“When I was 6, my mother made me sign up to the daily social assistance program at Bukas Palad, which is a social project put on by the Focolare through its AMU (Action for a United World) and AFN (New Families) organizations. She had met a teacher who worked there. I remember her telling me, ‘There you will learn to have a smile that shines.’ My mother also participated in formation meetings and started to commit herself as a Volunteer. Initially I thought that she did it because she had nothing else to do, other than housework, but then I changed my mind when I saw that she also went on Saturdays. My father and brothers noticed she was happier. I was also attracted by the spirit of reciprocal love and unity that there was between staff members. Thanks to the project I was able to complete all my studies and graduate. I can testify that Bukas Palad had a fundamental role in most of my experiences and life choices. I remember quite well all the activities that we had at school and during the weekends with all the students. The training we received helped us become people who were sensitive to others and consider being poor not as an obstacle to doing what we want, but a gift. Through the project I met Chiara Lubich and the young people of the Focolare. Growing up in this environment, I learned that dreams can be reached if we believe that God’s love has a plan for each of us in our lives. I graduated with a degree in education from the University of Cebu, and then I passed the teacher’s entrance exam. Immediately after graduating I started working, continually accompanied by my Focolare ‘family’, who were always at my side, even when I had to face the world of work and life in general. Whether in moments that were satisfying or those that were more difficult, I had one of Chiara Lubich’s sayings with me: ‘Be family.’ When I think of Bukas Palad, I know well what it is to be a family. At first I taught in a private school for five years. Then in 2014, I requested a change to teach in public school. I was assigned to a school in Mandaue, a city that is part of the Cebu metropolitan area. Here things were completely different; there was not the same structure or systems in place that I was used to. When I had been teaching in private school, I thought that being a teacher meant having a huge heart and a brave soul. Now that I work in a public school, I believe I need a heart that is even larger, a soul that is even more courageous, and even more strength. Each time I’m tempted to leave this work behind, something keeps me here – especially the children. I see in them myself and my friends, many years ago, when we dreamt of becoming what we are now. Perhaps I will not be able to give them the same help and support that my family and I have received, but I try my best to transmit that same love to them.”