My life is a cup of coffee
ON INSTINCT, the first thing I’d look for in the morning is a cup of coffee. When we were younger, my parents used to have us siblings sit on the table and drink up a cup of coffee to awaken our senses and get us ready for the day in school. Now, especially on family meriendas, I take the pleasure of making my mom and dad’s cups of coffee. My mom especially loves my brew. I enjoy seeing plays and going into the theater for shows whenever I get the chance to. And, whenever there’s a cheap (but promising) show around. I remember it was “Noli Me Tangere: The Musical” that really de-virginized my eyes and ears and beating chest to the world of staged production. A huge part of my university life here in the University of the Philippines touched on activities related to volunteerism and leadership. Just last year, I had the chance to work with a group of equally committed youngsters that made possible a national young leaders’ convention on the ongoing ASEAN integration, focusing on its Political-Security Pillar. I am also sharing my time as a student-volunteer in a Filipino science clubbing umbrella organization where, not only could I get to travel to places in the country for its events and activities, I could modestly contribute my share of knowledge and dedication in promoting science, technology, and the environment to further public understanding. Perhaps, in five years’ time, my engagements and encounters would remain quite the same: continued interaction with people, especially the young ones my age. Perhaps, it’s also part of the reason why I somehow found myself here in Community Development. There is just this intriguing mystery I see in people’s lives, and in the things they do and can do. I’m not typically the one who thinks much of the future, nor of what it holds. For me, what’s bare, true, and good is enough for the moment at present. And, of course, a cup of coffee.