In the cool misty highlands of Aningalan, San Remigio, Antique, the morning began with the aroma of something simple yet soulful — a home-cooked breakfast by Enrique and Tin, a husband-and-wife duo whose hearts are rooted in organic and sustainable living. They say food tastes better when made with love, and perhaps that was true — every bite felt like a blessing, grounding everyone before a day of self-discovery.

After breakfast, the Inner Conditioning Workshop (ICW) led by Elias “Eli” Cueva began not with a lecture, but with a question that lingered in the air like incense:

“Who is St. Michael to you, and what does he symbolize in your life?”

The question wasn’t rhetorical — it was personal, even spiritual. Participants were divided into three groups to reflect and share. In the image of St. Michael the Archangel, sword raised and wings aflame, we saw not only the vanquisher of evil but the conqueror of our inner battles. Someone noted, pointing at the dragon under St. Michael’s feet.

“Maybe that dragon is your old self — your fears, pride, and the things you must outgrow.”

That moment set the tone for the rest of the day. Through laughter, introspection, and honest conversation, we peeled back the layers of who we thought we were. It was less about fighting monsters outside and more about confronting the dragons within.

The SEA Inc. senior staff, community facilitators, admin team, and volunteers found themselves rediscovering their purpose. We learned that to serve others, we must first know ourselves — to lead a community, we must first learn to lead the heart. As one participant reflected,

“Sometimes the hardest person to facilitate is yourself.”

Throughout the sessions, we explored not only self-awareness but the many kinds of love — not just the romantic kind that poets write about, but love as service, compassion, and shared growth. Love as listening. Love as letting go. Love as beginning again.

As dusk painted the mountains gold, the day’s reflections gave way to meaningful encounters. The group met Atty. Rolly Pedriña, Chairperson of AMLIG Antique Alliance, whose conviction for environmental protection matched the courage of St. Michael himself. Alongside him were MENRO Ruth Martinez and her husband Ramil, both members of Dihon Sa ‘Raya, whose quiet dedication to nature and community served as a living reminder that advocacy begins at home.

In the soft hum of the evening, with the mountain breeze whispering through the trees, the group shared one final realization:

“To be a facilitator is not to instruct, but to ignite — to help others see the light already burning within them.”

The Inner Conditioning Workshop wasn’t just a training — it was a pilgrimage inward. A journey toward authenticity, anchored in faith, friendship, and purpose.

And as the stars appeared over Aningalan, it was clear that St. Michael’s lesson lived on in each of us: to fight not with anger, but with light — and to walk forward, wings unseen, but spirits aflame.