
A rose…that is what I am.
Born on the 18th of September 1991, I grew up as an only child. My parents were both working abroad by that time so they had to leave me to my maternal grandparents. I took my primary and secondary education in Colegio de Santa Rosa Intramuros, Mainla. Since at that time we were living in Cavite, my grandmother, an uncle and I had to stay in a boarding house inside the ‘Walled city.’
There, I learned a lot about life. At an early age, I can say that I was exposed to the essentials of life. Though it’s not really separated from the rest of the city, the walls of Intramuros seem to figuratively isolate what’s within its division. There in Intramuros, one can get a taste of the rich culture, history, tradition and faith that we Filipinos have. From the pedicabs and kalesas that serve as the main transportation inside the famous tourist destination to the old buildings that represent the past, anyone new to the place would surely be left in awe.
Since my school is located inside Intramuros, the richness of the culture has extended to our curriculum. We were taught to be simple, prayerful and mindful of our cultural heritage. Though personally, I believe I haven’t totally adapted these virtues, I can say that what I really learned was to respect our diversity.
In Intramuros, there’s a lot for one to see. Tourists here and there, juxtaposed old and new establishments, affluent and poor people at one place…surprise really awaits inside the walls. For that reason, I learned to value the distinct importance of things.

At first, I didn’t know where to find my spot in this university. I didn’t even know if there’s a place waiting for me. All I know was that I have with me the values I learned in Intramuros. Little by little, I started to adjust. Whether I was really able to fit in, I’m not sure. But now, I can say that I found my second home in the school.
As of the moment, I am an incoming senior of AB-Communication Arts. I had my fair share of successes and disappointments for the past two years in the campus. I am also a Discipline Office Paragon. How I got there is another story in itself. But what I’m sure about as of the moment is that, I’m serving my purpose in this school. I know there’s a lot more for me to learn and to experience. But through the lessons I learned during my younger years in Intramuros, I know the rose will survive.