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Suddenly appeaaar? Every time you are near? Just like me, they long to be close to you!!

Hey freshman compet buddy! I hope you get to spend your time well during your retreat. You're gonna carry an entire organization on your back for a year so I guess going on a retreat is the best way to start it haha!! I hope you don't forget that you have the rest of the EB and also the organization to help you out whenever you need it.

These past few years, I somehow became a spectator with how things are changing in the org. I guess a big part of it is coz I chose not to have much responsibility with it. But that's also why I can never leave it. I see something special in CADs, most especially in the people who really love the organization. You're not really expressive, but I can really see how much you care for the org and the people in it through your actions. I really appreciate that because actions definitely speak louder than words. And you've been competing despite all the responsibilities you have!! For you to be consistent with your output is just unbelievable. Mel, my cads crush... you inspire me!

You see, what makes inspiration so special is that it invites people to move, to change and to be better. I have a lot of things to work on but changing is a lot easier I have someone to look up to - someone who proves to me that it can be done and that I have no excuse to do otherwise. So I will end this letter with this sabaw synthesis: Like the birds that I mentioned, I would definitely long to be close to your level of maturity. HAHAHA

I LOVE YA SO MUCH MEL!! Wishing you nothing but the best for this year. :)
-BusTITS

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I wanna say thank you for being the most hands on president in the wuuurld!! This is so going to be madrama (on my part hahaha) bc I am an emotional person HAHAHA but you really don't know how much I appreciated (AS IN!!) your message when the gonzaga booboo happened huhuhu I legit cried hahaha because I was already doubting myself then if I could really do it :( I'm usually shy and I don't really want others to be burdened with problems that I know I should handle but thank you letting me know that I shouldn't bottle all these feelings and problems because I have 12 wonderful people behind maaah back!! :( I know its cliche and shii but I got ur back also HAHAHUHU as in we gotchu u got us SOBRANG WE GOT EACH OTHER :(( (ang labo but luv u mel huhu)

Mel, thank you. I know it will not be an easy year bc ANUNA thesis year pa but huhuhu just wanna let u know that the year started pa lang but you've already done so much and i crie bc ang galing mo :((( HAHAHAHAHA (sobrang im speechless bc mel galing mo talaga hahaha)

I hope you have a fruitful and insightful retreat! :) may these letters serve as a reminder how much people believe in you and love you hehehe God Bless! <3, Gob

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OMG kinakabahan ako hahaha I'm really shy kasi because idol po talaga kita <3 We don't get to talk because I don't get to hang in mvp that much and I am a really awkward person but yep I wanna say that even before you became the ADs president, you really seemed to have a talent of getting in touch with people around you. Kahit last year na I only get to hear your voice when you comment on dance checks, you really seemed to be so genuine and caring for the people around you. I really hope that the retreat further enriches that ability and of course, the skill to lead this one big family. You really inspire me and everyone else to push ourselves to be better for our own selves and for this family. I'm really pumped up to face the incoming year with a leader/mother like you! Have fun po sa retreat hehe
-Peternæ

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Hi, Mel! Hope you have an amazing retreat! I know, I'm starting this one with the most originality you will ever see. HAHAHA

All jokes aside, I think retreats are awesome now, and you played a big role in that. After Kit CADs, I got to know a little more about you, and vice versa. That was the first time we had an actual and solid conversation, and yo... it was soooooolid. Thank you for all the effort and love that you put into CADs and its members. I know YEC is over, but dang, after our one on one, you made it feel even more like home. And I also want you to know that I'll always cherish that conversation 'cause I feel like that was the most real convo I had in sometime. The whole "it's refreshing to talk to someone new" thing really worked. And I hope you have moments like that during this retreat, since you made those so memorable during mine. Hehe.
I hope that the retreat serves as a refresher to help you connect with yourself so you can come back good as new, if not better! You're pretty awesome; never forget that. And you're also awesomely pretty. HAHAHA Nothin' but love for you, Mel! Hope we get another chance to get to know each other better!

- Vinney

P.S. Next time we have a solid convo, hopefully I'll have more of 'em science jokes that you enjoy. HAHAHA See you around! :) <3

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I do not know how to edit these things. HUHUHU. The other note thingy got stuck behind another note thingy so I will just continue here.

Mel! Helloooooo!
I don't know when you will be reading this or what exactly goes on in OSA retreats, but I hope that whatever it is, you get to absorb as much as you can and experience life-changing things or even just leave refreshed and be more pumped to take on the challenges that are yet to come.
Honestly, I don't really know you so well, nor do I get to talk to you. Huhuhu. Sorry about that. But can I just say, I am super-duper inspired by your dedication in the things you do. (like externals last year <3 So much motivation in gigs and super fun CADsCares events) Your energy never falters and you always know what to say to give us the burst of energy we need. I hope that throughout the year, we are able to offer the same to you, especially in times when you need it most.
You were one of the few who welcomed our batch of newbies into CADs and I super-duper appreciate that. <3 Recweek is soon (tho i dunno when it is relative to the time u read this. huhuhu) and the manpower of CADs is about to grow once more.
The past two months have been great for CADs under your leadership. There's still the year ahead and no doubt it's gonna be a great one. Go, Mel!!!! :) See you soon and have fun in the retreaaaaat! (or have deep spiritual insights or have good food or sleep. Hehehe) <3
-Dana(sy-ching)

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Mel! Helloooooo!
I don't know when you will be reading this or what exactly goes on in OSA retreats, but I hope that whatever it is, you get to

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I know we aren't that close and I just got to talk to you a lot more during KitCads but I really appreciated that talk. I've always thought you were so cool but I was kinda surprised (haha) with how loving you are with regards to your friends, family, CADs, and even charity work (FTR interview). Your passion to serve others as well as just naturally being a kind heart  is so refreshing and I'm so excited to have another year to get to know you more, hopefully not only as the president of CADs but also as a friend. I know that you have so much aspirations for this org and in life and I really do hope you accomplish everything. Don't be nervous of dealing with all of us (cadsters) and being overwhelmed by the work ahead. Nothing you do will be a failure because merely doing something shows that you care. I always thought that you were a very confident person but now I can see that sometimes your scared, but that just validates how much you love these people in CADs. Thank you for always thanking me for what I do for this org kahit na giving out tickets lng yun. Good luck with everything. I really mean it! (kasi affected din ako if its about CADs haha joke) God bless you! Enjoy your retreat. Rest up as much as you can now kasi this will be a super busy year!
- Win

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BOSS MADAME EXTRAORDINAIRE BIG PWET PERO BIGGER HEART

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BOSS MADAME EXTRAORDINAIRE BIG PWET PERO BIGGER HEART

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Hello Melitha!

I think I've told you this so many times already but wow-- I really don't know how you do it. Back then, how you'd handle externals and never even look stressed about it, even with so much on your plate. And now, you've got even more on your plate! Now you've got bigger responsibilities, bigger decisions to make, and possibly bigger consequences to face. But I hope you know that with all of that, you've also got a bigger (meybi da biggest) support system in all 12 of us! You let us know personally that you always have our backs, and we will also have yours. Don't forget that it works both ways! Never think na others also have stuff to do so you don't need to give us more work. Hehe I'm always willing naman you know me I don't sleep.. I just nap haha :((

Anyway, more than the workload, it's the heart that comes along with everything you do. I notice how you always put so much thought and consideration into your decisions and it's one of the things I love about you. I see how much you care and how "acting smart" is always the way to go. Or how you try to reach out to any and every one in CADs with the samllest opportunity that you get. I super see how much this org means to ya, Mel. And to be honest, it's one of the reasons that I get even more inspired to give more back to CADs and to do more. The love you show is contagious and I think that's one of the best ways to lead by example. I know we're just starting pero I know u ken do dis, Mel!! Hehe so excited for the year ahead and that I have you as my presi and boss and (sometimes best) friend.

Wouldn't be here if it weren't for you getting me as a deputy and then encouraging me to go for this position. Thank you for that, Melitha. The year has just started but I feel like you've already stretched far and wide and tangled yourself up in every small and big space of this org and there's no better way to start the year. :)

You are gonna do super great this year, Mel! I'm super sure of it and I can't wait to see all the people you get to inspire/fall in luv with u n ur pwet. I love you! :)

-Kloklo

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Hey, just wanted you to know that you're a great person with an even greater skill set. Working with you in CADs Cares assured me that CADs is in good hands. You're definitely someone to look up to, Mel, and I hope you know that. Anyway, hope you are enjoying your retreat, and that you're learning more about yourself. If ever you need help with anything, may it be acads-related or cads-related, always here for you, even if we don't talk much HAHA good luck with the rest of the year Mel! Really looking forward to witnessing what CADs has planned this school year -Toy

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Hey Mel! We don't really talk, mostly cause i'm shy HAHA. But I guess di na dapat ako highschool and wala ng shy-shy so yeah, I wish you luck on your OSA retreat thing. Idk what happens there really but I hope you have fun, or you get enlightened or something. I hope you learn a lot from it and it prepares you for everything that's to come, especially as you're the president for CADs this year. You're an inspiration to a lot of people (me included haha) because, not only are you an amazing dancer but also someone who genuinely wants to give everything for CADs. As freshie last year, I was scared i'd have a hard time fitting in this new environment, but it's because of people like you and of people in CADs that i've found a place where I can belong. You may  not know it, but you along with the rest of CADs are the reasons why I choose to continue dancing in college. I can't wait for whats in store for CADs this year Thank you! - Josh Llanto

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To Mel,

In the three years that I've come to know you,  I've seen you accomplish so much and yet still remain ready to surpass more expectations. You're a commanding dancer, a social personality to look to and a hard worker, one who invests a lot in making sure that the quality of work is always great. People commend and look up to you because of what work you do and the way you connect with people. It's amazing, olympic even.

From having seen my good friends like Steph and Lorsy lead CADs, it's evident that the position of president will readily mature you into something else, which is perhaps what I'm most excited about for you. It's the newest and most mysterious challenge in front of you; not only will it give you a chance to do great work, but it will also give you a chance of realising a lot about your latent authentic self. Granted it won't always be easy, I have no doubt in my mind that you, among others, are perfectly capable of taking that great challenge on and using that experience to grow as both a leader and a person.

So, if there are any wishes to be given, it is really just: "be open". Be open for one the greatest journeys you'll have in college. Be open to an even greater standard of potential for yourself as a person, a member and a leader. Be open to discovering yourself through your aspirations and the aspirations of others, and from it, create work that you think will make one hell of a difference. And you will.

This may be one of the oddest palanca cards you'll get, but it is just the weirdness in me that wants to pierce into realness of everything and tell you that you're gonna do so great. Never doubt yourself, don't settle. You have too much talent to not do anything with it; the world can't wait to see what you do with it.

Have a kick ass year, Mel. 'Proud of ya already!
Rocky.

P.s. Always a message away for whenever you need any help!

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Hi Mel! We rarely talk but I remember that one time we ate in Ababu and The Yard with sina Anton Joe Gianne etc. and you asked me "is that how the british do it?" When i held my glass of water in the most creative way possible but i was like "no nigga that's how the asians do it"
.......okay wala lang hahahaha and then u almost fell down when u said bye to us and that was funny so i think you're fun to be with and i think you're nice because of how you always smile and i think you're gonna be cool CADs president and i think that's the end of my message but you know what they say: walang endings, meron lang new beginnings
So start strong and end strong Mel!

LOVE,
JULIAN VELASCO

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Hope you have fun sa retreat mo! I hope you learn a lot from this.

Can I just say na you are such a big inspiration to a lot of people?? Me included. I am not sure if you remember but I first met you back in high school, when ACDT joined a dance competition in Ateneo High School. That was actually my event. And the fast forward to college when I re-met you because of CADs. I am so happy I joined because people in CADs inspire me everyday, especially my batchmates. Hihi I know we are not close, but ILY. So excited for our final year in CADs. Again, have fun in your retreat! <3

-Earl Cruz

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Hi Mel! I

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Helloooooooo po omg sorry im a bit nervous. ANYWHOO I just want to wish you luck in your OSA retreat, i'm not entirely sure what you do there but whatever it is, I hope you find it enlightening ^_^ I just want to say that you may not know this, but you are honestly a big inspiration to people, whether or not they know you personally. Just seeing you lead CADs so naturally, as if it was your calling, makes me so excited for what you have in store for this wonderful org! Again, have fun in your retreat! I hope you have fun and eat lots of foooood.

-Bianca Cartera

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Hi Mel! I hope all is going well over at that retreat, opportunities such as this are the best times to clear your mind and contemplate on all the complexities of life so I hope you've been doing just that. It hasn't been that long since your last retreat but hopefully this one has been impacting you just as much or even more than KitCADs and that you've been taking it all in with just as much enthusiasm. I just wanna say thank you for everything you've done up until now, I know we've barely even started but that alone is what amazes me with how you've been as the president. In such a short amount of time you've already done so much especially in terms of being a "more-than-just" a president to us. Thank you for always making us feel like you have our backs especially with us in street and for probably being our biggest supporter in that department, I can't thank you enough. Sorry also for the times we've let you down and for the times to come that we will but know that our goals are always gonna be for whats best. Things are tough and they're only gonna get tougher but I'm confident because I know we have a strong one at the top. EB aside, thank you for being a genuine person and friend. Prior to getting to our positions I know that we didn't get to really talk as much as we could have but I feel like all that lost time's been made up for already haha, thank you for caring to know and keep the things that I've shared with you and know that I'd do the same (2 hour talk nigguhh). I'm here for you as a colleague, teammate and friend and no matter how this year goes you can always lean on me. Love you Mel! May this retreat be everything you want/need it to be! Nowhere to go but forward (and up) from here! :)

-Joe

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Wishing you all the best with your retreat. May you keep your mind and heart open all through out and I hope this retreat will help you guide our beautiful organization onto greater heights this year. ily meliss. Youve been doing so well in leading CADs Meliss and you have so much heart and passion for it so I just know talaga you wont lose that fire for CADs. Im sure it's gonna grow pa and you're gunna affect the other CADsters around you and you will share with them that fire that you have w u :) I'm so excited for you Meliss. Know that EB will always have your back in anything! Love you Meliss.

Remember that time we saw each other in Kostka ext and we were making kwento about our parents and the letter you wrote to yours before you left for study tour and then you shared that you're scared na you're not leading by example since you came back? I think it's good that you were having those thoughts Meliss. It just shows how much you wanna lead CADs well eh and that you know what should be expected from you. Having those kinds of thoughts or doubts will make you reflect eh diba and like realize talaga if what youre doing is right ba or like what can you improve on pa. And for me having those kinds of thoughts makes you wise eh. I know syempre it's not the level where your parents are at kasi right you told them that some day you will be wise like them.. Well Meliss I believe that you are wise and that you are just growing to be wiser. I believe in you Meliss. CADs believes in you. So donchu ever doubt. :) Love you Meliss. Praying for you this weekend :)

- Shayn Ting

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Just the other day, you sent me the timehop photo of us from exactly 4 years ago and it just reminded me of how much we go waaaaay back (even if you refuse to remember our awesome bond in highschool #sad). I just kept thinking, man i am so grateful to have Mel with me in this! Last year when I was a newbie and I came in for my very first IC with you for externals, i super felt at home talking to you. And it wasn't because we already knew each other (we hadn't even hung out in ages at the time), but it was because there was that familiar fire in your eyes and passion and drive and heart and aaah the list could go on Mel. Simply put- from the very beginning, I knew who I wanted my president to be. :) I was literally throwing my fist in the air as I read through your platform, whispering to myself "yaaas yaaas THISSSSS" hahaha! Always go back to that Mel- your initial purpose and goals for running. I'll be sure to pray that this retreat helps ease you back into your focus and sets you free from whatever distractions or fears. Pray for the courage to attempt the impossible, and the heart to make it possible. :)

All work aside though, you make an amazing friend too! Despite the constant bullying (and emotional abuse jk), our friendship is one that I treasure quite dearly <3 From simultaneously exchanging messages through three different social media platforms (snap, fb, viber); to peer pressuring me into drinking too much "Rum Coke"  and then beating each other's vomit record the following morning; to getting into accidents and tripping in hallways after seeing each other; and  laughing endlessly just at the sight of each other's faces--- YOU WILL FOREVER BE THE KILLA TO MY SWEET THANG!! I treasure all our mindless drunk moments, but most especially our sober conversations that always leave me all the more inspired. Let's keep our tanks full ya?! I love you, Mel! Here's to friendships that'll last a lifetime <3

Have a blessed retreat!

-Mik

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Wishing you all the best at your retreat! May it be a time of profound reflection that will help you power through the year.

Beginning in freshman year, I already knew you'd soar in CADs. You were one of the only freshmen (with Busta) in the Skechers (or UAAP?) team and I'd fangirl on the sidelines as you danced your heart out. I watched you get along with anyone who was beside you, seeing you as the friendly girl who could just strike a conversation with anyone. But for some reason, I never really talked to you because I guess (ironically lol) I didn't know if we'd be able to keep a conversation going. That and I was intimidated by how good of a CADster you were, which encompasses not just the dancing portion but every other aspect of being in this org.

Then I remember back in sophomore year, we had an externals meeting at Polo Club with Gabby and she asked us what our plans were for the next year. We both looked at each other with this kind of reluctance knowing that we were both thinking about it. But you had always been more sure than I was. I finally decided not to run, and not because I didn't want to but because I wanted you to be in EB. This is not to say that I handed over the position to you, not at all. In fact, the other reason I didn't wanna run is because I was quite sure I'd lose to you. But my thinking was more that, if I did run and God blessed me to be EVP that year, it would also have been a loss for me because I wanted so much for you to be a leader. I'm glad I didn't run because that year was your stepping stone to being the president and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Mel, your dedication is something else. You're always super on top of things, acting on anything that goes awry as soon as possible, but not until you contemplate and take everything into consideration. Your mindset and approach on everything we do are never impulsive, and I'm so glad that you use both your heart and your head when you make decisions. Thank you for the immense effort you put to be involved in everything each department does, and thank you for being an example for the entire EB. I love how you know when to be serious but you can always inject laughter in the things we talk about. Not to mention times we'd be exactly on the same page and then the other times we'd be completely lost haha. I'm excited for the year! You know I love you! And I'm always supporting you :)

- Sam Warren

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I wish you all the best this year but I already know you'll be a great President <3 Thank you for all the help so far - I'm lucky to be doing IVP work with a President who's really understanding, hands-on and cares for CADs.  Thank you for being supportive and not being annoyed when I panic and send you so many messages in the middle of the night HAHAHAHA.
I remember what you shared during Kitcads about you trying to separate your President self from the image you've had in the past, but I just want you to know that a lot of people already look up to you for you who are and there's no need to worry about having to separate those two because people have already loved and respected you from the very start :)
Lastly, o m g we r Seniors, and I want to thank you for the past 3 years. I know we weren't close at the start and we only became good friends during Skechers 2nd year but I'm still super duper thankful for that whole 3-year experience with you. From you and Busta teaching us choreo for our RiB Newbies' piece to Skechers bonding in your house to every batch bonding we've had (kahit onti palang HAHAHA). Thank you for the past 3 years and I can't wait to work with you in making the most out of this last year us Seniors have in CADs. Super nervous but really excited for the year to come and I'm even more excited that EB gets to work under your love and guidance :)
I hope you're having a great retreat and I wish that you never doubt yourself this year and the years to come - you're a great leader, a great dancer, and an even great human being (with a great butt) hehe. Always remember that I am a text away (and I actually reply really fast except if I'm asleep HAHAHAHA) so you can text me about ANYTHING. As in anything. If you need someone to rant to or you need someone's opinion on something, or if you just need a joke or an answer to a Disney question, I am here hehe. God bless with everything!!!! LOVE YOU MELUVIN!
- Gabae

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Hope you have a great retreat! Wishing you all the best :) Hope you enjoy and also get to take time to really reflect and appreciate every little thing in life. Use this time also as a time for thanks and a time to ask for help and guidance! I'll be including you in my prayers :)
I'm really thankful to have a president and friend like you, and I really appreciate everything you do for the org, as well as your efforts to motivate your members when you see their struggle. There're times when I really have difficulties adjusting to the workload, but I super appreciate your words of encouragement!!! I hope that through the year, we develop a nice friendship and that I don't become so awkward around you na HAHA! Again, I hope you enjoy and I hope you have a fruitful experience and come out of it an even better and stronger person than you already are. :) We in CADs are ALL super lucky to have you around, and I can't wait to see what you have in store for us for the rest of the year! Take care and God bless!!! :)

-Poj <3

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I wish that you'll have an amazing retreat. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers, and hope that you'll be guided not just throughout the retreat, but always and everywhere :)
I'm so grateful that I'm getting to know you more now (better late than never heheh), and I can already see how great a person you are - from being all heart for CADs to being a really good friend. CADs is really lucky to have someone as passionate as you as our president :) Continue to inspire others in all that you do <3 ILY and have an awesome retreat! God bless you always :)
<3, Maia

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Dearest Mel,
I just want to wish you a super great OSA retreat! :) I hope you have lots of fun and the whole experience will turn out meaningful too. I will be praying for you and all your intentions when I go to mass. I will pray for the whole success of the retreat also.
I just want to take the time to let you know that I super kaduper appreciate all the love and passion you have for the organization. You are such a hands on president, it's inspiring. Thank you for being so invested in all of us EB members and for supporting us. I super feel the support you have for Contemporary!!! You have made me believe in myself more and have motivated me to serve in ways like how you do. So THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! <3
Have a great great time in your retreat Mel! Thank you for already being such an amazing president and person to work with even if the year just started. CADs is lucky and super BLESSED to have you as our head. I can't wait for our future meetings and work together. God bless you always with happiness and good health. <3

LOVE,
BTORDS