My Neighbors.. The United LAUREANS

This is a re-post. It originally appeared on another blog on Oct. 23, 2011. It is re-posted for sentimental reasons.

Several months ago, I was added by a friend to a group in Facebook, the ALAM MONG TAGA LAUR KA KUNG…

It was an exclusive group of people from our hometown of Laur, Nueva Ecija. It was created by Mykel Lacuesta Dizon, a fine lad who is presently working abroad. According to him, he created the group to withstand the homesickness he feels from working far from home.

It started out as a group of people who share common memories of our hometown. Both my sister Liz and I are active members of this group. For some reasons, we find it comforting to talk about the past and things peculiar to our place like our customs, traditions, festivals, food, etc. At first, it was like a grafitti wall where you can say things you can remember. Then members started to share pictures old and new. It was as if it was a place where you can be yourself and you will be accepted no matter what. It became a source of happiness and joy to everyone. Members go there to comfort and to be comforted. The group became not only a form of diversion but also a sanctuary and something to look forward to.

Then, it was conceptualized and decided upon to form a formal organization to be more of service to the community we all love. Thus, the United Laureans was born. Officers were elected and the fun continued. Then, calamity struck in the form of Pedring and Quiel. The dedication and passion of the newly elected officers and members were put to the test for the first time. Donations came from everywhere. Every member wants to extend help to people he or she does not know and would not meet. The group has only one thing in mind… to help out.

The first relief operation was held in Betania, Laur, Nueva Ecija. Led by the officers, volunteers flock together to show the power of unity.

It may be too premature to rejoice over this simple success, regardless, we are proud of what we were able to do and we would continue to do our best to make our hometown a better place.

This is my neighborhood where I am an active member. We may be far apart from each other but our hearts beat as one, because we are the united LAUREANS..

Proud to be Pinoy! Proud to be LAUREAN!

Mabuhay tayong lahat!!!