The Inner Conditioning Workshop (ICW) in Bulacan was more than just a learning experience for the New Lucena participants—it was an awakening, a realization that strength, patience, and faith are essential in both personal and professional life. Each reflection tells a story of struggles, perseverance, and a renewed sense of purpose. Dr. Reala: Leadership with Patience and Purpose “Sometimes, there are misunderstandings among the staff, and I have to deal with them. I have to reflect on who has lapses, and on my part, I reflect on my shortcomings.” As a leader, Dr. Reala understands that leadership isn’t about being… Read more: Inner Conditioning, Inner Transformation

January 30, 2025, wasn’t just another day at Baganihan Hall in New Lucena—it was a day of rekindled civic spirit, dynamic discourse, and a reaffirmation of the indispensable role of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in local governance. With 45 committed participants—CSO representatives, LGU staff, and SEA Inc. members—the assembly buzzed with energy and purpose, proving that grassroots leadership is alive and well in New Lucena. The event started with a prayer led by Angela Betita, setting the tone for a meeting rooted in service and commitment. CSO Desk Officer Mr. Rudy Asesor then delivered a welcome message that was both… Read more: The CSO General Assembly: A Powerhouse of Civic Engagement

The SEA Inner Conditioning Workshop was more than just a gathering—it was a transformative experience that allowed participants to pause, reflect, and reset. Each individual carried their burdens into the workshop, yet they emerged with newfound clarity and resilience. Their stories are powerful testaments to the impact of self-awareness, faith, and purpose. Ma’am Anne reflected on the importance of giving oneself grace in difficult times.  “It’s okay to have bad days. It’s okay to feel disappointed, frustrated, or sad. But as the days go by, always remember to PAUSE, REST, RESET, and RESTART.”  For her, life’s challenges serve as reminders… Read more:  A Journey of Pause, Clarity, and New Beginnings

If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that change doesn’t happen by accident. It takes a plan, a strategy, and—most importantly—people who are willing to roll up their sleeves and make things happen. Enter the PIME Team, the local champions of planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation, who recently convened in two barangays in New Lucena: Barangay Damires on February 5 and Barangay Badiang on February 13, 2025. While government programs and frameworks may sometimes feel like lofty ideals on paper, the PIME Team is here to ensure that they don’t just stay there. With a mission to… Read more: Bridging Plans to Action: PIME Team Meetings in Barangays Damires and Badiang

Personal transformation is not an overnight miracle—it is a journey that begins with self-awareness and a willingness to change. For Madeline Madero, a dedicated CIT member and Lifebank Foundation employee, attending the Inner Conditioning Workshop (ICW) in Bulacan last August 2024 was a turning point. “Growth begins where self-awareness starts.” Before, patience was a struggle. Emotions often dictated reactions. But through the lessons from ICW and the values shared by Sir Nicky Perlas, she learned to pause, reflect, and respond with wisdom rather than impulse.  “True strength is not in reacting but in choosing how to respond.” Where once tempers… Read more: From Impulse to Inner Strength

“The soil does not rush, yet it nurtures life. As farmers, as leaders, we must learn from it—patient, persistent, and deeply rooted in purpose.” The Inner Conditioning Workshop (ICW) was not just a seminar; it was a recalibration of the heart and mind. As a CSO leader advocating for sustainable farming in Santa Barbara, John Julroy Calibang has always believed that the land teaches us lessons beyond agriculture. This workshop reminded him that leadership, like farming, requires patience, discipline, and a vision that extends beyond the present season.  One of the most striking realizations he had during ICW was the… Read more: Rooted in Purpose: Cultivating Leadership and Sustainability

They say that growth isn’t linear. Sometimes, it feels like climbing a mountain, reaching the peak, only to find yourself slipping back down again. For Ivan, a young man from Barangay Cabilaun, New Lucena, attending the Inner Conditioning Workshop (ICW) for the first time was like standing at the edge of something unknown—hopeful, hesitant, and maybe somewhat skeptical. Ivan had been struggling emotionally, so much so that his mother saw the ICW as a lifeline for him. He attended, sat through the sessions, listened, and reflected. And for a time, he felt change take root. “My reflection on ICW that… Read more: Lost and Found: A Youth’s Journey Through Inner Conditioning

On January 30, 2025, in the warmth of Pinili Restaurant, a gathering took place—one that was more than just a meeting. It was a homecoming of hearts, a reunion of minds, and a reaffirmation of purpose. Eight graduates of the Inner Conditioning Workshop (ICW) came together under the guidance of SEA Inc., each carrying stories of transformation, growth, and newfound wisdom. The session began not with words but with breath. A simple yet profound heart-breathing exercise set the tone—a reminder that before we can pour into others, we must first ground ourselves. Then came a question: “What was your best… Read more: The Power of Reflection and Mentorship: A Journey Beyond Words

Ronnel Domines found himself deeply moved by the vision of Green Tunnel, a concept introduced during the Inner Conditioning Workshop (ICW) that, for him, symbolizes a path to profound growth and collective transformation. “Reflecting on the ICW experience, I see Green Tunnel as a powerful metaphor for unlocking potential and igniting change,” Ronel shares. The idea of Green Tunnel – a space where personal growth intersects with collective impact – has sparked a new sense of purpose in him, encouraging self-discovery and opening doors to untapped possibilities. In a world overwhelmed by distractions, Ronnel believes that self-mindfulness is more crucial… Read more: Through the Green Tunnel: Transforming Lives, Empowering Communities

For JC Fermindoza, the recent Inner Conditioning Workshop was indeed a transformative process. “It felt like I have taken a break out of life’s busy routine and took time to reflect and understand myself”. For him, this experience wasn’t just an ordinary workshop— it was an opportunity to focus on the most important aspect of his life amidst the regular responsibilities that he must attend to every day. In the busy world that he is living, JC found peace in the peaceful surroundings of the venue. “It feels like I have stepped into a paradise, far from the noise and… Read more: JC Fermindoza’s Journey to Inner Peace

For Kristin Joyce Muyana, the Inner Conditioning Workshop (ICW) provided a glimpse into the power of self-awareness and the mind-body connection, even though she was unable to attend the later sessions due to illness. While her time in the workshop was cut short, the insights she gained during the introductory sessions left a lasting impression. “Though I missed out on the full experience, the initial concepts of self-awareness and understanding the connection between mind and body resonated deeply with me,” Kristin shares. Her experience of physical illness during the workshop became an unintentional yet powerful lesson in how discomfort can… Read more: Finding Insight Through Adversity

Marjorie Maido’s experience at the Inner Conditioning Workshop (ICW) in Bulacan, 48 days ago, was an eye-opening journey that left her both empowered and conflicted. As someone who had always been in tune with her body and mind, Marjorie walked into the workshop with a sense of self-awareness but soon realized that transformation wasn’t just about confidence—it was about learning to coexist with doubt. Despite the workshop’s encouraging message to believe in her talents, Marjorie found herself trapped in a paradox. She said, “I am empowered, yet I find myself pursuing perfection, overly criticizing everything I do.” It’s a struggle… Read more: Embracing Doubt in the Pursuit of Growth

Alfie Anthony Neodama’s reflection on the Inner Conditioning Workshop (ICW) held at Bayanihan Economics in Angat, Bulacan, in late 2024 is a story of initial skepticism, humorous misgivings, and eventual introspection. His journey began with uncertainty as he arrived at the workshop location—a secluded place that seemed straight out of an amateur thriller. “Doubts and questions flooded my mind as we arrived at what seemed like an off-the-road hideout,” Alfie recalls. The eerie setting, with its overgrown grass, untrimmed plants, and spider webs, gave him images of white vans, cults, and the movie Wrong Turn. “It was all bizarre. I… Read more: From Doubt to Self-Discovery

For Jackelyn Muzones, the recent Inner Conditioning Workshop (ICW) was a profound experience that allowed her to explore the deeply rooted beliefs, patterns, and narratives that had unknowingly shaped her life. “It allowed me to explore my beliefs, patterns, and the underlying narratives that influence my decisions and interactions,” she reflects, noting how easily our conditioning can go unnoticed while dictating much of our behavior. One of the most valuable takeaways for Jackelyn was the importance of self-awareness. “By examining my thoughts and feelings, I learned to identify limiting beliefs that were holding me back from pursuing my goals,” she… Read more: Unlocking Self-Awareness and Compassion

Dawn’s experience at the Inner Conditioning Workshop last November was nothing short of eye-opening. What she initially thought would be just another seminar soon turned into a transformative experience, giving her a deeper understanding of the inner workings of her thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. As someone who was used to the ebb and flow of life’s routines, Dawn found herself reevaluating everything she thought she knew about herself. One of the most powerful revelations came early in the workshop—the realization that conditioning, often perceived as a fixed part of our personality, is actually malleable. The exercises and discussions led by… Read more: Breaking the Chains

For Joan Nacita, the Inner Conditioning Workshop (ICW) was an eye-opening experience that transformed her perspective on life. The workshop revealed profound insights that reshaped her understanding of balance, creativity, and inner peace. “The ICW opened my eyes to profound realizations that reshaped my perspective,” Joan reflects, noting that the training’s impact has stayed with her well beyond the sessions. One of the most powerful lessons Joan took away was the delicate interplay between the heart, mind, and body. “I learned the importance of listening to ourselves deeply,” she shares. “When the body calls for work, honor it with purpose;… Read more:  A Journey to Balance and Clarity

Life as a barangay official, CSO member, or LGU employee can often feel like walking a tightrope. Balancing personal challenges, professional duties, and community expectations can be overwhelming. For many, the Inner Conditioning Workshop held in Bulacan became a much-needed pause—a space to reflect, recalibrate, and reignite their purpose in serving through the IPAT-SIAD program of SEA Inc. From Chaos to Clarity: Heart Breathing in Action Divinia shared a deeply personal story: “Right after New Year, my two kids fought. My eldest got so angry that he hit his younger sibling with a spading fork. Thankfully, the blow was deflected… Read more: Heartbeats of Service

Last November 22, 2024, Barangay Calumbuyan came alive with an inspiring gathering of 17 women determined to redefine their community’s narrative. The Marketing Orientation for the Calumbuyan Women’s Association (CWA), spearheaded by the dynamic Ms. Joella Opina from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), was a beacon of knowledge, hope, and empowerment. This initiative wasn’t just another lecture on the “Four Ps” of marketing—Product, Price, Place, and Promotion—it was a masterclass on turning small dreams into tangible realities. From dissecting the essence of a product to strategizing its promotion, participants walked away with a roadmap for success. “What is… Read more: Calumbuyan Women’s Journey Toward Empowerment Through Marketing