I’m back to reality! I attended a 3-day leadership training in Calatagan, Batangas as a facilitator and participant as well. It started last Friday and ended last Sunday. I love the place where we stayed. It was so quiet and peaceful. It was a place where I was able to ponder about everything happening in my life. Through the LTS, I gained new friends and realizations. I have learned a lot which I believe I can never learn in the four corners of the classroom.

The LTS was a learning experience to all of us. It served as an avenue for everyone to rediscover himself and to realize one’s own strengths and weaknesses. It has taught everyone the value of listening with the use of the mind, heart and will so as to fully understand other people. Through the sharing of each one of us, I was able to know my co-participants deeper. I admire the courage of those who have openly shared their life stories to us. Thank you for the trust!

The LTS was a different one. Just like what my co-participants said, it was like a retreat. Instead of developing our leadership skills, it has given us the opportunity to get closer with the Lord. It has made us see God’s undying love and grace.

The most memorable activity for me was when everyone shared our AHA experience/s. Everyone shed a tear or a two as we listen to each other’s stories. After our sharing, A Prayer of Forgiveness was led by Atty. Roberto Abad, the Acting Dean of the UST Faculty of Civil Law. After the prayer, we all found ourselves crying. Even the guys in our group cried. It was a touching and humbling experience to everyone.

I never expected that the LTS will be that successful. When we were preparing for the activities, I had doubts as to whether they will have an impact to the participants. Honestly, I expected that the participants will not be that cooperative considering the fact that we are not expert facilitators and the activities were mostly sharing. But it was surprising for me to see them cooperate and participate in all the activities including the ice breakers.

As a whole, I consider the LTS not just a learning experience but as a vacation as well. Because of it, we were able to take a break from the noisy, busy City life. We had a break from everything that’s taking much of our energy. We were able to ponder about our problems. We were able to gain enough strength, courage and energy to go with life’s difficulties and challenges.