This was a very special moment for me. It was the first time in my life I ever spoke in front of a crowd in a structured fashion. I was invited to speak in front of half of the freshman class at Liceo University in Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao. I didnt really know what I was going to say for 2 hours, so I talked about my life, my experiences prior to and here in the Philippines. I also spoke of my inspiration/love for Filipino Culture and this amazing country! It turned out to be an amazing two hours, and something I will truly cherish the rest of my life. But what really made this talk special was a moment that all 700 students shared with me… It is really something I want to happen… bring my parents here to the Philippines. Share with them this amazing country, show them why I love it here, and let the beautiful people here inspire their lives :) I asked all the students to be quiet and let me FaceTime my parents on my phone. After talking to them for a moment, I told them… You know how I keep trying to convince you guys to visit my home here in the Philippines… well I think I have 700 reasons why you should come and I asked everyone in the auditorium to share with them some happiness and invite them to come! I didnt even realize this moment was filmed. I just found the video and cant thank my new friend Ba Da enough for capturing this moment. The reason why I am sharing this moment with you all is it makes me happy… it makes me smile for three reasons: 1) The positive energy that all the students threw at my parents. 2) My parents saying yes and laughing/smiling with me. 3) At the end of the conversation just before hanging up my dad says… Do the crab song… you know I had just learned that, and never told them I had performed it… it made me so happy to hear my parents say that, and be following/supporting journey! I really believe that part of #BecomingFilipino is about inspiring others to come here. Inspiring others to come learn from and experience this amazing culture and country! I will get my parents here someday I know I will! Until that moment… I will keep trying to convince them :) One day at a time, One phone call at a time… #BecomingFilipino Super Apir!
Posted on: Mon, 06 Oct 2014 10:32:28 +0000