One year ago today, I thought I was gonna lose my life from the hands of a group that breaks away (from government protocol) to fight for their community ideologies.

Around this time last year, I was taking a video of the slippery road at the back of the military truck the girls in the team were riding.

Around this time last year, I sat unconsciously flabbergasted by the continous gunshots that filled the air in that mountain community of far-flung Iloilo.

Gunshots coming from the soldiers and the “insurgents” lasted for almost 15 minutes, which by the way felt like eternity. We hid behind one of the wheels of the truck praying full well that it can hide us from the eyes of the rebels. It miraculously did, tho, until kuya Edwin found a house whose members were brave enough to temporarily shelter us.

This day last year, I did not have a “working” phone because as you all know my phone was stolen and I didn’t have any prepaid load because my plan expired the same day. So while we were in the house hiding from the rebels, I asked one of my colleagues to let me send a message to my mom.

The first thing I said was, “Mom, please send me a load. I’m dying,” and I came to know after that mom nearly fainted.

Around this time last year, I witnessed how God protects His children.

Their ambush failed. They may have inflicted fear in us but they didn’t know how brave we’ve become. Because this day last year, I’ve found brave men and women who will never deviate from their compassion to serve other people though an impending threat is lurking just around the corner.

Happy life anniversary, #IloiloPristim! ☺:) Dapa. Talon. Gapang! 💪

Hmm. No weapons formed against me shall stand. So, why do I fear? ☺