New York, USA -- "The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do." - Steve Jobs

Acquainted, I stood up at 1st Avenue with enough self-will and confidence to step inside the most influential building of my 20 years of existence. The familiar facade that spreads throughout the east side of New York -- it was just how our Ambassador-professors described it.

Childhood for the misfits

I was fortunate to have found friends who were adventurous and bizarre enough to explore the unexplored -- no matter how crazy it was. We made a chemistry lab, studied different languages at the streets, played Quidditch with a broomstick that we snatched from our living room paired with a matching twig-wand and even re-enacted the British monarchy with royal banquets and weddings at the age of 13.

The main favorite for us was, the general assembly of the United Nations at our garage. We were definitely a bunch of weirdos but I would not accept anything less than weird. Away from the technology, we were left with our imagination instead. After 8 years, we were still in touch and we brushed up on the crazy crap we did.

Child's play vs reality

"If it weren't for my childhood, I will never know what I would want in my life." 

You see, all of these were timely and relevant. As a kid, I was a boy of many dreams. I wanted to be an inventor and follow the footsteps of Edison and Tesla. I memorized the table of elements at a young age. My elementary classmates were always laughing whenever I present them with a new cleaning solution that included a bunch of household chemicals such as hydrochloric acid and efficascent oil. I remember when my science teacher once dared me to remove the stain at the wall. Only then she will believe on my inventions. The whole class would huddle on the corner and anticipate while I apply the solution and secretly scratch and rub on it too. As it slowly disappears, everyone was screaming like crazy and there I was with my hilarious grin -- and the reeking smell across the room.

When I got into 3rd year in junior high, I learned to hate Chemistry and Physics. I realized that it was just not for me hence dropping the big "scientist" dream.

Three things

When my childhood friend visited the Philippines last year after being away for many years, we reflected inside a cafe and asked them to write three things that they've enjoyed the most in our childhood.

One wrote "garage sale" and the other wrote "mini lab activities." as their top 1. What I wrote was my all-time favorite, the UN General Assembly; as it was obvious since we did it consecutively for 4-5 years. Some of them realized that they would love to pursue business because of the garage sale we did years ago while the other wanted to work at NASA or perhaps specialize on pure mathematics because it peaked their interest while they were young.

One hated when we did C.A.T. (Citizen Military Training) in front of our houses but today she's now a CAT officer at her school. It's funny how we've realized what we can and potentially do in our life. Now, it's basically doing the things you love as a child and just doing it in a different setting such as the workplace per se. It's about the perspective of how we view things.

Note: What three things are you truly interested in? Write down the three things you're very interested in and map out how you can create a career out of it. If the economic value is low, how can you innovate to uplift its value? Are you able to dedicate 10-15 minutes everyday to brush on the things you love? Why or why not?

The ones who truly do

I remember vividly that we built a United Nations podium from carton boxes and reenacted the Security Council together with the kids from the block. Of course, I was speaking gibberish french while carrying the flag we made from art paper. We've asked the younger kids to pretend to be our mini-interpreters and had them simultaneously interpret our speech.  I forgot whose idea it was but probably came from me. ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

We were seen by the oldies of our neighborhood as crazy and probably a bad influence to our younger friends. Some parents made it a point to avoid me at all cost while some just saw us as kids doing what we have to do. Yet who would've thought that we were living our dreams and aspirations at that very moment?

Reenacting everything as a kid made me realize the "dos and the don'ts" in life. It made me realize the person I've wanted to be. For me, that was the start in knowing the more complex and competitive UN. 

Few months ago, I said to myself "I don't know when or how I'll go to the United Nations, but one thing's for sure: I'll be there." 

I carry the still energy of the thousands of influential people who stood at that very podium; making me feel like I've reached my dreams. But then, I will never feel successful if I don't see my own country rise from the ashes. My only resolve is to be a diplomat and serve the very land that raised me. I don't know when or how.

But one thing's for sure: I'll be there.

Special thanks to my mentor during our college days, Ms. Glady Brojan, who is now assigned at the Permanent Mission of the Republic of the Philippines to the United Nations. I happened to be at the chamber beside her and it was an honor to see the daily life of a Filipino diplomat. "It's both glamorous and tough work. Especially in New York, everyone gives their 100%" she said. Ate Glad gave me a UN Teddy bear as we parted ways to remind me of the dreams I continue to live for.

Hoboken, USA -- This post is dedicated to all the people who told me that it will just be a lovely 15-minute walk from 6th street to Newport city.  There's a special place for you in the fiery dungeons beneath the earth.

Keys
It's another day at the ICSB Academy! Except I got a bit of a problem. (again) I don't have the keys. They told me that they left my card key at Westin Hotel in Newport City. "It will be a lovely 15-minute walk downtown'' as I was advised. After my class at the Babbio Center, I went to my dorm to get another layer of clothes and went out. I was walking tirelessly and got to the point wherein I realized that I was moving slowly in the map.

Walking for more than 40 minutes now, I got to the point where I'd slash my money for a cab. I asked a very kind gentleman at the carwash and he said that there's no random cab for hire at the streets. He said I was very far away from Westin Hotel. A walk that would cost me another hour.

Now I don't want to fill this post with rants but it was truly a painful experience.  But along the way, I've seen so much, experienced so much and understood so much. I got to see Carlo's Bakeshop with his famous cakes and goodies! I was overwhelmed by the vintage color combinations in Washington Street at Hoboken, as if it was cleverly orchestrated. It was a beauty by itself! Even the 7-11 looked vintage with its pastel colors and brass lamps. The dentist's clinic looked super fancy schmancy. It was a difficult walk -- but a surprisingly pleasurable walk!

Westin
It was almost 2 hours and I've finally arrived at the Westin New Jersey. To make things worse, I forgot my ID. What if they ask me for an identification card? I couldn't possibly go back and try again tomorrow?! But then I realized that my LPU card was at the back of my planner and eventually thanked God a million times.

I got the dorm keys and finally, I could now rest in peace. No wait...now I need to go back. Long story short: Got a 10-dollar cab at the concierge, dropped off at the best pizza place and went back at the dorm with a happy tummy and an immobile pair of legs.

Hoboken, USA -- I've finally arrived!

It was 1:00 in the morning. While I was walking to the nearest building, I saw the breathtaking New York skyline across the Hudson river.

Welcome to the Stevens Institute of Technology!

I rushed to the admin hall and asked for the dormitory keys under my name. Unfortunately, the university concierge didn't have the list. I know what you're thinking; as if I hadn't enough bad luck for today. I stayed for almost an hour at the lobby with the officer-in-charge and we weren't able to find the keys or the list anywhere. I searched my mac, contacted almost every organizers at 2:00 in the morning (sorry) and felt that I could just honestly sleep at the lobby couch for the night cause I'm DEAD tired.

The thing is, Officer McCauley just needed to see the list so that he could just escort me to the dormitory hall and get myself some sleep. Catch: I downloaded every single document and guide the ICSB sent me except for the room assignment list and I could've sworn that sometimes, life really wants to play with you. I prayed several times and waited for any reply from the organizers. After hirty minutes, we got a go signal. (God bless your kind soul, human.)

The officer called someone to help me get inside the dormitory. I passed the well-lit hallway with the vivid turquoise doors to room 101. Michael (the other winner at the World Bank Business Competition -- Jury's Choice Award) was already asleep. I was just exhausted and the next thing I did was hit my head at the pillows. While I'm about to fall asleep, I realized that I've downloaded the excel file of the room assignments in my dropbox app. Yes, I shall soon punish myself for my feeble-mindedness.

I slowly lifted my eyelids as the rays of sunshine shone directly to my left eye. It was 6 in the morning; and I've been forever ready for this moment! (At least for all the things that happened to me before I got here) I was ecstatic and I couldn't wait to kick the day with a new breath of positivity! Carpe diem! (to be continued)

New York, USA -- I finally arrived at the Port Authority Bus Terminal! Good heavens! We rushed to the gates and asked for directions at the counter. I was instructed to go to bus route 126 at Gate 323 (PABT-Hoboken, New Jersey 12PM)

Long story short, we dazzled upon the maze-like gates inside the terminals. I went crazy with the broken escalators (I mean really? I got two huge suitcases y'all!) I had to bring it upstairs and cry ever-so-slightly until we reach the third floor. The NYPD were very kind and they gave us the directions for our specific gates. Up to this point I still don't know why we were running.

When we got the the ticket booth, my friend realized that he'll be staying for a night at the terminal since the next bus will arrive at 8AM the next day. I still have a bus going to Hoboken after an hour. So we shook hands, gave each other's business cards and hope we could connect later in the virtual world! Thank you Jasurbek!

And so I'm alone; everything went slow again. I got to the point where I was going in circles; they just kept giving me the wrong directions! It's almost 12AM and I'm still not at the correct gate. An officer was nearby and I went to her for help. Fortunately, she assisted me with the ticket dispenser and was finally at the waiting area.

While waiting for the bus, I was so lucky to connect to the terminal's wifi. There was definitely no time to spare as I searched for the maps and directions at the terminal's website. When the bus arrived, I got the chills again. I STILL DON'T KNOW WHERE TO GO.

While I knew the location I'm bound to go, a first time visitor wouldn't obviously know where in 9th street Washington Av. would you specifically go. Poor Adam flashing the maps across his face and praying for the best.

Then there's this lady beside me who told me to not use my phone as long as she's there. Just when you thought that you've already had enough confusion, poof! Voila. I'm assuming that she's not allowed with too much light? (I really don't know)

I told her that I was lost and I needed to look at the maps to keep track. She said, "Oh you're lost? Well where are you going my dear?" I said I needed to go to 9th street. "Oh don't you worry!", she exclaimed. "I'll tell you when you need to go down. It's a lovely place! You'll feel the breeze in your face uphill."

While I was already super thankful for being saved from my worries, I was kinda worried what she meant by "uphill."

It's time -- 8th street and I'm off! I have bidden farewell to the surprisingly kind lady and got off the bus. It was awfully quiet and dark; I thought I was at an abandoned village with vintage looking  dollhouses. It was nerve-racking. I could've sworn that I was the only person walking in Hoboken at that hour. My maps was obviously not loading and there was no single human whom I could talk to.

I was praying and walking and praying and walking (you get the drill) until I stumbled upon a dormitory with two guys listening to some loud music. I yelled from the outside and I felt like I scared them (lol). I mean, what would you feel hearing voices from the window at 1:30 in the morning? They replied, "Hello, who's there?" like I'm some kind of a telephone call. But then I replied that I was outside their window and was terribly lost at that moment. They told me that Stevens Institute of Technology was just straight ahead and it was already there after a 2-minute walk!

After a few steps uphill, I felt the breeze from the Hudson river. There was a huge open gate as if it was waiting for my arrival!

I AM HERE. I couldn't believe my eyes. I was facing the golden New York Skyline. T'was truly majestic! I could sit there all night.

Right off the bat, I was about to produce man tears.

TIP: Choose an earlier flight.

Off I went to the train and was supposed to pay 5 dollars but then the first disaster came. I only had 50 dollar bills and the machine only accepted up to 10 dollars. You're supposed to get and swipe the Metrocard at the gates to go out. Apparently, I forgot to get smaller denominations and I'm now stuck inside the train station. The operator told me he could get me out for while and buy something at the snack bar to get change. But then I saw a credit card sign at the Metrocard dispenser! I tried swiping my card and got a 10-dollar metro card in less than a minute! Holy guacamole! God is good! 

While at the Jamaica station, I began asking some NY folks about the B train to Times Square. Contrary to what many people say, New Yorkers are actually very accommodating and they actually take their time to fully explain to you your destination. (real or not) Yep, that's the twist though. 

I was finally at the Sutphin Blvd- Archer Av Station from JFK airport and got on-board the freakishly familiar train I used to see at the movies. I went sheepishly at the corner and heard some Russians talking at the other side. There wasn't any seat until we've reached a few more stations. When I got a seat, another Uzbek sat at my left and asked if I knew where's the Port Authority Bus Terminal was. I was dumbfounded since I knew it sounded familiar not realizing that it was also the same place I was bound to go! I honestly felt a divine intervention at that very moment! Out of all the people in New York.. I mean really?! You've got to be kidding me!

What happened next was a series of running underground the concrete jungle. I actually felt like I was in the Amazing Race! Except we have a fully loaded XL suitcases that took all the fun away. We were almost at the end of the exit. This is it, I whispered. I'm ready to take on ze Big Apple! 

There it was! A dark silhouette of gargantuan buildings. You'll feel like an ant trying to catch your breath (well that's because you lifted a ton of suitcases up to the second floor)

I felt the first breeze at the back of Times Square. I already felt half ill. Indeed, I could hear Frank Sinatra's voice in my left ear! It came in too soon. At this point, to be real honest, I was just following my friend in whichever direction he would go. Man, was I exhausted! We were rushing to the left block from the exit and all I could hear was sirens, traffic, arabic/persian language on my right and plain old english but in a different accent. It was truly different yet it felt familiar. Everything became slow as I observed and internalized my first New York encounter.