| TRIP
MAGAZINE VOL. 4
JVP Batches 22/23: Only
Fools Rush In
Like the sound of loose change inside
an empty pocket, the two JVP crosses that once hung around
my neck made a clinking chime with my every move. Each time
I held the two nickel Jerusalem crosses, I thought about
all those who have been honored by these mementos of courage.
I remember the two separate and solemn occasions where,
with heads bowed in prayer during the Mission Mass, my batchmates
and I received these crosses, these blessings for those
who dared to go where needed most.
“Baliw nga ba, kung ba’t
kami narito, buhay na kay ganda, iniwan para sa Iyo. Sabi
nga nila, ito’y pagsubok talaga, buhay mag-iiba dito
sa aming pasya.”
With 24 other eager and talented batchmates,
we sang and danced to Panimula at the end of the Mission
Mass. We felt a bit silly doing a production number inside
the St. Ignatius Chapel. Yet even in this “crazed”
state of leaving all comforts we knew all our lives, there
was deep joy, palpably felt and seen. With the JVP alumni,
dear parents and friends to cheer us on and wish us well,
we gracefully accepted the challenge, to respond to a call
of service and healing. It was like fans’ day at Mission
Mass. Cameras flashed here and there. We were all beaming
with smiles, clad in our JVP Batch 22 Shirt which read:
Imagine the power of one, multiplied several times over.
Together let us make a difference.”
When the applause faded, the cheering
eased to smiles, and the song and dance stopped, the time
came for us volunteers to face the music: our areas of assignment,
our work, the people we would meet, our journey, and the
lives God would touch through our hands.
I taught Economics, Taxation, Social Issues,
Religious Studies and was Class Adviser to the sophomores
at the Sta. Cruz Mission School in the beautiful, cultural
community and ancestral domain of the T’bolis of Lake
Sebu, South Cotabato. Many of my students were older than
me, some almost twice my age. It was humbling how these
people tried their best at everything - learning English,
writing essays, and answering exams. It was inspiring how
they embodied hope.
Being sent to South Cotabato was my first
time to be away for a long time from the comforts of home
and family. There were times I thought I was really “baliw”
like the rest of my batchmates scattered all over the Philippines.
And when baliws get lonely or thrilled, they write each
other and share their stories of joy, frustration and inspiration.
At 9:00 every night, we paused wherever we were and saw
each other in prayer; we prayed for one another.
My first JVP year was a mirror where I
saw myself. But it was unlike the mirror in my pocket that
showed me what was external and superficial. The journey
reflected truths about what was within me as I went through
each day. God showed me humility as my weaknesses were revealed
and armed me with courage when fears crept in. God taught
me how to be gracious and grateful for little, simple blessings.
Discovery was a gift in my first JVP year. Like a bird learning
to use the gift of wings, I wanted to soar and fly. And
so, becoming more baliw, I tried another year of service.
It was another full house at Batch 23’s
Mission Mass at the Ateneo High School Chapel. And yes,
we sang and danced again. With an equally interesting mix
of people, the 28 brave souls of JVP Batch 23 wowed the
crowd with our rendition of Humayo’t Ihayag, complete
with choreography. The chapel was full of beaming and proud
parents, alumni and friends, armed with their video recorders
and cameras.
The cool valley of Miarayon in the mountains
of Bukidnon was my new area on my second JVP year. I taught
Filipino (1-4), Biology, Social Studies and was Class Adviser
to the seniors of St. Therese of Miarayon High School. My
students were diligent and undeterred even by strong winds
or rain. Some came to school very early in the morning after
more than a kilometer’s walk. Many were farmer’s
children who were no strangers to toil and hard work; they
knew the rudiments of planting and tilling the soil. My
students and their lives taught me humility and simplicity.
God showed me simplicity and beauty in
my students, in the cheerful children, the majestic mountains
and in the fresh air I breathed in Miarayon. Far-flung and
devoid of electricity and all urban luxuries, Miarayon is
a mystical site that enthralls. Many consider it “holy
ground”, a place where you must “take the sandals
off your feet”, and heed, gaze and be with God.
Now, after my two JVP years, I have been
wearing the two Jerusalem crosses around my wrist. They
remind me of the JVP core values - service, simplicity,
solidarity, social justice, and spirituality - and my treasured
lessons from my journey. They inspire me to make my life
a mirror that will reflect these values and lessons.
I’m a certified baliw. And I am
proud to be one, along with all those who have gone before
me and have also worn one or two JVP crosses. We continue
to be fools for the Lord: wounded healers, makers of peace,
workers for His vineyard.
| Nikki, 25, graduated
from Ateneo de Davao University year 2000, with a degree
in AB Psychology. He now works for Cartwheel Foundation
as a Program Officer for Adult Education. |
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Trip Vol 01
Trip Vol 02
Trip Vol 03
Trip Vol 04
Josephine G. Maribojoc, Batch 13
Tina Pineda
Fr. Jose Ramon “Jett” T. Villarin, SJ
Nathaniel "Nikki" Hipolito
Jesus Enrique "Jay" G. Saplala
Sarah S. Balane
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