TALIM LET Review Project

This review project, somehow, restored my faith in dreams and aspirations. I guess there's that social forces would actually push us to dream and to aspire more than our own individual needs-whether we like it or not. These reviewers, who may or may not working as a teacher, finished their degree in education thinking that this could be their way out of status quo, or just improve it. They work to better themselves financially, so that they could give more to their family and bring pride to their hometown/barangay. Dreaming has no age- one could be young, the other could be old. It doesn't matter, dreams don't age as we do. Dreams exist as long as we hold on and believe. 

We'd like to thank the following: Our Lady of Perpetual Succor College (OLOPSC) for facilitating the actual review, the Binangonan Development Cooperative (BIDECO) for the venue, the United Church of Canada for the food, the TALIM volunteers, and the participants as well. We hope that your eagerness to prepare for the LET review did not end at BIDECO, but rather inspired you to succeed.

We at the TALIM program do not make wishes come true. We are mere human beings, not fairies from the lake. We, however, wish  act upon dreams. We study how we live and how we construct everything around us. We act and study for a better society-a better Philippines.

Talim Field Work: The Instagram Perspective

The team visited the community of Kasile in Talim Island for two upcoming projects, namely: 1) TALIM LET Review and 2) TALIM SUSTAN-SAYA Projects. My main task for that day was to handle photo and video documentation. I'd love to share some photos and stories, but I have tAso spend more time thinking and writing my thesis. For now, let me just share some photos from the trip that I posted over Instagram.

Random (Academic) Thoughts

RCCESI Extension Office
May 28, 2013
Around 10:30AM

 For the past two weeks I've spent less time for research to do some errands for the family, I had the opportunity to read and to think things through.Partly, I was sad of the time wasted for the past weeks-but it did gave me time to finally finish all the readings I have. Also, there was time to reflect and just check on the things that needs to be accomplished and why I'm not delivering well. First reason that I thought of was how I manage my time given that I have duties as a daughter, a friend, a leader, a girlfriend, a research assistant, and a student. However, I realized that I've been juggling those roles even before summer. Although, time was wasted thinking on how I should allocate time for each role. Second reason that came into my mind was my lack of time to simply pause and relax. I realized that I'm causing myself stress by thinking too much of everything that needs to be done. The only solution that I could think of that time was to schedule everything that I will do for this week.

THESIS. Earlier this month, I've decided to use the 2012 Gender Statistics on Labor and Employment instead of the FLEMMS data. Primarily, this is due to the fact that I am not used to quantitative research. My friend, Sam the Statistics major, advised me to stick with the basics (and with what I know) and turn the analysis into a strong one by weaving it well with the literature in the interpretation. He said that using complicated statistics may look good on paper, but if I can't explain it properly, better leave it alone. I also consulted Dr. Ang on what I could do with the statistics, knowing that the RICART team was also using statistics presented in the same manner. He said that I could get the growth rate given that I have at least three years to compare. With these advices, I thought of getting the growth rate then look for a fitting measure/tool for the level of significance. Though I should consult with my adviser about this. Dr. Ang also mentioned that I can't use different data sets in one analysis. So I should probably do different analysis for the data sets that I want to use (namely: youth household population, youth labor force and labor force participation, youth employment, underemployement, and unemployment rates). Doing mixed methods is also an option, for quantitative-statistical analysis combined with a qualitative analysis in the form of literature review. Sam did advice me to use my strength, knowing that I've been trained to do qualitative data analysis, and add a twist by doing something unexpected by doing the quantitative data analysis. I am actually excited to learn quantitative research for sociology, though I believe that I can't do it in just a month or two. Doing a strong data analysis takes mastery of both the data and the method. I envision some sort of reporting of this statistics through the lens of sociology.

ISTAMBAY RESEARCH. At first, I was overwhelmed by the deliverables for the project. I've been working with sir Yayet since 1st year, but it felt like I'm just starting to understand the core of this phenomenon. I did enjoy looking for literature and creating mind maps one after the other. With the shift from youth inactivity to delayed school-to-work transition, I was affirmed of what initially envisioned for my thesis and believed more in this research. I've always seen the istambay phenomenon as a transitional problem. I am excited to where this project may lead, and whether I'd work on this project even after I graduate. Cliche man, pero walang magandang bagay ang madaling nakukuha. More readings, and trainings are needed for this to work-balancing the theoretical with the actual work. The entire research may take years to finish, but it will be something that could affect how Filipinos look on this issue. And I should probably submit this as my write up.

I only have ten months in UST-two months finishing my undergraduate thesis, and eight months (hopefully) to polish, to present and publish it with my adviser. I'm not after any award, but presenting and publishing will be great. Given the opportunity, I hope that it would eventually help me to study in another University next year-still for Sociology. But before that, I need to work even harder and strive for excellence. Ora et Labora.

11/21/2012
UST Library, Social Sciences
Around 4PM

Dear friend,

We were made to recite, voluntarily, prayers in Spanish. I love the idea of learning to speak with God in another language, but I don't get why we should do the la senal de la cruz (yes, the gesture!) while reciting! I mean, we're not even praying at that time. Maybe I could ask the seminarians if there's anything wrong with that. Although, I'm actually learning Spanish. But blah, violates so much of my academic principles. This semester will be fast, I should be making the most out of it and stop complaining.

I should be finishing this literature review. And start thinking about my own topic.

D.

Slowly, the possibilities of the future are being unveiled. The journey ahead excites me, but it is not without any challenge. To get there, choices should be made. To get there, I might have to let go of some the things near and dear to me. But no, I don't believe that sacrifices will be made along the way. You just need to prioritize.

And so it begins.

Talim SUSTAN-SAYA Project Launch

Last September 2, 2012, we went to Bombong Elementary School to launch our project entitled 'Talim SUSTAN-SAYA Project Launch'. The morning was spent in a meeting with teachers concerned, the SK Chairman and Barangay Chairman of Bombong, and orienting the parents of the students included in our project. The project responds to DepEd's Adopt A School program, through which feeding programs for the malnourished students were made possible by private organizations and individuals. Our budget limits us to include only 50 students in our program, which will undergo the the nourishment (and happiness for children mini-advocacy) projects for 100 days. If you are interested to help, send me a message here.

Adieu!

Last month, all I prayed for was a summer getaway; an outing of some sort. I thought that one weekend away from home would make for a cool what-I-did-last-summer-vacation story. And then again, I was wrong. My summer was filled with love & laughter; it was about making new friends, gaining new experiences, exploring new places, eating a lot, having quality time with family, and deepening my faith.

For the first time in about 5 years, I was able to go out of town with my family. Not really for the usual uwi-ng-sat-balik-ng-sunday routine we do when we go home, but for leisure. I'm amazed to how we could actually enjoy each other's company without the constant bickering between me and my sister. Crazy, how people could actually change and get along. Never thought that was possible, but God makes things possible! Thank You Lord for giving me this family, they're just perfect!

At Caleruega

At Rosario, Batangas with Tala

This summer, I decided to work-even if there are interns working for sir Yayet. It was a good choice, I made new friends and learned a lot! Admittedly, I was a bit -lax since the other RAs were busy working, can't wait for next year! Been learning (and inspired) from the people I work with in the Youth Cluster & RCCESI. Imagine yourself listening to people giving their discipline's take on one matter. AWESOME :D

Youth Research Workshop

Bulk of my summer was spent with YFC. In between working with the Youth Cluster and spending quality time with the family, I was actually serving Him. Back in March, I told a dear kuya in YFC that I feel (spiritually) dry. I prayed for His guidance, to let me hear His message and lead me to His will. And then summer came. Had a lot of 'firsts' in my service, and I believe I was able to experience Him through those things. I spent my weeks packing and unpacking for a YFC activity. Got invited to camps, went to the SHOUT, and the HPV Training.

I enjoyed this year's SHOUT. Familiar and new faces, strangers turned friends, brothers and sisters in Christ, and a household closer than ever. But more than the people I'm with, SHOUT 2012 became personal to me, a week away from everything but not detachment. It was then that I realized that there's a thin line between being 'strong' and being 'broken'. It's called being okay. And so the girl who loved to laugh and smile broke down during the last session. I realized then that the thin line was gone, that I was broken and empty. A brother told me, "Allow the Lord to fill your emptiness. Allow Him to work in you. Lahat naman tayo work in progress". I felt Him like I never did before. I can't even have words to describe that night. He humbled me. He reminded me that He alone is the reason for my mission.

JAD/Sisters fellowship at QC Circle (c) There

Area 1, Number 1! (c) Mica

I confess: I'm a high school baby. I've been serving in YFC HSB since forever. I grew and matured in this program, thanks to my dear ates and kuyas. Nakakapanibago. This summer marked the first time I won't be seeing ate Lucky or ate Tin in the training. The HS Team was different, from what I grew up with. It was God's will. He knew that we, certified HS babies, would grow if other ates and kuyas are able to mentor us. They were not able to see me grow in the Spirit, but I could share who I am to them. As I share my life with them, they do the same and in turn, inspire more in this mission. Praise God for that!

Inspiring people: HSB TEAM ON FIRE!

This summer gave me the opportunity to serve in the HPV Training. I got used to listening and to jotting down notes with everyone. But this time, the Lord showed me a different side-that of the service team. Prayer warrior, laptop girl, etc. Never thought I will be tapped to share God's greatness. One of my questions from SHOUT was answered. He said to me (through the outline), I do not call the qualified, I qualify the called. That line struck me, and yun lang talaga pinanghawakan ko. Being in His presence plus being surrounded by passionate missionaries made the weekend great! The energy this year is different. It feels vibrant, feels like Christ. I'm really excited to serve my love, YFC North B HS and Metro Manila HSB. And I believe it's not a training hype, but I'm excited to share His love with our babies. I've got a long way to go, my YES will last even after YFC. Continuing the journey with Him, continuing the mission.

Metro Manila HSB, represent!

Walang iwanan, parts!

Never cliquish, always sweet.

Work, family & YFC kept me occupied. Work gave me new perspectives, had quality time with my family, and YFC is my summer love. For once in my life, I could truly say that I'm happy. As summer ends, good memories were made. I'm looking forward to creating new ones! I bid adieu to you, summer!