It was a peaceful Thursday night on April 14, 2005, when I came into this world. The stars must have been quietly shining, and the moon casting its gentle glow, as my parents welcomed me as their third child. I was born in District 1, Cauayan City, Isabela, and today I reside in Guilingan, Benito Soliven, Isabela. My family is the foundation of my life, and I am blessed to have been born into a household filled with both love and lessons. My father, Mr. Solomon Abat Jr., and my mother, Ms. Maria Pascua, have always been my guiding lights. They were blessed with four children: my eldest brother Dieter Jomar, my sister Marjorie, myself as the third, and the youngest, Mark Julian. Together, we form a family of six a simple yet strong household bound by shared struggles, laughter, and dreams.

     According to my parents, I was a quiet and gentle child in my earliest years. Unlike some children who constantly demanded attention, I spent much of my time simply observing the world around me with wide, curious eyes. Yet as the years went by, my personality began to bloom. I started to reveal a playful and mischievous side, learning how to laugh, tease, and enjoy life’s little adventures. This balance of quietness and liveliness became part of who I am someone who could be calm and reflective, but also fun loving and energetic.

     In 2010, at just five years old, I embarked on a journey that would define a big part of my growth education. Kindergarten was the very first steppingstone, and it was during these early school years that I began forming friendships that would leave an imprint on my childhood. I met Romar and Johnloid, two friends who stood by me in games, laughter, and countless memories. Together, we filled our days with play, mischief, and simple joys that only children can fully understand. Those carefree years taught me the value of friendship and how important it is to share your journey with people who uplift you.

     As I progressed to 2ndGrade and 3rdGrade, I discovered something that would shape my younger years even more deeply badminton. I quickly developed a fascination and passion for the sport. The racket in my hand, the swift movements across the court, and the excitement of every smash and rally filled me with both challenge and joy. I trained diligently, pushing myself to improve. I competed in intramurals during Grade 4 and Grade 5, only to fall short in the finals. At first, these losses were disappointing, but they planted in me a valuable lesson: perseverance matters more than immediate victory. By Grade 6, after years of persistence, I finally reaped the rewards. I became the Division Men’s Singles Badminton Champion, a title that validated all the sweat and effort I had poured into the sport. Though I was not chosen to compete at the regional level, I carried with me the pride of my achievement and the joy of proving to myself that hard work pays off.

     When 2017 came, I graduated from elementary school, standing proudly as Top 8 in my class. That summer, I also went through a rite of passage that every Filipino boy is familiar with circumcision a tradition that symbolizes a step toward maturity. For me, it marked a transition from the innocence of childhood toward the responsibilities and experiences of adolescence.

     That same year, another big chapter unfolded. I entered Villa Concepcion High School- Rogus Extension as a Grade 7 student. High school was a time of self-discovery, full of challenges, laughter, heartbreaks, and unforgettable lessons. High school also tested me physically. During a high jump training, I suffered a serious accident that broke my left arm. Being left-handed, this injury was more than just painful it was deeply frustrating. Simple tasks became difficult, and I felt limited in what I could do. Yet, with patience, determination, and support from those around me, I eventually recovered. The experience showed me resilience, reminding me that even setbacks can strengthen us if we choose to rise again.

      By 9thGrade, I experienced what many teenagers go through my first relationship. Young love brought excitement, lessons, and emotions I had never experienced before. But as I moved into Grade 10, the world changed drastically. The COVID-19 pandemic swept across the globe, bringing lockdowns, restrictions, and uncertainty. Like many others, my relationship suffered due to a lack of communication, and eventually, it ended. It was a painful but valuable reminder that even love needs presence and effort to survive. Meanwhile, the sudden shift to online classes was another hurdle. Adjusting to remote learning was far from easy, yet I pushed through and successfully graduated high school in 2021, despite all the obstacles.

      I then enrolled in Senior High School, choosing the General Academic Strand (GAS). The schedules switching between Set A and Set B initially confused me and made studying difficult. But as I advanced to Grade 12, I learned to adapt, manage my time, and improve my performance. Badminton continued to be part of my life during these years. Though I no longer won at the division level, my efforts were still recognized, and I proudly received medals for my participation. In 2023, I graduated from Senior High, ready to face the next stage of my life.

      That same year, I entered Isabela State University-Cauayan City Campus, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT) with a focus on Web and Mobile Application Development (WMAD). College life has been a mixture of difficulties and triumphs. The academic workload is heavy, and challenges come one after another. But I embrace each one, knowing that they are shaping my skills and character. Beyond academics, college has been about independence, responsibility, and learning more about who I am and what I want to become.

      Then, something unexpected yet wonderful happened. The person I once called my first love the same one who became my greatest love returned to my life. After months of patience, effort, and rebuilding, we reconciled. On February 8, 2025, we officially got back together. That moment marked not just a return of love, but also a reminder that some bonds are worth fighting for, and sometimes, life gives us a second chance at happiness.

      Now, as a third-year BSIT student, I continue to walk this path of growth. My journey is far from over. There are still countless challenges ahead both in my studies and in my personal life but every step I take, whether filled with joy or hardship, shapes me into the person I am becoming. From the quiet child I once was, to the playful student, the determined athlete, the heartbroken teenager, and now the college student pursuing his dreams, I carry with me the lessons of perseverance, resilience, and love.

      This is my story a story still in the making, but one I embrace wholeheartedly.