful one and opened us to ideas that will give NYP its worth.

We call for the members of the 7th National Youth Praliament. Participate, if not physically, thru new media.

Kung gusto, maraming paraan. Kung ayaw, maraming dahilan.

There is this commitment that bonds us. But there is this responsibility that defines us.

More Photos @:

http://JuanBerde.Multiply.Com

The Essence of Life and the Purpose of Living

When was the last time that you felt frustrated because you know for your self that you can do things?
When was the last time you cried just thinking things that you you thought it was like yesterday?
When was the last time you felt sudden excitement thinking that you can help others?
When was it?

November 7 - 11, 2008
Development Academy of the Philippines, Tagaytay
7th National Youth Parliament

(from left to right: Kid, me, Kim [the twin bro of Kid] and Aian)

Yes, my beloved reader....I am part of this event that is being held every two years. Conducted by the National Youth Commission, this event aims to consolidate all of the concerns of the Filipino youth, discuss it and at the end of the event, lobby it to the "people with powers" i.e Philippine House of Representatives and the Senate.
Before the event, I was thinking to run as a Secretary General, but people are saying that I should run as the Floor Leader. But I decided not to file my candidacy, as what my doctor advises me. No regrets about it.
It was a nice experience to be in the parliament, and experience it first hand. I enlist myself on the Environment Committee and elected as its Interim Secretary and became the Vice - Chairperson. Being the Vice Chairperson of a certain committee made me a member of the Ethics Committee, a first in the history of the National Youth Parliament.

I remember during the opening, one said: "there could be other youth parliament....but there could only be one NATIONAL YOUTH PARLIAMENT..."
It was a nice experience for me to be part of this kind of event.

But I was disappointed in some aspects.

Firs,t having the same attitude as the Philippine Congress. I might sound idealistic. But, we are saying all over again that the youth is the future of this nation. When is the future? If there would be change, it should be now! I would like to integrate here what the De La Salle Philippines is saying:
...if even i am not the light, i can be the spark....let me the change i want to see, the change that begin in me...

I'm not saying that everyone should be a Lasallian, but what I am trying to say is that this kind of attitude should be on us my fellow Filipino Youth. Again, while reading this you might say i am a very idealistic person...I am, and I am not tired of being like that. As long as there are people that are not tired of doing things for the Filipino Youth, I will be HOPEFUL for the Philippines.
Second, was the professionalism. I remember the one of the four way test here of the Rotary Club.

Will it be beneficial for those concerned?

I hope this was the goal of the members of the parliament.

Lastly, intrigues.
Actually, i don't want to open this, nor talk about this, but for the sake of sharing the experience... I will just touch some points about it.

About this thing, no one can escape it, even me (is it new for me?). But my recent experience was one hell of an experience.

Last point I would want to indicate, especially to those who do not get to know me...

1. I am a go getter, I a positive way. I want to do things that would be beneficial for others. If I saw an opportunity, I'll do anything to grab it.
2. You can question my personality, but please...don't question my means.
3. Lastly, my motivation is the Filipino Youth and how everything goes in our government, if there is anything else, that's only the icing.

After the 7th NYP, I told to myself: "Hindi pa talaga ako handa sa mundo ng pulitika ng Pilipinas....hindi pa matibay ang dibdib ko..."
So, 2010...will be a pass for me.

7th NYP over-all, was a good one. With some bloopers, met new friends/networks....and most importantly learned to love. In the Parliament, there are two kinds of people....the parliamentarians and the debaters. The Parliamentarians debates about the parliamentary rules and procedures, and the Debaters debates about the resolutions and/or policies. I hope, the future members of the parliament to be both.

But Above all, after all....2 years is what we've got to work on what we have worked in more or less 3 days.

November 20 - 21, 2008
De La Salle - Charles Huang Convention Center, Batulao, Batangas, Philippines
Retreat
This is the last time we will attend such activity as a class. Also on the same day, COM 41, COM 43, PSC 41 and PSC 42 had their retreat.
COM42, my section, was not that happy because one of our classmate was not able to join our retreat for that person doesn't have a waiver.
Anyway, the retreat was nice and a relaxing experience.
I had stated on one of our session that I need time and space and I am drowning.

I will not elaborate everything here, but one thing is for sure...all of us experience problems in our family. Whether it is big or small, it is still a problem.
And, in my case, I am not only a son, I am the eldest son. So the responsibility is big and my siblings are getting strength from their kuya.

Also, during our retreat...it made think a lot of things and gave me the rest that I am longing for, the emotional rest. Plus the spiritual rejuvenation that my body is longing for is finally achieved.
Because of this wonderful experience, I renewed my covenant with God about some certain things:

1. I will not be tired of serving first my siblings as their kuya
2. I will be a good kuya, how hard it is
3. I will be a good man to others
4. I will be a man for others, how hard it will be and how dirty it is on the Philippine Politics setting.

What I am referring to the last one is, even though you are not in the political arena, still the process involves politics, especially when it comes to lobbying to some of our nation's leaders.


To end this, I am encouraging you to think....what is your purpose in life? Have you done somethings extraordinary to others lately? Are you still a proud Filipino Youth? You should be...
The fruits of what you are working now may not be visible, but it will...it will show in the future. It is something to be excited for, to work hard for and to hopeful about.

^__^
Rektikano!

More pics of the 7th National Youth Parliament and The Retreat @ http://JuanBerde.multiply.com