Many people say that our life is already predetermined, but we have the freedom to do the things that make us better. I am a living proof of how the wrath of life can crush you, multiple times. On the night of August 2006 we experienced a destructive natural disaster, a flashflood came gushing into the riverbank sweeping our humble home. I was young not knowing what is happening around me, all I know that I was being carried by my brother into the safest area. Fast forward to 2019, a 6.9 magnitude earthquake structed our community. I was 18 back then and I’m pretty much aware of what is happening around me. Our family moved to the evacuation center, at that time we experienced the lack of financial support and psychological injury. Those challenges maybe hard for me, but it made me rise to the occasion, be resilient, and brave.
Hi, it’s me Shaina Mae Lingatong and everyone who knows me call me “Shy” or “Langging”. I am 24 years old turning 25 on May 31. I have a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration. I am an optimistic person who loves to spend most of my time reading literature books, going for nature trips, and most importantly spending time with my family. I truly value the essence of connection whether it’s from people I personally know or those strangers I met.
I hope my story would bring inspiration to those who will come across this.
I am the fifth child of Mr. and Mrs. Lingatong, one of their six lovely children. Every day when I wake up, I know that I am not alone because of them. I know that I am loved, supported, and cared. When I feel burned out, they are always there cheering for me. They are one of my sources of inspiration. I am so much grateful for having them in my life. They influenced the person I’ve become. They are the reason why I never give up on life, always reminding me to stay strong and keep going, even when things get difficult. Because of them, I always find the courage to move forward and keep fighting.
Another thing I am thankful for is the life of my big sister and her family. I always consider them as my second home. Life knows me well, so it placed the right people to help me through hard times. They treated me as part of their family and never made me feel different from them.
Every time when we’re together people often compliment us by saying that we look alike. I am so thankful to my big sister because I always received support from her not only emotionally but also financially. Whenever I feel like I don’t have enough budget, she always shows up to help me. It feels so nice having a sister by your side and making your life little easier. She is such a blessing!
Aside from spending my time for my family, reading books, and travel; I also love spending my time participating in church activities because it helps me grow spiritually and connect with my community. Actually, I am one of the youth facilitators at our small church, where I mentor young teens during Sunday classes. I really found myself happy when I teach because I get to share my learnings and of course, I learned from them as well. Both teaching and being active in church give me a sense of fulfillment and purpose.
I served at church alongside with my cousins, which it makes more meaningful and enjoyable. The good thing is that they also love travelling. That’s is why we always get along so well while doing the things we are passionate about. I hope they achieved the life we once talked about, I am always rooting for them as their big sis.
Another activity I am involved in is serving as the SK treasurer. Serving is closely aligned with my course in Public Administration, as it has taught me responsibility, organization, and how to manage resources in our barangay. I believe we can extend our hands to others even if we don’t hold any positions. These experiences helped me prepared me for a future in public service.
These are a few glimpses of my journey, highlighting some of the experiences that have me shaped who I am today; my character values and passion in serving not only in community, in my family and church as well. There are still many experiences and lessons that I will encounter and I’m so excited to face them.
I am happy that I was able to share the glimpse of my life here. I am onboarded by 
All the photos attached are mine and was edited using Canva.
Happy reading everyone!