When I was two, my parents said I was very talkative, always murmuring words they couldn’t understand. Funny thing, I didn’t respond when they called me Mary, but when they called me “Lab,” I would quickly answer. That’s how my nickname “Lalab” started.

→ Learning how to talk and slowly forming my own identity.

According to my parents, I was always singing pretending I was in a concert, acting like a grown woman, and belting out "Bakit Pa" by Jessa Zaragoza. But after that playful phase, life wasn’t always easy, especially with a strict mother. Still, I love her dearly, and I believe God allowed those challenges for a reason.

→ Using imagination, expressing creativity, and learning to follow rules at home.

At 11 years old, I joined a Christian organization that supported my education by providing a monthly allowance, as well as funds for books and uniforms. They also organized an annual competition, where our group became champion for six consecutive years.

→ Developing confidence, teamwork, and competence through school and group activities.

At the age of 13, we moved from Quezon City to Montalban. During this time, I became a Psalmist at Maria Ina ng Kapayapaan Parish, where I was entrusted to sing the Psalm at Mass every Sunday.

→ Building confidence through responsibility in the community.

At 16, I joined a pageant in Brgy. Bagong Pag-Asa, where the barangay captain awarded me a scholarship for my tertiary education. This blessing motivated me to move back to the city. Although I didn’t win the crown, the experience opened the door to my first job as the captain’s appointment secretary. Balancing work in the mornings and studying at night became my training ground for resilience and determination.

→ Learning independence, responsibility, and time management.

Life threw me a storm, pulling me away from completing my education. As the eldest daughter, I carried the responsibility of helping my family, so I took on a job as a cashier in Makati. The bustling city became my new reality, each day I worked tirelessly, not just to earn a living, but to make sure there was food on the table and to support my father in managing our home.

→ Taking responsibility for family and developing financial independence.

After my contract ended at Landmark Makati, I applied for a new job and, by the grace of God, became an Account Associate in a BPO. However, it was never easy I endured many sleepless nights because customer service was not my strength. I struggled, especially since I couldn’t bring myself to lie to the customers

→ Taking responsibility for family and developing financial independence.

After two years, I prayed to God for the courage to leave, as my job was causing me anxiety and making it difficult to speak with customers. Just as I was about to submit my resignation letter, a new opportunity opened, a chat support position that would allow me to be part of the pioneering team in the Philippines for the same account. I applied, and by God’s grace, I got the job, this time without the pressure of talking to customers.

→ Practicing adaptability and finding work that matched my strengths.

After six months, I was promoted to Senior Chat Support. A few years later, because of my consistent performance, I was entrusted with leading my own team. The pay was good, but the constant stress began to affect my health. I thought this was going to be my life forever, until the Lord revealed a different plan for me.

→ Developing leadership skills while learning the importance of self-care.

After almost ten years in the BPO industry, I felt the Lord’s nudge to resign. I stepped away without a plan or work waiting for me. During that season, I stayed home, helped my father manage the bakery, and focused on household responsibilities while allowing myself time to heal and grow deeper in my walk with Jesus. Then one day, my cousin invited me to join Colegio de Montalban, where Gen was looking for someone to serve as his Executive Assistant.

Now, I am working as an Executive Assistant for the Vice President for Administration and Finance (VPAF) at Colegio de Montalban, where I handle the different requests of the school. Though the pay is not as high as before, this role has helped me grow in a different way. Aside from communication work and preparing official letters, I also create thank-you notes, draft invitation letters, and serve as part of the school’s social media team, working as a captionist and helping manage online content.

One of the biggest turning points in my journey was when Doc Joy and Gen. Caparas encouraged me to return to school, saying they saw potential in me. With their support, I finally ended my 12-year ‘drought’ after having to stop studying, and I am now balancing both work and academics, a testimony of God’s grace in my life.

Beyond work and school, a significant part of who I am is rooted in my service to the Lord. At The Lord Jesus Christ International Apostolic Church, Inc., I actively take on multiple roles. I serve as the Youth Coordinator, where I guide and encourage young people to grow in their faith, helping them discover their God-given gifts and purpose. I also lead worship as a Worship Leader, ushering the congregation into God’s presence through music and praise. At the same time, I manage our church’s online presence as the Social Media Manager, creating meaningful posts and content that aim to reach not just our members, but also those who might need encouragement and the message of salvation.

Additionally, I head the Media Team, making sure our events, services, and online platforms reflect excellence and order. I also contribute to the written ministry as Editor-in-Chief of our church column/editorial, where I craft messages and articles that inspire and remind readers of God’s Word.

All these roles, whether in school, work, home or church may be challenging, but they continue to mold me into someone more patient, resilient, and deeply reliant on God. For me, it is not just about titles or responsibilities, but about using every platform entrusted to me to glorify Jesus and point others back to Him.

→ Pursuing career growth, continuing education, and serving the community.