One Month Before

It was declared and it is now just waiting. In little over a month, what I've been waiting for for the past seven years will just be somewhere around yearning to be celebrated, yet as early as now I already am claiming and celebrating. The biggest testimony thus far is just around the corner. This wasn't just my story. This is the story of all the people I've been with, waiting with me with intense enthusiasm. This is the story of the challenges I have encountered. This is the story of my Mom's unparalleled efforts and love. The story of my entire family's victory; a potential source of inspiration for my brother and sisters. A story of persistence and unending resilience. This is His story -- His unquestionable, never conditional love oh so overwhelmingly present all through out. I started this journey with an idealistic mind, which was later on disappointed, but was encouraged again with a better definition of what is ideal.

As early as now, I look back to how it all began -- that moment when I graduated from high school. That young, naive guy who was excited to get to college, aiming to graduate early with honors and recognition. That moment when the guy, after his first semester in college, realized the need to work, and worked as early as 17 at Goldilocks. Met the humblest people and got inspired by the humbling stories of his co-workers, as well as with the experience of serving lunch and dinner to professionals and corporate people in Ayala. While doing so, he passed the qualifying exam for the Accountancy program in Far Eastern University and started dreaming of becoming a CPA. After a semester, together with his Mom, he succumbed to the challenges of poverty, and was forced to leave school. Out of eagerness to go back the soonest possible, he applied in Convergys as a call center agent. He never realized that it's gonna be an entirely new world. For two long years, he talked with foreign people on the phone, learned the foreign tongue, met people in the workplace with totally different perceptions of life. He was introduced to the darker side of the day, the warm evening lights of the streets, the sound of intoxicating music -- the night life. A total liberation of the mind that was later on realized as deceiving freedom. He met real friends along the way and he definitely enjoyed their company. He learned how to think differently, adopt to the demands of culture, and conform to different environments. These were lessons worth learning, but as he went through the process, he got hurt and insulted and questioned and belittled. His naiveness took its toll. And so he tried his best to become someone new. Oh yes, he did. Until he remembered the reason why he's there. An opportunity to go back where he started came. His Mom was able to find a way to send him back to school and so he did. He was thrilled and excited, until he went in to his first class. Financial Accounting 1. How will he ever forget. Two years he didn't see numbers and accounting principles and account titles and on his first day he was slapped with Cash and Cash Equivalents. Summer class that was, and everything was quick. His batch mates already grew up together, different to how he did, and so he wasn't able to catch up with them anymore. And to cut the tragic semester short, he failed. His first ever failure in school since birth. He cried. No, he wept. And as much as he wanted to get back up and make up with the failure, he continued the failing streak. Eventually, he was taken out of the program. This time he didn't cry, but he's devastated. And so he decided not to focus on things that can't be changed anymore. The threat of leaving school was still there, and he did for another semester. He went back to working, as a US Recruitment Specialist this time through the help of a very good friend. He started with PSG Global Solutions, and continued in 24-HRPO. Schedules didn't work out well when he went back again to school, and so he tried working part-time in Excel Asia as a local Recruitment Specialist. He was just too excited to graduate and finish what was supposed to be finished. He already saw three batches graduate, and he knew that soon he must have his own celebration. How great it is that all throughout, his academic organization, the Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants, has always been there to take care of him -- exposing him to a lot of opportunities, those he thought he already missed. Now he already stopped working completely and is just three subjects away from graduating.

I am now 48 days away from marching up that stage in PICC, wearing a gown of green and gold. And as I wait for that day, though the threats of life's irony are still there, I look back to where I started, remembering all the disappointments and the triumphs. I look back to those times when I thought I won't make it there anymore, and then look at myself now taking the last days of my college years. And as I reminisce, I say thanks to everyone who made the journey fruitful, worthy, joyful, and full of learning. To all those who waited with me, oh man, ETO NA TALAGA!!! Woooooh! :D

Manuel, 2013 (Born to Conquer)

Remembering the entire year, each and every moments created, gives me shivers not because I had a perfect year full of flawless, awesome experiences, but because I can't even comprehend how such a challenging year had passed leaving me a victor and a better person facing the years ahead. 

2013 was full extremes. Extreme happiness, frustrations, loneliness, awe, blessings, hurts, incompleteness, happiness. It was the year of CHOICES, and when I say choices, it included mostly incorrect ones. Yet, it only highlighted how unconditional His love is. I made intentional wrong turns trying to keep myself from the regrets of not taking opportunities. And yes, it brought a lot of wrong emotions, wrong perspectives, wrong direction. But His love is so powerful that He used these to show me that He cares for me, and that nothing in the world can ever stop Him from making me experience all the good things He has for me. I came to a point when I even neglected the plans He set, and tried doing things my way, yet He never got tired of gently touching my shoulders to guide my blinded movements. And now, though there are lots of things that I wish I didn't do, or at least I could've done better, here He is still cheering loud for me, shouting, "No worries son! You can do it! C'mon, don't give up, I'm just here all the way! Don't worry about the negatives! Let me take care of them. Go and take all the great things I have for you!". He, despite of all my selfishness, brought me to places, had me experiences all amazing travels, meet a lot of new friends, and made me feel favored physically, financially, socially. And so, this year might have been darker than the others, still I see it as a fountain of more opportunities to be better and more equipped and more powerful for the coming year. I may not have seen all the beauty and left me less appreciative at certain points, but I say this is one of the most fruitful and most beautiful thus far. And I know there is no stopping for 2014! Greater things are expected to come, and even greater are the surprises that I know He'll unfold as the coming year progresses. I say WISDOM is going to take over -- HIS WISDOM. More LOVE is going to be manifested, more GRACE and FAVOR not only to me but to all the people around me through me. His dominance will never be questioned in my life, and no evil is going to change the fact that I AM HIS SON -- THE SON OF THE MOST POWERFUL. I declare a wider mind and a wider heart to comprehend all His will. Greater things. Unimaginable things. It is not going to be my works, but His power being manifested in and through me. And so, I welcome 2014 with the biggest smile and a loud roar, "BRING IT ON! I AM BORN TO CONQUER THE YEAR!". Amen!


"You don't see it, but you are getting closer and closer to where you should be. Just keep the faith and know that you are untouchable, indestructible. Go and conquer the year, Christian!"

Two years After: A Self Update

Personality Type (MBTI): ENFP (extraverted, intuitive, feeling, percieving), dubbed as the "Champion"

Definition:

 Like the other Idealists, Champions are rather rare, say three or four percent of the population, but even more than the others they consider intense emotional experiences as being vital to a full life. Champions have a wide range and variety of emotions, and a great passion for novelty. They see life as an exciting drama, pregnant with possibilities for both good and evil, and they want to experience all the meaningful events and fascinating people in the world. The most outgoing of the Idealists, Champions often can't wait to tell others of their extraordinary experiences. Champions can be tireless in talking with others, like fountains that bubble and splash, spilling over their own words to get it all out. And usually this is not simple storytelling; Champions often speak (or write) in the hope of revealing some truth about human experience, or of motivating others with their powerful convictions. Their strong drive to speak out on issues and events, along with their boundless enthusiasm and natural talent with language, makes them the most vivacious and inspiring of all the types. 

  Fiercely individualistic, Champions strive toward a kind of personal authenticity, and this intention always to be themselves is usually quite attractive to others. At the same time, Champions have outstanding intuitive powers and can tell what is going on inside of others, reading hidden emotions and giving special significance to words or actions. In fact, Champions are constantly scanning the social environment, and no intriguing character or silent motive is likely to escape their attention. Far more than the other Idealists, Champions are keen and probing observers of the people around them, and are capable of intense concentration on another individual. Their attention is rarely passive or casual. On the contrary, Champions tend to be extra sensitive and alert, always ready for emergencies, always on the lookout for what's possible.

  Champions are good with people and usually have a wide range of personal relationships. They are warm and full of energy with their friends. They are likable and at ease with colleagues, and handle their employees or students with great skill. They are good in public and on the telephone, and are so spontaneous and dramatic that others love to be in their company. Champions are positive, exuberant people, and often their confidence in the goodness of life and of human nature makes good things happen. http://www.keirsey.com/4temps/champion.asp




HumanMetrics: http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/jtypes2.asp
Type description by J.Butt and M.M.Heiss: http://typelogic.com/enfj.html

The NFJPIA-NCR Council 6th Grand Summit: They changed paradigms, and they made it happen!

by Mark Christian Manuel

It's been a year full of challenges and successes for the National Federation of Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants - NCR Council, and that definitely deserves a grand finish. And there's no better way to celebrate this glorious end but to bring the entire region all the way to Ilocos Norte!

Over 100 delegates representing the different Accountancy schools in Metro Manila, together with the NCR Council leaders, joined forces to conclude a wonderful federation year last April 19th to 22nd, 2013 at the majestic Java Hotel in Laoag, Ilocos Norte. Everybody was present - partners, sponsors, alumni and supporters - during the jam-packed, 4-day summer getaway *slash* year-end celebration, plus the final blow of different academic and non-academic competitions to intensify the summer thrill!

Day 1: Fun Friday!

Coming from an overnight, 10-hour bus ride, everybody was all tired and sleepy. Yet after a quick rest, they all came out hyper and highly energetic as they battled to win the classic Amazing Race to officially open the Grand Summit. Delegates got the chance to meet and mingle with new-found friends while pushing and pulling and jumping and strategizing from one station to another under the heat of the sun. Sunburned and all sweaty, they started the day in high spirits ending the game in fun and laughter. After the exhausting game and a very satisfying lunch, delegates, sponsors and alumni were all sent out to get a taste of Ilocos Norte. They all enjoyed 2 of the most known sites in the province: the Bangui Windmills and Paoay Church. Going back to the hotel, everybody quickly had to shift from being a tourist to a Korean Pop Star. After a mouth-watering dinner, the hotel garden was filled with KPop wannabes for the KPop-inspired Members' Night. Games were prepared (Human Bingo, Who's That EO?) and fun talents were showcased (Seconds to Stardom Round1) for the Grand Summit's first night party!

Day 2: Intense Saturday!

The second morning in Ilocos started with an opening statement: we're back to business. Everybody shifted gears from party-mode to their corporate stance coming to the day-opener, Casino Royale-inspired event, the 4th SGV Cup brought, of course, by SGV & Co. Battling for the huge, revolving cup were more than 20 contestants from the different schools represented in the Summit. Contestants were trimmed down to 10 to compete in a pressuring buzzer round where the winners were determined. After the intense battle, the audience was enlightened by Mr. Christian Lauron, Partner, SGV&Co. who talked about the significance of the Accounting and Auditing profession in the national economy through its role in the financial industry. The talk stirred up young minds which lead to an interactive forum; exchanging points and insights which diversified the discussion. A quick lunch break followed, then, the very first Audit Simulation Competition by Deloitte came right after. 3 teams worked overnight to prepare for their audit reports which they presented in front of a panel of judges. Questions were thrown to each presenter to bring out their technical knowledge and analytical skills in auditing. Simultaneously, another exciting event was being held in another venue. Talk about intensity, the two finalists from the elimination rounds held in Manila battled face-to-face for the final round of the NCR Debate Open. Intense exchange of arguments, rebuttals, and points of information were exhibited bringing the debate to an extremely electrifying level. After the two events, Grand Summit delegates were given the privilege to have an encounter with their future employers, plus the chance to learn interesting, great-to-know-how topics through the Academic and Non-Academic Talk. HR professionals from the top auditing firms in the country presented and talked about their firms and the career opportunities waiting for the participants after they pass the board exams. The delegates were also able to inquire about their possible career paths, as well as the different cultures that await them. A speaker from Deloitte, Mr. Eric Magcale, also discussed about the standards update on employee benefits accounting. For the non-academic side of the event, a guest speaker, Ms. Lara Sia, talked about self-Defense 101. Participants were on their feet while watching demos from the speaker on how to make simple defense movements in cases when the need arises. Volunteers were given the opportunity to do the actual movements with Ms. Sia. Delegates were shouting and thrilled to see even the HR professionals from the auditing firms volunteer to learn the skill. Dinner was served afterwards. To wrap-up the day, another night party was prepared for the delegates, this time requiring them to be in their summer, neon-inspired attire. The Socials Night gave everyone the breather they need after the jam-packed day. The 2^nd and 3^rd rounds of Seconds to Stardom and the JPIAshonista served as the highlights of the event, plus fun mini-games that kept the audience high-spirited. A special segment of the program lifted the energy inside the hall once again, when the representatives from the sponsor firms, SGV&Co., P&A, Deloitte, and Isla Lipana, took the runway and posed like professional models onstage.

Day 3: Extreme Sunday!

The closer it gets to the official end of the federation year, the more extreme things get. Opening the day was the 1^st P&A Cup, in partnership with Punongbayan & Araullo. More than 20 contenders, again, battled to win, this time, an all-glass revolving cup plus the bragging rights to become the very first cup holder. The Le Cirque-inspired accounting quizbee challenged the contestants until 10 was left to get through the buzzer round. The finalists had to go through tough, head-to-head challenges before the winners were determined. After a short lunch break, a partner from Punongbayan & Araullo, Mr. Michael Gallego, provided a short talk to further enlighten the delegates with profession-related matters. The very informative talk was followed by two events: The 8^th Charlwin Lee Cup and the GI Quiz Show. The 8^th Charlwin Lee Cup, in partnership with the University of Santo Tomas, was joined by the participating local chapters, where the top 10 contestants battled out in another thrilling buzzer round. In another venue, a fun, game-show themed contest was also being held. The GI Quiz Show was participated by the sponsors, partners, other delegates, and the NCR Council officers acting as The Mobs battling against their contenders. The questions thrown were all general information, even including funny trivial questions about the organization and the executive officers. After the two brain-draining competitions, delegates were all ushered to their respective rooms for the Crash Courses session. Four classes were made for the delegates to enjoy and learn from: Cooking Ilocano Cuisine, Modelling 101, Photography 101, and Frisbee, all held within the vicinity of the hotel.

The Wrap Up: The 8^th NFJPIA-NCR Year-End Awards

Sunday night marked the end of the NFJPIA NCR Grand Summit, and also of the federation year of NFJPIA NCR 2012-2013. After the crash courses and a perfect dinner, the mood changed to the classic, “red carpet” ambiance as the delegates entered the hall in their long gowns and bow ties for the most-anticipated, Oscars-inspired night: the NFJPIA NCR Year-End Awards. This is the event of the year where local chapters and JPIAns are given due recognition for their outstanding performances and participation in the events of the NCR Council. Another highlight of this event is the turnover ceremony that serves as the Council’s official transition to the next federation year. During the turnover ceremony, Outgoing NCR President John Michael Lava delivered his farewell speech which summarized all his memorable experiences, both the best and the challenging ones, in the council. He also shared his heartwarming messages to each of his co-officers and to their adviser Mr. Conrad Alan Alvis, which brought most of them to tears. Mr. Alvis also shared his message for his officers, for all the outstanding work and unparalleled efforts each of them exhibited to make the Council deliver its best service to its members and local chapters. After the farewell messages, Incoming NCR President Danny Villanueva, also Outgoing Vice-President for Communications, answered through his acceptance speech, sharing how thankful he is for the past federation, and his strong determination to make the legacy of excellence be carried over to his term as well. Though it was sad that the end of the federation year had finally come, the event still ended on a positive note. Everybody’s looking forward to another fun, exciting, and energy-filled federation year that will serve the JPIA community in the National Capital Region once again.  

Awardees

Most Competitive JPIAn                                                 Mike Joseph Don, FEU-Manila

Ngiting Wagas Award                                                     Aeron Paul Ramos, PUP

Biggest Delegate                                                          Carmina Lorraine Barbosa, MC

Ms. Gwiyomi                                                                  Marjorie Baladad, FEU-Manila

Mr. Gwiyomi                                                                  Mark Chester Alanes, PLM

Nagniningning Award                                                      Ma Clarisse Gliane, UST

Best District Outreach                                                    West District for “iBuild”

Best Standing Committee                                               Non-Academics Committee

Most Admired Local Chapter                                        Miriam College

Biggest Delegation – Grand Summit                                University of Santo Tomas

Most Artistic Local Chapter of the Year                         University of Santo Tomas

Most Congenial NCR Executive Officer                         John Michael Lava, President

Most Congenial Local Chapter Officer                           Zarah Mae Benjamin, MC

Most Outstanding Delegate                                            Aeron Paul Ramos, PUP

Leadership Award                                                        John Michael Lava, President

Standing Committee Member of the Year                      Kaycee Rodriguez, Non-Academics Committee

Host of the Year                                                           Mark Christian Manuel

Individual Awards                           

Most Congenial President of the Year: Jona-V Damole, MC

Most Outstanding Local Chapter Representative of the Year: Zarah Mae Benjamin, MC

Outstanding Local Chapter Representative of the Year: Kathleen Kaye Remoto, UST

Outstanding Local Chapter Representative of the Year: John Carlo Torron, UE-Caloocan

Most Outstanding Local Chapter President of the Year: Jona-V Damole, MC

Outstanding Local Chapter President of the Year: Ma. Clarisee Gliane, UST

Outstanding Local Chapter President of the Year: Jayvee Reyes, FEU-Manila

Most Outstanding JPIAn of the Year: Aeron Paul Ramos, PUP

Outstanding JPIAn of the Year: Mike Joseph Don, FEU-Manila

Outstanding JPIAn of the Year: Marielle Pamintuan, MC

Outstanding JPIAn of the Year: Michelle Baritua, UE-Caloocan

Most Outstanding NCR EO of the Year: Rodel Tria, Vice-President for Academics      

Outstanding NCR EO of the Year: Aizelle Tubig, Vice-President for Communications, West   

Outstanding NCR EO of the Year: Rose Samas, Vice-President for Finance

Minor Awards  

Most Hospitable Local Chapter of the Year: Miriam College 

Best Membership Requirement: Miriam College      

Best Hosted Presidents' Meeting: Far Eastern University - Diliman   

Best Coordinated Academic Activity of the Year: NCR CUP 5 and 6, MAPUA Makati

Best Coordinated Non-Academic Activity of the Year: AOG Pageant Night,   UST and SBCA

Best Local Chapter Activity of the Year-Academic: Mock Interview, UST

Best Local Chapter Activity of the Year-Non Academic: TIKTAKBO5, UP-Diliman

Best Local Chapter Activity of the Year-Leadership: CBEA Leadership Training, MC

Best Local Chapter Activity of the Year-Social Awareness: BUKLAT PANGARAP, UP-Diliman

Major Awards  

Most Outstanding Local Chapter of the Year: Far Eastern University-Manila 

Outstanding Local Chapter of the Year: Polytechnic University of the Philippines-Manila       

Outstanding Local Chapter of the Year: University of Santo Tomas

Most Awarded Local Chapter in Academics: Polytechnic University of the Philippines-Manila      

Most Awarded Local Chapter in Non- Academics: University of the East-Caloocan

Most Supportive Local Chapter of the Year: Miriam College

Most Active Local Chapter of the Year: University of the East-Caloocan

Most Productive Local Chapter of the Year: University of Santo Tomas  

               

Favored

A word was spoken and declared over me this year: this will be a year of positive changes and unceasing favor. Holding on to this declaration with optimism and an expectant heart, I changed my perspective; shifting my view to a certain degree where I'd be able to see at least a glimpse of what God is doing in and through me. "[Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight," (Philippians 2:13, AMP). And behold! It's just the end of the first quarter of 2013, and I'm already filled, no, overflowing with good things and happenings and wisdom and changes. The more that I look to Him and indulge myself in His beauty and love, the more that I understand that His desire is purely to bless and prosper me with both tangible and intangible things, even with the desire and the will to live as His son. "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God," (Hebrews 12:2, NIV). And it doesn't even stop there. I was deployed to different places, and was sent to meet different people so that I'd be able to see the essence of all the great things that's been happening in and around me. He wants me to enable others to have the same favor and joy (or even more!) as what I am experiencing, for them to see what reality really is -- Him, Jesus. Favor at the workplace, in school, in relationships (family and friends), and a lot of extras (JPIA Idol, professional networks, Palawan, financial, physical, etc.). Oh there are more to look forward to for the next 3 quarters, excluding His surprises for me! Haha! My life is such a testimony of how good my God is. Let my life, despite of my imperfections, be a mirror of His goodness alone. Amen.

"There is more to come! Fasten your seatbelt! Were you not told that there is a quick work that's happening? You are now stepping in to a blazing firestorm of His great works, not as an spectator, but a partaker. Get ready for a harvest you won't be able to bear yourself, Christian. Great, great things are coming! Keep the fire burning!"

NOTE:
I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all the people who has blessed me so much during my Palawan Holy Week getaway. To Sir Renren, Sir Adrian, Rodel, Nelson and Bogart for keeping me alive for the last 4 days of my stay there. BALDOGs is the BEST! Haha! I really can't thank you enough guys. I'm absolutely overwhelmed by the care and love, plus the fun and the bond we had. Speechless. To Life Church Manila headed by Kuya Ryan and the other primaries, to Pastor Ancho of the entire Life Church community and his family, to all the new friends that I met during that week, to the other disciples, everyone I was with in Palawan, my deepest, sincerest thanks to all of you. Indeed, one of the most blessed week I've had. :D

Manuel, 2012 (Roaring Forward)

Another year has ended, and there comes another that offers a fresh start. The past years were full of transformations – from the simplest to the most complex, and now finding its way back to simplicity and calmness.

2011 was my year of application of all that I’ve learned – the things that was added to my knowledge and personality. 2012 came as an extension, but furthermore, it served to be a year of realizations. Sweet as it may sound, but realizations didn’t come as pleasurable as mere learning as that of 2010. It involved a lot of wrong choices, wrong perspectives, wrong steps, wrong timings, even wrong persons. But as what I always say, everything has a brighter side. Not because I am a die-hard optimist, but because that is reality. And as I say goodbye to the year of heartaches and disappointments, I say “HAHA” for I am still here, alive and kicking and more equipped facing 2013. I say “enough!” to self-inflicted destructions, even those caused by others. This year I struggled to gain control over myself, but ended up being controlled by my ambitions and desires. And so, this year, it may be a struggle again, but this time it is to give back the control to Him who knows best. The year will be a better year – opportunities, friendship, more wisdom, right happenings. My spirit roars for genuine joy, for love, and for a closer relationship with Him, my Guide. Hurrah! Christian is on his way closer to where he should be! Amen. 

“Yes, no one promised a smooth-sailing journey, but you can hold on to His promise that the destination is a land of milk and honey. No worries! You committed mistakes yet you learned. You made wrong choices yet the road back to the right path is still left wide open. Take courage! Rest in His peace. Keep it burning, Christian.”

Morning (updated)

"When Wisdom is needed, you just have to relax and open your eyes. You'll be amazed that what you're looking for is just right in front of your face."

Something to think about while eating alone, or while riding a jeep on your way somewhere, or perhaps while staring at nowhere.

Romans 12:3-8

For those who wonder what their role really is in a society as big as what we do have (like me), this is worth meditating on.

I've been kinda having this feeling that I'm not really playing an important role in every societies and circles that I'm in. I mean, like, even if I vanish away, they won't really notice, simply because there's a lot of other people who can do a lot, as in A LOT better than I do. And it made me struggle to look for and try things that I feel would give me a sense of self-importance, like a better role (pushing myself to take a difficult degree, looking for a good job, trying to earn a lot, trying to look good all the time, etc.), or look for another circle where I think I would fit in (struggling to find a relationship, trying to get into other social networks, simply containing myself in a box, etc.). At the end of the day, it just left me bothered, worried, and restless. Little did I notice that I do actually have an important role that I have already been playing. This morning before I went to bed again, I opened the Bible app on my phone and that verse came out. I read it of course, and made me realize that, the role that I have to play has something to do with the talents and gifts and things that I'm capable of doing, and those things that I really enjoy. For example, all this time I've been learning and enjoying public speaking; I was engaged to student leadership; for the last 4 years I've been exposed to different cultures and sets of people in different places; I do enjoy psychology (well, not the memorization part, but the part where you analyze the mind and behavior of people); I haven't really had a perfect chance to get into any relationships yet. With all that, it made me think that I may not really be to become a great student leader (I aimed to become the president of an organization so badly, but didn't happen), or become a good lover yet (just met someone, but it just won't work its way to getting there), or becoming a good student, or maybe becoming someone I think is really cool in front of everyone (have been trying to impress and please everyone, but ended up being disappointed). Maybe my role really is, just becoming a friend -- to my family, to my friends, to my work and schoolmates, and to all that I'm yet to meet. Maybe I am to pursue the role to provide moral support and guidance to people. That maybe is the reason why I learned the things that I know, like cultural diversity - to know more of how different people think, a bit of psychology - to connect it with their behaviors and tendencies, public speaking - to be able to send the message properly to people, the Gospel - to know what to say and what principles to share, leadership - to know how to guide them. Maybe my role really isn't the kind where all people will see me do great things, but merely doing important stuff at the background. Not my kind of stuff really (because I know I'm the "pasikat" type), but cool enough, that is something that I have already been enjoying doing, only that I oversee it. And maybe, in the future, I maybe doing some other stuff still, but that role will be my guide on what path to take, socially and professionally.

Now, I'm not really saying this to brag, or maybe humiliate myself, but more of, if there is someone who has the same issues like this (which I do not know if it is something common or not), maybe it would help to start focusing on the things that He gave you, and the trainings that He's been giving you in life, for you to know what you really are going to pursue during your entire existence. I'm pretty sure you've heard of the teaching that our purpose in life is to give glory and praise to Him, but giving glory and praise is not limited to the ways of the "religious". That is one way, but don't forget that He is artistic enough to create different ways. As a matter of fact, He is setting us to be unique from one another. You can do that as a preacher, a teacher, a business man, a painter, or whatever. The only common denominator is, you do your role established on this 2 most important reasons: because you love your neighbor, and you love Him.