This is why I build

MANILA, Philippines - I consider the time and effort I gave to Habitat For Humanity the most important donation of all... What do we get from being active, poverty-fighting students? At a young age, we now have a purpose.

A whole day under the harsh weather conditions of Manila that offer only high temperatures and heavy rainfall while laying bricks, carrying heavy sacks full of sand, and mixing cement until your sweat becomes one with the other ingredients needed to build a house.

Why do I do it?

Having only a couple of hours to sleep and a whole day to build: so why did I even bother to build for Habitat For Humanity?

I am just an ordinary person who does the usual things a teenager would do, sometimes a bit too daring. I have had my fair share of mischievous acts; I am no saint. During those times, I only considered myself a “boy,” not a “citizen.”

My transition from “boy” to “man” was because of a series of events in my life. I’ve faced a number of deaths, losing people close to my heart — Tito Dave Puyat, husband of my mom’s sister and Daddy Mon, my grandfather. I was also faced with broken relationships that I thought would last forever. In truth, only your character will last forever.

I don’t consider all of these things real “problems,” though.

In the modern age, most young men can’t distinguish superficial needs from the real issues.

I believe that the problems a young man should be resolving is how to improve the lives of another family composed of a dying father who supports a bigger-than-average-sized family with a minimum wage. These individuals are the ones who work the hardest but get the least for their efforts. They are the ones who may have manually built the house/apartment you are comfortably sitting in at the moment.

Something definitely needs to be done.

Along the path that I chose to take, I met a number of individuals who would play a significant role in my life. They helped me shape my future.

Your environment and the people around you will determine who you are and what you’ll become in the future.

Alex Eduque, the chairman and founder of the Habitat For Humanity Youth Council, gave me a call after I had met her previously at my grandparents’ wedding anniversary. She asked me if I wanted to be part of something special, something that has built 32,000 homes and 174 communities. It would be a shame to the country to refuse such an offer.

The main goal of the Youth Council is to give young adults the opportunity to help out, and also to feel the sense of fulfillment one gets when sharing with others. I consider the time and effort I gave to Habitat the most important donation of all.

One member of the team is Isabel Martel Francisco, who I’ve known since I was a child. Her parents are great people and she is proof of her upbringing. Then there’s Kevin Yang, who is now the incoming president, succeeding Isabel (he also makes it a point that every volunteer will have a “happy meal” during the build); Gaby Montinola, our good luck charm and best prayer leader; and of course, Pedro Roxas, the little brother I never had.

Our latest project was the “5K For 1 Day.” A total of 5,000 volunteers throughout China, Indonesia, India, Thailand and the Philippines built homes simultaneously on May 12, 2010. Our country was the being the biggest contingent for volunteers with a total of 2,200 in Navotas and 1,500 in Cagayan De Oro.

In Navotas alone, 1,500 families were left devastated by typhoons and flooding. There were thousands who were left homeless and living in relief centers with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Most of their families were swept away by the calamity as well.

To the volunteers who were present, I can assure you that our nation has improved since May 12.

What do we get from being active, poverty-fighting students? At a young age, we now have a purpose. Finding meaning in life is no joke. Spiritual emptiness can easily dissolve tangible wealth and fame. When our minds and hearts were opened, I considered that moment the greatest gift.

Alex, Isabel, Kevin, Gaby and Pedro are more than just council members. They are heroes who I once thought only existed in The Avengers. Part of me joining Habitat For Humanity was to meet new friends with similar intentions and I do love and admire the people I work with.

And as we serve, we begin to lead.

Throughout the months, I’ve learned lessons that could never be taught in a classroom. I’ve experienced a fraction of the poverty experienced by 90 percent of Filipinos, which you’ll never understand unless you are in their position.

Looking back, none of my problems compare with those of people who will be living in the houses we built. It all depends how you manage the challenges you encounter and your ability to create something full of love in a hostile environment.

Before I knew it, I had put up a peaceful and ideal home in my heart.

This is why I build.

Build to serve: The author, with Fernando Zobel de Ayala, and other Habitat For Humanity Youth Council volunteers.