- I am Fhebe Abegail Malirong, 20 years old, living in Cogon, Tuburan, Cebu. I am a girl who loves to spend time with herself. I always prefer to stay at home and enjoy doing things that I love. My family knows me as a person who is always calm, and I love spending time with my friends and family. I love gatherings, as that is the only time when we can spend more memories with our loved ones. Most people know me as a serious person, but no, because when I’m with the person I’m comfortable with, I will show my other side. That proves that you can only show your true side when you are with true people. That is why I love spending time with them because it is the only time where I can be my true self, where there’s no pretending. And this is who I am—the true me.

    As humans, we tend to spend so much time waiting for the right moment, and that is one of the bad traits that every individual have. We all know that if we wait for things without taking action, we can’t achieve the things that we want. But we also know that we, in ourselves has its own way of facing our fears. And by acknowledging our fears, facing them with courage, and nurturing the embers of hope that’s within, we can learn to dance with this shadow, and not be consumed by it. As time goes by, I learned to believe that “Time is gold”, we need to appreciate every minute we have to achieve and grab every opportunity we get. And it hits me with realization that in life, when you are given  chance to pursue things, you should grab it even though you don’t know the results, the important thing is you try.

    We need to understand that sometimes we can’t avoid taking a path that is filled with thorns and lined with hardships, and all we need to remember is that things can be solved if we believe in ourselves that we can, and we also need to accompany it with hardships in order to achieve the life that we want. As fear is not an enemy to be vanquished, but a lesson. It is a reminder that by listening to its whispers, dance with its shadows, and ultimately transcend its limitations, we can forge a life not defined by fear, but illuminated by the courage to live and create more opportunities.

     All of us have things that we use as a motivation that keeps us going. As for me, this first reason of what keeps me going is my family. My family is one of the best reason that keeps me motivated. As a family-oriented individual, the cornerstone of my motivation and the driving force that propels me forward is the deep connection and love I share with my family.

     The enduring support, understanding, and shared experiences within my family serve as a constant source of strength. The joy derived from witnessing the growth and achievements of family members, and the comfort found in moments of shared laughter and warmth, create a tapestry of emotional sustenance. And they are my driving force on achieving my drams and goals in life. They are the on that gives me a reason to achieve my goals. I have this thing in mind: that when the time comes where I can sustain my own needs, I will also be able to give my family the things they want. I have this desire to give back the sacrifices they make for me.

     As in challenging times, the thought of being a pillar of support for my family becomes a guiding light. As i look back to their sacrifices and the hardships they make for me, the desire to contribute to their happiness, provide a stable foundation, and create a nurturing environment fuels my determination. As when I’m with them, i can keep on going.