Hi everyone! My name is Gen B. I am 24 years old, 10 years ago. Kidding! I am from the Queen City of the South and one of the beautiful islands of Cebu, in fact a paradise named Olango Island Lapu-lapu City Cebu. I have been part of this amazing association named LP4Y or Life Project 4 Youth since 2014 and it’s been 10 years now. I was one of the pioneering batches and was with probably more than ten coaches in the program.
My Troubled Start
My adventure began in 2014, when I was first arrested and charged with narcotics offenses. I never imagined my life would be so unhappy because I had so many friends back then, but I had no idea they were doing illegal things. As a result, I ended up in prison.
When I was newly detained, I was 24 years old at that time. A foreigner drew my attention and piqued my interest in “why she was often around the jail”. Until I discovered she was working for an organization dedicated to Youth inclusion. I was hesitant to join the program at first, but after speaking with Coach Florence, I decided to do so. I did not pass up the opportunity to participate in the program because I was qualified.
Overcoming Self-Doubt
Before LP4Y, I had a lot of self-doubt. I graduated from a university, yet I lack self-confidence and had very low self-esteem. Because I did silly things during high school, I used to skip lessons and spend the entire day in a computer shop playing games rather than attending school and learning.
Finding Hope Through Friends and LP4Y
Through a friend named Dan, who is now a well-known tattoo artist and active star member in Cebu, I became acquainted with LP4Y. He filled me in on all the positive aspects of the program. From making jewelry to teaching English and general knowledge, and more importantly, having faith in your goals and reshaping yourself. Since then, I have learned a number of things that I know will help me live a more productive life, making my ambitions attainable in particular.
Transforming Through Life Project Plans
I was able to put the pieces of myself back together and dream for myself once more. Since I had the opportunity to transform and demonstrate that it was never too late to change and that the only thing constant in this world was change, I could argue that I was among the luckiest young people of that era. I could still clearly recall my coach and I doing my first LPP or Life Project Plan. My nerves were rattling since our coach challenged us to give a professional-style presentation, which meant memorizing our script and refraining from reading from spills. This I found quite difficult and demanding.
Gaining Professionalism and Confidence
In terms of professionalism, I can honestly state that LP4Y taught me a lot over my four years and eight months at the facility. From 2014 to 2018, I was greatly influenced by the tools required to equip and improve myself.
Life After Release
I was released in 2018 and given the opportunity to prove myself. I was really grateful to my supporting coaches at that moment, who ensured I would be in a better situation and able to find a good and decent job. I was really moved by what the coaches did for me. They provided financial assistance as well as moral support. They also helped me develop a great sense of self-confidence and motivation.
The unfortunate part is that I experienced discrimination from my friends as a prisoner, which was exacerbated when discrimination came from my family. This made me sad and weak, but I knew I needed to prove to them and to myself that I am capable of being a better version of myself and a good and responsible person in my community. So they could be proud of me.
A Proud Career Achievement
Proving myself capable of working in one of the country's largest BPO companies like TP or Teleperformance was a proud moment for a former PDL. I assumed that if I merely had a good job, I'd be able to live a nice life. But I discovered that being a professional implies a lot of obligations and headaches.
LP4Y made a significant impact in my life in the correctional institution. That is why, even though I already had a job, I made time to volunteer by teaching English to MyCraft's youth during my free time or rest days.
Representing Cebu Stars
I was voted president of the Cebu Stars and represented Stars Cebu in the 2018 Stars Gala. It was a truly spectacular and unforgettable event that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I met all of the Coaches, Catalysts, and Partners of LP4Y. I was on cloud nine with the euphoria I felt that night, and I could never have imagined this would happen in my life.
Balancing Work and Life Goals
My life was focused on work, my family, and LP4Y. I really had one goal: to achieve my dream or LPP, which is to be an English teacher. During weekdays, I worked four days of 11-hour shifts, leaving three days for rest. But honestly, work days were draining. High pay entailed working extremely hard. Despite these challenges, I was confident in overcoming hurdles posed by work, family, and peers.
Acts of Compassion
With all the grace and beautiful things that have transpired in my life, I tried to do more good, particularly for my co-inmates in Abuyog, Leyte. I came up with a simple act of compassion: every payday, I bought groceries worth 500 PHP and sent them to my co-inmates via LBC forwarding. It was a small gesture, but I knew it would be extremely beneficial. I believe it is the thought that matters.
A Setback and Resilience
Unfortunately, in 2021, I was unlawfully arrested for the second time. While on my way to Olango Island for a celebration, I encountered a setup by someone I thought was trustworthy. My entire self was broken for the second time, but fortunately not as badly as the first. With LP4Y’s support, I regained the strength I needed to get back on track.
Staying Hopeful
Currently, I am still in the Male Dormitory facility of the Lapu-lapu City Jail. It's been 3 years and 5 months of being hopeful. Why am I saying hopeful? Because I believe everything happens for a reason. God will never give me such a difficulty if He knows I am incapable of solving it on my own.
Serving as a Leader
Now I am the newly elected Stars President for the year 2024-2025. Previously, I served as the Stars Digital Ambassador. I look forward to learning more and sharing what I learn. Action speaks louder than words, so if you want to help, do so in words as well as in deed.
Holding on to My Dream
As part of my Life Project Plan (LPP), I hope to become a teacher. It is the same dream I had ten years ago, and I am sticking to it because I believe I can achieve it. Practicing and developing my teaching skills at the center has been fulfilling. Through challenges, I have built resilience, strengthening my determination to succeed. Soon, if ever released, I see myself working as a catalyst specifically a “Stars Catalyst”
One of my great realizations in this second adventure was that
Life is not just about money, but happiness truly matters.
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