I am Hyacinth Merioles, or simply, Shayne. I took up International Studies in Miriam College (INSA) and graduated March, 2004. I used to be the President of Pax Christi, a peace organization in the school. I was also a scholar for five semesters so I got the chance to work at some school offices such as the Freshman Coordinator’s Office. Currently, I am working for a humanitarian organization (Philippine National Red Cross-IHL Office) as an Advocacy Officer. I am also a member of Haribon Foundation (an environmental NGO) and working closely with some women friends to set up a group WAVE (Women Advocates of Volunteerism and Education).

I was in my third year attending a leadership training seminar when the Miriam Volunteer Mission (MVM) program was first mentioned by Ms Malou Turalde, Coordinator of the program then. It rang in my ear. Then I followed it up at INSA the whole year through and even got to convince a partner.

Actually, it was not until April that Quennie Plopinio, a batch-mate, and I knew that we would indeed be sent for the volunteer mission. That meant the initiative or passion really came from me and my partner Quennie. While everyone was rushing to apply to this company and that, we were like the ‘called ones’ who responded or were given the grace to respond to a different kind of call.

Call to Freedom

What really motivated me was my desire to discern. I felt that my discernment would really be effective if I detached myself from things I was so fond of. In other words, retreat. I felt that being in a volunteer mission was perfect because there was no boyfriend to bug me every now and then. I would really be having quality time with myself, with other likeminded people, with God and with God’s people. I took the leap; so did Quennie.

The decision was solely mine. Ever since I heard about MVM and realized my interest in it, I had been telling my parents so they knew that I would not be earning money right after graduation for at least three months. Why did it seem so easy for them to approve of it or to let me be? I have never really been attached to my parents, I told them not to. I always asserted my independence, and having graduated from college seemed enough for them to let me do my thing after. So this free spirit soared and landed in Davao on 13 June 2004.

Mission Assignment

I found myself in the company of two 80-year-old Maryknoll Sisters. I stayed in the convent with them found inside a training center for youth with disabilities called ‘Our Lady of Victory’ (OLV). It is a very productive and alive community. People were gay and gleeful. It’s like a home in perfect harmony. Like heaven, perhaps!

While my partner was assigned to the OLV site in Samal, I remained in the OLV convent but worked in an NGO called ‘Philippine Agency for Community and Family’ or simply PACAF, directed by Sr Virgeen, one of the two Maryknoll Sisters around.

In PACAF, which is in mainland Davao, 20 minutes drive from the OLV convent, I was assigned as a community organizer (CO) tasked to serve three low-income areas, namely Purok 14 and 15 in Tibungco and Upper Malagamot in Panacan.

At Service

So, with Kuya Nars, an employed CO, we visited the three areas most days each week. What did we do? Well, I taught or facilitated the 4 to 6-year-old kids in the ‘Play Net’ once in a while. Mostly, we attended meetings of the homeowners’ association or the meetings of the Playnet kids’ parents.

Since one of my areas was newly penetrated by PACAF, I was tasked to conduct a survey to get a community profile. I did this for a week or two. Although it was a Muslim area, the people accommodated me warmly. Community leaders went around with me when I was doing the survey. The beauty of a volunteer is that it makes other people embrace you, and we need that warmth.

Many times, I just bummed around the areas talking to people, communing with them; making them feel they are important by simply paying attention to them. I learned from them how difficult life can get, as they were experienced at it. I learned it in a way that movies alone won’t let me. It was sharing, immersing in their kind of life.

But my best time at service was on 13 August when I became an instant big sister to seven children abandoned by their parents. I took care of them, bathed them and shared lunch with them. Then, I accompanied them to ‘House of Joy,’ an orphanage for youths where their needs for shelter, clothing and education are well met. I arrived at the convent when it was already 10:30 in the evening because the institution was in Davao del Norte, two hours away from my base. True, I was physically exhausted but I felt spiritually fulfilled and soul-nourishment matters most!

My gains as a volunteer

What did I learn as a volunteer? A lot! Actually I relearned them. I relearned how to live simply, how to serve God’s people, how to love God above all, how to appreciate life and family and those who love me. I relearned who I was and what I am meant for.

I did not encounter much difficulty when I was there. At work Kuya Nars and the other staff members always assisted or instructed me. There were times when I felt that I was not accomplishing much at work. I had difficulty trying to reconcile the irreconcilable reality and the ideal. But I learned soon enough.

I missed my family, yes, but I had quite a lifestyle there that made me enjoy life a bit too much because, luckily, we were ‘First-World volunteers’, as Ms Leah calls it, for things were easier for us. I had my own bedroom with its own lavatory. I ate cakes and cookies baked by Ate Alice, as much as I wanted to. I ate ice-cream almost every after meal. I got to play ping pong and chess, and swim at Samal. I had my OLV family. I gained Burmese friends. I was definitely not bored, rather always energized.

Reflections to Share

As a volunteer, I was simply struck by what I think is a fact that ‘Life is best lived simply.’ Being a volunteer with a very minimal allowance makes you a wise spender, and it’s true that God provides because I never ran out of money in my pocket or of food to eat.

When I had problems or difficulties, I talked to Ate Alice, the cook in the convent, or Ms Edna, Quennie’s supervisor there. I also sought advice from the other staff members of PACAF, who were so warm and friendly. Always, I prayed for God’s guidance and enlightenment.

Come on!

I invite young people to volunteer because it is high time that we give ourselves a break, to feel ease in God’s care, to listen to ourselves, to respond to God’s call to be His beloved children.

I encourage fellow students and graduates to volunteer because it is a very rich learning experience. It will open you to certain realities or problems that will make you part of the solution.

I want to persuade everyone to volunteer because it offers a different kind of fun wherein God takes care of the reward.

So if you feel any impulse at all, do not suppress, GO and experience life as a volunteer yourself! Let God lead you.

Shaine with friends

You may write to: Shayne Merioles #54 Emerald Court Bldg Road 3, Corner Road 8 Project 6 QUEZON CITY