Third-year Political Science major

San Beda University

I am Tagukami.

What does Tagukami stand for? The term was once used by the Kalinga people to refer to themselves, meaning “we are men.” It reflects a deep sense of identity and a strong connection to our ancestral land. I call myself Tagukami, a proud youth from Kalinga who now lives in the metro.

At a young age, I witnessed the realities of politics, culture, and tradition, along with the values of leadership, responsibility, and resilience. These principles, deeply rooted in my tribal upbringing with my mother and grandparents, continue to guide how I live and make decisions today.

If you ask what my plans are at college, most would assume two paths: law or politics. But the truth is, I don’t know yet and that’s okay.

Moving from Tabuk City, Kalinga, to Manila for college was a big change. Everything was different: the pace, the atmosphere, and even the sense of me. From spending only summers in the city to actually living here, I had to learn how to adjust, how to commute, and how to take the LRT among thousands of rushing commuters each day.

Every ride shows me a slice of life. I see students, employees, teachers, vendors, and business people all moving toward their own destinations And then there is me, a young man from the province, quietly observing and fascinated by life itself. Sometimes I ask myself, who am I in their eyes? Am I the student still checking the map above the doors, or the observer trying to understand everyone’s journey?

At my age, I have tried many things. I trained in mixed martial arts, learned about cars, explored stocks and crypto through my brother, and even started a small business with a friend I met in San Beda. Together, we launched Mr. Winner Bakery, where we made and supplied mini donuts in bulk to fellow students who also wanted to earn their own money.

While writing this, I realized I am no longer just the province guy. I am a student entrepreneur and an investor in progress. I may not have much to invest yet, but I am learning and preparing for the future I want to build. College taught me that financial literacy matters, and that shaping your future begins with understanding yourself.

More than anything, I want to help dreamers: the curious minds, the quiet observers, and the youth who believe they can be something more. Maybe that is why I wrote this, to show that young people from the provinces can stand tall anywhere while staying true to who they are.

I am Tagukami.