Puti ang Baluti, Buo ang Loob: A Journey of Pure Intent and Empowerment 

Maurice Joy G. Cudal

Personal milestones and accolades are often solemn markers of success, but for me, validation comes from the appreciation and gratitude offered by other people. My professional journey started as a nurse and later a nurse educator, each step motivated by a sincere wish to help and support those around me. This journey has not only made it possible for me to realize my dreams but has also inspired so many others, especially during my professional engagements in the thriving healthcare industry in Saudi Arabia. My story, which is the story of struggles and hopes, illustrates how strongly we can impact each other’s lives and underscores the belief we should all have in ourselves.

In my earlier years, I lost my parents, which presented me with a myriad of obstacles that could have thwarted my objectives. Nevertheless, I held on to a vision—a vision where I could greatly impact other people’s lives. The vision to become a nurse leader sprang from the realization that I could help nurses better appreciate themselves, and I wanted to enable them to achieve their full potential. I sought to foster an environment where everyone could excel, boosting a culture of collaboration and support. A principle that has always been my guiding star in this journey is “Puti ang baluti, buo ang loob,” a saying from my good friend and classmate in my PhD program. This saying stays with me. This saying keeps me anchored to my purpose and shines a light in my darkest times.

During this journey, I have taken three philosophic steps which deeply impacted my practice in nursing and teaching. First, my actions and decisions are profoundly influenced by the essence of pure intent. This saying encourages us to act with integrity and reminds me of my purpose irrespective of hurdles. I make every effort to ensure that my students do not give up on their dreams which they are passionate about. Second, I adhere to the principle of ‘function over position’. In nursing and education, it’s not about what title we bear, but rather, what role we fulfill. Each and every encounter presents a chance to serve and create positive change within the community and our institutions.

The mantra of ‘make it better’ hits home for me. Improvement is a journey, and I try to motivate my students and colleagues to adopt a bottom-up approach. Each and every single day is an opportunity to cultivate a new habit and to learn something new that will help us grow. Placing myself in the company of compassionate and dependable people greatly adds to this effort because we learn and help one another.. There is so much that can be accomplished so long as there is a caring network that can help to motivate and encourage one another towards working to achieve such goals. We can do so much to lift one another work towards lifting each other to greater heights.

It is a story of resilience, of growth, and a focus on service to others. As a nurse leader, I take pride in and am grateful that I belong to a community that promotes compassion, integrity and excellence in healthcare. Let us all strive to be leaders in our own fields. Not so much because of our titles, but through the influence that we have left on other people. Together, we have the chance to light the way for generations to come. We can make certain that the future has something to be thankful for, something to hope for, and something that will transform everything.

What Remains of Me When the Applause Fades?

Marvelyn D. Ignacio, PhD

Assistant Professor III, Apayao State College

If I stripped away the medals,
And set the trophies down,
Would I still stand as tall,
Or shrink beneath the ground?

If titles lost their meaning,
And praise no longer came,
Would I still see my reflection,
Or be a face without a name?

Am I the weight of all my work,
Or something more inside?
A heart that beats for love and truth,
Not just for hollow pride.

If no one clapped, if no one cheered,
If all my wins were dust,
Would kindness still be in my hands?
Would hope remain my trust?

When silence fills the spotlight's place,

And dreams feel far away,

Will I still rise with quiet grace,
A soul that will not sway?

Even if the world forgets my name,
Or accolades grow dim,
I hope they’ll see the heart I gave,
Not just the ways I win.

I am not the heights I’ve climbed,
Nor all that I have done,
I am the warmth within my soul,
I shine without the sun.