Istorya ng Pag-asa photo gallery opens in Iloilo

THE Istorya ng Pag-asa (INP) Photo Gallery was officially opened to Ilonggos through a ribbon cutting ceremony headed by Vice President Leni Robredo at the Festive Walk Mall in Mandurriao, Iloilo City on Nov. 9, 2018.

The INP is an initiative of the Office of the Vice President which features extraordinary stories of ordinary Filipinos.

In her speech, Robredo said that INP is the Office of the Vice President’s answer to all the negativity that loomed the country since the election in 2016.

“During the 2016 elections and the campaign before that, parang umiba ang atmosphere dito sa atin. All of the sudden, social media was being launched to attack people… we did not want to contribute to that,” Robredo said.

Twenty INP champions were recognized, including the story of Honorato “Tatoy” Espinosa, the owner of the world-known Tatoy’s Manokan.

He attained success through hard work, self-discipline, and positive attitude. Now, he encourages young people to have a strong willed-mindset to also reach their own goals in life.

Another INP champion is Junel Perania, who rose from being a bullied kid into a 5th Dan Black in Karatedo.

He is now a police officer and also teaches Karate to the youth.

“Self-defense is not just a sport but an effective diversion against drugs, alcohol, and other vices,” Perania said.

Other INP champions were Nenita Adeva, Felicitas Aliban, Melvin Ian Baguhin, Krystelle Darroca, Rodolfo Divinagracia, Cyril Fermaran, Nestor Glearaya, Cezar Jalandoni, Zharina Lugo, Anna Fe Mangilin, Edmelyn Melanday, Luthelle Jean Palencia, Hyacinth Grace Paloma, Rafael Penequito, Luis Posa, Janet Yap, Cornelio AreLuis Posa, Janet Yap, Cornelio Areño, and Marie Louise Katherine Magadero.

“All the stories are really very inspiring,” Robredo said, urging mall-goers to take time in reading the feature stories.

INP has also launched and opened its galleries in Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, Naga, Baguio, and Dumaguete and featured over 200 inspiring stories.

SOURCE: The Daily Guardian

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