I really don’t know how to start but I know how to end. Maybe, it’s because, until now, my Ayala Young Leaders’ Congress (AYLC) experience is still lingering in my mind. Before anything else, I would like to share what AYLC is all about.
AYLC is a summit that brings together 81 most promising student leaders from colleges and universities from all over the country. AYLC is a keystone of “Shaping Tomorrow’s Leaders”, a youth development program launched by Ayala Corporation as one of its concrete expressions of commitment to national development.
Until now, I just can’t believe that I made it.
It was November 19, 2009 when I was interviewed at Ayala Tower 1, Ayala Triangle, Makati City. From that interview, I already had how it feels to be part of AYLC. Upon arriving in Manila, a pick-up brought us to Makati…as if, we were executives. I was still an interviewee but the privileges were more than what I’ve expected. All our expenses (fare, accommodation and the food we ate) were shouldered by the AYLC organizers.
December 4, 2009 – I received a letter that says I made it to AYLC’s Magic 81. I just can’t believe it. It was an overwhelming experience. Well, the letter has the signature of Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala II. From that on, I was too excited.
When I reached Manila on February 8, Ralph Reuben Morales, an alumnus of AYLC, fetched and brought me to his place. I, together with two other AYLC participants, stayed there. Morales shared to us his experiences. He said that there are still a lot to discover. That statement made me more excited.

Pre-Congress
February 9, 2010
7:30 a.m. We had our registration at Pilipinas Heritage Library. This was the very place where I first met all my fellow delegates. As if, we were aliens amidst each other. We also had our sumptuous breakfast there.
8:15 a.m. Simon C. Mossesgeld, the Congress Director, gave his warm welcome remarks. This made us more at ease with one another. After a briefing, a video clip was shown to us and through it, we were able to trace the progress of Ayala.
9:00 a.m. We headed to the Congress venue. The very cheerful facilitators with the alumni of AYLC made the travel light and exciting. They had some simple trivias and mini games for us.
11:00 a.m. We reached our destination-San Miguel Training Center, Alfonso, Cavite. When we entered, I felt sudden goosebumps. From the gate, we saw the line of guards waving their hands, simply saying with their cordial eyes:” We will be your protectors!” As we moved up, another line followed, our ates and kuyas waved their hands with their sweet smiles saying: “We will be your guides!” The third line followed, with their loving hearts seemingly saying: “We will serve you the best food and drinks!” And the last line was that of the Congress organizers with their heartfelt hard-gripped congratulations. They all made us truly welcome.
It was such a very heart-warming welcome…so touching. As we moved to our rooms, we uttered “WOW!” The setting of the room was so magnificent, as spacious as a master’s bedroom. The bed was so soft as if you are floating in heaven. The restroom is just like another room. Fully air-conditioned, well-lighted and everything is in its rightful place. On the bed, I saw, the different things that we were going to use. From the clothes we will use for each session and for each outdoor activity, to the bag, to the tumbler, to the cap, to the reflection notebook, and to the lanyard with ID. Everything was set for us. And lastly, as I put on the AYLC batch jacket, tears suddenly gushed out of my eyes . I just can’t express the feeling, that “I’m one of the elite, privileged Ayala Young Leaders.“
11:30 a.m. We had our early lunch. It is not just a “lunch”, as if it is a “fiesta.” Well, I can say that the food is overflowing. But you don’t even want to get rice for you to taste every delicacy served. Dessert, fruit, pans, and cakes are present in just one big table. We were treated just like any other executives of Ayala Group of Companies. The table setting was really for businessman or managers and/or any elite people. Just outside, when we were already done eating, there is an ice cream station. You can just have it anytime you want. As if, there is a typhoon of ice cream! Every flavour is present.
12:30 p.m. Assembly and briefing from LUBID facilitators, they are in charge of the Outdoor Activities. LUBID stands for Learning Ultra Behavioral Impact for Development. It helps people go through the experiential learning process that unleashes personal potentials and team strength.
1:00 p.m. We started our outdoor activities. It was just a warm-up.
2:00 p.m. We attended our workshop session 1:“Leadership Life Journey”. In here, we shared our leadership journey with our group mates, including our downfalls and achievements. With the activity, we were able to know one another, discovered personalities and established friendship.
4:30 p.m. Our first Plenary Session. Simon C. Mossesgeld talked about leadership framework, servant-leadership, and the power of vision.
6:00 p.m. The abundance of drinks and food was evident. We had our dinner.
7:30 p.m. Mr. Mario Deriquito, the Director of Education, Leadership, and Resource Development of Ayala Foundation, gave us the Personal Leadership Development and Change Framework.
8:30 p.m. It was Workshop Session 2. We had our Synthesis of Learning.

Congress Proper
Day One February 10, 2010
6:30 a.m. While having our breakfast we shared unexpected things that everyone felt. We shared the same feelings and emotions.
8:00 a.m. John Philip S. Orbeta, AYLC Program Director, introduced to us what is AYLC all about.
8:15 a.m. Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Ayala Corporation delivered his opening remarks.
8:30 a.m. Efren Penaflorida, 2009 CNN Hero of the Year and Founder of Dynamic Teen Company delivered his keynote address with the Theme of AYLC 2010, AKO: PAGBABAGO! An open forum followed after all the speeches.
10:00 a.m. We had our batch photo opportunity with Efren Penaflorida and Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala. Don Jaime Zobel de Ayala and Fernando Zobel de Ayala joined us also. It was an amazing experience.
10:30 a.m. Workshop Session 3. It’s time for other group mates to share.
12:00 noon Lunchtime again, whooo! We were given the chance to socialize with Ayala executive, heads and managers. The food was doubled. If it was fiesta before, now, it has become a “Food Festival.”
1:00 p.m. Challenge Course A. In here, we were divided into four groups as team A,Y, L and C. The challenge was not that easy. It made us think and involved our body. But, despite all the difficulties we were able to succeed and survive the activity especially the Electric Fence Challenge. We really worked as a team and everyone was considered vital.
9:00 p.m. Workshop Session 4. Reflection session and journal writing. It was really a great day!


Day Two February 11, 2010
8:00 a.m. A morning Forum with Cecilia “Cheche” Lazaro, president of Probe Production; Ben-Hur Villanueva, visual artist and art educator; Gang Badoy, founder of RockEd Philippines.
10:30 a.m. Workshop session 5. Our sharing has gone deeper this time as we come to know one another better.
12:00 noon During our lunch, we met and socialized with their various executives and staff.
1:00 p.m. Challenge Course B. This outdoor challenge was unforgettable, specially the “Leap of Faith”, where each of us jumped as high as 40-feet with just one rope as our life support. During my turn, I was too nervous and my feet were trembling that time but thank God, with courage and faith, I was able to make it.
6:00 p.m. During our dinner, we had another opportunity to meet highly respectable people in the field of business.
8:00 p.m. Workshop Session 4. Reflection session and journal writing.

Day Three February 12, 2010
8:00 a.m. We met the day’s change champions: AYLC Alumni. Edward Nino D. Puyod (AYLC 1999), owner of Philippine Greenfarm Development Corporation; Atty. Lesly Ann Cordero (AYLC 2000) project management consultant, USAID Energy and Clean Air Project; Hon. Maria Concepcion Hernandez (AYLC 2002), councilor, City of Lipa. Our moderator during the open forum.was Solita C. Monsod, professor, UP School of Economics, UP Diliman.
10:30 a.m. Workshop Session 7. I was our last session with our group mates. Their Leadership experiences were inspiring. I learned a lot from them.
12:45 p.m. Suddenly I felt uneasy this time. There was complete silence in the whole environment. It was our last day. Pre-reflection briefing was given by our facilitators as we were not allowed to talk anymore.
1:00 p.m. We left for Calaruega. The greatest church I’ve ever seen in my life. The silence within me suddenly warmed my heart and body; I just can’t control what I can feel during that time. Until suddenly I just can’t help but cry. I was moved by the song “Sangangdaan” while reminiscing our days in the Congress. I recalled our first day. I recalled our moments. I reflected on many things in life as we were tasked to stay outside. I wrote all that I’ve learned in the congress.
With the beautiful dancing trees, the singing birds, the roaming butterflies, the cool breeze in the air, and the warm embrace of the sun--- I had a great reflection for myself. AYLC is such a great experience.
4:30 p.m. We went back to the Congress venue. We practiced for our group presentation.
7:00 p.m. Hooray for our group! We won as first place and given P1, 000 each. After the awarding of winners, the convenors’ report followed. Our batch will be called “BANYUHAY” BAGONG ANYO NG BUHAY! as AYLC has transformed us into servant leaders. We penned our promise of what we will become for the next six years. Then, we put it in a time-locked machine. Later on, we, Banyuhay batch mates, will open it to see if we have undergone a metamorphosis. A change!
8:15 p.m. Don Jaime Zobel De Ayala, delivered the closing remarks. As we went out of the session hall, we were arranged by pair. There was a total lights off. As we approached towards the main door, we saw lighted candles on both sides of the hall way, pair by pair, forming a path guiding as we move and continue to walk. I can’t do anything but to bring out my emotion. I can’t really explain what I felt. The path is leading as to a higher mound. Connecting the path is a big circle and at the middle is a fast, furious fire of wood. With its glow, we were lighted. That circle symbolized the burning passion of a leader…to serve and to lead. We followed the round path facing the burning woods. Then, with a fellow delegate in front, we moved by partner into the big fire. We made a promise as we put the paper into the fire where we wrote our reflection during our stay at Calaruega church.
The induction and pinning ceremony was graced by Fernando Zobel De Ayala. With my batch mates, I took oath as member of the Ayala Young Leaders Alliance.
9:15 p.m. Closing Dinner and Fellowship. Globe Telecom sponsored the night this time. It is not only “Food festival” but a “Victory Party” to all. Globe has given many cell phones, globe tattoos, and hundreds and thousands worth of load to those lucky delegates. I was so proud that, after 3 years in the history of St. Paul University Philippines, a paulinian--- for the second time--- became part of AYLC.
12:00 midnight The party ended. We went back to our quarters and spent the time being with our batch mates. We shared laughter and tears. We shared unforgettable experiences and the learnings we gained in AYLC. We spent the time sharing stories, memories and heightened emotions. With tears in our eyes, with joy in our hearts, and with a burning passion for our future endeavors, we parted ways.
3:30 a.m. We decided to go back to our rooms and befriend Somnus, the God of Sleep.

Parting Time
Day Four February 13, 2010
8:00 a.m. Bags were packed; shuttles were waiting outside and ready to go. We had our last breakfast at the Congress.
9:30 a.m. We left for the congress venue. Everyone preferred to sleep to gain strength and energy.
11:30 a.m. Back to very first place we met, we were too excited for a tour around Makati. Many of us visited the spacious Bank of the Philippine Island, while some went to Greenbelt. We strolled along Ayala Triangle, had a glimpse of the Ayala Tower One and were given the chance to enter the great Ayala Museum. I was dumbfounded.
1:00 p.m. I left Makati with a grateful heart to God and to all the people who helped me make it to the Ayala Young Leaders Congress.

AYLC was such a great opportunity given to me. It was an opportunity that made me discover my purpose in life as a young leader. More than all the material things I have received, more than the delicious food and mouth-watering delicacies, more than the beautiful places and the great outdoor activities are the learning experiences I brought home.
Through AYLC I learned to keep silent for awhile to discern before making decisions, to reflect what my life is all about and through it I have found an inner peace.
Through AYLC, I learned that a servant leader is a servant first; it begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve, to serve first. Then, conscious choice brings one to aspire to lead…The difference manifests itself in the care taken by the servant-first to make sure that other people’s highest priority needs are being served.
Through AYLC I realized that we can still serve without any position, for if we are in the position, we are limited and guided by rules. But if otherwise, our service chooses no boundaries, chooses no time and place. It becomes universal, it becomes for all at anytime, at any place, at any circumstance.
And in work, I learned that saying “we” is better than saying “I.” Peter F. Dunker once said,” The leaders who work most effectively, it seems to me, never say “I”. And that’s not because they have trained themselves not to say “I”. They don’t think “I”. They think “We”, they think “team”. They understand their job to make the team function, they accept responsibility and don’t sidestep it, but “We” gets the credit. This is what creates trust, what enables you to get the task done.”
Indeed, my AYLC experience will always be part of my Leadership Life Journey. AYLC has directed me towards common good. For me, this is the true joy in life, being used for a purpose you consider a great one. I believe my life belongs to each person I have served, still serving, and will serve in the future, And as long as I still live, it is my great honor to serve them whatever it takes, as long as I could.
And with this, I want to end this sharing with the words of Rabindranath Tagore, one of my favorite poets: “I slept and dreamt that life is joy. But I awoke and saw that life is service, I acted and behold... service is joy.” #

( Learning also takes place in the four walls of the classroom.)

Sir. Marlon is an elementary teacher in Methodist Christian school . From his experiences, I knew a lot of things. He said before it is difficult to get the attention of his pupils but when he learned how to use computers he was able to involve more his students. Students are energetic and playful it is difficult to get their attention once they are doing something already. When he learned making power point of his lessons accompanied by graphics, arts and sounds the learning process became more interesting and interactive. But, he said we should not only use technology to impress and get the students attention rather this should be considered as an avenue for them to learn and gain knowledge.

Technology in the classroom provides many advantages. Students can become independent learners, for example, with the assistance of a computer and a typing program. Not only do the kids get to individually express themselves through their writing, they are also learning essential skills that they will find useful throughout their life. It motivates students and involves in the discussion. It also makes the lesson smooth and sometimes time is maximized for other activities and lessons. There are many things to consider in using technologies in the classroom. These are the time, subject matter, the objectives and the mood of the students. The success of the use of technology lies primarily in the teachers skills and at the same time by considering the mentioned factors.

Technology is continuously changing and constantly impacting the way in which our world thinks and functions. I learned that it is important that teachers can understand and appreciate these technologies in order to determine if they are worth using to enhance a lesson or concept in their class. Not all technologies are necessarily helpful for classrooms, therefore teachers must determine what the most appropriate method of technology would be used for a particular task and function.