As part of SEA Inc.’s Inner Conditioning Workshop (ICW) under the IPAT-SIAD program, young people gather weekly for Kamustahan sessions—safe spaces where they drop the filters, silence their phones (well, try), and check in not just with each other, but with themselves.

Facilitated by ICW graduate Joshua Noel Somejo, the session began with Heart Breathing—a five-minute silent breathing exercise to center everyone’s energy. Joshua reminded them gently, “Avoid cellphones. I know we can’t live without them, but let’s try. Silence helps us understand each other. We need to condition ourselves and remind ourselves why we’re here today.”

Then came the real talk.

Karen Mae Lebin shared how letting go of her phone—yes, the 24/7 digital lifeline—was her biggest hurdle during the ICW. “The first days were tough,” she admitted. “We’re the type of generation who panics when we misplace our phones for five minutes. But I realized, connection isn’t built through constant scrolling—it’s built when we actually listen to each other.”

The challenge led Karen to one crucial insight: self-discipline is not about restriction, it’s about self-respect. “It’s hard to say we’re disciplined when even we can’t control ourselves,” she added with a smile.

John Eric Saurin, an SK leader who once hated public responsibilities, found himself wrestling with his own reluctance. “I didn’t like being part of SK. I was forced into it,” he said candidly. But in this Kamustahan space, he learned that growth often begins where comfort ends. “I asked for help, embraced it, and now I feel like I’m really improving—because I chose to.”

Ruel Quizada, soft-spoken and self-aware, bravely opened up about his fear of public speaking. “I used to stutter when I talked in front of crowds. My confidence would disappear. But because of this space, I’m slowly finding my voice.” Thanks to the unwavering support from his peers and the gentle but powerful rhythm of ICW, Ruel now sees progress as a path, not a finish line.

Sheryl Anne Bandada, a fresh graduate, talked about the haunting pressure of landing a job immediately after graduation. “Everyone expects you to have your life together right away. But I’ve learned to chill. If I stress too much, I’ll lose myself. I now allow myself to pause and breathe.”

Jhea Justado, also a new graduate, echoed Sheryl’s thoughts. “When people find out you’re unemployed, they call you lazy. But no one talks about how hard it is out here,” she said. “So I choose to surround myself with friends who uplift me, and I remind myself: their opinions don’t define my worth.”

Jyan Gasis faced the classic college conflict: family or responsibility? A student leader and transferee, he juggled school duties and family milestones. “There were birthdays I missed because I had to report to school,” he shared. “But I chose service, and that helped me grow.” Jyan’s story was a quiet but profound reminder of how leadership is less about being seen, and more about making intentional choices.

These reflections are not just stories—they are seeds. And through SEA Inc.’s IPAT-SIAD approach, these seeds are nurtured to grow into trees of participatory governance, youth leadership, and inner healing. When young people heal, they listen better. When they listen better, they lead better. That’s how Inner Conditioning becomes more than a workshop—it becomes a movement.

Stay tuned for Part 2—more real talk, more heartbeats, and more stories from the youth of Bingawan, where love and governance meet halfway.