ABANG STORY

Chapter 1:My Beginning 

I'm Sonayah Pamaloy Abdulcaris, in short "Abang." I was born on October 10, 2005 I live in maladig Picong, Lanao del Sur. I'm a moody person; sometimes you'll see me smiling, but inside, I'm carrying problems. I don't tell others about them as long as I can handle them. I'm the kind of person who doesn't want my parents to know about my problems; I keep them to myself because I know I can overcome them someday. I want to prove to myself that I am capable on my own, and if you notice, I always smile even when I have problems. That's just me.

 

Things I wished I could still do are those I did when I was a child. I really loved playing badminton and other games. I miss the old generation when there wasn't much internet, and not many people used cellphones. Unlike now, even kids know how to use cellphones, which is why the good old memories are gone. Now you don't see kids playing outside because they have cellphones; they play the games they want on them.

Chapter 2: My Family 

We are twelve siblings, six girls and six boys. I'm the sixth among them. I won't mention their names because you might get confused since all our names start with "So" HAHAHA. Among my siblings, only two are married, the two eldest boys. My father is a politician, a "Councilor." It's tough because we have many siblings, and the expenses are hard to manage, but thank God, as my father says, at least we eat on time. That's when I realized that even though we're in politics, my parents still struggle. My mother stays at home and takes care of our younger siblings. After 6 years of my father serving as a councilor, he finished his term, and we were very sad because we didn't know if we could continue studying since my father was no longer in politics, and we didn't know where we would get the money for our education. "So Allah na mala eh Limo" . My mother applied for a job at Lasureco so she could work. Thankfully, she got in because the manager of Lasureco is my father's cousin. They said she should pass her papers, and she was immediately accepted, thank God. My mother didn't finish her studies, but she graduated from high school. She didn't go to college because she got married early. Back then, our parents liked parental arrangements, and my parents were in a parental arrangement.
She and my father knew each other because they were classmates; they graduated from MSU Malabang.

 Chapter 3:

My mother started working, and she was the one who spent on us siblings so we could study. We thought we wouldn't be able to study anymore because my father was no longer in his position. "Yangalimo so Allah" . After 3 years, when I was in G10, my father thought of returning to politics. He told his grandfather that he would run in the next election, and his grandfather agreed that he would file for chairman of our Barangay. Thank God, his plan was successful. Alhamdulillah² . So now, my father is a chairman, and we are very happy because we think that all of us siblings will be able to finish our studies because my father and mother have jobs, and we have money for all our school needs. Right now, we are all studying, and my parents are also supporting the studies of their youngest sibling. They always tell us to study hard while they are still here. Abi said: Study well so you can finish your studies. It warms my heart because we feel that as children, they support us all. They will do everything just so we can all graduate.

Actually, Abie is very strict with us, as in. Umii is not so much. If you ask me who is the strictest, it's really Abie, as in hehehe, he's very strict with us, but he's also the parent who is sweet to their children. They are very affectionate with us, but if you do something wrong, "so tig iran a palaguy kadn HAHA" , so I really avoid doing something wrong because I think of Abie. I tell myself that I won't do anything that will ruin their trust in me, my parents, especially my father. I always remember what he tells us, and my mother, you don't notice her getting angry at you. She's really different from Abie; I feel like Umii doesn't know how to get angry, as in.

Chapter 4:

My Grade 10 graduation is one of the most memorable moments of my life. It marks the end of a chapter filled with lessons, challenges, and unforgettable memories. Reaching this milestone was not easy there were days of pressure, stress, and self-doubt

but every struggle taught me to be stronger and more patient.

Throughout my Grade 10 journey, I met teachers who guided me, friends who made learning fun, and classmates who became part of my daily life. Together, we shared laughter, late projects, exams, and moments that I will always treasure.

On graduation day, as I stood proudly and received my certificate, I felt happiness and gratitude. I thought about all the effort I gave and the people who supported me especially my family, who never stopped believing in me.

My Grade 10 graduation is not just an ending, but a beginning. It prepares me for senior high school and for bigger dreams ahead. This experience will always remind me that hard work and determination truly pay off.

Chapter 5:

 

Now I am where I am compared to when I was a child. Now I always tell myself that I have faced so many challenges in life, and I have overcome them, but it doesn't end there for the challenges that will come my way. But I am ready to face them. I told myself that I need to be strong so I can get everything I want in life and also repay the sacrifices of our parents just so we can study. That's what I tell myself, that it's normal to have problems in life, and we have a mind to solve them. Even if I can't handle it anymore, I still try for my future and also for my parents. My dream for myself is to finish my studies, and I will repay the hard work of my parents just so we can graduate. That's what I want most of all, of course, the happiness of our parents when they see their children graduate. That's what I want to see in them, a smile that can never be repaid to me. 

Chapter 6:

My best friend 4/4 🫂  is not just someone I laugh with, but someone who understands me even when I stay silent. From simple conversations to deep talks about life, my best friend has always been there—through happy days and difficult moments.

We have shared countless memories: moments of joy, tears, and lessons that made us stronger. When the world felt heavy, my best friend became my safe place. When I doubted myself, they reminded me of who I truly am.

What makes our friendship special is not perfection, but loyalty. No matter how far life takes us, the bond remains unbroken. Time may change many things, but our friendship stays the same—real, strong, and forever Iloveyou all.  

Chapter 7: 

My siblings are more than family they are my first friends and my lifelong companions. Growing up together, we shared laughter, small arguments, and countless memories that shaped who we are today.

We may not always agree, and sometimes we hurt each other with words, but at the end of the day, love always brings us back together. In hard times, my siblings are the ones who stand beside me, offering strength when I feel weak and hope when things seem difficult.

They know my flaws, my dreams, and my fears, yet they accept me for who I am. Life may lead us on different paths, but our bond remains strong. No distance or challenge can break the connection we share.

Having siblings means never being alone. No matter what happens, they will always be a part of my heart today, tomorrow, and forever.

Chapter 8: YOUTH LEADERSHIP SUMMIT 

Bismillahi I'm feeling a mix of emotions right now - happiness, gratitude, and a sense of fulfillment for being one of the participants of Picong sa naganap Youth Peace, and Leadership Summit. I was really scared at first, since it was my first time to join such an event. I couldn't believe I was chosen among many young people in Municipality of Picong 

During our 3-days and 2-nights stay at the Battalion, I learned so many lessons (more than I expected). Our group 7 was amazing, and I thank them for all the jokes and laughter. I believe that communication, respect, understanding, and also teamwork are essential in any group.

On our first day, I was really scared and wanted to go home. But during our first game, I was so happy when we won, and I even led our group's cheer. 

first night The candle lighting and bonfire party were also memorable. During the candle lighting, I couldn't help but cry - it was like all my emotions were pouring out. Someone comforted me from behind, and I cried even more. 

The bonfire party was a great way to bond with my teammates after a long day.

Day2, we had a juggling activity and a challenge to complete 8 stations with games. After the games, we had lectures from speakers who delivered their topics with proactive discussions with the participants. They were all great speakers, and their topics were really relevant to us young people.🤍

We had the most challenging and memorable games. We had to complete 8 stations with 10 games, and it was really tough. But I was proud of myself for pushing through.

The last day, we watched a video that made me cry again. We graduated and received our certificates of completion. 

I want to thankyou Kuya Aiman and the AFP kuyas for their patience and kindness.

All I can say is alhamdulillah², I'm grateful for this experience.🤍

As young people, we should fulfill our responsibilities as citizens of this country. We shouldn't let ourselves be destroyed by bad habits or wrongdoings.

and of course, Thank you to all the organizers, to my fellow participants , thank you for the kindness and respect.

Mabuhay ka Lanao Del Sur Yls !

Chapter 9:

My cousin is not just a relative by blood but someone who played an important role in my life. Growing up, we shared many moments together simple laughs, deep talks, and memories that remain unforgettable. In times of happiness, my cousin was there to celebrate with me, and in moments of sadness or struggle, they stood by my side, offering comfort and understanding.

What makes my cousin special is their strength and kindness. They face challenges with courage and never give up, even when life becomes difficult. Their determination inspires me to be braver and to believe in myself. Whether through small acts of care or big sacrifices, my cousin always shows genuine love for family.

As time passes and we grow older, our paths may change, but the bond we share remains strong. My cousin will always be someone I look up to and treasure, because they are not only part of my family but also part of my journey in life,  Iloveyou Darling ko .