I was around 6-7 years old before I first entered Ateneo , I was an innocent, curious and playful child. The world felt big and exciting full of things to explore. I loved simple joys, playing with friends and family, Learning new things, wanting to make my parents proud. If I remember it exactly, I didn't think much about the future yet, when I was asked "Ano gusto mo paglaki mo?". I responded "Di ko alam" or "I wanna be a professional basketball player" what mattered most to me was being happy, loved and having fun every single day.

What was important to me back then were the small moments, doing my hobby like singing, playing music, being praised by those little things by my parents or friends. Some people might say It's too simple or "cringe" right now but these experiences were phases in my life that I was innocent, full of curiosities, wanting to try everything, not knowing where life would take me but was eager to see more.

The image that best captures these moments would be a bright open sky with a small kite. This scenery represents my immeasurable freedom to explore, purity, innocence and potential. At that age, my life felt wide and full of possibilities, similar to the bright open sky. I was still small and learning, just like a kite first learning to angle the wind, guided by the strings of My family, teachers, and friends, but full of potential to soar higher as I explore.

Before I returned to Ateneo for my first year of college, I was someone standing at the edge of a new chapter in life. I had just stepped out of the familiar world of high school, carrying memories, friendships, and lessons that shaped who I was. I was still eager as I was before, but that time I was also Anxious, filled with question about whether I was ready for the challenges ahead.

I had a mixture of excitement and uncertainty. At this moment, I valued my family's support and the friendships I had built over the years. I held onto my dreams of becoming a Computer Engineering, knowing that this new environment would test and refine them. What was important to me then was finding my place, building meaningful connections, and proving to myself that I could grow into the person I wanted to become.

The image that best captures me is a a boy scout traveling/camping into the deep forest. A boy scout in the forest symbolizes exploration, preparation, and courage in facing the unknown.

As I listened to the song "Beggar" by Benjamin James , I feel enlightened, positive and I found beauty in all the broken pieces. The song had so many meaningful lyrics, For example, ₁"Feed the poor and lonesome man in your own soul" It doesn't mean literally feed the poor, but In my realization this is about recognizing that within each of us there's a part that feels empty, neglected, or even unwanted. "poor and lonesome man" might be a part of me that has been starved of love, rest, forgiveness. ₂ "Love him 'til he's been made whole", Feeding the poor comes not from ignoring and shaming that part of our selves but from consistently showing it compassion, loving it until the brokenness has healed. ₃ "Feed the poor" , it's a call to care for the neglected places in your own heart. Before you can truly serve others, you also have to tend to the "poverty" inside you.

₄"Oh, be good to the criminal you've locked away" , The criminal doesn't actually mean the prisoner but it's a metaphor for the broken, shameful, or unacceptable parts of our own. We often bury those parts deep inside pretending they're gone.. ₅"That sinful man you learned to hate" , I myself grew up learning to despise my flaws, failures, and impulses. We see them as enemies to be destroyed, instead of wounds to be healed. ₆"But, Oh be good", as I have understood it meant compassion toward that hidden part of ourselves. lines 4-6 Felt like a reminder that true transformation often starts with kindness toward the parts of us we least want to face.

Beggar by Benjamin James resonated deeply with my personal journey of self-acceptance and healing. The lyrics stated reminded me that I, too, carry neglected and broken parts within myself, areas starved of love, rest, and forgiveness. Having an Adaptable Personality, I often get lost of WHO I REALLY AM , I often hidden my flaws, and buried them harshly, but the song encouraged me to show compassion to those parts instead of burying them. It affirmed that true growth begins when I care for my inner wounds with patience and kindness, just as I would for someone else in need.

When The bearded man said "Sometimes I think there's too much technology involved in life, Instead of actually holding a conversation with somebody, you send them a wee message, an electronic message, but it's not real, you're not meeting people...." In this technological era, we really do rely too much on technology (I'm an IT student xD) that we often forget how to get to know the person, there's no emotions in messages, but through face to face conversation you get to know that person really well. Maybe this is also the reason why I always wanna go hang out with my friends and family through physical activities or even a simple "tambayan". 

when the crippled woman said "Just because your experiences are different from mine, doesn't mean that we can't have a conversation, and that we can't disagree, when we disagree with each other that's when we learn about each other and that's when we learn how to work together." I can understand what she said because I can see many relationships (family, friends, loved ones) where bonds get stronger because of disagreements, but not all disagreements/arguments can be healthy. These things should be partnered with compromise. I really can’t count how many times I have disagreed with a person, but I never let those arguments affect our relationships. I just use those situations to try to understand the person and compromise so we can have a healthy relationship.

When I saw this video I was really inspired to connect with other people, I shared it with my family and also shared thoughts. I told them “If you have time to pause the moment, please watch this video”. Our families often work so much that they forget they also need to take a breath. I want to remind them through this video that no matter what difficulties they face, we can always have a shoulder to rely on. We might not understand the problem, but I want to make sure that they know I am here to listen to them. And I think they understood because they were thankful and inspired.

After learning the truth about the real definition of humility, recognizing both my strengths and limitations, and being open to learning from others could be my way of growing more in humility. And for Inner freedom, I'm quite unsure of this myself, but I think when you remove the fear of failure or excessive need for approval, that's the key to my definition of freedom. Practicing gratitude and self-reflection could help me stay grounded and aware of my own strength and values. To be an I.T. professional, Humility makes me more collaborative and approachable knowing my weaknesses and acting above it. while inner freedom could give me strength to face pressure. Together, they could make me achieve my goals, wiser decisions, build stronger relationships and career, and grow with originality.

I learned that discernment grows when I pause, take a breath reflect and listen to what truly leads me toward growth and love. It helps me see outside the box and choose what gives meaning. Agere Contra challenges me to go against my comfort zones and resist what holds me back. By practicing it, I would learn discipline and inner freedom. While practicing, I believe I will become a better person who can choose what is good not just for myself but also for others.

Ignatius felt so strongly because he really had difficulty accepting that she remained a virgin when she conceived Jesus after her marriage to Joseph. Knowing the place where Ignatius came from.(he was with women) .

_{What does this reveal about his temperament and values at that time?}

That really revealed his true intentions that he wanted to kill the moor (black skin). and let the fate(mule) decide whether the moor lives or dies by his hands.

_{How do we respond when our belief are challenged?}

We get stressed and anger takes control of our emotions. Especially when you are firm in your belief.

Tracy Ray A. Remitar

_{What is most important to you as a Gen Z?}

As a part of the Early Generation Z, The most important thing for me is Family. They are the ones who have been with me through my past and continue to guide me into the future. From the very beginning it was my family, who first welcomed me into this world. Their constant presence support and love made the foundation of who I am today.

_{What worries and concerns do you have?(In relation to your dreams and vocations)}

My dreams are just to work for early retirement and to manage and expand businesses that my family owns. What worries me is the uncertainty of the future whether the path I'm taking now will truly lead to that goal. I sometimes worry about making the wrong choices, failures, missing opportunities, or not being fully prepared for the responsibilities that come with managing a business. But still I hold on to the hope that with dedication and the support of those around me, I can overcome these challenges and achieve the life I dream.

_{What is the source of happiness for you?}

I have many source of happiness, especially through my hobbies like playing games, enjoying sports, and spending time with people I'm comfortable with. Whether it's the thrill of a good match or a quiet moment with someone I trust, these simple experiences bring me joy and help me feel more complete and fulfilled.

_{Where and when do you find hope?}

To be honest, I often struggle to find hope in quiet moments of reflection because my doubts and overthinking tend to pull me back. Silence sometimes brings out the noise in my head. But even in those difficult times, I can easily find hope through music. depending on different genres, Beats per Minute(BPM) etc. speak to what I feel, even when I can't put it into words myself. Through the lyrics and melodies, I find comfort, strength, weakness, and a gentle reminder that I'm not alone and better days will come.

_{How do you express your faith and hope in the world?}

I express my faith and hope in the world by being there for others, especially my family and friends, when they go through difficult times. I'm often the person they run to when they're struggling their "One call away". In difficult times, I do my best to listen, support and help them find peace in the middle of their problems. Knowing that I was able to ease someone's pain, even just a little, gives me a sense of purpose and reminds me that hope can be shared through simple acts of care and compassion.

_{https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5i_DKxZu0aI}

What struck me the most in the movie SOUL was the realization that life's true meaning doesn't always lie in chasing one big dream or purpose. The main character, Joe Gardener's journey made me realize on how often we become so focused on achieving our goals that we forget to appreciate the small, beautiful moments around us; laughter with friends, a warm meal, or simply feeling the breeze on our faces. The scene where Joe finally plays the piano and recalls the "regular old living" moments that made life special was deeply eye-opening.

According to the movie, a soul's dream isn't just about a career or a specific achievement, but it's about discovering what makes life worth living. It's not just a single purpose or talent, but the joy and wonder of existence itself. If I would relate it to myself, right now, We all have goals and achievements to pursue, and when things get tight and a little difficult this movie reminds me to stop for a moment and appreciate the little or ordinary things in life, this would give me a different perspective where i could see things in a positive manner.

The movie souls also taught me that life's purpose doesn't have to be "el grande". Sometimes, it's simply about being alive and finding meaning in the everyday moments. I realized that I shouldn't rush through life trying to find a single "spark", but instead allow myself to experience life, this would include; ups, downs, and in-between boring moments. Soul reminded me to slow down, breathe and live with gratitude, because every moment, no matter how ordinary, is a part of what makes life truly beautiful.