The travelling morion: a social development practitioner and a photographer in one
Every day we keep on asking how we can get a life while keeping the demands of work. To have a work-life balance is not a walk in the park. Most of the time you are gobbled up by work, not realizing you are missing a lot in your life. But this man proved that it can be done; it is all about control.
Last September 2014, the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) issued the latest topical stamps that feature the seven Philippine waterfalls shot by FUNtastic Philippines whose members are travel and photography enthusiasts.
One of the photos of the waterfalls featured in the said stamps, the Tinago Falls in Lanao del Norte, was a shot of Jeffrey Rilles, one of the regional directors and scholar of CARD MRI.
“It was an honor that my photograph was included in the latest topical stamp. I am ecstatic and filled with inspiration,” shared by Jeffrey. His friend, Chelli, the admin of FUNtastic Philippines, told him that it was a history made in his life. “With this success, I am more inspired to continue in capturing good images and show the whole world, in my own little way, that Philippines is extraordinary,” Jeffrey added.
By nature, Jeffrey has a heart in photography besides, he underwent several formal trainings to advance his skills. Jeffrey is also a writer, blogger and a traveler. His photo-travel blog, Travelling Morion, which features beautiful places and people, distinct literature, culture and arts, and stories of his beloved Philippines, first caught the attention of the public. The blog’s name was inspired by the Moriones Festival, a cultural festival every holy week in Marinduque, where Jeffrey came from.
On the other side of the coin, Jeffrey is also a social development practitioner. He is currently the Regional Director of Center for Agriculture and Rural Development (CARD), Inc., supervising the areas in Mindanao. He has been with CARD for nine years now.
“If I am not in CARD, I won’t have this chance to explore the beauty of Philippines,” Jeffrey admitted. Jeffrey’s work in CARD requires him to travel from one place to another any time where CARD is operational especially in the rural areas. That is why, he is grabbing the opportunity to explore every place he visits during his spare time. Prior to his assignment in Mindanao, Jeffrey was assigned in Luzon and Visayas.
“Travelling anywhere any time is a challenge because it separates me from my family for weeks or even months. It’s not easy for a family-man like me, but I am happy that behind me is a very supportive wife who understands my time, my work and advocacies in life.” Currently, Jeffrey goes home every month to also spend quality time with his family.
Jeffrey works during weekdays and a traveling morion during weekends and holidays. “My regular work, of course, is my priority; it is my bread and butter. But I always find time for my passion for photography and travel to be satisfied.”
At present, Jeffrey is taking Masters in Productivity and Quality Management at Development Academy of the Philippines, again as scholar of CARD MRI. CARD MRI continuously supports Filipino families by providing education to its members, their children and the staff.
“To manage your time is very easy. You just have to choose wisely your priorities in life. ” shared Jeffrey.
Jeffrey is very thankful to all the persons behind this success he is savoring.
Our decisions sometimes take a backseat to things we love and bring us happiness, but the control to find the balance is in us.
Writer:
RAFFY M. ANTES, also one of the scholars of CARD MRI, works as Corporate Communications Assistant of CARD MRI and with reports from Dr. Ike Navarro, EIC of Sulong.