My mother’s maiden name is Jocelyn Hera Cañete. According to her, the history of her surname is supposed to be “Lapu-Lapu.” In the history of the Philippines, the battle of Mactan was a fierce clash fought in the archipelago of the Philippines on April 27, 1521. During that day, all Filipinos with the surname Lapu-Lapu were captured, as told by Magellan. For this reason, they changed their surname from “Lapu-Lapu" to "Hera” for the sake of their safety. I also heard this story from my late grandmother who originally resides in Bohol that the Hera surname was just their escape alibi in order to be saved. I also heard from my sister that she used to have a classmate during her junior high school days who had the same history as ours. According to her friend, based on the story of her grandmother also, they used to have a Lapu-Lapu surname and then changed it also for the same reason. Unfortunately, my sister wasn't able to remember what surname they used for replacement and had no opportunity to ask since she hadn't heard anything from her anymore. 

      On the other hand, my father’s name is Dindo Cuambot Quinatadcan. His mother’s maiden name is Estelita Dagohoy Cuambot-Quinatadcan. In Philippine history, Francisco Dagohoy was a Filipino revolutionary who holds the distinction of having initiated the longest revolt in Philippine history, the Dagohoy Rebellion. This rebellion against the Spanish colonial government took place on the island of Bohol from 1744 to 1829, roughly 85 years. I wasn't able to ask further details about the history of my grandmother's name—father side— for the fact that she was too old and barely heard anything. 

      Knowing a part of the history of our family truly opened my eyes to the wonders of my past and will forever be proud and grateful about the gems of my ancestral stories. It's very interesting to discover, uncover, and  I will continue on retelling these stories for future generations. 

The challenges I have gone through have made me the person I am today and has made me a stronger person mentally and physically. In my life, I have had encounter many difficult situations and challenges, but learning to write and speak English has been the mostly hardest. Example when my English teacher ask me a question. Then I know the exact answer but It’s hard for me to translate into English language and for writing to be honest I’m not knowledgeable on that. But now I’m challenging my self to enhance my English skills, because nowadays English has become a very competitive matter for getting a good job in our country. Those who have a good command in English can easily get a good job.

Based on the idea presented, We know that trouble is an important element of what makes life worthwhile. Problems push us to accomplish things we’ve never done before and teach us things we didn’t know before. They allow us to be surprised by ourselves. Some of us become nervous just hearing the term “trouble.” However, issues can also be beneficial. Problems are situations that cause us to think and challenge us to be resourceful and inventive. They can also educate us on topics we were previously unaware of.

Another vital force propelling me is the desire to make my parents proud. Their sacrifices, unwavering support and guidance have instilled a deep sense of gratitude. I strive to validate their faith, proving that their efforts weren't in vain.

These dual motivations fuel my resilience. Every obstacle becomes an opportunity to learn, every setback a chance to grow. I draw energy from visionary entrepreneurs, innovative thinkers and my parents' encouraging words.

My entrepreneurial dreams serve as North Star, guiding me through life's challenges. I stay focused, adaptable and committed, knowing success demands perseverance. Making my parents proud amplifies my determination.

As I navigate this journey, I'm reminded that success isn't solely about achievements; it's about honoring those who believe in me. By chasing my entrepreneurial aspirations and making my parents proud, I find purpose, drive and fulfillment. This unwavering dedication propels me forward, shaping my future and inspiring others to pursue their passions.