Growing up in a rural community in San Jose City, Nueva Ecija, my upbringing was deeply rooted in simplicity. My parents, a farmer and a dressmaker, worked tirelessly to make ends meet. When I graduated from high school in 2004, the dream of attending college seemed out of reach due to financial constraints. In the meantime, I took up odd jobs as a dishwasher in various local cafeterias.

In the summer of 2006, a turning point emerged when a relative returned from Malaysia to visit our family. Thanks to our regular attendance at the weekly Bible Study, which was sponsored by the Kapatid Foundation at their home, we began discussing the possibility of me pursuing higher education one Sunday afternoon. During our conversation, my relative introduced me to AMG Skilled Hands Technological College (ASHTEC), a non – stock non – profit organization dedicated to providing free skills training to financially disadvantaged youth.

Recognizing that this could be my sole ticket to college, we embarked on a journey to ASHTEC in Bulacan. I successfully passed a series of examinations and a panel interview, and in June 2006, a new chapter of my life commenced as a college student.

My time at ASHTEC was a testament to divine intervention. Although the training, accommodation, and food were provided free of charge, there were still miscellaneous fees to cover. Just when I was on the brink of giving up due to financial difficulties, I received the incredible news that Kapatid Foundation would sponsor my college scholarship. Additionally, my relatives contributed clothes and cash to support my education. It became evident that there was a higher power guiding me through my hardships and that various individuals had become instrumental in helping me forge ahead.

Time flew by, and after two years of intensive training as a Welding Technology Student, followed by a year of On-the-Job Training, I graduated with honors in 2009. This marked my transition into the real world and brought me one step closer to realizing my dreams.

While searching for job opportunities, I volunteered at ASHTEC's Job and Business Center (JBC). One of my responsibilities was to stay in touch with alumni, and this allowed me to meet various individuals who, like me, were once dreamers. Their stories inspired me even more, making me believe that if they could succeed, so could I.

...I had the privilege of working with the late Bro. Titus Laxa. He became one of my mentors and imparted valuable lessons, especially the importance of treating everyone with equality, regardless of their background.

After spending several months at JBC, I secured a job in Pulilan, Bulacan, where I had the privilege of working with the late Bro. Titus Laxa. He became one of my mentors and imparted valuable lessons, especially the importance of treating everyone with equality, regardless of their background.

Our factory in Bulacan went bankrupt after three years of operation, leading me to relocate to Pampanga for a new job. I started as a planner and was later promoted to higher positions. The corporate world presented its fair share of challenges, but from those challenges came experience and wisdom. I met many people who contributed to shaping the person I am today. Currently, I am the Operations Manager of two companies with branches in Europe and China, and I am also honored to serve on the Board of Directors for one of those companies.

I could never have imagined how drastically my life would change. The Kapatid Foundation and AMG – Skilled Hands Technological College have been channels of blessings, particularly for underprivileged youth who once felt hopeless. The skills and values instilled in us created a foundation of success, benefiting not only our families but also our community.

I have always believed in the adage, "Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime." Your contributions were never in vain. From a humble dishwasher tasked with organizing hundreds of plates to managing hundreds of people today, I have also been able to establish a family business that provides job opportunities within our community.

At the end of the day, success is not just about where we are in our careers or how much money we have in our pockets, it is about how we use our life to influence others and what legacy we are leaving in this world.

I want to take this moment to express my gratitude to the Lord and all the instruments He used to shape me. Success is not solely measured by our career or financial status; it's about how we use our lives to influence others and the legacy we leave behind in this world.

To all the kindhearted sponsors, thank you for your generosity. You are blessed to be a blessing, and everything you share has a profound impact on other people's lives. Please do not grow weary of doing good and continue to be a beacon of light in someone else's darkness.

To the youth, keep moving forward. It may be stormy today, but a rainbow awaits you in the near future. Never cease chasing your dreams, taking one step at a time, no matter how small the progress. Keep moving forward.