Most of the mainstream lists of "outstanding" persons, frankly, leave us a bit cold - too often, they are famous for being "celebrities". But when they are "ordinary" person doing "extraordinary" things - their exploits fail to inspire.

KasimanwaKo Association has set out to find young Sibuyanons who has made a difference in their lives and in the lives of others. These Sibuyanons in their very own way, with their God-given talents has made significant impacts in the youths of today. This can be in the areas of Arts, Culture, Sports, Public Service, Environment, Health, etc. Their "achievements" makes Sibuyanons all over the globe proud. They simply make the world a better place in their own little way.

For its maiden issue, KKF is proud to feature a stand-out Kasimanwa as KasimanwaKo of the Month.

Ms. Rogero made notable achievements while balancing her career, family and personal commitments.

KKF could have compiled a dozen lists similar to her, but each person is characterized by their own unique accomplishments that deserve to be honored and recognized.

Born on March 4, 1977 as the 9th child of Mr. Antonio Rogero, Sr. & Mrs. Gloria Romero-Rogero, Myls grew up both active in singing and dancing ever since her childhood. She's always present in any programs within or out of her schools. Myls loves her family as well as other people: her neighbors, old beggars, mentally-ill and even native mangyans, that she often gathers her used but still good clothes, bags and shoes and buy some groceries, food and small gifts for them.

She is a consistent honor student since elementary. She served as literary editor of her high school's official newspaper, The Sibuyan Builders. She continued honing her writing skills in college by being a regular contributor of Fiat Lux, NTC's school newspaper. She's been an active member and officer of various organizations including school's Dance Troupe during her high school and up to college years. You will see a lot of her participating in all sorts of activities be it in school or in her community.

Year 1998, she graduated from The National Teachers College with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Secretarial Administration major in Computer Secretarial Education and Office Management.

That same year, she started working professionally and stayed on working with two other companies in Makati until early 2006. She also worked briefly as Information Officer/Secretary to the GM for Romblon Electric Cooperative - Romblon, Romblon before eventually trying her luck in the Middle East late of 2006.

Currently, she is gainfully employed as Executive Assistant at Gulf Pharmaceutical Industries -Julphar in Dubai, UAE

Among her personal achievements, it's her impressive literary prowess that KKF is more proud of.

Here's KKFs brief interview with Myls:

• How did you become interested in poetry?

I was a kid then, about 7 when I started composing songs in our native language while at home or school. My sister, Marian, used to tease me when I was in Grade 3 because I composed a song (in our native language) for Emilio Jacinto. I know it sounds crazy but at that age, he's my first crush (laughs).

• Who influenced you to write?

I'm a great fan of Homer, the blind poet. I love his works; I like to read it over and over. Some of my faithful friends supported me on this. And recently, my boyfriend encouraged me to go further because this is one thing in me that makes him really proud of.

• When did you start writing?

Year 1990 when I worked as Contributor to the Sibuyan Builders. During college, I used to write short stories, too. It is mainly based on my dreams and my fantasies. Sometimes a lot of imaginations approach me from time to time, but sadly I don't have much time to initiate writing it. I'm planning and hoping to start developing new stories sooner or later (in shalla).

• Where do we get to see your poems?

You may visit www.poetry.com. To search for my poems, type my first and last name: MYLENE ROGERO and click "Submit"

• We've heard that your poems were selected as this year's finalists. Can you tell us more about it?

All of them were chosen as semi-finalists and were published in various coffee table books in different titles. Let's talk about it one by one.
1. "The Safest Place" is about the place or the person whom you can rely on through your life's ups and downs. My best friend Raymond Gallos made this a song, which he promised me he will sing on my wedding day (laugh). This was chosen to be published and was recorded into tape and CD forms in 1999, after I have submitted my written approval to the International Society of Poets' (ISP) office.



2. "Your Love, My Love" talks about how you feel when you miss somebody and you are hoping to see or be with that person someday. This was entered into a contest on early 2000. After this, I stopped from writing because of the demand of my job, which drove me to shift from one place to another.



3. It was Oct. 25, 2005 when I wrote my third poem, "Untitled" which I made when I was on vacation in Sibuyan, as an expression of affection to my present boyfriend. He motivated me to do more and to be active again in joining Poetry.com. It was entered last May 22, 2007 while I'm already working in Gulf. But later, I changed the title into "The Bliss of Loving Him". The amusing thing in this poem is for you to find out when you pick the first letter of each line.
   
   I was invited to join the ISP's Annual Convention and Symposium in Riviera Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada on July 19-22, 2007 as they selected me to recite my poem in this event. However, I missed out this amazing opportunity due to work conflicts and financial scarcity. I'm happy enough that they still recognized my poetic accomplishments thru an Outstanding Achievement in Poetry Award (a custom engraved crystal statuette), and a bronze Commemorative Award Medallion they sent to my office. I received it on November 15.
   
   In addition, I'm blissful to tell you that on October 18, the same poem was selected as Editor's Choice Award by the Managing Editor, Mr. Howard Ely to be delivered to me, and I'm very eager to receive it soon.



4. "The PRIZE" is when you have desires and you are working out into something valuable to you that you are willing to wait and make sacrifices for better and long-lasting result. I made "The Prize" and "Randy" poems on July 26 on my way home from work. Due to the limitation set by the committee, they can only accept one poem entry in a month. I joined this poem last August 6 and after 1 month, I got a letter from the ISP office requesting my approval for publication of this poem in another coffee table book edition.
   
   I was motivated to make more poems when I was chosen as one of the 2007 Poetry Ambassador Associate by the International Library of Poetry and the National Poetry Month Committee where I will be receiving the 2007 Commemorative US Poetry Ambassador Medal (to be mailed within 2 months).



5. I made a gift to the man who inspired and keeps on inspiring me on his birthday by joining the poem, "RANDY", into the contest. The poem best describes how much this person means to me, and you know why for an obvious reason. If you remember, I've been campaigning online to you and the rest of my families and friends to vote for my poems for a greater chance to be the winner.
   
   Surprisingly, the Poetry.com and the International Library of Poetry thru Nigel Hillary, Publisher-Poetry Division of Noble House in UK, confirmed on Oct. 19 my name to receive the Poet Fellowship Award of silver medal and pin. All items will be sent to me in 1 or 2 months time and I promise to show it to you upon arrival.



6. "The Guitarist's Legacy" was composed on Sept. 10, in honor of my late uncle, Mr. Rogelio Altobano Rogero. He was a guitar-expert and his love of music stirred me to offer him the most recent poem I've composed as of now. This talks about how I recognized him as a father, uncle, mentor, and the heritage he left in the entire family - music. Cousin Lirio was emotional when I emailed her this poem right after I made it and asked her approval to use this piece as my November entry to the Poetry.com.
   
   As of this moment, the last 2 poems were not yet published over the website because it is being reviewed by the editorial staff for acceptance into the International Library of Poetry and Poetry.com's Open Amateur Poetry Contest, as well as the Poets Choice: Rate My Poem Contest. I'm pretty sure that they will join my other previous poems over the website soon. And I would like to thank you and the KKF and all those who supported me in this experience.

• That was really impressive Myls. KKF is really proud of such achievement. What sort of advice can you give to our Kasimanwas who may have the same passion in writing poems as well?

By the time I was on the 'heat' campaigning to rate my poems, I knew from then that I've been able to awaken the inner skills of some of our Kasimanwas as they swiftly responded to my requests while more encouraging messages has been expressed on me thru emails. I've known some persons who immediately participated to that same contest at the same website and that they emailed me, too, copies of their poems.

Filipinos who joined this organization are only but few. I hope there's more Kasimanwas who will join us in posting their poems in www.poetry.com. It's not just the cash that we expect in return, it's the pure distinction of us, Sibuyanons and Filipinos that we have great skills and capabilities to show to the whole world.

Every now and then, I personally invite all of you, Sibuyanon readers, to join me in uplifting our talents in poetry by participating in this worthwhile contest.