Originally from the Philippines and now based in Perth with her family, Private Latitia Bondoc connected with the Army via the Gap Year program.

She now serves as a reservist with 13 Combat Service Support Battalion while completing studies in user interface design at Curtin University.

But balancing more than 120 days of reserve work, often involving military exercises, alongside university projects and assignments has not been easy for the 23-year-old.

“I found myself becoming increasingly dissatisfied with my accomplishments in both roles because I felt I couldn’t meet the standards of perfectionism that I’d set for myself in either of them,” Private Bondoc said.

“I absolutely love going on exercises, but dragging out my laptop in the field in Broome every night to finish assignments didn’t work well and I felt like I was losing my flow. 

“When trying to drag something out of my brain, it just wasn’t coming out and my passion dwindled.”

After consulting a Defence psychologist, Private Bondoc was advised to be less self-critical and came across the ADF Arts for Recovery, Resilience, Teamwork and Skills (ARRTS) program.

The four-week live-in program, held twice a year at the University of Canberra, involves experienced mentors teaching music, creative writing and visual art techniques to help participants discover new outlets and enhance their wellbeing.

'By the end of it all, we’d become like a family.'

Based on her experience playing guitar, ukulele, piano, bass and drums, Private Bondoc joined the music-and-rhythm stream. 

“I’ve only ever played solo or with my family, so it was great to be in a band and perform as part of a team, which is a useful skill in any project,” she said.

Because of her strong musical background, Private Bondoc was able to compose her own song during the sessions.

“It’s called The One, and I created it because I’m a hopeless romantic,” she said. “It’s about the search for a life partner and the overwhelming joy of finding one, much like what happened with my mum and dad.”

Every ARRTS program ends with a celebration showcase attended by families and friends. Private Bondoc’s mum flew in from Perth to watch, while her dad, brother, sister, friends and other relatives in the Philippines enjoyed the event via an online video link.

A highlight of the night was Private Bondoc’s performance of The One, which she sang solo while playing guitar, accompanied by the band.

“I’d never sung solo in public before and was so nervous, but mum loved it and people were saying it was such a catchy pop song that they couldn’t get it out of their heads,” she said.

Reflecting on the program, Private Bondoc said the people made a huge difference.

“By the end of it all, we’d become like a family,” she said. “It was such a lovely community that I’ve kept in touch with many of them.”

Private Bondoc plans to finish her degree this year and continue working as a reservist. She credits the ARRTS experience with giving her a new perspective.

“I’d describe it as a little paradise because you have time for yourself to create and learn, guided by supportive and talented mentors, in the company of caring people, which helps with gaining a new outlook,” she said.

The next ADF ARRTS program will be held in Canberra from May 10 to June 5, 2026. The application period is open until April 6, 2026. For more information, email adf.arrts@defence.gov.au, visit defence.gov.au/arrts, or call (02) 6127 6505 during business hours.

The One 

by Latitia Bondoc 

You’re the one, be my one, are you the one, my only one? 

Be the one, just be the one, let’s tell God that you’re my one. 

(Verse 1) 

I’ll be the light in your eyes, sink into my demises 

Am I the devil in disguise or will you understand my insides? 

Through bouquets and the roses, they say it’s hypnosis 

Will you listen to the lies, or can you look into my eyes? 

(Chorus 1) 

You’re the one, you’re the one, you’re the one yeah 

Can’t you feel the way that I am vibin’? 

Oh, can’t you see that you’re the one for me, 

Just make believe, that I’m your fantasy cause 

You’re the one, be my one, are you the one, my only one. 

Be the one, just be the one, let’s tell God that you’re my one. 

(Verse 2) 

My mum once told me, told me to be happy. 

Live your life, your best life. Just be alive, be alive! 

So, when I find you, it’ll be like deja vu! 

If happiness is true, it’s with you, it’s with you. 

(Chorus 2) 

You’re the one, you’re the one, you’re the one yeah 

You’re the one who keeps me smilin’. 

Oh baby please, make believe, I’m everything you could ever need! 

Cause you’re the one, you’re the one, you’re the one, 

Let’s pray to God that you’re my one, be the one just be the one, let’s go find the one. 

(Chorus 3/Ending) 

You’re the one, you’re the one, you’re the one yeah 

Can’t you feel the way that I’m vibin’? 

Oh can’t you see, that you’re the one for me, 

Just make believe, that I’m your fantasy cause 

You’re the one, be my one, are you the one, my only one. 

Be the one, just be the one, let’s tell God I’ve found my one.