My real given name is June Faith but the nurse who attended my mum during her caesarean delivery mistakenly registered me as Joan Faith Octavio Calumpang. I was born on Philippine Independence Day and grew up in Matling, Malabang, Lanao del Sur. For everyone inquiring where in the world Matling is, I described it in one phrase “ a land flowing with milk and honey” like God’s chosen nation --Israel. It’s a self-sufficient place because it has its own hydro power plant, water system, private hospital, school, airport for charter plane, a port for cargo ship and church – the Assemblies of God Church. It’s far different from other barrio or hacienda. I am a country girl but growing in Matling doesn’t isolate me from the trends of the city and the world. Our lifestyle is slow-paced – we have enough time for chitchat even in the offices, home and elsewhere just like the typical barrio.
My parents are not origins of this place but they are here to earn for living. Indeed it has become our home. My mother and father met here way back in late 70’s. My mother is an Ilonggo who was born in Negros Occidental and my father is from Tanjay City, Negros Oriental. We are only two in the family both girls and I am the eldest daughter. My sister is now a young professional who is currently working in Matling.
My kindergarten to high school days was spent in Spencer’s Foundation School Incorporated. I have been a consistent honor student since elementary. On my final grading in high school, I missed the 2nd honorable mention because I got a line of seven grade in Mathematics when I was in third year. We have to maintain good grades from Junior in order to get an honor place in Senior, final grading period! That was one of my failures!
My greatest dream is to be a lawyer. I never dreamt of anything in my life. I.T. was never in my wildest dream! That dream has been instilled in my heart because of the injustices we experienced in our lives as a family while growing up. But God has best plans for me in His mind. I studied in Notre Dame University and took up Bachelor of Arts in Peace and Development Studies for one semester only. At the age of 18, I proceeded to Berean School of Ministry in Roxas City, Capiz. A Bible School. Right after graduation, I served the LORD in Matling as youth adviser in the church and Christian Education teacher in SFSI elementary department where I was an alumna. After five years, I resigned to pursue a secular degree, Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, which I’m taking up these days.
People may be indifferent to my Christian views but I always live by my principle –knowing Jesus is not enough, walk with Him and your life will never be the same.
“Every calling is great when greatly pursued.” –Oliver Wendell Homes-
