A Year Later

August 10, 2016.

A year ago today, I decided to embark in an adventure in the corporate world. People who know me personally know that this is a far-fetched, bizarre idea. Believe it or not, it was - even for me!

I have imagined myself in the news room, in the ballet studio, in the courtroom, in a charitable institution, in the senate, and even - believe it or not - in space (seriously). But, never, have I - in my whole twenty one years of existence -  imagined myself in a financial institution.

While one can be quick to judge and tell me that quitting a job is as easy as counting to three, things are not as easy as that. The management program that was offered to me was great - a year's worth of training with benefits - BUT it had a two year bond that I had to meet.

Can you just imagine the questions running in my head?

• Do I spend three years of my life in a career that I have no idea of? 
• Do I let go of all my dreams of becoming a host, a broadcaster, an action star (LOL)?
• Will I be just wasting my time?
• Why am I even doing this to my life?

I was scared and at that moment, my brain was just screaming one thing: RUN. AWAY. NOW.

Although I had multiple avenues to drop and pursue something else, I didn't. I took this job because of one reason - God told me so.

Before anything else, to be clear, this was not a Moses and the burning bush moment where God, out of nowhere, says "Bea, take the job!". It was, instead, just a still quiet nudging in my heart that has constantly telling me to take the job and was supported with verses too.

Yes, it may seem as though I made one big decision based on an inkling, but I guess that's how faith works right? It's being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

It wasn't all that easy, however. Of course, being human, I didn't follow right away. I fought battled with God. I thought, "all these had to be a mistake right?". My mind was reasoning out while my heart was telling me another thing. In fact, if you look at it really, none of it made sense. I was a Political Science graduate, who was very much inclined to the arts and wants to get into the media industry. There's nothing that screams banking in that definition. I didn't even have accounting subjects in college!

Believe me, I fought God up until the very last minute. But I took it and had one of the most wonderful and fruitful years of my life. I got to meet people and learn more than what I could have learned in a regular job. I had so much peace and I was so happy.

With all these, three things I've learned:

1. With God, things may not make sense,
2. But His plans and timing are always perfect.
3. So when He tells you to do something, take faith because His grace would follow.

So if there's this strong voice in your heart, pray about it and act.

This day last year, I was more than confused.

A year later.

No regrets.

No second thoughts.

Just pure happiness because I know that I'm where He wants me to be and I can't wait for whatever's in store.

These people are the best. Thank you, ODP 7!

I am for the Philippines

May 9, 2016.

Some dates are more special than others. Historically, in the 9th of May, oldest diplomatic ties were made and countries were liberated. It, too, is the birth date of my very handsome father (Naks, Happy Birthday, Father Martin!). Truly, this date can be important to some while to another, it may be just another normal day. 

May 9, 2016, however, is something important for every Filipino. It is date where Filipinos can make a difference. It a day that could shape the next 6 years of our lives. Well hello Election Day!

I've always been fond of politics. Even before I was a teenager, I remember being able to tell different Philippine Senatoriables and their respective parties. Back then, I was so hopeful that our leaders could instill change. I was hopeful that our leaders can alleviate the state of Filipinos. I won't lie, in spite of all the corruption and the numerous disappointments in our government, I still have that tinge of hope that our leaders can deliver a better country.

This year's elections is the first time that I'd get to exercise my right to vote and I always thought that there's such great pride on being able to make a difference for our country. Oh what great right and responsibility it is to hold the power to be able to elect the next set of leaders that could make a nation great.

Much to my disappointment, I found this year's elections not appealing at all. It was, in fact, appalling. It was just a pain to watch. 

Throughout the months leading to elections, I've seen people fight over different candidates. Friendships have been broken. Relationships within families have been scarred. Heck, I've seen a fellow Filipino wish death and all other terrible things to another.

Curses instead of discourses. Dirt instead of platforms. Bickerers instead of statesmen (And no, I'm not referring to just one candidate). People fought and there were so many casualties. As a result, we became a divided nation.

My heart cries for this country. What happened to us? Have we gotten that low? 

I'm not going to be a hypocrite about any of this. I admit that sometimes a lot of times, I, too, found myself forcing my views on others. I have candidates whom I just feel strongly about and those that just makes my blood boil (Hey, I'm only human too).

However, despite this, I look back and question, what are we really fighting about? Are we not just fighting for the same country? Do we not just want the same outcome for our country?

It's time to stop with all these petty fights. Transcend beyond the candidate and stand for our country. In the end, we are a nation with one goal: a better Philippines. And this we can do because I believe that God is sovereign over our nation. All these leaders have one denominator in common - they're human and they're bound to make mistakes. So we put our hope on the One who can. In this kind of situation all we can do is pray - pray that God will anoint the right leaders into place and pray for a unification for our country. 

This elections will pass just as all these leaders will pass. But we, as a nation, cannot move forward divided.

I am Bea, I am not for Miriam nor for Duterte, not Mar nor Poe not Binay, I am for the Philippines.

Happy Voting everyone! God bless the Philippines!

Go out and vote!