Travel: Grill, Serve, and Learn – A Night at L991

 

Grill, Serve, and Learn – A Night at L991

February 19, 2025 – While it was Matt’s birthday, my journey took me once again to L991. This time, the task shifted from dishwashing to ihaw-ihaw, serving beers, and cleaning tables—a hands-on reminder that no job is ever too small.

But the highlight of the night wasn’t just the work—it was the wisdom shared. Sir D. took a moment to talk about what truly matters:

• God – The foundation.
  
• Country – Our duty.
• Yourself – The balance.

And just when I thought the night was over, he left something valuable on the table—not just words, but lessons to carry forward:

• Humility – Stay grounded.
• Perseverance – Keep going.
• Patience – Trust the timing.

Tsaka yung,
FOMO – Why am I not here? I shouldn’t miss this.

It’s a shift in perspective—not just the fear of missing out, but the realization that some moments are too important to pass up. Being present is the real priority.

Travel - Lessons in Humility at L991

Lessons in Humility at L991

January 31, 2025 – My first encounter at L991 was a reminder that sometimes, even attire can spark conversation.

"Your barong is too early for January—you should wear that in May!" someone quipped. It was a fancy barong, and I wore it with pride, unaware that it would become a talking point.

But beyond fashion, the day had something more profound to offer—a lesson in humility. My first task? Not what one might expect. Cleaning. Washing dishes. Serving beers.

In a world where titles and roles can sometimes define how we move, this experience stripped it all away. There was no hierarchy—just work that needed to be done. Hands wet, sleeves rolled up, fully present in the moment.

That’s the beauty of travel. It places you in situations that remind you of the simple things: that service is not about position but purpose. And sometimes, the best way to lead is to start by serving.

Would I do it again? Absolutely.

Sa Piling ng Bukirin

Sa Piling ng Bukirin

Sa bukirin luntian, napakaganda,

Sariwang hangin, kay saya-saya.

Tunog ng baka, himig sa tenga,

Payapang mundo, puso’y ginugunita.

Kaibigan kasama, tawanan sagana,

Sa bawat sandali, saya’y nadarama.

Sa farm na ito, lahat ay sulit,

Damdaming payapa, walang kapalit.

Tshirt - Gabay at Biyaya sa Kapwa

In the spirit of service, I recently had the privilege of donating community uniforms to an NGO, reinforcing the essence of unity and shared purpose. More than just clothing, these uniforms symbolize belonging, teamwork, and a collective commitment to making a difference.

A uniform fosters identity—it represents the dedication of individuals working towards a cause greater than themselves. Through this small gesture, I hope to contribute to their mission, empowering them to continue their work with pride and confidence.

Service is not always about grand gestures; sometimes, the simplest contributions create a lasting impact. Seeing the smiles and gratitude from the recipients reminds me that giving is a privilege, and I am honored to be part of their journey.

To all who dedicate their time and effort to making the world a better place, let’s keep moving forward—one act of kindness at a time.

 

Kapag Nanghuli Ka ng Hindi Mapagkumbaba, Mapagkumbaba Ka Pa Rin Ba?

Laging itinuturo sa atin ang halaga ng pagpapakumbaba—sa eskwelahan, sa simbahan, sa pamilya. Pero paano kung ikaw mismo ang naninita ng iba dahil sa tingin mo ay kulang sila sa pagpapakumbaba? Masasabi mo pa bang ikaw ay mapagkumbaba?

Isipin natin ito: may isang taong ipinagmamalaki ang kanyang mga nagawa, tapos may isa namang taong biglang sumita—"Masyado kang mayabang, dapat matuto kang magpakumbaba." Ngunit hindi ba ang ganitong paninita ay isa ring anyo ng pagmamalaki? Para bang sinasabi mong ikaw lang ang tama, at ang pagpapakumbaba ay isang patimpalak na ikaw ang dapat manalo.

Sa totoo lang, tunay na kababaang-loob ay hindi nangangailangan ng paninita. Ang isang taong talagang mapagkumbaba ay hindi na kailangang ipamukha sa iba na hindi sila ganoon. Dahil ang tunay na pagpapakumbaba ay tahimik, hindi mapanghusga, at hindi kailangang ipagsigawan.

Kaya sa susunod na makakita tayo ng taong tila ipinagmamalaki ang kanyang tagumpay, tanungin natin ang ating sarili—kinakailangan ba talaga natin siyang sitahin, o baka naman ito'y pagkakataon para unawain at hayaang matuto siya sa sarili niyang paglalakbay? Dahil baka sa pagpuna natin sa iba, tayo mismo ang nawawalan ng tunay na kababaang-loob.

Mario R. Nery Awardee for Vocational Excellence

Taos puso ang aking pasasalamat sa ating mahal na Rotary International District 3780 Quezon City, Philippines and the Screening Committee for this recognition. It is an honor to stand alongside individuals who work hard to make a difference.

To my wife, Quin Mara—thank you for always being there. To my parents, especially my mom Mely Mara in heaven, your love and lessons guide me every day. To my sisters, Cai Mara and Rica Mara - Casipit, your prayers means so much. To my mentors, friends and family, your support keeps me going.

This award is not just about me—it’s about the work we do to keep people safe, both online and offline. Scammers, fraudsters, and cybercriminals are everywhere, taking advantage of those who least expect it. We cannot let that happen. Online safety is everyone’s responsibility. That’s why, with the help of government agencies, advocates, and communities, we are working to fight scams, strengthen cybersecurity, and teach people how to protect themselves.

Laws and systems matter, but the best protection starts with us. Every small action—fact-checking before sharing, guiding others to avoid scams, and reporting cyber threats—helps make the digital world safer.

To my Rotary Club of Quezon City MediaTech family The Rotary Club of North EDSA and LCPs, ISPs and MPs friends, thank you for standing with me in service. Your dedication to meaningful projects proves that real change happens when people come together with purpose.

And to my fellow awardees, congratulations! Your work makes a real impact. Let’s keep using our time and skills to protect our communities and build a safer digital world.

Maraming salamat!

Unmasking Hackers

Just wrapped up my session on “ Unmasking Hackers” at RYLA 2025! I hope the insights I shared on protecting against threat actors and the live demonstration helped reinforce the importance of CyberSafety, especially in the evolving digital landscape.

Thank you, D3780, for the invitation, and hats off to the team behind RYLA 2025 for making this event a success! Looking forward to more opportunities to empower the next generation with knowledge that truly matters.

Pagpili ng Kabutihan sa Kabila ng Lahat

Noong panahon ng pandemya, isa sa aming kasamahan ang naharap sa matinding pagsubok—wala siyang mahanap na ospital at kailangan niyang manatili sa bahay. Noon, mahirap makakuha ng oxygen, at nagkataon na may naitabi akong isa para sa aking ina na lubos din itong kinakailangan. Ngunit sa harap ng sitwasyon, mas pinili kong ibigay ito sa aming kasama, umaasang makakatulong ito sa kanyang paggaling.

Sa awa ng Diyos, nalampasan niya ang hamon. Ngunit habang lumilipas ang panahon, napag-uusapan kung paano tila nagbago ang kanyang pananaw sa buhay. Sa halip na maging mas maunawain, mas pinili niyang maging mapanakit sa iba. Naririnig ko ang mga kwento—ang matitigas na salitang kanyang binibitawan, ang mga kilos na tila lumilimot sa kung paano siya natulungan noon.

Sa kabila nito, patuloy akong nananalangin para sa kanyang pagbabago. Ang buhay ay maikli—mas makabuluhan kung piliin nating maging mabuti, magbigay ng halaga sa kabutihan, at ipalaganap ang malasakit sa iba. Napag-uusapan man ang mga pagbabago sa ugali ng ilan, mas mahalaga pa rin kung paano tayo tumutugon. Ang ating mga ginagawa ngayon ay maaaring maging gabay para sa iba, kaya mas pinipili kong magpatuloy sa paggawa ng tama, hindi para sa pagkilala, kundi dahil ito ang nararapat.

Ang tunay na aral ng buhay ay hindi kung paano tayo tinatrato ng iba, kundi kung paano tayo patuloy na pipiliing maging mabuti, anuman ang mangyari.