CEBU CITY, Philippines — A heat smile, contagious laughter, and a definite voice.
With these, Karl David “Moi-Moi” Contiberos greets each yoga practitioner and customer on the yoga studio the place he works as a receptionist.
This 18-year-old medical expertise scholar works part-time there to expertise working life and earn more money to assist assist his research. Moi-Moi was launched to the studio by his sister, Ahbey, who can also be one in every of its most trusted workers members.
READ: FACES OF CEBU: Ireneo Vidal, harmonica participant, grandfather
However life had an sudden twist in retailer for this bubbly, energetic, and eager-to-learn teenager.
From greeting company and making reservations to creating everybody really feel at house, Moi-Moi, in only a span of 1 12 months, developed from a receptionist into one of many youngest yoga academics in Cebu.
Plot twist
“I by no means imagined myself changing into a yoga trainer as a result of I assumed it was very time-demanding. Contemplating my monetary scenario, I felt prefer it wasn’t for me, and it was by no means a part of my targets in life.
“However the proprietor of the studio the place I work, Ms. Sepfry, noticed potential in me and supplied me a slot within the Yoga Trainer Coaching Batch 3,” he mentioned.
Inquisitive about yoga from the second he stepped into his office, Moi-Moi took time to attend lessons. His academics, particularly the studio proprietor, noticed nice potential in him, which finally led them to provide him free slot within the trainer coaching program.
READ: FACES OF CEBU: Lorenzo “Chao” Sy, veteran boxing promoter
“I accepted the supply as a result of I knew it might assist me develop personally, construct connections with folks, and assist me financially,” he added.
Time-bending course of
Coaching for 200 hours or roughly a month was not straightforward for Moi-Moi as he needed to juggle teachers and work.
“The encouragement from the academics and college students at Dawata actually motivated me to take the Yoga Trainer Coaching. One trainer particularly saved reminding me that changing into a yoga trainer at a younger age is a superb alternative and will assist form my future positively,” he mentioned.
Moi-Moi’s story isn’t unusual: a younger grownup tries to make ends meet and finds his footing on the earth. However what makes his journey particular is how he discovered a neighborhood that grew to become his strongest spine, on a path he by no means imagined he would take.
READ: FACES OF CEBU: Might Selim, bereaved mother, moms orphans
And maybe, one in every of his greatest takeaways from the coaching is the significance of seeing everybody equally and treating them with compassion, respect, and non-harm.
For now, Moi-Moi continues to navigate life as a yoga trainer, a university scholar, and a receptionist, balancing duties whereas embracing alternatives alongside the way in which.
At simply 18 years previous, Moi-Moi’s journey is just starting. However he has proven that generally, the paths we by no means deliberate to take can lead us to precisely the place we are supposed to be.
