"Brave Enough!"
I can describe myself in two words: Brave Enough. I was born in Mindanao, the southern part of the Philippines, to a middle-class family. Growing up, I had to face a major health ordeal. A doctor diagnosed me with rheumatic fever, a congenital illnes which he predicted would have not allowed me to survive beyond the age of 25. He prescribed me to undergo monthly injections of antibiotics, the aim of which was to simply prolong my life as much as the medications could. My parents also sought the help of an "albularyo" (folk doctor), in desperate hopes of countering the doctors' predictions. So, I went through life aware that I might not have so many years to spend ahead of me, and tried to make the most out of it by doing good in my studies.
At 23, while working at Toshiba, I met Carie, one of the company nurses. She advised me to get a second opinion with a specialist at St. Luke's Hospital regarding my sickness. I underwent a heart exam only to be shocked by the result: I never had rheumatic fever, after all. My old doctor made a mistake. For 10 years, I have been taking injections for nothing. I felt mad with him, but the relief that I was healthy and could live a more normal life from then on became more important than getting back at the doctor who misdiagnosed me.
The braveness that I lived by made me a better and stronger person. It taught me to be brave in facing challenges in life. But most of all, it molded me to be brave in loving and in being hurt.
What I love doing
I love to go to the beach, climb mountains and see different nature sights. Wading in the sea, watching the majesty of a mountain, and gazing at greenery make one realize how beautiful the earth is and how life is so short to enjoy all the beauty that surrounds humankind. I also like travelling, visiting countries and cities. I want to see as much of the world as possible in my lifetime.
I spend nights surfing the net, reading current events, and watching National Geographics Channel.
During regular weekends, I usually go out with my friends and sing karaoke.
I play basketball, soccer, volleyball, sepak takraw, billiards, bowling, and mind games. Going to the gym is my alternative sport.
A Dreamer
When I was 6, I told my parents that I wanted to become a Doctor. But when I reached college, I changed my mind and took Engineering so I could be classmates with my crush. Well, she turned out to be a blessing in the end because I eventually liked Engineering.
I dream of someday becoming a CEO of my own company or even the President of the Philippines. It is a long shot but, who knows? I am ambitious and my dreams keep me going.
