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Standing in the lush green rice fields of Pinagturilan, Sta. Cruz, Occidental Mindoro, I can feel the gentle breeze and hear the rustling leaves. This place is a canvas of vibrant life, where each stalk tells the story of growth and resilience. It’s a peaceful reminder of the beauty in simplicity.

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I've discovered the incredible bond among my work colleagues. It's more than just teamwork; it’s a sense of family. We laugh together, support each other through challenges, and celebrate our successes as one. This connection makes every day feel rewarding and reminds me that we’re stronger together.

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Watching the sun dip below the horizon in Mamburao, the sky bursts into colors that take my breath away. It's a moment of pure magic, where every hue tells a story and the day softly whispers goodbye.

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Amidst the quiet moments of reflection, I've made a beautiful discovery about who I am. I’ve learned to embrace my strengths and vulnerabilities, finding joy in my passions and purpose in my journey. Each experience shapes me, revealing a deeper understanding of my values and what truly matters. I’m becoming more of myself every day, and that feels incredibly freeing.

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Discovering Tayamaan Beach feels like stepping into a hidden paradise. The soft sand beneath my feet, the crystal-clear waters, and the stunning cliffs create a breathtaking backdrop. As the waves gently lap at the shore, I can’t help but feel a sense of peace and wonder. This place is truly a slice of heaven!

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Having Juno, my dog, has been one of the most beautiful discoveries of my life. His boundless energy and unconditional love remind me to appreciate the little things. Whether we’re going for walks or just cuddling on the couch, she brings so much joy and comfort. Juno teaches me about loyalty, companionship, and living in the moment, making every day brighter.

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Savoring the flavors at Kusina ni Pedro feels like a warm hug from home. Each dish bursts with fresh ingredients and rich traditions, making every bite a delicious journey through the heart of Mamburao. I can't get enough of this culinary magic!

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Recently, I’ve discovered just how vital a support system at work is for my growth and well-being. With colleagues cheering me on, sharing their insights, and lending a helping hand, I feel more empowered to take on challenges. This network not only boosts my confidence but also creates a sense of belonging. Together, we celebrate successes and navigate obstacles, reminding me that I’m never alone on this journey.

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Defying the impossible, rising through the struggle—surviving against all odds.

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Surviving Against All Odds in the Philippines -  An Unfiltered Documentary

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War Game: The Making of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 Documentary

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Looking out at the city lights of Sorsogon City brings back a rush of memories I've missed for so long. The twinkling lights create a magical tapestry against the night sky, illuminating familiar streets and beloved spots. Each glow feels like a warm embrace, reminding me of late-night conversations and laughter with friends. The vibrant energy of the city wraps around me, and I can’t help but feel a deep longing to be back in that lively atmosphere, where every corner holds a piece of my heart.

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As someone living in Occidental Mindoro, I see the Provincial Government of Occidental Mindoro (PGOM) as the backbone of our province’s progress and development. They’re responsible for the services and programs that directly affect our lives—whether it’s improving our roads, supporting local farmers, or ensuring we have access to healthcare and education.

I’ve seen how they focus on agriculture, which is a big part of our livelihood here, especially with rice, corn, and coconut farming. They also play a big role in preserving our beautiful natural spots like Apo Reef and the stunning beaches that put our province on the map for tourism.

What I appreciate most is their efforts to balance progress with protecting our environment and the unique culture of our communities, including the Mangyan people. Through their leadership, they’ve created programs that aim to uplift not just the economy but also the well-being of every family here. For me, PGOM represents the hope and effort of making life better for all of us in Occidental Mindoro.

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The Success Principles by Jack Canfield is a motivational and self-help book that provides practical advice and strategies for achieving personal and professional success. It covers topics like goal-setting, taking responsibility for one's life, overcoming limiting beliefs, and maintaining focus on dreams. I finished to read this book in 2020—a time of world tribulation where everone is boxed in their respective homes—which helped me navigate quick pedestals to anchor my focus on habits that really matter.

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It encapsulates the cornerstones of being a human. A work of nature that really helped me understand more about my life choices.

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Read 12.7k reviews from the world's largest community for readers. Written in Greek by the only Roman emperor who was also a philosopher, without any inten...

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The memoir explores themes of family loyalty, the search for selfhood, the transformative power of education, and the painful process of breaking away from toxic environments. It’s a poignant story of resilience and a testament to the importance of education in overcoming adversity.

This book enlightened me to pursue greater pursuit in life, more specifically in the aspect of education.

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"Westover has somehow managed not only to capture her unsurpassably exceptional upbringing, but to make her current situation seem not so exceptional at all, and resonant for many others." -The New York Times Book Review

"Westover is a keen and honest guide to the difficulties of filial love, and to the enchantment of embracing a life of the mind."
"An amazing story, and truly inspiring. It's even better than you've heard." -Bill Gates

"Heart-wrenching . . . a beautiful testament to the power of education to open eyes and change lives." -Amy Chua, The New York Times Book Review

"A coming-of-age memoir reminiscent of The Glass Castle."-O: The Oprah Magazine

"Westover's one-of-a-kind memoir is about the shaping of a mind. . . . In briskly paced prose, she evokes a childhood that completely defined her. Yet it was also, she gradually sensed, deforming her." -The Atlantic

"Tara Westover is living proof that some people are flat-out, boots-always-laced-up indomitable. Her new book, Educated, is a heartbreaking, heartwarming, best-in-years memoir about striding beyond the limitations of birth and environment into a better life. . . . ★★★★ out of four."

"[ Educated] left me speechless with wonder. [Westover's] lyrical prose is mesmerizing, as is her personal story, growing up in a family in which girls were supposed to aspire only to become wives-and in which coveting an education was considered sinful. Her journey will surprise and inspire men and women alike."
"Riveting . . . Westover brings readers deep into this world, a milieu usually hidden from outsiders. . . . Her story is remarkable, as each extreme anecdote described in tidy prose attests."-The Economist

"A subtle, nuanced study of how dysfunction of any kind can be normalized even within the most conventional family structure, and of the damage such containment can do." -Financial Times

"Whether narrating scenes of fury and violence or evoking rural landscapes or tortured self-analysis, Westover writes with uncommon intelligence and grace. . . . One of the most improbable and fascinating journeys I've read in recent years."

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Educated by Tara Westover: 9780399590504 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books

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"Westover has somehow managed not only to capture her unsurpassably exceptional upbringing, but to make her current situation seem not so exceptional at all, and resonant for many others." -The New York Times Book Review "Westover is a keen and honest guide to the difficulties of filial love, and to the enchantment of embracing a life of the mind.""An amazing story, and truly inspiring.

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As someone who admires Miriam Defensor Santiago, I see her as a beacon of intelligence, courage, and integrity. She stood out as a fearless leader who fought tirelessly against corruption and injustice in the Philippines. Her sharp wit and eloquence, both in her speeches and in her written works, showcased not only her legal brilliance but also her deeply human understanding of governance.

For me, she wasn't just a politician; she was an inspiration—a reminder that public service could still be noble. I admire how she carried herself with dignity, standing firm in her beliefs even when it meant going against the tide. Her humor, often biting yet insightful, made her relatable, while her formidable intellect commanded respect.

Every time I think of her, I feel a mixture of awe and aspiration. She inspires me to pursue knowledge relentlessly, to be unafraid to speak the truth, and to believe in the possibility of genuine change, no matter how daunting the odds.

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Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago - Senate of the Philippines

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My heart was pounding when I took the platform. I was graduating in the third spot with Latin honors, which I found unbelievable. Me. The student who once believed that title was reserved for those with unending riches and support. But when I grasped my diploma, it dawned on me that intelligence wasn't the only factor. It was about all of the hard work and perseverance I had put in to get to this point.

It wasn't easy at all to get here. I was attempting to keep up with my studies while working part-time jobs to pay my bills. On other nights, I went to bed feeling completely worn out and unsure of how I would handle balancing everything the next day. At times, the pressure seemed intolerable. There were days when I felt overwhelmed when the weight of bills and responsibilities pressed down on me like a heavy blanket. Yet, each challenge forced me to dig deeper, to discover strengths I never knew I had.

My network of friends who know how to understand my situation was small and frequently nonexistent next to me always. We celebrated one other's little successes, exchanged stress-reduction advice, and studied late into the night. Even though it seemed like we were all merely trying to live, I discovered the value of community during those times.

The moment of my graduation was bittersweet because it represented both my sacrifices and my hard work. It was a celebration of early mornings, late nights, and my undying faith in my ability to build a better future for myself.

A year later, I've changed my course of destiny and am now enrolled in a teacher certification program. For myself as well as the pupils I aim to inspire in the future, I want to have a deeper grasp of life's truths. For me, teaching is a calling rather than just a job. In order to show others that success is achievable even when it seems like the odds are stacked against anyone, I want to serve as a mentor to those who may feel as lost as I did at one point.

I am reminded of the lessons I've learned as I go along, including the value of community, the necessity of tenacity, and the conviction that education can be a potent force for change. Every action I perform while using this program. Each step I take in this program brings me closer to my goal, and I am grateful for the opportunity to grow, learn, and, one day, make a difference in the lives of others.

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Hi there! You can call me "Josh" even if my name is Joshua. I'm a person who loves adventure and ordinary beauty. My favorite activity is exploring the town; there's a certain allure to finding new places, particularly at sunrise and dusk. Those experiences motivate me to write poetry that express my ideas. I enjoy playing Scrabble with my favorite friends and playing mobile games like Mobile Legends when I'm not composing literary works. I have my furry friend, Jano, who goes with me on all of my adventures. I'm all about creating memories with him and living life to the fullest, whether it's an exciting vacation or a relaxing day at home!

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I was born on July 3, 2000, in Gubat, a charming municipality in the province of Sorsogon, nestled in the heart of the Bicol region. This vibrant area is known for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and the warmth of its people. Growing up surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of beaches, mountains, and the iconic Mayon Volcano, I developed a deep appreciation for nature and community. The Bicol region, with its delicious cuisine, colorful festivals, and a strong sense of tradition, has shaped my identity and continues to inspire me every day.

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When I joined Occidental Mindoro State College (OMSC), Mamburao Campus, in 2019 to pursue a Bachelor of Office Administration, I started a life-changing adventure here in this province. I experienced tremendous worry and excitement as I left my hometown-- Gubat, Sorsogon. Occidental Mindoro's verdant landscapes as well as its traditions and culture served as my new backdrop, allowing me to possibly reap opportunities and uncertain life conventions.

On a separate note, remembering the difficulties of academic life started to showcase its claw as I became accustomed to college life. It wasn't easy juggling personal obligations abreast the demands of my schoolwork. I made my way through challenging courses including office management and business communication throughout the first year. With so much luck, I met people who turned into my new study groups with classmates and soon saw the value of time management, creating friendships that would endure beyond our academic careers, and a path that will enable me to change my life perspectives.

However, my college experience was not without obstacles. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic shifted my mindset toward the natural convention of school class. Adapting to virtual learning was a challenge, but it also opened doors to new ways of connecting with my peers and professors. We supported each other through late-night study sessions and shared resources, reinforcing our bond even from a long distance.

By the fall of 2021, I had adjusted to the new normal. My studies continued, and I began to take on leadership roles in our school—Occidental Mindoro State College, Mamburao Campus. I was involved in projects that aimed to support local communities affected by the pandemic. These experiences taught me the importance of resilience and adaptability—skills that were crucial in both my personal and academic life as well as in my professional life in the years ahead.

During this joyful yet difficult time, I also engaged in internships that provided me with practical experience in office administration. I discovered my passion for organizing collective goals of people with efficiency and developed skills that would become an invaluable asset to my future career. Each role I served, whether as an intern or a volunteer, is a testament to how I endured late-night whims that helped me understand the intricacies of the business world and solidified my commitment to my field. Reflecting on these competencies to materialize my interpersonal as well as my intrapersonal pedestal is a huge challenge, a need to survive independently!

As I entered my final year, I focused on preparing my mental capacity to comprehend the stigma behind the walls of a workplace I once dreamed of as a child while completing my degree requirements and completing the graduation needs. The culmination of my efforts felt both exhilarating and daunting since it elaborates on the hardship I discovered I would never imagined I could surpass. On the other hand, I worked on my thesis project, which examined the impact of digital tools on office productivity. It was a challenging yet rewarding process that deepened my understanding of the evolving landscape of office administration. It also allowed me to challenge my distorted thinking towards life, allowing me to be more adaptable and resilient.

In mid-2022, we finally had a semblance of normalcy return to campus life. The sense of community at OMSC grew stronger, as we celebrated our accomplishments together. Graduation day arrived, and as I walked across the stage to receive my diploma, I felt a deep sense of pride in what I had achieved.

With my degree in hand, I stepped into the professional world in 2023. I secured a position in a local government agency, where I could apply my skills in office management and administration. The transition from student to professional was both exciting and challenging, as I navigated the dynamics of the workplace.

Living and working in Occidental Mindoro allowed me to stay connected to the community that had supported my journey. I became involved in initiatives aimed at empowering young students, sharing my experiences, and encouraging them to pursue their dreams.

As I reflect on my journey from 2019 to 2024, I am grateful for the experiences that shaped me. My time at OMSC was not just about academics; it was about personal growth, building lifelong relationships, and finding my place in the world. The beauty of Occidental Mindoro and its vibrant community will always hold a special place in my heart.

I am looking forward to the future with excitement. I am prepared to take on new challenges and chances because I have a strong educational background and professional experience. I intend to keep giving back to the community and following my love of office administration while never forgetting the knowledge I gained while attending my additional study schedule in OMSC.