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NCR Youth Camp (Batch1) – A Reflection
by Christian James Amil
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"The happiest moments my heart knows are those in which it is pouring forth its affections to a few esteemed characters." - Thomas Jefferson Last October 22 and 23, 2008, the Gerry Roxas Leadership Awardees from NCR-1st batch had their Youth Camp at Kubli Mountain Bay Resort in Los Baños, Laguna. I was very happy because I was one of the privileged few who were able to attend this great activity. Around 40 of us met in front of Aurora Tower in Cubao, Quezon City, and we left for Los Baños at around 7:30AM. We arrived at the venue at around 10:00AM. We were facilitated by Ms. Annette, Ms. Liza, and Sir Jason, and there were a lot of activities that were lined up for the entire camp, and they were all full of fun. On top of that, we were able to establish new friendships with our fellow awardees-friendships that are meant to last a lifetime. |
It felt so nice when we learned about the humble beginnings and milestone achievements of our founder, Senator Gerry Roxas, and the Gerry Roxas Foundation. It was like we are all called to stand out from the rest and be the best leaders that we can be. It was like we are called to follow the footsteps of our founder, and continue what he has started, walking in the path that he has paved during his lifetime. It was like we are called to keep the flame of leadership burning, so that the next generation-that is, our generation, can be assured of a brighter future.
The activities that we did were not only enjoyable, but they were also learning opportunities for all of us. (We won't divulge everything so as not to pre-empt the next batches of campers.) Yes, we were all leaders in our own ways, but of course, there are those who really stood out, like Dan, Olga, Roni, and of course, who could ever forget the funny antics of L.A.?! The friendships that we formed here are really priceless. I was even telling Dan last night via SMS that I never enjoyed like that (in the camp) ever since I stepped into college. I even told him that I felt like my friends who are fellow GRLAs is like my extended family, and I am sure that most of us in the group shared the same thoughts with me.
As for now, we are focused on strengthening the bond that we share among ourselves, so that in the future, we may share with others the bond that we formed among us. We know that this is just the start, and we still have a very long way to go, but every journey begins with a single step. Guided by high ideals and powered by great spirits, GRLA-Kubli (taken from the name of our camps' venue), as we fondly call our group, is surely a promising batch.
Truly, being a Gerry Roxas Leadership Awardee does not end at the graduation ceremonies, or merely wearing the famous medal, but it’s just the start. It’s just the start of forming ourselves to be "Leaders for Community... Leaders for Country", and building on the foundations of service, integrity, and excellence. They say that the difference between a leader and a follower is that the leader has a vision. He or she can see what others cannot, and is or her job is to bring his/her followers to that place, and that is what we are called to do.
As we celebrate the 50 glorious years of the Gerry Roxas Foundation, let us look back to where we have started, and move forward to brighter tomorrow. Let us continue the search for our colleagues who have lost touch with us, so that by the start of the next 50 years of GRF, we are already a one, big, complete family. As a song goes, "Search the world for those who have walked astray, and lead them home."
To keep the flame burning and to develop a new breed of leaders-that is the challenge for us, GRLAs. Working hand-in-hand, we can say at the end of the day:
"Taas noo, Gerry Roxas Leadership Awardee ako!"
Mabuhay, GRLAs!
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* Chistian James Amil is a Gerry Roxas Leadership Awardee (GRLA) for University of the East High School in 2008. He is currently enrolled in University of the Philippines Manila for a degree in BS Biology.