This is Shiela Catanghal

sharing a portion of myself to the world with the hope to inspire and empower others

[shielacatanghal]

I quit

For the past seven years, I’ve been told to basically change who I am because there’s someone out there who can’t handle the entirety of me. During those years, I tried to adapt myself, “tone” down who I am to fit their expectations, and do things to please others because I often feel like my intentions were not properly understood. And to be honest, I was slowly losing myself in the process.

I thought the women before me had already paved the way, wherein your strong personality wouldn’t be a hindrance to your growth, but I misunderstood that one. There’s still a huge wall to break through so that “you” will never have to “tone” it down. I witnessed some of the worst work ethic I’ve ever imagined; a manager who micromanaged their directs, someone who badmouth everyone and everything, someone who always demanded more even tho they delivered so little, someone who doesn’t know where and when to say things but was never reprimanded because they are “a performer and the team couldn’t succeed without them” (what an entitlement right?), a very chill boss who doesn’t care at all, name it, probably I saw the worst of every generation I’ve worked with. But those seem to be acceptable rather than having a strong personality.

Don’t get me wrong, I am not so close to being a perfect individual but I know my place. I’m not saying I’m better than them but I know I am better off without them. Imagine promoting a “culture” up there but down here it’s a different story. People don’t leave nowadays because of compensation, personally, I’ve been ok having what I have despite being underpaid (I know I was giving more than what I currently received among my peers, I know the ins and outs of operation because I was once part of it, I deliver above the bar, I’m on my peak, but under compensated). What I can’t handle is everyone was always looking and talking about their retirement and they are better doing things the way it used to. My retirement is so far off that I can’t see myself growing surrounded by these thinking.

That’s why I never bring my entire self to work ever since. Aside from the fact that they don’t deserve the entirety of me, they can’t handle it.

I’ve worked my way through. I’m always on top of everything, and I observe every little thing. I guess that’s my thing, I always observe. It’s in my nature to always want to contribute something and leave a legacy behind. When I got some space at the table, I knew I could really contribute something here, so I worked hard and smart. I know with this role, all of my greatest aspects will be developed. I write well, concisely, and simply. My MBA papers contributed much to how I write materials for my work. I’m agile, got good learning habits, and I am a visionary. I know a lot of shortcuts, of systems, and I’ve dealt with enough kinds of people to excel here. When I started doing this, I knew what I wanted to transcend through my works. I set the bar a little bit higher than everyone else, and often used as a benchmark. But I didn’t feel like I was doing enough. Or maybe I did, but I didn’t get enough recognition for what I do (yeah, still underpaid). I am a performer, a combination of your star player and your rock star, but I didn’t feel I was being guided to reach my peak.

And so I quit, I needed to change the environment.

[shielacatanghal]

Twelve days in

Twelve days in and things are getting a little bit rough.

I’m trying to get myself into proper rhythm, but I always end up staying way too late in bed. I am trying to get into scheduling again, but either I finished things all at once or I did nothing at all. I’ve been waking up at 2:00 a.m. and doing chores and finding myself sleeping at 6:00 a.m. and waking up again at 10:00 a.m. and doing nothing. I’ve been relying on things I swore I would never get back to. I overstimulate, I overthink, and I’ve been faking it to get by twelve days in. I know I can’t get back there because there are people (literally, teenagers) who are waiting there for my class. I need to function; I need to be fully there; I need and must. But it’s been a challenging twelve days. My mind is constantly drifting; I can’t really focus.

Probably because I received tons of news already about my work both in academe and in corporate. This corporate work of mine is really something. You’ve exerted everything you have to, but at the end of the day, it wasn’t just enough. I’ve been contemplating this one since last year. and I do not know when I can really stick to it. It’s been a constant battle to prove how good you are despite being really great at what you do. Gladly, this professor gig that I have fills that one for me. It makes me realize that things don’t have to be that complicated. I got a strong support system there despite receiving heartbreaking news early this year. But, everything else, I even questioned how it turned out to be that good. It makes me feel valued and really appreciated. And here, I feel like I am really making an impact.

I really don't know what's happening within me. Probably I need to start seeing them again. I need to get back into those sessions. Or I don’t know; probably I need to be 40 meters under to calm my soul and my nerves or probably up there at 14,000 feet to trigger me. I don’t really know, but it's been a challenging twelve days.

[shielacatanghal]

Oh, twenty-seven!

Being twenty-six and traversing through twenty-seven is quite a ride. A LOT has happened from the day I celebrated in Puerto to today when I dove with Thresher Sharks. It’s been a while since I last wrote something here, and as I am contemplating what to share, I just decided to share how I am overwhelmed with things (that probably some of you might say that I shouldn’t be), especially if it is working out my way.

I’ve been questioning a lot of things lately. I’m overstimulated by the fact that I kept on thinking about what would happen next because the universe has been playing by my side all this time. I’m not so used to being favored (I didn’t grow up with that kind of environment); that’s why I get triggered and so emotional when things are working out (even better than I imagined). I’ve been living in a flight or fight mode ever since. I needed to be rational all the time because I can’t take any fallbacks and when I did, it’s really hard for me to bounce back again.

So, I started twenty-six with a lot of hopes for better and bigger opportunities for me and all of my endeavors. A lot of things happened in a span of less than a year; did my first night dive (what a way to enter new year), met Nadine and Chris (last VegFest!), received an award for the works I’ve been doing for Ka-Agapay, celebrated my last Animo Christmas as a student, defended my IAR, started process training delivery (at last!!! Naburo na ko kakagawa ng modules last 2023), graduated MBA, joined sportsfest and won (volleyball champs), acted as a stage sister for my brother’s biggest event to date, went back to Buscalan, met new dive friends, watched a lot of arena games, got promoted sa work, became a prof (what a blessing this year), tons of new partnerships with Ka-Agapay, got inked!!!, visited Masungi, brought more people into our community, and ended that year with a great time with Threshers!! It seems to be a LOT, and it really is a LOT but if you do things that fuel you and at the same time pay for your bills and your lifestyle; it will always make sense. It’s weird that I got much favored this year despite being unworthy. I’ve had my fair share of not being a “kind” person this year, of not playing “the bigger person” in some instances (well, they deserve those words that I said and I’m not apologizing for those (see?)), and of not being what “I expected to be.” And regardless of those, I saw things ended up my way (still). This just proves again and again that all the things that we do in this world and all the things that we received isn’t just a labor and fruit of our hard work, it’s a collective effort of those around us, the invincible hand guiding us, and although people might disagree, some level of luck too.

I often cried on the way home while driving after a great run in training, after a good class discussion, after work hours na nagchikahan lang kayo and provided “your observation” to people, after a fruitful discussion with people that I never thought I’ll have that kind of conversation (the last one was with AC before I went off (I had to control my emotion during the one-hour conversation kahit na sobrang naiiyak na ko, one point na yung kilala ka ng COO nyo pero it’s the other if he acknowledges the work that you do and appreciates you)). And it’s not all sunshine and roses, you can’t really please everyone diba. Someone mentioned that I triggered their anxiety (and until now it hits me) after attending training (probably, it’s my strong personality that tipped that person off), someone failed my quiz, someone misinterpreted my intention, and when people just acted as if they are so entitled to do or get something. People should always be reminded to act accordingly, to be kind at the very least, especially if they’re the one who needed something from someone. Ugh I hate those people who feel like the world owes them something and who think so highly of themselves.

I am easily overwhelmed these days (and it’s okay). It’s rare (and weird) and as I approach another year, I am slowly accepting things for myself, I am slowly becoming calmer and relaxed, I am regulating myself better than the past six years, I’m getting better. And although I still questioned the universe why I am being favored, I kept reminding myself that I worked hard for these, and I remain kind despite everything and so the universe blessed those who worked hard and kind.

What an amazing year and I just hope for a calm and relax year as well.

[shielacatanghal]

Whatever is meant for you will never escape you

A few months ago, I decided not to involve my person in my professional life. It’s my way of compartmentalizing things over each other. I don’t want our conversations turned into ranting (either from my end or the other side) because it’s enough that we talked about diving too much (which was the reason why we met in the first place), but as we grow a little bit older for years now, I guess one of the perks of having someone older than you is that they’ll guide you and tell you something that you need to hear out loud (kahit alam mo naman na deep inside you).

It’s been a while since that person lost context on what I do professionally, mas alam nya pa yung ganap ko with Ka-Agapay over the thing that allowed me to sustain a living. But a little early this month, I’ve been on an emotional roller coaster about choosing between two good things (a good problem to have, but it consumed me), and so I decided to reach out. And you know what I’ve heard? “……..Whatever is meant for me won’t escape me. It’s the same for you.” Without any context given, I heard what I needed to hear. And that’s why I treasure what we have, despite everything.

I know that deep within me, I know what I will choose. But I guess every time I told someone about it, the other suddenly became more important and seemed to be the rational choice. But upon hearing those words, I got the assurance that I needed. Whatever I decide to do is the right path for me, and someone assuring me that I’ll make the right decision really helps.

Sharing this because maybe someone like me is struggling with the same. I know that deep inside your soul, you know what you want, but sometimes society tricks your brain into choosing another because it fits their expectations. Operate in fact and in peace, knowing that what’s meant for you will never escape you.

[shielacatanghal]

Do not be afraid

“Do not be afraid. Go and do as you propose……”

These words resonated with me during the Baccalaureate Mass held on June 11. It’s been a while since I entered the Catholic Church (it’s a long story, but I guess each one of us will have our own phase wherein we question things and the faith we have was put to the test. But the least I can say is that our relationship with Him matters more than the “routine” we’ve been used to, but anw going back), and when I say these words resonate, it really does. It’s as if He knew what was happening deep inside me (and He does, right), and He knew this was the kind of assurance I needed.

The first step to everything is really scary, especially if you’re not really sure about it but your gut tells you to do it. As someone who is very critical, I need to have a certain level of assurance or data to back up my next move. It took me a couple of rereads, recalculations, and retests before going for it. It may not seem obvious because of the irrational choices I have made over the past few years, but most of my nights are spent overthinking things before I decide to take the first step.

It almost took me a month in Bohol (Sep 2021) before I finally decided to go scuba diving (one of the best decisions I’ve ever made).

It took a pandemic before I decided to finally give DLSU a try (in September 2021, I got accepted, and seven terms later, I graduated).

It took me a couple of nights before I decided to move from one team to another to finally do what I enjoyed the most.

It took me tens of test drives before I got a Jeep (not the unit I prayed for, but that will do for the time being).

It took me a whole lot of courage and answered a lot of what-ifs to start Ka-Agapay, and we’re in our fourth year now.

Since March of this year, I’ve been looking for signs to guide me to this decision that I’ve been contemplating for a while now. I’m trying to list down what would and could be if I stayed or if I moved. I’m scared not to continue my lifestyle if I choose one over the other; scared to start over again because I’m 26 and in four years I’ll be retiring from corporate life; scared because the competition nowadays is at its highest level and I’m not sure if I am that competent; scared over the change in environment; and scared that I’ll need to reintroduce myself to things. But after June 11, it's as if the universe is telling me how shitty my fears are and how ungrateful I am that after all those irrational decisions that I’ve made, I haven’t trusted Them enough to work wonders in my life.

And so, if you’re afraid to make the next move, take the first step, or to leave something or someone you don’t deserve, DO NOT BE AFRAID; go and do as you propose. If you want to pursue higher education and you think you’re too old for that, just remember that after three to four years, you’ll be three or four years older than your age now, and if you decide to pursue that now, you’ll have another degree by then. Are you afraid to leave your job for something better for your life and your lifestyle? Just go; you’ll end up being more grateful for that decision in the long term. Whoever you believe or what religion you practice, He assures us that He’ll guide us through.

It all worked out in my favor, not because I’m good (but I think it contributed as well), but because, at the end of every day, He provides and sustains. The same is true for you.

[shielacatanghal]

Magpahinga ka naman | What’s next?

I’m delighted to share my accomplishments after finishing my MBA. Still, these phrases always come after congratulating me (sometimes they skip the congratulations part and then go directly to either of these phrases). Although I know they meant no harm (or is there?) but these put immense pressure (?) on me as to how I should answer this. Most often than not, the people with whom I share my accomplishments skip directly to these questions rather than celebrating this milestone. I don’t exactly know what I wanted to hear from them after sharing that I finished the academic requirement, defended my IAR, and am now waiting for graduation. I guess I wanted them to just cherish the moment with me and make me feel that all those Saturdays and after-work class hours were finally over.

These questions and statements really put someone off, especially with someone like me who everyone taught, I got it all figured out, but I am just getting it through. I am constantly trying not to be someone like those who asked me these questions. I am continuously learning to just listen and appreciate whatever someone is sharing with me. Educating myself to just appreciate them and not invoke any personal thoughts on whatever they are sharing with me is a privilege for me.

Few people realize that the other stuff I’m doing is the rest I need from the other things I do. Pahinga ko sa work yung ginagawa ko for KaAgapay, pahinga ko sa KaAgapay yung MBA ko and the list continues. I hope we all learn to appreciate every milestone and not worry about what’s next and what’s the society's expectation from us.

[shielacatanghal]

Losing it.

When I was younger, I thought whenever you lose something, you'll just have to walk the path back and eventually find it. But now, I guess it was one of the greatest lies I've ever been told. A lie that makes me believe that whenever something or someone was lost, it will just be there right where you lose it, and you'll eventually get it back when you walk back towards them. It's not and it is far from being the truth.

Entering my 20s five years ago, I've lost a couple of pieces of myself in becoming someone that I thought I wanted to be. I failed the course that I thought I wanted when I was 18, I guess that was the universe rerouting my path, but I didn't listen. I still pursue the course that somehow will walk me back to that failed degree and eventually "find" it. Fell in love in my early 20s with someone and something I thought will be the end of it all. I was willing to adjust and give way but then lost it in adjusting toward it (isn't ironic?). I went to places thinking that maybe somewhere out there I'll find it or even find someone or something close to what I lost. But it was not the case. It was never the case. I kept replaying things and events in my head the way I lost it and what could have done better to avoid it but it still ended up slipping my hand and my life.

As I approach the quarter, I realised that those I lost were meant for it to be lost in my life. I was just holding onto it a little longer than I should have because of the belief that eventually, I will find it. I was about to lose myself completely with that belief (so close to exhausting me) but then some people will just come along the way and will make you realise how foolish you are in believing something like that. I've lost most of my parts but I'm getting there, slowly healing to become my whole again. Slowly accepting that losing it is not the worst that could have happened; that it could be the best one to happen. The more I think about it, I should not have wasted great portions of my life walking back and finding it, but how would I know right then? So, if you are like me who lose a lot or a couple of things in the process of finding what you've lost in the past, maybe it's not the right thing to do for you to find it still. The more we walk backward in finding it, the more we miss what's ahead of us if we just continue to move forward. It's never late to move past it and move forward. It's not easy honey, it took a couple of therapy and self-talks but we will get there eventually; we will be able to move past behind it and forward with what's ahead.

[shielacatanghal]

Previous quarter

I started writing this at the beginning of my birth month.  This year was exhausting and just like that it will come to an end in two months. As I look back, I am not sure if I was able to make things I promised to start this year or even accomplished something that I really planned.

"Amor Fati" this was the phrase I read in the book beginning this month. The love of fate; loving whatever is happening to you, embracing life's ups and downs. Which I believe, is the story of my life.

I move north to celebrate the previous quarter, I just wanted to move away from the world and environment that is hurting me.  They say the home was supposed to be a safe space for individuals, but not for me.  I just don't know what had happened; I lost the appetite to share, I become afraid to speak up because I'll be misunderstood and I had to keep it all by myself.  I thought I can just make it through and pretend everything is normal but I was exhausted especially when the pandemic happened.

[shielacatanghal]

Life lately

Quarter one of 2023 was passed behind us as of writing this…  it was one hell of a quarter; I’ve never been so busy and so devoted to things that I’ve been working on the past few months. Being on the training team, it expounded what I currently know, and from day one it surprises me with the things that I didn’t know I was capable of. I consider my people skills as one of my strongest suits, but I was way behind in what I needed to know coming into this business. I’ve met my client from Australia face to face, I’ve been discussing things with management, getting feedback and trained by the people I didn’t even imagine I will come across, and just that exposure alone – it allows me to discover things within me that if I never left operations, probably I would not have this time, right on. I was the youngest among us, from Senior Analyst I was then directly accepted as Associate Training Consultant which is a little under the years required but as they always say, I wouldn’t get the post if HH didn’t see something in me. I’m just looking forward to more on this part of my professional career.

My MBA journey is nearing its finish line and as expected and as advised by the higher-ups this is where the fatigue will get you. I just completed my capstone subject (StraMa) plus one elective, though I am enjoying the elective when I’m into this paper-writing thing, ghad I get it now. After this term, I still have three (or four terms left), I need these INB courses to be offered so I can get them all next term + MAR so the succeeding terms will be focused on IAR. But aside from that, it’s great seeing people in the flesh now, really building that connection which is my main motivator for getting this program. I am just so grateful for the amount of learning, and I get to pick up their brains whenever we are discussing some things. I pray for patience and agility for this one so that I couldn’t get bored as I near the end; I just can’t. And to share a little bit of my soul, this is my dream university. People were always amused that I am enrolled in a post-grad degree while working full-time but this is my way of fulfilling that dream of mine. I've always wanted to be here and see the people, learn from the professors, and meet some souls that match my vibe of mine. Sometimes I see myself wandering around Razon because that was one of the greatest what-ifs of my life. What if I didn't pursue the path of being a student-leader with a business degree but explored the athletic side of it? What if I really tried trying outs for the likes of DLSU and other UAAP schools? It was Adamson U where I get to see the players firsthand. A lot of thoughts about this varsity thing which I'll share in another post. But yea, being here at DLSU is just making my dreams come true that wasn’t possible the first time around.

Ka-Agapay has the busiest quarter yet, we had a lot of celebrations with our programs last quarter and from people, we didn't know and expected to. But right now, I am contemplating if what we are doing is really delivering results or if are these just several activities. Atty. Leni's words during our International Women's Month Celebration hit me as I look at our programs. Leveraging from what she did for Angat Buhay. We've come this far but the end goal was still far away. With the few resources we have, I hope we can transcend to a sustainable organization rather than an activity-centered one.

I am nearing half of my corporate tenure goal, I deliberately mentioned that after ten years, I'll retire (2018 me). I don't want to be in the corporate anymore doing these things. Do not get me wrong, I am highly enjoying this consultancy role but the thought of me retiring after ten years of being out there excites my soul. So, with that, I am exploring some things I could do. Farming seems to be out of the picture as my relatives there do not have any interest at all. I wonder what they'll do after. Since this seems to be a challenge, I came across diving. At first, I just wanted to make a move sa crush ko but not only I fell in love with that person, but I also fell for the sport as well. Got certified and now participating in marine conservation talks, joined the same advocacy org with them, and looking into being a dive instructor someday. This sport has a lot of science on it, on top of its costly equipment but training and learning materials, you need to be as devoted as you possibly can for you to advance your career here. Luckily, my coach started as a corporate worker in before he became full-time in this field. Can't wait to see where and what will this endeavor bring to my being, but I am so into it!!!

A lot of things are happening in the background, but I guess these three, L&D, MBA, and Scuba Diving are occupying my life lately plus some late-night thoughts that only me and my journal have seen through it. I hope whatever is happening with you right now is making you soul excited because if it is not, honey, it's not worth a second.

[shielacatanghal]

all things come together, though it'll take time

2022 is a huge year that impacted all aspects of my being. I don’t even how to cap off this year with this writing but allow me to try...

Started the year, with the biggest battle in my life wherein we’ve been advocating for the works and virtue that Ma’am Leni aspired for the nation; convincing people to vote and vouch for her (this part, I don’t even understand before why there’s a need, SHE’S OBVIOUSLY THE BETTER CANDIDATE AMONG THOSE WHO ARE RUNNING). It’s been a five-month run but we then eventually lose. I guess this nation is not ready for someone who cares and so we are continuously being dragged into the worst kind of governance and politics. After the results, although heartbroken, we don't have any choice but to move forward and continue with our lives.

Ka-Agapay programs were put on hold the first half of the year as well so as not to merge with the charity works that candidates are doing but we’ve been to a lot of things that we didn’t imagine is possible within the two years of existence. We’ve partnered with my company for our AGT campaign, we’ve been featured in CNN for Good Juan, our program “Celebrate You with Ka-Agapay” has been receiving an enormous amount of support that we can’t even fathom where and how, and lastly, we are being known not only with those closest to us but now to those who are just looking for an avenue to help. Ghaddd, the emotions I had this year because of this has been to their full extent but I am nothing but grateful for it.

I did some things my younger self would never imagine doing. Had my chance to swim alongside sharks, trek even without training before, and lastly move from one role to another, and make decisions based on gut feeling. But this has been the most amazing feeling I’ve got for longer years. Not only I discovered how being underwater helps me with my anxiety and allows me to realize how small the role I play but I got the chance to meet amazing individuals with whom I never thought I would cross paths.

This year also see the lowest point of my existence, never did I imagine myself crying my heart out on top of Benguet mountains and then going down drunk to ease out any emotions left. People with me saw how vulnerable I can become but never ever mentioned that until I am ready to discuss things. No words came out, but their presence makes it more than enough. I am a different version of every different people I’ve met. I initially thought this was something I should work on, afraid that someday I might lose the real version of me, but this year made me realize that its fine, not everybody deserves the whole of me; not everyone deserves to meet my entirety and not everyone can deal with my personality. So, if a few truly appreciate and understand my every version, it’s enough.

As I am about to close this one, in which I am really thinking of something clever and something inspirational to say, all I can come up with is, I’d like to remind each of you to only please your authentic self, the kid within you. It is more than enough to be you and do you as long as this really makes you happy. External gratification won’t last long, the longer you hold for those the longer you’ll become addicted to it and somehow become the driver of why you do things. It’s much better to serve you and the God you believe in above anything else.

I hope this year taught you something, it’s okay if it’s not your best one yet but as long as you are here, you can always make every day the better one than yesterday.

[shielacatanghal]

PARADIGM SHIFT

Our last topic for discussion is Sustainable Development. Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. We must be able to preserve what we have and allow it to flourish so that the generation after us will still have enough for their own and enough resources to allow it to flourish as well for the next. This topic highlighted three pillars of sustainable development: 

Environmental Protection - Concrete prescriptions, rules, and enforcement must curb environmental degradation. Taking into consideration the  Ecosystem Integrity, Carrying Capacity, and Reduction of adverse global impacts. 

Economic Development - Encouraging economic development and infrastructure also increases the capacity for change. In this, we talked about Efficiency, Growth, and Equity, and 

Social Justice - Poverty alleviation, highlighting Justice, Solidarity, Attainment of peace, Population stabilization, and Women’s empowerment and empowerment of all marginalized. 

These three pillars are what we are looking at when we talk about Sustainable Development and as encouraging and challenging as it is it also comes with different obstacles in attaining them. Lack of awareness about it is the main concern we have right now, people are not aware that we have scarce resources and sooner or later we will not be able to fulfill our needs if we do not take a step forward now. Political unacceptability of “obvious” steps forward, Opposition of entrenched interests, Inadequacy of institutional mechanisms for integrating environment and development, and yes, COVID-19 are some of the obstacles that were mentioned in the discussion as well. 

“Paradigm shift” this word has drastically changed my life when I was just starting working, someone I follow and got inspiration from mentioned it in one of her podcasts. And this has greatly impacted my life since then as I look at different aspects of my life from a different perspective and change the way I think about it. I believe this is what all of us need to have when we talk about sustainable development. The change in our mindset about it is the first step towards making positive changes and step forward in attaining the three pillars mentioned and overcoming the obstacles that go along the way. The talks about sustainable development is a serious matter that each and every one of us should take part and participate in. There were a couple of talks and podcasts about Sustainable Development Goals, wherein there will be a brief discussion of what’s the state of the world right now and channels where we can help locally and globally. And I think if all private and public companies will incorporate these SDGs initiatives as part of their CSR, more and more individuals will be informed and more people can take part and do certain acts to achieve these goals.

Back in 2016, when I first attended a global summit regarding Sustainable Development Goals and that opened my eyes to the drastic needs of attention and action of the 17 goals mentioned. I’ve noted organizations that have been at the forefront of advocating for each of the goals and since then I make a commitment that I wanted to take part and do something about the attainment of these goals. Right then on, I joined World Vision as one of their Child Ambassadors, and to date, I have been sponsoring two children in Misamis Occidental and in Negros. I believe in the vision and mission of WV and will continuously be of support to them.  I also commit myself to continuously work towards achieving SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 4: Quality Education, and SDG 17: Partnership for the Goals through my foundation, and SDG 5: Gender Equality as my personal advocacy. Alongside working with these advocacies, I really hope and plan to bring more people with me with this endeavor.

[shielacatanghal]

STEWARDSHIP

As we end the term, we talked about Ethics and Environment. And I was very amused by the counter questions and statements I have read through during the discussion. I firmly believe that each one of us has the moral responsibility to take care of our environment and enable our current resources to flourish so that the next generation has something to use for but then few questions and statements popped up during the discussion that questions this belief such as “Future generations cannot have rights because they do not now exist and may never exist.”, “Will future generations "miss" what we have "taken from them"? (How could they if they never will know what they have "lost"?”, and “Do human beings have a need for nature that implies an obligation to preserve it? What is the evidence for this?”. At first, I was shocked by these statements and asked “how could someone think this way?” but in reality, yes these questions are being asked when we talked about taking care of the natural resources and preserving it for the next generations. 

As mentioned in the discussion, the challenges we faced when it comes to environmental issues are deeply rooted in our culture. The three points highlighted why; 

Fixation on money: Things with no monetary value in their natural state are not worth anything.

Belief in omnipotent technology: Technology can be used to solve all our problems. 

Belief in management through fragmentation: Do not think about communities and interdependencies; mismanagement of “The Commons”. 

These are quite alarming since this has been the way the world has been since I can remember. This way of thinking is dominant rather than the opposite of what we should be doing. It was also mentioned that nature must be seen as an “other” that can be cared for, and with which one has a relationship that must be nurtured and attended to. Treating nature as if it is one of our own or members of our direct family that needs to be taken care of. This highlighted that humans should see themselves as stewards of nature, not as masters who should dominate nature. 

As I understand it more, a paradigm shift is needed when we talk about the issues, challenges, and obstacles faced when it comes to Ethics and Environment. Since it has been proven that one of the causes of environmental issues is deeply rooted in our culture, we must act and change the way we see when it comes to our duty to the environment. One cannot just turn a blind eye to this issue. Everyone must be involved when dealing with this and especially with this. The discussion mentioned a beautiful phrase that is worth reflecting upon, “The demands of caring imply that one ought to attempt to see matters from the perspective of those with whom we are thus directly related and that we attempt to care for their specific needs.”. We should treat the environment the way we take care of our aging parents or our newly born children. In this way, the care being given is personal and not just bound by adherence to the law or compliance with the rules and regulations.

If I am about, to sum up, all the learnings and experiences I got from this course, it was about STEWARDSHIP. Being a steward of the Lasallian teachings and living up to the values that our founder established as he started the Lasallian way of teaching. Being a steward of good leadership, looking beyond the race and gender of my colleagues. Being a steward of this place we only have,  continuously advocate for the betterment of the earth through talks or awareness sessions that will spark paradigm shifts on how they see nature and its resources.

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SERVICE LEADERSHIP

Our e-Service Learning (ESL) is a teaching and learning pedagogy that integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen communities (National Service-Learning Clearinghouse, 2005). This ESL allows us to have a community involvement despite the challenges brought about by the pandemic. We were able to share our experiences, knowledge, and time with the chosen community that we will be working with. The three stages it has, allowed us to fulfill our objectives for the program while contributing to our own development as well:

“See-Experience” (“Masid-Danas”) understanding of the situation and the social issues;

“Analysis-Reflection” (“Suri-Nilay”) elevating the situation to the cognitive level of analysis and critical reflection; and the,

“Commitment-Action” (“Taya-Kilos”) engages the Lasallians into the work-mission where plans are put into action (Lasallian Mission Office, 2011).

As we are close out our ESL with Community of Multiversity (COM), the number of work increases, finishing the modules, drafting the script and program flow for the webinar, and especially the coordination of these things to the speaker and to the community. We have been working throughout the holiday season so that before we close out the year we were almost close to finishing the back-end of tasks. All of us in the group have a specific task, someone is looking at the modules and their layout, someone is doing the program flow and script, someone is coordinating with the speaker, someone finalizes all the collateral, and someone is coordinating with the community. It was a great experience working with my group, being the chairperson, looking above every task, it became an easy task because everyone is responsible for doing their tasks; there might be some delays in our timeline but we were still able to come through and help one another if we are seeing the delay is due to them. We are all excited to execute the webinar and to meet the community leaders and members who will be the direct beneficiaries of this program.

The interaction with the COM was fruitful, from the time we first met them, wherein they share their enthusiasm about this upcoming learning session, their excitement about getting to know more about the T-Shirt printing business, and their thoughts on meeting our speaker which they believe will be of great help since he also come from the small beginning and grows his T-shirt printing business into on of the most sought after by his market. We were so delighted after meeting them because we feel that this program is not just a requirement that we need to comply with but a commitment we made to help this community and equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills as they venture into their first community business. During the webinar, it was a fruitful experience, Kael, our resource speaker, was very keen on sharing his own experiences with us, he provided us with some tips and tricks when he was just starting and ideas on how he maintained his relationship with his clients. I know that he has served his purpose in this webinar, he was able to inspire our community leaders and guide them through as they start their T-shirt Printing business. First-hand experience is really what our community needs, all other things that we have provided in the module can be looked at over the internet but the personal experience that Kael shared really means a lot for the community.

As I reflect on this program, I find myself being at peace in doing this, this is what I am really called for. Being of service to others. I will continue to be of service to these kinds of communities, through our foundation, we hope to continuously transform the lives of street children through our programs. I pray that the Lord will continue to prosper me and provide me the energy and wisdom in order to spread His kindness in the world and become a beacon of hope to the community that we are about to reach.

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COMMUNITY IN MISSION

Our last meeting for 2021 is about Corporate social responsibility; how we evolve from philanthropy to involving ourselves in the actual act of helping and reaching out. During the discussion, we shared our different perspectives and our company’s initiatives in making the world a better place. I heard about the efforts of providing electricity to remote areas in the Philippines by one of the top energy companies in the country, the efforts of government agencies in maintaining the balance in the ecosystem through tree-planting activities, coastal cleanup, and alternative coral planting in the oceans and different global company that promotes and encourages donation drives and volunteerism among their employees. This just proves the importance of doing CSR by heart and by going beyond what is expected. As discussed that day, we now evolve from CSR 1.0 to 3.0; from contributing resources to the community and improving quality of life to providing sustainable models in order to sustain the programs and products being donated for life improvement and to being the catalyst of social change by tapping one advocacy at a time and focusing the resources and knowledge in doing the best for that advocacy. 

Earlier that week, we all heard the news about Typhoon Odette, and days after that made several landfalls in different provinces in Visayas and Mindanao. It breaks my heart to see the destruction and damages it left in those provinces that are really close to my heart; Siargao, Bohol, and Danjugan Island. I have met amazing people in those islands and helps me to heal when I am in the surge of breaking down. All the memories we shared in different spots and places there have been wiped out overnight by the typhoon and left the people with no shelter to stay in and food and water to survive the succeeding days. Immediately reached out to my friends on the islands and coordinated relief efforts in Manila to them. I’ve shared different channels where people can donate to these islands and assisted some of my friends in donation tracking so that every peso will be accounted for and reach the people in these islands. I and my brother helped in repacking and loading these relief donations to planes and in cargo ships in Manila. The help and support are overflowing from private individuals and this really shows how each of us is really kind enough to help those that are in need and selfless enough to share everything we had in excess in order for others to have enough as well. The companies I know and support also reached out to send in their donations and assisted in the logistics of these donations. Airline companies offer free flights for those who are stranded in the islands and transfer them to Manila, Solar and Water companies provided solar panels and water systems to different provinces and a whole lot more initiatives come from these companies. 

The resiliency and kindness of ordinary people and locals have been evident from time to time every time we are hit with a typhoon or an earthquake but should we patronize these traits we have in us every time this happens in our country? Do those in positions of power need to do something about the climate issues we are facing? The schools, gymnasiums, and other evacuation areas are supposed to be built strong enough to protect us from calamities like these but it was also been wiped out by typhoons. It breaks my heart to see that as hard our people are doing their part in helping each other, the republic that should have protected us and assured us that they got our back during these trying times responded slowly during these times. The resiliency of our people has been the backbone whenever we are bouncing back from experiences like these but the destruction that Odette brought us should be a trigger point wherein the people in power establish a strong calamity plan and should not be a calamity response.

As I look forward to next year, I plan to visit them and help in the rebuilding process, in Siargao all have almost been wiped out, I look forward to helping the community in rebuilding their homes and their stores. I’ll continuously help in donations tracing and communication on the ground as long as I can, visit the repacking sites here in Manila and do the best I can to help. We, at Ka-Agapay, will also launch donation channels and share ways we can further help Visayas and Mindanao to rise up to this occasion. 

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DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

We, as a group, were assigned to present the Walmart Case, which focuses on the gender discrimination being raised by the women of Walmart. This is a very interesting topic since we will be tackling our perspective as both men and women employees in our respective organizations and our view on the case. Working with three men on this case, makes me realize that I am lucky enough to be in a generation where patriarchy in the workplace is not existing anymore (at least in our experiences) and in an educational institution where women were empowered. Hearing the concerns of the women employees in Walmart regarding the discrimination when it comes to wages and opportunities for promotion is very saddening because women fought hard to be included in the table but the battle on equality is far from the end as noted in the case of these women employees. The discussion we had before the case presentation focuses on the different discrimination being noted in the workplace. Let it be the gender, race, college where we graduated, work-related discrimination, and even social discrimination.  The sharing we have as a class wherein they experience such cases were saddening especially some of the Filipino traditional beliefs were still being noted i.e. acceptance of the LGBTQ+ member in a government organization, bonuses and incentives being given to a wealthy employee, and et al.

As I understand and dig deep into the case, legally there might not be discrimination against these female employees in Walmart and this was backed up by the decision of the US Supreme Court but didn’t the responsibilities of companies go beyond what was legally accepted? If there are issues like these being raised until the highest legal branch of the government shouldn’t the company do something about it? Create a program or matrix that would address these concerns so that we can make our employees empowered and provide them the necessary opportunities to grow in the company and reach their full potential. I believe Walmart should establish a more strong program for their employees that will address the concerns of tap in the shoulder promotions and unjust pay grade system instead of fully depending that there was no discrimination happening within their company. The discussion as well with regards to discrimination opened my eyes that there was such thing that is happening that goes beyond what I know about discrimination. The selection of who to interview first is based on the university where that applicant graduated from; which I am guilty of it, I was selected first to do the interview even though I just submitted the application a day before my interview. And all the little things that we thought is just part of the process but we are already discriminating against someone else because it has become the “norm” in that work or environment. Word of mouth recruitment, conditions of promotions, and increase, and even who will be served first during dinner or lunch when seated before the high profiles in the corporations or in the government.

As I course through my career, I wanted to be the kind of manager and leader that sees beyond the age, gender, and race of my team. Allowing them to reach their full potential in the workplace while creating harmony with their life outside work. I’ll gonna be working hard to promote an environment in my team where everyone is making sure that they can feel inclusive and their voices matter.  And as I am not yet there, I’ll continue to treat my co-workers and colleagues with fairness and see them as equally as I see myself.  Open myself to them so that they will feel that I am here for them and they can be their true self whenever they need me.

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What's your brand?

One of the discussions that caught my interest is about Marketing Ethics especially on how we present our respective brands and translate their message to the public. Marketing the products follows several duties to the public; not to misrepresent, not to coerce, and not to manipulate the public. Over the year, we witnessed a lot of ads and billboards posted along EDSA depicting a specific product, slogans of every politician during the campaign periods, and commercials highlighting the benefits of that particular product and services. And these marketing campaigns directly affect us in making sound decisions. During the discussion, it was highlighted that manipulation and deception when it comes to marketing. Highlighting the difference between the two; Manipulation means to guide or direct someone or something’s behavior while Deception means to manipulate through false or misleading information. These two were analyzed as well using Utilitarianism and Kantian perspective. During the discussion, it was mentioned that these marketing techniques are highly being directed to the vulnerable members of society; children for example. They are considered vulnerable as a consumer by being in some way unable to participate as a fully informed and voluntary participant in the market exchange. The children were not aware of the total information of the product but as long as the ads appeal to their emotions, they would want to have those and tell their parents to buy those products.

It was very interesting to note on what we have discussed that the way marketers promote their products or service is tricky. Not only the way they present it to the public but even the message of the advertisement is somehow confusing. If we will not decipher it or look deeply into it, we will not be able to see what’s really on it (but somehow even though we think through it we still become one of those who patronize these products). And also I realize as a consumer how much data or information about me do I provide these marketing professionals that they were able to show into my screen what was I was looking for during the day or for a couple of days. I become more conscious of what do I put on the web about myself and my interests since the matrix that social media has somehow greatly affected the way I buy products. The analysis and discussion were very direct and brief and emphasizes the role of us as a consumer in this marketing web. The flow and ways on how they market the products and services are out of our control and the only thing that we can control in this is the decision we will make if we will allow ourselves to fall into buying it or allow some reflection time before hitting out the check out button or paying for it already.

As I read through and reflect on the chapter discuss, I analyze my spending habits as well, which brand am I supporting, what products do I buy that was driven by these ads and marketing that is popping up my screen and notifications. What kind of buyer am I? Am I being manipulated by the brands I support? Am I being smart in buying those items, let it be necessities or my wants? I began to understand that I was one of the many that these marketing techniques have been directed into buying even though I do not need these items and hence I promise myself to reflect and analyze first before buying something. I should become more aware of the brands I support and the products I use considering the overall effect on me and on the environment. I will become more aware of where do I put my money and aware of these marketing tricks with the end goal of somehow manipulating me into buying those. 

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2022, here we go