Smile

Claudine Smile Naje Cabral

19 yrs. old | Valenzuela City

University of the Philippines Manila - BA Behavioral Sciences, Class 2014

I am a soldier of my own battle.

I am the superhero of my own story.

I am a leading lady who does not need to be saved.

I will do anything for love.

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"

Philippians 4:13

The Most Memorable Days of My Internship Life
Summer 2013

April 19, 2013

Official First Day at PhilRights

Good thing I arrived on time! (who would want to be late on the first day anyway?). It was easy for me to find the office since we had our community immersion last semester in ChildHaus which is just streets away from the PhilRights. I was nervous while waiting outside the door since it was our first day, but Sir Olegs welcomed me with a smile, and that made me feel at ease.

We spent our first day at the Conference room wherein we were introduced to our Supervisors, Tito Bernie, Tita Jo, Sir Jom, Sir Olegs, and Kuya Jay. They warmly welcomed us. I felt it. By the way, we have not met yet Ate Joy, and Maam Ramille during our first day hehe.

Like any other first days, the first thing we did was to say our expectations. The gist of mine is that I believe I will learn a lot regarding Human Rights, have better appreciation of it, be exposed to the realities of our society, and have the most productive and fun summer ever.

Then, Sir Olegs and Tita Jo discussed to us the general background of PhilRights, as well as the other NGOs where some of us would be deployed which are TFDP, and MAG. Honestly, Nikko, Janzy, Kea, and I already planned beforehand that we want to be assigned in PhilRights no matter what. In the end, we succeeded!! Only, Kea was deloyed to PAHRA. But for sure, we gonna see her often as well. YAY! I went home happy! :D

April 22, 2013

First encounter with a hunger striker

(Photo by Janzy Maaño)

I will never forget this day for I have witnessed real time injustice, and inequality. The fact that the Supreme Court has released the decision with finality and that DEU has won 9 cases against PLDT, yet they are on the streets claiming what was rightfully theirs really angers me. I realized, our world is really unfair and money is truly powerful and evil for it controls even abstract realities such as justice.

Actually I wanted to talk to one of the security guards but I was scared that they might just ignore me so I just looked at them with fierce hahaha. I was able to interview one of the hunger strikers and I saw the passion and sincerity in his eyes. With just a look, I could say that he really loves his family and he would do anything for them. I will also never forget the message he left to us, that we, students, can do something and we must (non-verbatim).

April 23, 2013

Tao Muna, Hindi Mina

(Photos by Janzy Maaño)

This was our first official exposure to a mob, rally, or protest. For this one, our advocacy was Tao Muna, Hindi Mina which is obviously for the people and the environment. I was so ready for this! Before we even had our first day in PhilRights, I already set my mind that we would be having exposures like this. I am not Tibak, but I join rallies especially if I believe in it.  That is why even if it was sooooo hot, and sunny, I enjoyed the mob! No sweat! :D

I also joined the painting of the palms with  a“NO” sign and I really liked it. It gave me a feeling that I was really one of the people who passionately fight for their rights. But the most memorable part for me was when we locked the NatGeo gate and left without unlocking it even though there was a car supposed to exit the gate. It was so funny and cute. Hehehe. We did not know then if they were able to unlock it. =))

April 24, 2013

DEU Press Conference

(Photo by Janzy Maaño)

It was my pleasure to be invited in such an event like this. More than the invitation, together with other big time party lists and activist groups, we were also acknowledged during the start of the party –overwhelming. Despite this positive emotion, the reason why we were there saddens me. I met injustice once more. During this time, PLDT remains mute about the DEUs complaint and Supreme Court’s decision. I felt sorry for our country. We can do nothing towards the rich and powerful people despite their injustices –case in point, MVP.

Anyway, this was my first time to be in a Press conference and I am grateful to PhilRights for exposing us to realities that are kept hidden in the eyes of the public. I know I cannot change the world, but I hope that I could do something to help these people fight injustices. Maybe now, maybe someday –but for sure, I will.

April 29, 2013

From 4Ps to 3Ps

(Photo by Janzy Maaño)

We were supposed to be in a forum regarding the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program of the government, but we ended up in a forum at Balay Kalinaw UP Diliman, regarding the Public and Private Partnership among the education sector. It was really funny the moment we realized that we were in a wrong forum. But it was a mistake in disguise. I really enjoyed the forum, and definitely learned a lot from it. We were also acknowledged as the PhilRights representatives before the program started, and again, I was really overwhelmed. 

With us were Representatives from Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan, India, and Nepal among others, which really made the whole forum big time – that is why I was so proud to be part of it. Hearing also the very intellectual discussions and arguments among the teachers around the country filled my mind with useful knowledge that I will never hear casually anywhere. I also got around five books about the education sector among the SouthEast Asian countries, as well as helpful guides to Education studies.

More than these, I really enjoyed the free foods! Breakfast and lunch –everything was delicious! Hehe.

May 3, 2013

Commission on Human Rights 26^th Anniversary

(Photo by Rejean Marinay)

Who would expect that we would be invited, (wait there is more) and be acknowledged on the 26^th founding anniversary of the Commission on Human Rights? It was just so cooool and awesome!! It made me love being a PhilRights Intern even mooooooore. I also had the chance to not only meet but also greet BGen Tutaan. Honestly, he was the first ever military person I was able to talk with and I tell you, he changed my perception towards the military people. I was really interested to have a talk with him since my boyfriend studies at the Philippine Military Academy and I have somehow seen my boyfriend in him. So there, I went closer to him and he welcomed me. I did not expect that. More than allowing us to have a photo with him, he also lectured us about how we can help our nation achieve peace. I will never forget the way he talked. I really felt his pure concern and love for our country and its people. This moment, I became proud being a girlfriend of someone who dreams to save his country and countrymen. <3

Oh before I forget, it was my pleasure to meet and hear personally Chairperson Loretta Ann P. Rosales of the CHR. <3

May 17, 2013

For Optional protocol, and for Education

It was our pleasure to have met at talked with Sir Max of PAHRA and Sir Ed of the Department of Agriculture for our interview regarding Optional protocol and Rights to Education respectively. They were both very approachable and humble. Our interview was just like a casual conversation with our parents. They did not only give us the information we needed but also shared some important matters regarding our topic which was really informative.

I will never forget this line from Sir Max: 

You should know your rights. You should know the laws. If there is a gap, it should be corrected.

Aside from Prof. Nymia Simbulan, they were my favorite among the ones we interviewed. <3

May 21, 2013

Catmon, Come On!

I consider this community exposure a history and a very special experience in my BehSci life for various reasons:

1) It was my first time to be exposed in a community of informal settlers -it was not just an exposure, but an interaction with the people of the community. While walking through the dike and looking around their surroundings, I realized that despite not being rich, I am truly lucky enough to be living in a stable and safe home without garbages around. We all know that life is unfair, but I just really felt sad to have seen this reality with my own eyes. If I just can do something to help them :((

2) It was my first time to eat in a boodle fight! I swear. Haha. I had so much fun eating with my bare hands, sharing food with my co-interns and the people of the community. The fish (which I forgot the name) and the tahong were really delicious!! Plus the super yummy toyo at sibuyas made by one of the Ate's there. And the mangoes. Ugh. So delicious!!

3) It was my first time to drink with the members of a community. :O It was like drinking with my father and his kumpares. Haha! But of course, I know my limits, and Tito Bernie was there to guide us so we went home safely and soundly.

For all these first times, I will really never forget Catmon, Malabon. <3