Purpose.
That word had been bugging me the whole year of my last year in college. I was anxious before graduating, wondering if I’ll ever get to be part of something big where I can fulfill my dream of doing stuff that matters. I was targeting to get into NGOs, since that was my only idea of how to get involved in development-related endeavors. However for some reason only God knows, I ended up in the doorstep of the present company I’m working for. It’s only been a month since I started working and so far, I have learned that giving back to the community is not limited by your affiliations, may it be corporate, NGO, or Government-related. I couldn’t believe it. I was suddenly swooped off my feet and became part of something BIG! And by big I mean taking Philippine Tourism to a whole new level.
For this, I have the pleasure of formally introducing to you Meet Manila: a travel portal that just recently launched its advocacy for #ThoughtfulTourism. The idea has spread like wild fire in the online travel community and we have been getting heaps and heaps of support from people who share the same vision for the country. We were so overwhelmed when we reached 10,000 Facebook likes in a matter of three short weeks. All our efforts materialized in the launch party, A Tertulia Night for #ThoughtfulTourism, when we got to actually meet fellow travel enthusiasts and individuals, Heroes of Filipino advocates, and media partners.
I wasn’t able to talk to all of Meet Manila’s Heroes during the launch party, but I was able to get to know one of them, Mr. Antonio Ingles of Aral Pinoy. His views, backed up by his works in educating young Filipino children, was a major addition to the inspirational surge I gained from the launch party.
Quite honestly, meeting the Heroes, travelers, and sponsors for #ThoughtfulTourism had me go “what have I done in the past 22 years?” Lol. Then again maybe Mr. Ingles is right:
“You are a hero at your own right” kept ringing in my head when I read Mr. Ingles’s reply on Facebook. Needless to say I am very grateful to be part of the best team there is. We have the most dedicated individuals in Meet Manila, each and every single one of us hoping for #ThoughtfulTourism to move every single Filipino to take good care for our places, people, and culture. Everyday I am rewarded by knowing that I am part of that BIG thing I so long wished to be part of.
I suppose it’s true what they say: the only thing that will limit you in this world is yourself. We limit ourselves with the fear of change and ridicule — or we pin ourselves down with ideas of our so-called smallness. We serve no one by doing this. It truly doesn’t matter where you come from, what you do, with whom you are affiliated, as long as your endeavors are for a purpose — a purpose of taking your community to a better place. I found mine and I’m really hoping for the best out of this.
In behalf of Meet Manila, a warm thank you to all of you!
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