Dilaab Foundation Inc.

Perhaps by the time this article sees print, my friend Sam would have taken the first steps towards running the entire stretch of the 2888 kilometer Maharlika Highway, beginning with the launch on 8 August 2011 in Laoag City, traversing through Eastern Visayas, and ending in Zamboanga City eight months later. And I would be accompanying him.

The long run between two unlikely friends, dependent on the hospitality of acquaintances and even strangers, is meant to highlight the nobility of character (“Maharlika”) of the Filipino and symbolize the singularity of vision to achieve unity.

I am Mayren and this is my story of hope.

I have been a volunteer of Dilaab for almost three years now. After I got invited to the office and went there, I promised myself not to go back anymore because I’m shy and afraid to mingle with other people.

But everytime I’m home, a voice inside me keeps on telling and pushing me to go back to Dilaab without me knowing why.  I obeyed the voice eventually but the fear is still there. I join every activity of the group, especially the Lectio Divina, a unique Bible study that happens every Saturday. Part of it is a group sharing of experiences and insights that relate to the gospel reading of the week. It’s something that I dread but nobody is exempted from the activity so I had to ignore the fear. In the process, I heard myself opening about myself and my family.  I also began to socialize and make friends with other volunteers and staff up to the point where I comfortably disclose more things about me.

What makes you stay in an organization? Is it the pay? Is it the company’s prestige? Is it about your position? Or is it because of your colleagues?

We have different reasons, we have different motivations.

It’s been a year since I finished my bachelor’s degree.  And going back, like any other fresh graduates, looking for a job was never an easy task: entering to the real world full of uncertainties, competing with hundreds of applicants aiming for the same position, and looking for a good and stable company to get in.