I was born in Davao, and my story started in a pretty dramatic way. During my birth, both my mom and I almost didn’t make it, she was losing oxygen, and when I finally came out, I had to stay in the hospital for five days. The doctors said I had high blood pressure and low blood count at the same time, which still sounds confusing even to me. But one thing I believe is that God gave me a reason to live, and that’s something I carry with me every day.

I’m still looking forward to joining more pageants in the future (maybe right after I lose a little height, haha!).

But instead of letting that bring me down, I promised myself that I would stand back up and fight for what I once had. I believe that setbacks don’t define me, they just prepare me for a stronger comeback. And no matter how tough the challenges in life get, I know I can face them with resilience and determination.

That passion eventually led me to start my own organization, ABANTE DAVAO, which focuses on supporting the youth, the elderly, the environment, and so much more. The goal of ABANTE DAVAO is to stand up against the different social issues we’re facing right now and to create real change that uplifts people’s lives.

For me, volunteering isn’t just about doing good deeds, it’s about building a life with purpose, making a difference no matter how big or small, and giving hope to those who need it most.

For me, being a military doctor is more than just a career, it’s a calling. It combines my passion for service, my dedication to helping others, and my desire to stand strong in the face of challenges. It’s my way of honoring my parents while also building my own purpose in life.

Life really started here, and my mom loves to remind me of the funny stories from when I was a baby. She told me that I used to escape, crawl all the way to our backyard, and fall asleep under the saging tree. One time, my whole family panicked because I was missing, only to find out later that a neighbor had spotted me peacefully sleeping there.

And here’s the weirdest part LOL my mom also said I used to eat bakukang! Looking back, I can’t really explain why, but I guess that’s just one of those strange but funny childhood memories that make me unique.

During these days, my sister was the very first person who truly appreciated me for who I am. She was always there, cheering me on in her own simple ways, and that gave me a sense of confidence even at such a young age. It was also during this stage that I slowly started to discover myself—my little passions, my curiosity, and even my early vision of what I wanted to become someday. Looking back, I can say this was the time when the foundation of my dreams and character first started to grow.

This stage of my life was very crucial because it was the first time I had to slowly step out of my comfort zone. I still remember how I used to cry every time my mom left me at school, I was so scared of being alone back then. But of course, preschool also came with a lot of funny memories.

One of the most unforgettable (and embarrassing, haha!) stories my mom told me was when I intentionally brought cigarettes in my school bag. When my teacher checked it, she was so shocked! Looking back, I can only laugh at how silly and reckless I was at that age. Preschool may have been a struggle, but it was also the beginning of me learning independence in my own little way.

During these years, I really started to explore and excel. I did well in academics, got involved in leadership roles, joined sports, and even participated in cheer dance and other activities. One of my core memories from this era was simply playing in the poll with my friends, it may sound simple, but those moments were full of joy.

I studied at DCSS, a school that many people labeled as “special” for those with intellectual disabilities. I don’t deny that it’s a school that caters to special students, but I also believe it’s a place full of talented and smart individuals. In fact, many of my batchmates were later chosen to be part of Philippine Science High School. I even applied myself, but sadly, I wasn’t accepted. Still, I wanted to break the norms and challenge the way people see DCSS, because I know it’s more than just the label others try to put on it.

Finally, the very last stage, this is the era that truly represents who I am today. In short, I’m living my life! This has been the best stage so far because I’ve been able to explore myself more deeply and connect with so many people.

A lot of people say I’m reckless and super outgoing these days, but honestly, I’m just enjoying life to the fullest. The most important thing is that even while exploring and pushing my boundaries, I know my limitations. I can tell what’s right from wrong, and that keeps me grounded.

This stage has also widened my perspective on life. I’ve been given so many opportunities, I’ve joined organizations that allow me to help others, and I’ve met new people who continue to shape my journey. Adolescence, for me, is not just about growing up, it’s about finding purpose, building connections, and learning how to live life with both passion and responsibility.