When the best things in life are not things...
My first trip outside Luzon and first plane ride was really nothing but a wonderful experience. It was fun having some daydreaming, but then, I suddenly realized that it was not the first experience travelling through the midst of the sky but the foremost practice of being a commander in the 2009’s CSIW, Project Astro: Navigating the Interstellar Mystics that thrilled me. It was such an enormous grace that I was one of the 20 commanders who guided 21 minds and hearts through the whole event. At the same time, I was so pressured about the assigned tasks given to me as a facilitator. Yes, great tasks to finish in three short days!
And so came the opening day. My heart started to beat so fast as the opening ceremony commenced, perhaps caused by the excitement and joy I was feeling. To distract myself from the possibility of passing out, I just thought of the responsibility that awaited me as a temporary tatay to my anaks. Questions like, “Paano ko sisimulan ang lahat? Paano kung hindi sila makikinig? Paano kung ayaw nila sa akin? Paano kung... kept on entering my mind. I was really fed up thinking of these “Paano kung...”! “Come what may!” I told myself.
I, together with my co-facilitators was wearing all black outfit with some spice of metallic foils. We had a little presentation and behind our smiles were nervy and anxious hearts for we were about to meet our subcampers.
As the first day came to a close, all my negative thoughts had vanished. The kids were as cheerful as the birds in the sky and happy just like the flowers nourished with utmost care and fresh water. I believe they did their very best in every activity. They seemed to know each other; very cooperative even though sometimes I needed to put some (only some) angst to get their attention back to me. It was my nature to be a hot-tempered boy during my high school days and I rapidly realized how impatient I have been to them at times and how I little by little overcame the test of my patience. I even laughed at myself when Kuya Redd, one of the CSIW staff told me during the field trip proper to chill. He observed that I have reached my limit. But after his words of advice, I remembered that the main reason I was there was to impart my knowledge to them. Besides, they are growing children with great curiosity and interests.
When we were heading home, I was surprised when one of my anak dared me to answer her question. On the back of my mind was the idea of being humiliated if I wouldn’t be able to answer her question. Thank God I answered it adequately. I just felt fulfilled when they participated on the game I’ve done together with Ate Hannie. They were very eager to answer the questions and I was very overwhelmed when they really wanted more even though there was no prize at stake. The bond with them really made me happy that day.
During the closing, we were to say our goodbyes and last words to our anaks. I planned not cry but as soon as some of my anaks hugged me, I really can’t help but fall into tears. No words can explain why I cried the time they hugged me. Maybe it was the feeling of attachment and friendship which I developed with them in a span of 3 days. Without them, I would not be the new Kuya X, who had improved emotionally, intellectually and socially.
Christian Concepcion
Best Facilitator CSIW '09
National Executive Council Assistance Team
University of the Philippines- Diliman
