The Path of Humility

The one who stands too tall with pride,

May find no room to grow inside.

For when the mind believes it’s best,

It shuns the challenge, stops the quest.

But those who bow, with hearts so wide,

Embrace the lessons time provides.

They seek the wisdom yet untold,

And learn from voices young and old.

A mentor’s hand, a stranger’s tale,

A lesson found in each detail.

The humble soul walks on, aware—

That knowledge blooms in open air.

No peak is final, no height too grand,

For those who learn and understand.

With every step, a chance anew,

To rise, to strive, to break through.

So wear your wisdom, light yet strong,

And know that learning lasts lifelong.

For in humility, you'll find the key—

To unlock the best of all you can be.

Nourish 500 Project: A Journey of Compassion, Communication, and Connection

I am honored to share the story of the Nourish 500 Project with you today—an initiative close to my heart and one that embodies the essence of project management through three key principles: compassion, communication, and connection.

It all began on October 16, 2024, a day of reunion and celebration. My high school classmates and I were eager to reconnect with our former class adviser, who had transferred to a mountain school. We wanted to check on her, see the school, and surprise her on her birthday. What began as a simple gesture turned into a profound experience that changed our perspective.

The Need for Compassion

During our visit, we witnessed the feeding program at Canumay National High School. The teachers there were doing everything they could to provide meals to the less privileged students, but the challenges they faced were overwhelming. It was at that moment that compassion took root in our hearts. We saw the need and decided we could help. This was the spark that ignited the Nourish 500 Project.

The mission was clear: to sustain the feeding program and make a difference in the lives of 120 students. We set out with the goal of inviting 20 individuals to donate ₱500 monthly. But the path to achieve this was not without its challenges.

The Importance of Communication

Helping to feed 120 students is no small feat—it demands financial resources, dedication, and teamwork. Through communication, we were able to turn vision into action. We clearly communicated our goals, plans, and the steps needed to achieve them.

On December 9, 2024, we organized a gift-giving program at Canumay National High School—the Nourish 500 Project's first official endeavor. This event introduced the project to our stakeholders: the students and the faculty. To make it possible, my friends and I reached out to our own networks—friends, officemates, and acquaintances—asking for their support. Whether through sponsoring the event or pledging monthly donations, their contributions made the initiative possible. Communication was the lifeline that allowed us to share our cause, gain trust, and inspire action.

The Power of Connection

One of the most transformative aspects of this experience has been the power of connection. Initially, we committed to providing gift packages for the 120 beneficiaries of the feeding program. But connections helped us achieve far more than we imagined. We were able to pack 300 gifts—enough for every student at Canumay—and feed over 300 individuals, including students, teachers, and volunteers.

Through the generosity of those who supported us, we raised more funds than we initially needed. With these connections, the joy of gift-giving reached everyone in the community. It taught us an invaluable lesson: when people come together, the possibilities are endless.

Today, as I share our journey, I want to emphasize the importance of compassion, the need for communication, and the power of connection. These three principles have guided the Nourish 500 Project and have allowed us to touch lives in ways we never imagined.

Our goal is simple yet impactful: to have 20 individuals commit to donating ₱500 monthly. As of March, we already have 13 dedicated donors. We need seven more to reach our goal.

If you feel inspired to join this cause, to help sustain the feeding program at Canumay National High School and create a ripple effect of compassion, communication, and connection—please reach out to me. Together, we can nourish not just the body, but also the spirit, of those who need it most.

Sandari Amaya: The Brave and Calm

Our little doll, so sweet, so bright,

With twinkling eyes that catch the light.

A face that brings the world to cheer,

A laugh so pure, so bright, so clear.

When you dance and shake your hips,

Joy spills forth from fingertips.

A tiny spark, a shining gleam,

A living part of our best dream.

They said you came too soon, too near,

For your sister had just turned two that year.

Two little hands, two sets of cries,

Two sleepy parents with tired eyes.

Yet in the blur of sleepless nights,

Your smile erased the hardest fights.

A tired body, a restless mind,

But in your presence, peace we find.

We named you Sandari Amaya, strong and free,

A peaceful valley, yet brave as can be.

How can such words together stay?

But in your heart, they find their way.

You fear no height, you climb, explore,

You chase adventures, seeking more.

We hold our breath, we run behind,

For danger never clouds your mind.

Yet in the storm, you bring a breeze,

A quiet calm, a gentle ease.

Your laughter turns the world so light,

And makes our worries fade from sight.

So when you grow, my fearless dove,

Stay bold, stay brave, rise high above.

Yet choose the path of peace and grace,

A steady heart in life’s embrace.

Sierra Agata: The Strong and Humble

I never thought this day would come,

A child of my own, my flesh, my charm.

For years, my heart held silent fear—

Of pain, of birth, of bringing life here.

My husband and I, we laughed, we played,

With nieces, nephews, love conveyed.

We thought our joy was full, complete,

Until we heard your tiny heartbeat.

Twenty hours, the longest day,

Pain so fierce in every way.

Yet in one breath, in one soft cry,

The world stood still—my fears ran dry.

We named you Sierra Agata, strong and true,

Like mountains high, yet humble too.

A heart that’s kind, a will so bright,

You bring to all a warm, pure light.

You know your worth, yet lift the weak,

A voice so small, yet wise when you speak.

You dance through life with joy so free,

Making friends so effortlessly.

Oh, how you make our sorrows fade,

With little things, with games you’ve played.

A simple laugh, a gentle touch,

Our hearts are full—you give so much.

My wish for you, my love, my dear,

Is that you stand without a fear.

Like mountains tall, reach for the sky,

But keep your heart where love resides.

For though you're strong, and high you’ll rise,

Let kindness shine within your eyes.

Stay humble, grounded, soft, yet free,

And always know—you’re loved by me.

Toddlers' Walk

Two little sisters, side by side,

Three and one, with steps so wide.

Through towering trees, so lush and grand,

They wandered deep, hand in hand.

Butterflies danced in colors bright,

Their wings aglow in golden light.

The girls gave chase with gleeful cheer,

As laughter rang so pure and clear.

The sunlight flickered through the trees,

A gentle whisper in the breeze.

They traced the streams, they climbed the stones,

Their hearts so light, their world their own.

But soon the sky turned dim and gray,

The golden hues all slipped away.

The trees grew tall, the paths unclear,

And in the dark, crept silent fear.

Their tiny hands now clenched so tight,

As shadows swallowed all the light.

They called for Mama, soft yet strong,

But only echoes sang along.

Then through the night, a voice so sweet,

A mother’s song, a hurried beat.

She held them close, so warm, so tight,

And led them home by moon’s soft light.

Delaying Gratification, Relaying Triumph

 

Let’s play a game! I have here chocnuts and I will give one to each of you (distribute). You can eat it now. But, there’s a twist! If you’ll finish listening to my speech without eating that chocnut, I will give you more later!

Tonight,  I will share with you a concept which I apply in my life as I make choices. In his book entitled “Who You Are When No One is looking”, Bill Hybels emphasized the term “delaying gratification” as an important ingredient of discipline.  Gratification, in its simplest form, is that feeling of satisfaction or happiness we get from achieving something or indulging in a pleasure.  Delaying gratification is choosing to resist the temptation of an immediate reward in favor of a more significant one that comes later.

Delaying gratification sounds difficult to do but I have come up with three points that helped me ace this.

First is reflect. Reflection is my compass in decision-making. It involves evaluating every decision against my ultimate goal. I knew that short-term indulgences could jeopardize my long-term success. In 2012, I decided to take the CPA Licensure Examination.  That time, I was working full-time as a regular employee at JG Summit; and I cannot afford to quit my job, just for the sake of getting the CPA License.  I reflected and list down the gratification which I can delay for the next six months as I prepare for the boards while working during weekdays.  I planned my study schedule around work commitments.  I enrolled in the weekend classes of the CPA Review Center, that is every Saturday and Sunday, from 8am to 6pm.  I was an “8-to-5” employee during weekdays.  Weekend review is not enough, I have to study on weekdays to finish the review materials.  I managed my time effectively to prioritize exam preparation over personal leisure.  This includes taking quick snacks for lunch, limiting my night sleep to four hours maximum, spending all weekends at review school, and utilizing my time off work for studying.  Balancing my job responsibilities with exam preparation was no small feat but reflecting on what matters most helped me a lot.

Next is reject.  Rejecting immediate gratification was perhaps the toughest part. It meant turning down invitations to events, saying "no" to social outings, and resisting the allure of instant pleasures. But with each refusal, I reinforced my commitment to my goal. Every sacrifice was a step forward, strengthening my resolve to pass the CPA exam and secure a better future for myself and my family.  During my six months preparation for the boards, I’ve been invited to events like birthdays, church activities, family gatherings, and night out with friends; but I had to say  “no”.

Finally, reward. Delaying gratification doesn’t mean you should never indulge yourself. In fact, rewarding yourself is essential for maintaining motivation and recognizing your hard work. The key is to choose rewards that come after achieving significant milestones.

During my review, my friends set a night swimming in Laguna and they persuade me to join.  Before saying ‘yes’ to their invitation, I inculcate to myself that I have to pass the mock boards provided by the review center first.  And I did! I joined them.  I rewarded myself a night-off from my routine of work-review-nap.  After that night swimming, I became more motivated to push through with my review and pass the boards so I will not miss any more fun activities in the future.

Delaying gratification is a powerful tool for achieving long-term success and happiness. By reflecting on our choices, rejecting short-term pleasures that don't align with our goals, and rewarding ourselves appropriately for accomplishments, we can cultivate a more fulfilling and successful future.

Who among you were able to reach this part of my speech without eating their chocnut? May I see a raise of hands? Congratulations!  You’’ll get more chocnuts later!

In the 1970s, psychologist Walter Mischel’s marshmalow test studied delaying gratification. Preschoolers were given two options: they could eat one marshmallow immediately or wait 15 minutes for two.  Years later, those who waited generally showed greater success in life, highlighting the long-term benefits of self-control. 

Fellow toastmasters and friends, can you apply these three Rs of delaying gratification in your life?  I believe you can do it!  Reflect on your goals, reject distractions, and reward your achievements. Your future self will thank you for the bonus chocnuts!

Pride Stride (Toastmasters Table Topic)