Yanna...

Yanna Alfa.
That's what I like calling her.
We started out as mere "officemates" in Ayala Foundation, where we both used to work. Our only point of reference then was the fact that we both studied from the same university (UPLB) with the same college degree. From the mere office-and-college-so-so stuff interaction, we, then, found ourselves comfortable about talking and sharing stuff that are important to us.
The friendship was not just between yanna and me -- a group of "kids" in the office began interacting frequently, thus, a barkadahan was formed. This was not just a yuppy thing BARKADA... Our barkada was formed because we all wanted to make a difference, not just by merely being affiliated with one of the popular foundations --we wanted to make an impact to the society, to the lives of other Filipinos who are not as lucky as us. Then, we realized, that we wanted to be WHO a development worker should be.
Slowly, each one in the barkadahan tried to follow his/her own personal legend. I left the foundation, and sought the meaning of what I really want. Yanna also began her journey ...with Sam... and as a development worker.
Early this year, Yanna came across the Up With People website. She got excited with the idea of traveling and at the same time creating an impact to the community where they would be traveling. She inquired about the program, and pursued the scholarship.
She was so decided to get into the program, she even did a fund-raising activity for her scholarship. The perserverance from Yanna showed her yearning to learn more about development work and to be the better being that she could be in the process.
After being into 37 different countries, Yanna is now back in the Philippines with Up With People. They now are doing their community impact activities, and are promoting the show that will be held on Dec 1-2 at the Meralco Theatre. :)
I really have not seen Yanna in person after 6 months, but HEY, i have seen her on tv and we do text from time to time. I guess, once her hectic schedule would be over, we can really catch up. :)