Last month was a turning point in my journey as a Chief Girl Scout applicant. It was a month filled with purpose, action, and heartfelt fulfillment as I conducted a series of activities under my Girl Scout project titled “Tindog sa Kahayag: Stage of Dreams.” Each activity, no matter how big or small, was an important brick laid toward building not just a physical structure for the community but a stronger spirit of bayanihan and hope for those in Purok Sikwa, Barangay Hagnaya.
My project aims to build a community stage that will benefit the residents of Caritas Village. This stage is envisioned to become a place for youth performances, barangay assemblies, education programs, and future community celebrations. But the journey to building this “Stage of Dreams” is not just about cement, nails, or wood—it is also about involving the community, creating awareness, and serving people in ways that uplift both hearts and minds.
To start the month right, I organized a Clean-Up Drive in and around the designated project site. The purpose of the activity was not only to prepare the area for the upcoming construction but also to encourage cleanliness, environmental awareness, and teamwork among residents. Armed with brooms, garbage bags, gloves, and our unwavering Girl Scout spirit, we spent a whole morning clearing trash, sweeping roadsides, and sorting waste properly.
What amazed me the most was how willing the community was to participate. Residents from all walks of life joined hands—some brought water and snacks for the volunteers, while others brought tools and assisted in hauling larger debris. It was a beautiful reminder that when people come together with a shared vision, even the most difficult tasks become lighter. Seeing young children help out made me emotional. I saw myself in them—hopeful, willing, and eager to make a difference. It reminded me of why I began this journey in the first place.
Shortly after the clean-up drive, I conducted a Feeding Program for the children in the area. We prepared nutritious meals with the help of kind-hearted donors and volunteers who shared the same passion for service. That morning, we set up simple tables, cooked hearty meals, and welcomed over 50 children with smiles and warmth. Some of them were shy at first, but their eyes lit up when they saw the food and felt the care we poured into every dish.
Feeding children has always held a special place in my heart. There is something deeply fulfilling about knowing that for at least one meal, you’ve helped nourish a child—not just physically, but emotionally. Seeing them happily eating, laughing with their friends, and even thanking us through little notes or tight hugs was a feeling I’ll carry with me for a lifetime.
What made the feeding even more meaningful was the storytelling and bonding time afterward. I shared the story behind Tindog sa Kahayag, why I chose to do this project, and how I hope that the stage will become a venue for them someday—to perform, learn, or simply gather as one family. Some of the older kids even offered to help in the construction once it begins. That moment was one of the highlights of my month—it was proof that this project isn’t just mine anymore, it’s everyone’s.
These activities may seem small in the larger scale of building an actual stage, but I’ve learned that the process of transformation isn’t just about infrastructure. It’s about community transformation. It’s about starting with what you have and giving what you can. And last month, what I had was a vision, willing hands, and the support of my Girl Scout family and community members who believed in this dream with me.
Each step of the way taught me more about leadership, compassion, and resilience. There were challenges, of course—limited resources, schedule adjustments, and the pressure to manage everything while keeping up with school. But every moment of stress was worth it when I saw the smiles on people’s faces, heard their words of encouragement, and felt the strong sense of unity grow stronger each day.
This journey also deepened my belief that the true essence of being a Girl Scout is not just wearing a uniform or earning badges. It is about serving with heart, dreaming with purpose, and acting with courage. Tindog sa Kahayag is more than a stage—it is a symbol of rising up, of giving light, and of dreaming even when resources are limited.
I am beyond grateful for the people who supported me last month—from classmates who volunteered, teachers who encouraged me, family members who cooked meals, and the barangay officials who gave their blessings. Most of all, I thank the children and residents of Purok Sikwa, who inspired me more than they know. They have become the heartbeat of this project.
As we prepare for the next phases of this project—gathering more materials, starting construction, and organizing more community activities—I carry with me the lessons of last month. It’s not always about making big moves. Sometimes, the simplest acts of service—like cleaning a space or feeding a child—can spark a ripple of hope and change.
This is just the beginning. The stage may not yet stand in its final form, but the foundation has already been laid—in our hearts, in our shared efforts, and in the community’s collective dream.
Together, we rise. Tindog sa Kahayag. Tindog para sa Damgo.