Throughout my life, several guiding phrases have shaped my perspective:
“Don’t judge a book by its cover”: This timeless adage reminds me to look beyond appearances and seek the true essence of people and situations.
“There are always two sides of a coin”: This phrase urges me to consider multiple perspectives before making judgments or decisions.
“What you see is not always the truth”: This serves as a reminder that appearances can be deceiving, and it is essential to dig deeper to uncover the real truth.
“There are always reasons for actions”: This encourages empathy and understanding, as everyone has their own motivations and experiences that shape their behavior.
However, the phrase that resonates with me the most is: “You get what you give to the world.” I firmly believe that the energy and kindness we put into the world come back to us in various ways. By spreading love, compassion, and positivity, we create a ripple effect of goodness that touches the lives of others.
Today, I find myself sharing the story of the “Divisoria Queen.” At first, I hesitated to write this confession, but I realized that sharing my journey might inspire others. There are moments in life when we need to look back and appreciate our growth and accomplishments. So, dear self, I want to say that you have done great, and you should be proud of what you have achieved. Your humble beginnings should never be a source of shame but a testament to your strength and resilience.
Now, let me share this story with you:
In the bustling streets of Divisoria, the heart of Manila’s shopping district, a young girl named Lariza began her journey as a vendor at the tender age of 6. Carrying her plastic bags and a heart full of determination, she navigated the chaotic sidewalks, learning the ins and outs of the vibrant marketplace. Lariza understood that hard work and resilience were the keys to success, even at such a young age.
Growing up with humble beginnings, Lariza held tight to her dream of providing a better life for her family. Despite the challenges, she managed to attend school while supporting herself as a working student. Her determination and natural talent for business didn’t go unnoticed, and she earned a scholarship that paved the way to college.
After graduating, Lariza found a job with a prestigious company in Makati. Her pursuit of success didn’t stop there. She got married, and with her husband’s shared drive and motivation, they decided to venture into business together. With their combined efforts, they were able to set up a successful enterprise, and their investments grew steadily over the years.
As her success grew, so did her benevolence. Lariza knew the hardships of starting with almost nothing, and she wanted to help others on their journey to success. She started sharing what she and always give thanks to the LORD for she always have an angel by her side whenever things go wrong. Life is not a bed of roses after all
However, as her fortune expanded, Lariza faced challenges and adversaries.
But Lariza’s resilience was unmatched. She faced every obstacle with determination, and with the support of her mother who was still alive at that time and siblings, she triumphed over every setback.
As of now, Lariza is happy and contend with her life
But even amidst success, Lariza never lost sight of her roots. She remained humble and continued to live a simple life despite having the means to indulge in luxuries. She maintained her close ties with her family and frienda, ensuring that they too could share in her success.
As the years passed, Lariza’s continued to grow, but she never forgot the lessons that had shaped her journey: hard work, integrity, and compassion. She remained the Divisoria Queen, not only in doing her business acumen but also in her hearts
Lariza’s true legacy wasn’t the wealth she had accumulated, but the countless lives she could had inspired, uplifted, and changed for the better. I hope her story could be inspiring tale of how resilience, kindness, and determination can transform a person from a simple vendor into a queen who reigns over the hearts of many.
This story is an entry to COMCO Mundo’s “UNMASKED: The COMCO Mundo Write to Ignite Season 3”. The initiative aims to pull and collate powerful stories from the Philippine blogging communities. “UNMASKED” aims to explore how each mask is a person brimming with hope and wonders to share with others, as well as why it is important to tell their inspiring journeys in life. The “Write to Ignite” Season 3 is made possible by COMCO Mundo League of Enterprises, with airasia, Babyflo, PHILUSA Corporation, Century Tuna, Licealiz, Lamoiyan Corporation, Rémy Martin, and Uratex Monoblock as brand partners.