10th National Youth Parliament: My Roller Coaster Experience

After many months have passed, after a long contemplating stage, finally I am writing my very first article for my blog (YEHEY!!). Since the latest happening that I held on was participating the 10^th National Youth Parliament, I’ve decided to make it my very first article.

On year 2011, I’ve tried my luck in applying to one of the National Youth Commission (NYC) program which is the JENESYS. Unfortunately, I was not able to be on the list of the very lucky around less than a hundred youth leaders for an exchange program at Japan. Maybe it was not my time for such program from NYC back then until I applied for the second time on another program offered by the NYC which is the 10^th National Youth Parliament.

Thanks God to the social media specifically the Facebook for allowing me to be informed of this program by the NYC. The moment I saw the page of the 10^th NYP, I am really eager to apply for this program and trying my luck for the second time around.  Who knows, I’ll be lucky by this time. It was April 15, 2014 when I received a phone call from Commissioner Kit Cruz who personally informs me that I was accepted to the 10^th NYP. By that moment, I don’t know what to say more than “thank you” to Comm. Kit and say “see you po.” I really felt like I was in cloud nine that afternoon because of the very good news.  And yes, my aspirations to be included in the roll of around two hundred (200) youth leaders all over the archipelago of the Philippines came into reality. From about eight hundred (800) who try to be one of those two hundred participants, I am really honored and privileged to be as one of the PARLIAMENTARIANS.

First of all, congratulations to the organizing committee of the NYC for bringing up the 10^th NYP possible. It is not an easy job to screen all the application forms and video resume of the aspiring participants and coming up in the end a well distributed number of delegates from the different regions (regions I-XVIII, CAR, ARMM, NCR) and sectoral representatives all over the country. I know that many sleepless nights were encountered by the organizers and with that I say MABUHAY kayo!

Finally, May 15, 2014 has arrived and the 24 hours in a row to count is starting to passed by. It was around 8:45 since I’ve touched down the very historical Manila Grand Opera Hotel located at Sta. Cruz, Manila. Upon entering the hotel, there is a marker stating the hotel as the location of the inauguration of the members of the First Philippine Assembly on October 16, 1907. The very hotel was the founding place also for the Philippine legislative body. Imagine, it’s like a come back to the glimpse of the past.

As I enter the hotel, NYP organizers welcome me very warmly. Waiting for the elevator to go down, I made a short talk and exchange of conversation to the organizers and giving their words of good luck to me. At that moment, I am really enthralled. Ting, the elevator is ready to catch me with another participant from Leyte. Sessions were all held at the Ambassador Hall. A glimpse from the elevator door of 8^th floor to the ambassador hall, I can see many people already having chit chat. But before anything else, I registered first, received my kit and my room key on room 438. Before going to the room to fix my things, I made a short talk and a coffee with other parliamentarians who are taking their breakfast first. From that moment, I want to shout for joy and amazement because of the diversity we have in the hall. I am supplanted in a very different kind of universe which I wish to be for eternity because I can envision a better Philippines with all this young men and women.

And yes, I am representing Ilocos Sur from Region I so I have to meet the other Ilocano delegates. I am very proud to meet them. Their charisma and energy is of paramount amount that makes me go beyond the level they are emancipating.

My ID as delegate from Region I representing Ilocos Sur. 

Who could be more privileged than us when the first day of the 10^th National Youth Parliament was grace by two distinguished honorable men, Sen. Chiz Escudero and Manila Vice Mayor Isko Moreno. Indeed, Sen. Chiz is a very witty person whom I idolize so much for becoming true to his words and actions. Instead of delivering a speech to us, he’d rather prepare to throw questions to him whether political or showbiz. How bubbly he is, isn’t? On a lighter note, Sen. Chiz answering about his lovelife: "It will not be a political event. Dahil baka yung mga iimbitahan kong politiko nakakulong na." HAHAHA

Sen. Chiz bravely answering all the questions whether political or showbiz at the side of the podium.

While listening to the lecture of Prof. Alex de Guzman, on my side was a fine lady whom I can really envision that she will be the elected as the presiding president of the 10^th National Youth Parliament as she shares to me that she run for the post. She is Farah Ghodsinia. Well, it’s not a new thing for many to do muti-tasking as in listening while talking to each other :D. Definitely it was a great exchange of conversation and knowing her even more. But what really makes me love her even more are the values that was compacted to her personality that in my entire nineteen years of existence in this weary world, it is my first time to encounter such humbleness, such grace and such prudence that defines the true beauty and essence of a human person. I may sound over rated but it is a FACT! She executes well the humane character every person must possess in a very wavy pacific ocean of plenary session at the Marble Hall. Mabuhay siya! I hope that our roads may cross again and share to me all the values she had because I need it badly, as in. HAHAHAHA :p

Thumbs up for Madame President Farah.

On a lighter note again, it was now that I will finally meet my co- honorable delegates of the participation committee which Comm. Perci tagged as the house of Gryffindor during his lecture on Policy Cycle. Knowing them virtually through the post- discussion on our FB page, finally I can see them in flesh, in a total human being. And yes, they are all humans because they exhibit great personality and intellectual capacity making them to the leading house of Hogwarts, the Gryffindor or more correct to say the COMMIITTEE ON PARTCIPATION. All of us from the committee has own advocacy, has own story to tell and has own something worthy to share. But in the end of the day, in the end of every session, in the end of every fiery debate and discussion; we come as one to produce the best resolution we can have to address the concerns of the youth participation today. I am very flattered and humbled enough to meet these intelligible and fathomable young minds from the different part of the Philippines. A day is not enough to speak of how glad and thankful I am to meet you somewhere in my life. Mabuhay kayong lahat!!

Proud and Loud to be from Gryffindor, the COMMITTEE ON PARTICIPATION

COMMITTEE ON PARTICIPATION at the historical National Museum.

The other side of my co-committee member as in PARTYcipation. 

In addition, the success of the Committee on Participation will not be possible without the leadership of Sir Claide Kenneth Saludar. He manifested well knowledge since the post- discussion on FB and organized the way of facilitating the committee plane into its success and cheers to victorious landing for a productive resolution that we’ve come up from the committee level up to the plenary session. Mabuhay ka po inay :D

Best facilitator: Claide Kenneth Saludar

Second day was officially grace by the State of the Youth Address from no other than the NYC Chairman Leon Flores III. He’s address was so inspiring that makes me realized the full potential youth sector can make for the difference we are all waiting for our country. A part of his address that makes me in goose bumps was when he state “I apologize.” On behalf of around half the total population of our country, the youth, he asked for an apology. This makes me stop from what I am doing and pause for a while to contemplate the present status of the youth nowadays. Evidently, there are a lot of things to be sorry for about the actions of the youth today. But of course, like all of us who fervently believe and hope that someday there will be a genuine reformation to the system we have; that a great and well breed culture can be invested and will put the name of the Philippines into international pedestal. Remarkably, my hopes are shaken and awaken by Chairman Leon’s address. I will hold unto it, I will fight unto it and I will act unto it. Sharing below is our selfie photo taken during the solidarity night Of Asian Youth Council held at Diamond Hotel.

One of the highlight of our day two is the 2014 HIV/AIDS International Candlelight Memorial Ceremony at Liwasang Bonifacio, Lawton, Manila in front of the Post Office. The event was hosted by the very beautiful Miss Philippines- Air 2014. Her sweet voice is very melodic and suits well the occasion proper in commemorating the HIV/ AIDS victim. On behalf of many who commemorate the death of HIV/ AIDS victim internationally, my prayers for eternal repose are with them. Truly, from the discussion presented to us by the Philippine National AIDS Council, the figures are alarming and should be a wakeup call for many of us who subject their self to an unhealthy and unprotected sexual intercourse. This is something to call for an action. A call that all of us are engage with and should be aware on it. If not, at this point in time, we must be threatened because it’s going to be pandemic. As I light the little candle for the victims of HIV/ AIDS, my hopes are very high that the government in collaboration with the Filipino people will be enlightened to fight and eradicate HIV/ AIDS before it becomes an outbreak. May the light of the candle continue to burn in flame for a healthy and zero- free HIV/ Aids Filipino society.

A good shot and view of the Post Office at Lawton, Manila. 

Two beauty queen join in one picture :) ... with Ms. Air Philippines-2014

A candle of hope for all the victims of HIV and AIDS be with you.

Selfie with the very humble Asec. Tayag.

Going back to the hotel riding the bus, there is an unexplainable atmosphere of laughter and hilarity among my co- committee that bonds us together even more and create a friendly atmosphere and camaraderie. At that point, I am pretty much sure that more than meeting a friend, I’ve met a new brothers and sisters who share a common points of view and go- getting for a better society. And of course, my 10^th NYP story will not be complete without mentioning my beki buddy all throughout the 4 days session. He has more than what you will expect to him. He is a very sound and scrutable person. One of which I will treasure a lot and look forward to meet in the future. With great pride I share to you the picture of mine and no other than Hansel Burce from Region V, Albay City.

The sun is up again and we’re nearing to the end of the 10^th NYP. On the third day, I wear with me my blue long sleeves and a black and white striated necktie for the ceremonial oath-taking and pinning of parliaments at the very historical National Museum. Just a point of information, the very place where we stand and took our oath at the front steps of the National Museum is where Manuel L. Quezon was sworn in as President of the Commonwealth. Truly, this 10^th NYP is a milestone since most of the venue for our activity played huge roles in our nation’s history. That very moment, that very day, we are declared not only a delegate but officially a parliamentarian of the 10^th National Youth Parliament.

#OOTD HAHAHA :D

Officially a Parliamentarian of the 10th National Youth Parliament.

As an officially declared parliamentarians, it is also today that we will act as parliamentarians to deliberate eight (8) resolution of which are from the four standing committee. Sharing to you my dear readers are the agenda for the day and of course the title of the eight resolutions to be subjected into approval by the body of more than two hundred parliamentarians.

Agenda for the day.

Upon the declaration of Madame President Farah to call to order, the opening was not that good. At first, I expect such dramas, commotions and objections from the body since it is a normal scenario for every parliamentary body. A lot of motions were raised, points of information were given, and points of order were subjected to critical understanding on the rules of procedure and many more. In short, there was a little bit of tension that happens as the story goes on. Many times we need to suspend the session and have a recess for five minutes in words but becomes fifteen minutes and more in observance and in reality. But at that moment, when everybody is about to stumble, I say to myself, this is what you called “parliamentary.” I need to accept the drama I am now witnessing because it is what you called REALITY. On another side of the coin, I am sure that we are bound as we enter the premise and the door hall of the great Marble Hall, the hall were we have the plenary session, of the principle that we must be as one to help one another committee in deliberating the resolutions we have per committee in order to make it more comprehensive and scholarly done in order to further lobby and move for recommendation to the proper office of the government. At the end, I must declare it; I am confronted with true graspable young people since we all realized our goals then. Such a relief for the body when the presiding officer declares each resolution as approved.  With great pride, the 10^th National Youth Parliament come up with 8 resolutions APPROVED!!! Applause, applause, applause – like what lady gaga said :D

The Great Marble Hall at National Museum. 

After the conflagrant Plenary Session at the Marble Hall, we are ready to bound and meet our ASEAN friends at the Diamond Hotel for the Solidarity Night with SMILE on our faces. One of the ASEAN Youth Council Delegate I’ve talked with was Paul from Thailand who is working on a big company at Bangkok. I asked him of his favorite food and no wonder, the Adobo is still the number one loved Filipino dish among our foreign friends. I am glad and happy with the remarks and impression he shared to me during our conversation about his stay here in the Philippines. He gives me the confident to be more proud of what Philippines can offer to the world. Before we end our conversation, we share each other’s camera a selfie photo. 

Asian Youth Council 2014 at Diamond Hotel.

Selfie photo with Paul, an AYC Delegate from Thailand.

The night is getting more profound but we will not end it without singing and dancing at the very function hall of the diamond hotel. Lines are formed like a train while dancing to the beat of the band and become wilder when many of my co-committee members take the center stage to lead the dancing to be followed by the mob. It’s really party time as if no one can stop our enjoyment for about an hour dancing and singing to the strobe light. Everybody is game to hit the floor and celebrate the tender years of our youth even the high, reputable and respectable chairman and commissioners of the National Youth Commission are game to cavort the floor. Indeed, a fun-filled night. But of course, we need to confront reality of going back to Manila Grand Opera Hotel again as Comm. Perci stop the music of the night. Quoting him “Sorry, we need to stop this and go back to hotel. Feeling ko Principal ako na nagpapatigil ng JS.” Well Comm. Perci it’s true :p but I still love you for that :) hehe.

Back to hotel, many extend the party at the pool and enjoy the night drinking. It was a great night of drinking session with Justin, Kuya Jodel and Kuya Randel; also a long night of conversation with girls about many things under the moon. And so I call it a day around three o’clock and the time for me to hit the bed in order to get rest for the last day. Definitely, it was a roller coaster day!

Finally, the last part of the story is about to conclude. We are now on the last day of the 10^th National Youth Parliament. Before I go to the dramatic portion of the day, let me first share with you our distinguished guest of honor for the closing ceremony none other than the Chairman of the Senate Committee on youth, the champion to the Filipino youth, Sen. Bam Aquino together with incoming Commissioners and Chairman Tingson, Comm. Perci Cendana, Comm. Dingdong Dantes, Comm. Saavedra, the 10^th NYP head organizer Comm. Kit, out-going Chairman Leon Flores III and many more.

Region I delegates with our distinguished guest of Honor Sen. Aquino and the incoming and outgoing commissioner of NYC.

The good Senator Bam Aquino did away with his prepared speech but instead focused on how to push each approved resolution of the 10^th NYP. How magnificent isn’t? At least now we have the assurance that somebody will take over and take in charge of all the efforts we have to come into reality and not just in mere printed paper. This is something for a big deep breath and sighs of happiness. Of course I will not let this opportunity to pass out with no picture taken with the good senator. Smile :)

Champion of the Filipino Youth, Sen. Bam Aquino

So as to the new Commissioner-at-Large Dingdong Dantes who is very manly and classy person of his own. Give me my camera and let’s have a selfie photo commissioner. Laugh :D

Comm. Dingdong and Marian? WAHHHH

At this juncture, Comm. Perci introduces the traditional exchange of candle but the candle we are going to use this time is a birthday candle. This for me is one of the memorable part of the four days sessions we have. This is the time of our life. The time for us to roam around and exchange our candles to whom we would like to extend our deepest gratitude and sincerest love of not just meeting them for four days but for somewhat entering and touching our hearts and becoming part to our lives. At that point, I am very thankful for the gifts of learning, more so the new people i have allowed to enter and touch my life. I asked to myself then, isn't what life is all about? The laughter we share, the exchange of stories and the company of friends I will treasure forever.

And that ends for me the 10th National Youth Parliament since I did not come anymore at the City Tour.

All good things must come into an end but the memories still remain. The 10th NYP may reach its conclusion on that day but I believe that what is ahead of us is the true essence of the training that we have undertaken. The world awaits us for more to look forward and work on. Reality in a bit is there to us waiting to fulfill the duty we have sworn over the very historical footsteps of the National Museum. There are a lot of realizations I have gained over the past four days. Working with very active, hyper and creative minds of young talented Filipino youth all over the country, I can envision a bolder and stronger Philippines as soon to be an emerging tiger country of Asia. The shared vision we have from the NYP which served as a training ground for sure, of the future leaders and policy makers, is to challenge the status quo through civic and political engagement of the youth. The youth as the prime movers of nation building must lead the path to destroy the vicious cycle of dirty politics in the Philippines. Let us create a culture of servant leadership, integrity and shared destiny with affirmation that SOON we can have a better country, we can bring back the glorious days of the Philippines.

Mabuhay ang 10th National Youth Parliament, Mabuhay ang National Youth Commission, Mabuhay ang Kabataang Pilipino! Cheers to that!

Smile and cheers for the emerging Philippines!