Jay
Jay Banos에 의해Hey there! I’m Jay Banos, let me share to you a glimpse into the essence of me. I am 18 years old, born on May 15, 2006, in Pipeline, Ampucao, Itogon, Benguet.
I grew up as that makulit kid—always asking questions, laughing too much, and living in the moment. I think my childhood was a colorful mess, in the best way possible. I loved life, even though it wasn’t always easy.
I never met my father, and honestly, that used to make me feel like something was missing. But as I grew up, I realized—I already had everything I needed. I had a strong, independent mom who stood as both mother and father. She raised us with so much love, discipline, and faith in God. Her strength became my inspiration.
I also had my siblings. And sure, we argue like crazy. We fight over food, TV time, the most random things. But despite all the noise, we’ve always had each other’s backs. That’s the kind of bond we have—loud, chaotic, but unbreakable.
I studied at Philex Mines Elementary School, then continued to Saint Louis High School Philex, and later on at Ampucao National High School. Each school taught me something not just academically, but about life, friendship, and how to keep going even when things felt heavy.
Now, I’m studying Bachelor of Library and Information Science at Benguet State University – La Trinidad. It’s not a very common course, but for me, it’s something special. I love the idea of helping people find information, of preserving knowledge, of making libraries more welcoming and powerful.
People often ask, “What’s your motivation?” And honestly, it’s simple: I don’t want to be looked down on. I know how it feels to be underestimated, to be told you're not enough. And that’s exactly why I keep going—I want to prove to myself, and maybe to others, that I am enough.
In the future, I dream of becoming a public librarian. I want to be someone who can guide others through knowledge and learning. But honestly? If life offers me more—I'll take it. I want to explore what I’m capable of. I've always wanted to be someone my younger self would look up to with pride.
If I could talk to the little version of me, I’d say: "Keep being curious. Keep dreaming. Things won’t always go your way, but you’ll be okay. You’re stronger than you think."
And to my future self—wherever you are—I hope you never forget where you came from. From the quiet mountains of Itogon to wherever life leads you next… carry that makulit spirit with you. Because that’s who you are.
This is my story. And it’s just the beginning.
