My new found family in the Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP)

“The world would be so lonely, in sunny hours or gray, without the gift of friendship, to help us every day.”- Hilda Brett Farr

True friends are blessings in our life. They are always by our side during good times and bad times, through thick and thin, and the seasons of our life. Most of all, they never get tired of loving us.

When I came to GSP as an on-the-job trainee (OJT), I assumed I wouldn’t be able to find friends because I am just a trainee in the Movement. I thought it would be to make friends with the professional staff, who are older and more experienced in their job. But that was just at the beginning of my assignment here at the GSP National Headquarters. In the midst of my initial and unfounded feelings, I found friends in GSP!

At first, it felt awkward because I knew I would be interacting with the professional staff of GSP. However, all those awkward feelings and fears disappeared.  I saw the heart-melting smile of Ms. Myra Contessa Diokno-Sarmenta, GSP Assistant National Executive Director, and OIC of Communications Division. I met Ate Princess Duldulao, whose sweet demeanor was just inspiring; the caring attitude of Ate Chel Fontijon, and the ever-helpful ways of Kuya Dharvie Cinco. When I first entered their workplace on December 8, 2014, I also had the chance to meet Dr. Paz Diaz, Communications Committee Chairperson and GSP’s National Treasurer, who patiently checks and edits all our entries, blogs, and write ups.

I also met new people from other divisions who are all willing to help me. Ms. Roselyn Davadilla, Director, Personnel and Legal Services Division, was so helpful during my application in the GSP. Ate Len Perido supervised our orientation. Ate Faye Mercurio happily assisted me with photocopying while she was passing by the hallway of General Services just when I needed someone’s help. Ate Dred Mendoza taught me how to send documents by telefax. And there is the ever-cheerful Ate Angel Redoble, who provided us with “Happy Hours” during office hour breaks!

I also found my spiritual family in Ate Megan Villoria, Ate Divine Comia, and Kuya Dong Palomar when I attended the bible study. These people help strengthen my spiritual growth as I attend the Thursday sessions.

GSP professional staff members in the National Headquarters indeed serve as my second family who continually show their concern for me and who inspire me while I enjoy my internship. They also guide and mold me each day so I can face the real world.

In this experience, Girl Scout members and professional staff show and prove to me that indeed, “A Girl Scout is a friend to all and a sister to every other Girl Scout.”

First lunch meeting with Communications Division. Upper photo (from left) is Mr. Dharvie Cinco. Lower photo (from left to right) are Ms. Jenelyn Matamis, Ms. Princess Grachelle Duldulao,Ms. Myra Contessa Diokno-Sarmenta (GSP Assistant National Executive Director and OIC of Communications Division), Ms. Rebilyn Quiroz, and Ms. Ms. Marichel Fontijon.

The Celebration of 1^st Anniversary of our Bible Study Group. This was taken at the Josefa Llanes Escoda Hall on February 11, 2015.

By: Jenelyn R. Matamis, GSP Communications Division Intern