My appreciation for the natural world was inspired by my upbringing, particularly by my mother, who instilled in me a love for animals and nature from a young age. Even as a child, I’ve had a special place in my heart for animals. When my family got a dog named Juancho, I loved him deeply. And when he passed away, it only strengthened my love and appreciation for animals.
Growing up in a small mountainous province in Isabela Region 2 in the Philippines, I was fortunate enough to see wild animals in their natural habitat near the river; this experience only strengthened my connection to the natural world. But over time, I noticed that the wildlife was disappearing, which broke my heart. I knew that the ecosystem and wildlife were an essential part of the world, and it saddened me to see it declining. As I grew older and learned more about the threats facing the environment and wildlife, I knew that I had to take action to help preserve and protect them. This led me to become involved in wildlife conservation, starting with small actions like supporting foundations like WWF-Canada and learning more about ways to live sustainably and reduce my impact on the planet.
My love for animals wasn’t just limited to wild creatures, though. My mother had a soft heart for abandoned kittens, and her kindness and compassion for these helpless animals inspired me to follow in her footsteps. I was grateful for the opportunity to help raise these cats and give them a loving home.
Over the years, my family adopted several kittens, and each one had a unique name and personality. Ming-ming was the oldest, having been with us for almost nine years. Coco, Martin, Eloy, Hugo, Sadori, Grey, and Chani were the latest additions to our family. We loved each one of them and saw them as valuable members of our household.
My upbringing has had a significant impact on my values and worldview. I’ve learned to be kind, generous, and loving not just to humans but to all creatures great and small. I believe that it’s easy to love and care for animals and that it’s important not to be cruel to them.
In conclusion, my story is a testament to the power of love and compassion. My experiences growing up with animals have taught me valuable life lessons that I carry with me to this day. I hope to inspire others to treat animals with kindness and respect and to appreciate the beauty of the natural world. My hope for the future of the planet is that we will continue to work together to protect and restore the natural world. I believe that every individual has a role to play in this effort, whether it’s through supporting conservation organizations, living sustainably, or advocating for policies that protect the environment.
I hope that future generations will be able to enjoy the same beauty and wonder that I experienced growing up, and that we can create a world where humans and animals can thrive together in harmony. Ultimately, my goal is to inspire others to appreciate the natural world and to take action to protect it, so that we can build a brighter future for all.