There are 192 nations in the world today, each with its own unique and diverse culture. In our country alone, over 80 dialects are spoken, and every Filipino is a product of many different races. The fact that we can live together without completely annihilating one another is an impeccable show of the two most important aspects of a team – UNITY and FRIENDSHIP.

I believe that the last few topics of the 2010 Leadership Training Seminar were about just that: teamwork, unity and cooperation. As I see it, these three things are the factors that make up friendship. The final few activities taught all of us the value of having one another. Throughout the duration of the activities, my mantra reverberated in all of our hearts, “Friendship first. All for one, one for all.”

When the LTS began, I thought that I would have some difficulty getting to know and bonding with the other participants. After a few days, thanks to the activities, we were able to form a bond worthy of being called “friendship.” During the “Monk’s Meal,” we almost instantaneously shared our assigned food with one another and though it may have seemed disgusting at first, we finished the tasks with smiles in our faces and laughter in the air.

The Pinning Rites (PR) activity once again gave us an opportunity to work as one. It taught me two very invaluable lessons. First, you have to truly want something and shed sweat and blood in order to attain it. Second, you can get through anything and everything if only you believe in your ability and in the abilities of people around you. The field trips gave us time to bond and continue to strengthen our growing friendship.

After the days of LTS here in Tagaytay, the biggest realization I’ve had probably came at the last moment. I realize now that nothing in life is meant to be done alone. The only way we can make a difference in this world is by working together towards one common goal. That’s what leadership means. That’s what friendship is. That’s what life’s all about.