Regardless of our station in life, we will always have a moment of reflection, of that search for existentialism where we truly question why we are here on earth. We really wonder why. And we try to find the true meaning of life, or our calling, as we plough through the daily grind.

Often, we go dark, especially when things are not going our way, when we become frustrated because we are not realizing our goals, or because we become so burdened with rage, anger and bitterness with failure after failure, whether in endeavors or in relationships.

In facing the stark reality of our existence, we now come to the question: Is it still worth it? I went through all of that. And then in December 2017, I experienced an epiphany.

It was a powerful awakening brought about by seeing, and embracing a child stricken with cancer, at the House of Hope Shelter for Kids in Davao City.

This is an institution that takes care of children who are afflicted with cancer, most especially the indigent ones who cannot really afford expensive medical treatment.

At any given time, there are about 20 to 30 children at the Shelter, together with a parent or a guardian, and there they are treated for their affliction, and also to nourish their body, mind and soul.

The children who are here are given very special attention, in that they are treated as how a normal child should be taken cared of — with love, affection and values formation. Here they are taught to sing, dance, paint, draw and everything that would enable them to express their raw talent.

And this is where it really gets you — the first time you meet a child at the Shelter, perhaps one who is blind in his left eye, or already balding and with a bloated head or one whose right leg is already amputated, you will be in shock, not because of their physical condition, but because of their very positive disposition.

It is in the House of Hope where you will really feel very blessed and your problems insignificant, when you come in and get up close and personal with a child with cancer, but who will enthrall you with a song or dance move and a smile that will light up the entire room.

It is indeed life-changing to personally experience mingling with children who are so vibrant and full of life, but who ironically discuss their own mortality with each other in a very casual manner like they have embraced it and that it will happen soon. Imagine the pain and suffering that they are going through at a tender age, yet they are the ones who will inspire you to live through your trepidations.

And it was here that I fully understood why Rodrigo Roa Duterte is really a different, one-of-a-kind, generational leader. Because he was the one, together with the founder of House of Hope Dr. Mae Dolendo, who made it possible.

You have got to see it, and you really have to immerse yourself in the presence of the kids. With my life-changing experience at HoH, I found the strength and the will to live on and realize my dreams of creativity and expression. And I made a promise to myself that from thereon in, I will always spend at least one day there in the Shelter every year.

Because it is indeed a House where there is always HOPE. And that is all we need. Merry Christmas everyone.