Getting to Know me: Who's behind Gemwheel
Hello Everyone! Jemuel is my name, and you may now get it why it's gemwheel. It's a pun of what I love and what I wanted to share to all of you.
So here it is, I'am super excited to welcome you into this space, where I get to share not just my story and travels, but also the passions, values, and experiences that continue to shape me of who I am today.
Born Under Aries Flame
I was born on the day of equinox, on the 21st day of March, 1994, on the very first day of the first Zodiac, Aries. Making me three decades and a year today. Proudly carrying the fiery and determined spirit of an Aries. Brave, Bold and Loyal.
**The Fifth Gem: Growing Up in a Family of Nine**
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I grew up in a big and happy Family of Alberto S. Marata and Fe T. Gemang, where they fruitfully bear beautiful children of nine —four brothers, four sisters, and me right in the middle as the fifth.
Growing in a big family is super challenging and has taught me a lot of things, and shaped me of who I am today. From strict and terror Father to very kind, prayerful and caring mother and with chaotic but loving siblings. They build my character and made me stronger. They are the very reason why I strive hard since family has always been a core part of who I am, and it continues to inspire me in the way I deal with people, especially in my profession as a teacher and in my service to the church
**From Student to Sir: My Path in Education**
For my education, I started my primary years at Anonang Elementary School, then pursued my secondary studies at Aurora Pioneers Memorial College. Later, I went on to take up my college education at Western Mindanao State University - Aurora, where I earned my degree in Bachelor of Secondary Education major in English. My love for language and communication naturally aligned with this course, as I have always believed that words carry the power to connect, to inspire, and to transform as it also brings me confidence to speak in front of people.
After graduating, and passed the board exam, I began my teaching career at Subanen Agricultural National High School, where it tested my patience, my will to continue the vocation and courage to overcome the hardship as a mountain teacher since its location is very far from the town that we need to walk around two hours after riding a habal-habal (a single motor) just to arrive in the school. Being so far from my home I apply for new station and thankfully I was transferred after 6 years and currently, I am serving at Kauswagan National High School as a Teacher III, where every day is a chance to make a difference in the lives of young learners.
**Called to Serve: My Journey in Faith**
Been teaching for almost a decade now but teaching is only one part of my life’s calling. I am also deeply rooted in my Roman Catholic faith and have the privilege of serving as a Chapter Head in Couples for Christ – Singles for Christ (CFC-SFC) Aurora Chapter. Teaching on weekdays and serving God and the community on weekends. This role has made my whole week complete for opened doors for me to not just grow in leadership, but also to be a brother, servant, and friend to many who are journeying in faith. Alongside this, I am actively part of the Provincial Music Ministry where I serve as a vocalist. Yeah, you read it Right. I do really love singing but I rarely joined contest for I just sing for our God or occasions for family and friends. So aside from being music ministry member I offer my service in the community as a worship leader. I truly believe that worshipping Him is my calling and thru music and worship it creates powerful ways for me to connect to God and to bring other people back to God and get closer to Him, and I feel truly blessed to be an instrument and vessel of His love and now, maybe I can worship Him in this platform also thru writing.
**Hobbies That Keep Me Moving**
Beyond my service and work, I make room for things that keep my life balance that it has also fun and leisure. So, apart from singing I also love dancing, and do hosting. And now though I am not into sports since I was young, I have discovered new hobbies like playing badminton, running, and boxing. Just recently I joined for the first time in badminton tournament of which I almost won that we won 4 out of 5 games. All of these physical activities that I found, these are not only keep me physically active but also teach me discipline, resilience and coordination. And being frail since I was young, and now as growing adult, doing physical activities and going to the gym is now part of my routine that about three to five times a week I make sure I could do some physical activities, where I exercise not just to push myself to stay fit and healthy, but to make myself busy and to relieve stress also despite busy schedules sometimes. It became my outlet for my personal well-being and so I can continue to serve with energy and passion.
**Wheels & Wanderlust: My Love for Travel**
As I stated a wheel, Another great joy of mine is traveling and driving. I love traveling and going to new and nice places where I could enjoy and embrace the beauty of different cultures, sceneries, landscapes, and try new experiences. Since in the family and even with friends and colleagues. I am always the travel planner and the tour guide so sometimes I travel the same place twice or more. That makes me the videographer, photographer and editor on our travels. But it is my pleasure to be of service to them so they could enjoy their first time as long as I can have my best solo photoshoot first. LOL. Of course, in every trip it wouldn’t always be complete without trying delicious food. So trying local food and famous restaurants is priority in traveling. I especially love meat dishes - a must have in every meal, and I do have a sweet tooth that makes the desserts almost irresistible. With That whenever I travel food must be the one of the budgets with the biggest part or share. So by the time we are looking for food suggestions and recommendations came right from me automatically. Because For me, food is more than just something to eat or to make you full but it’s something that your eyes and soul should enjoy, it is also one way to connect with people, to celebrate life, and to savor even every little joys. So sometimes they call me tour guide, travel planner, itinerary maker and budget officer.
**Stumbling Upon Hive: A New Chapter**
I am always be the story teller in the group, the painter in what we called the drawing of vacation plans. And since I do all that, That’s the time Hive came in, since I love documenting and scrapbooking on my iPad, Capturing moments and sharing it to friends for safekeeping and for the future to hold. My colleague and a friend encouraged me to do my passion in storytelling and photography in one platform where I could express it freely. So She introduced me the Hive and with the enlightenment of sir @vinzie1 and help of Maam @wittyzell, they presented how it works, and now I finally found the new space that I wanted to explore. I found it thrilling and exciting to do something new and said yes to the new chapter that I am about to unfold.
**Why Hive? Here’s My Answer**
So the very reason why I joined Hive is for me to broaden my horizon and grow at the same time. Creating a new ways to express myself and share to everyone.
In everything I do—whether in teaching, serving God thru community , or pursuing my hobbies—I try to live life with purpose, passion, and faith. So this blog will be my avenue to share stories of my journey, reflections from my experiences, and maybe even lessons that might inspire or encourage. Since I believe life is a gift from God that is meant to be lived fully, and I hope that through my words, stories and experiences, it will find a spark within that motivates someone or everyone or you to embrace our own journey with courage and joy to live in the moment with Faith and Passion.
