Totong and his Valedictory speech

Delivered: 03/29/10, around 10AM @ MFNHS Gym

High School Graduation was once just a dream. Now that it is becoming real in front of my very eyes, I wish I never had longed for this day; because bidding goodbye to what we have we have gotten used to is unbearably painful. But go we must, for we know that the journey has not yet ended.

Today, our journey takes a pause, as we, the jubilant passengers of this voyage now take some rest. I intend to say this journey to take a pause, and not a full stop, for we all know that Graduation Day is not the end of our story; that this day means something more than the thought of finishing the painstaking four years of high school; and that this day is just another significant milestone of our lives which opens the door towards the wider horizons of greater opportunities waiting ahead.

“Someday it’s gonna make sense,” as one line of our graduation song says. This bespeaks the essence of what we have gathered for at this very moment.

Fellow graduates, we have now finally arrived at the sweetest and most rewarding point of our journey in high school. We are now claiming the moment to rest which we rightfully deserve after four years of hard work and sacrifices in facing and dealing with the innumerable demands of our secondary education. Along with this, I also take pleasure in saying that at this very moment, we not only reap the fruits of our labors and sacrifices, but we also savor the great fulfillment and joy of having been able to make it to the finish line.

To be given the opportunity to speak on behalf of the graduating class, batch 2009-2010 as the class Valedictorian, is a thing that still overwhelms me so much. Even now, the thought of it still triggers my legs and my knees to tremble, not because the information to carry out this task came as a surprise; but rather, because I feel myself to be unworthy of standing on this pedestal and delivering this Valedictory Speech; for I know that many can replace me here, and many could have done far better than what I have done.

But somehow, the four years of my incessant toil and patience in high school has taught me that it was never a question of whether you would march on stage as the Valedictorian or not - but a question of whether you have done your best in this venture or just have played around with the four straight years that passed. It was never a question of how great you were in the four years of your stay in high school, but how those four years have become great and meaningful as you lived in them.

In my part, I learned to put life and meaning to my high school years by expressing my overwhelming gratitude to the persons behind my success. It took me years to realize that any achievement in life would remain as dull as defeat if one doesn’t know how to share them. And I think this piece of speech would not be enough to contain the ever-outpouring thanks I have for everybody who stood by me as I worked for my aspirations, and subsequently conquered my dreams.

As an outset, I would like to thank my teachers and mentors here in Manolo Fortich National High School, my ever so beloved and cherished alma mater, who did not only impart me with the educational armaments in training for life, but have as well molded me into a morally upright individual. I will always be indebted to my advisers from first year to fourth year: Mrs. Lani R. Ua-o, Mr. John O. Urbina, Mrs. Nora S. Gumahin and Ms. Methuselah K. Arenas, whose patience and commitment to teach remain unparalleled as they stood as my second parents in school. I cannot dare forget also my subject teachers from first year up to now in fourth year, whose figures will always have my salute and respect, as they have been the instruments in broadening my knowledge as I take up my secondary education. These great educators have immensely contributed to what I have now become, a student whom they can be proud of. As I speak in behalf of every graduate, a million thanks to you our dear advisers and teachers for freeing us from the realm of ignorance. Thank you!

I also would like to take this rare opportunity to express how thankful I am to God for sending me angels in disguise in the persons of my friends and classmates who have accompanied me in my entire sojourn in high school. My friends, classmates and schoolmates, who have been the set of crayons in my dull school life, brightening up the years of our togetherness and bonding: my first year Aquarian classmates, the second year Sampaguettes barkadahan, the wild Shakespeareans team and now reaching fourth year, the Albert Einsteinerz and most specially to what we have unofficially considered as the fourth law of motion, the fourth year ISATONIX--my bundle of diverse yet united friends who have kept me inspired as I went through my school life. Not long now, we will part ways and go to college, but there is one thing that will surely attach us together no matter how far we may wander apart– and that is the friendship we have strongly established in high school. And all the memories we have fabricated, all the tears and laughter we shared, the memorable times of laag2x, jurag2x, mga kabuang, and all the experiences we had, will be treasured like gems in the vintage chest of our memories.

To my family, I will eternally be grateful for the gracious support, guidance, and love that you have unconditionally provided, as I take head on in this journey. Together with my supportive relatives, you all have become my driving force, my inspiration, for me to exceed beyond my limits, to take greater heights and to achieve all that there is to be achieved. Thus, it is just but right that I dedicate all my accomplishments to you, since honestly, I would be nothing if you were not there, to tap my shoulder and remind me that I am more than what I can be, and that I can be the best among the rest. Thank you so much for letting me experience what it is like to be going to school, and eventually be educated. A big fraction of my life will never stop thanking you, as I will now be heading to the uncertain world of reality.

Above all, I want to thank Him for definitely showering me with all the blessings in heaven – for the strength which allowed me to push through, for the patience which made me learn to make sacrifices in many aspects of life, and for letting the paths of those crucial persons who helped me overcome the odds to coincide with mine. In this day, we praise and glorify our most powerful and benevolent God as He makes our paths always level and victorious, leading us right now to our Graduation Day. And for His glory, we are now chins up, proud and glad, to march on stage and take our diplomas.

In the end, the road to El Dorado has not been easy. It was never been a promise of a bed of roses. Nevertheless, behind all the hurdles that barred us in getting through, we still have made it today. Yes! There may have been times when we felt uncertain of ourselves; when we were so tired of going to school; when we got trapped in studying our lessons and making our assignments or projects; when we were sandwiched between our financial and family problems; when we couldn’t help but think of quitting; when all of our strengths have been totally drained and our spirits have gone low; when our days have gone dim and our hopes faded – but – fellow graduates, let us think of now, and observe our cheerful surroundings, and there look at the happy faces of our fellow graduates, the genuine, wide smiles of our mentors, and the proud, inexorably joyful looks of our parents.

Today we take a brief halt. Today we harvest our yield out of the four years of working so hard in high school. Today we cross another threshold of life and unfold history, as we challenge ourselves to create our own. Let us all be glad. Today is indeed your day. Our day. Our GRADUATION DAY. The mark of what we have become. The happy ending of our high school tale. The moment when all things, both the little and the great, have finally made sense.

“Someday it’s gonna make sense” so the song says, and that someday... begins today. =)

Thank you.








TTT.TTT

On that bench...

“That bench,” I muttered to myself. “That was the sole witness of our friendship.”

I am now the CPA I dreamt once of myself to become. I am now twenty-five. Ten years ago, I was sitting on that bench – that bench that was used to be painted with no hue, just the natural color of the concrete it was made out of - not just with myself, but also with the people whom I called friends. Now, as clearly as I remember, we were there laughing boisterously, chatting incessantly... and doing stuffs that afterwards or by tomorrow, would just become another forgotten fragment of our innocent memories.

It was on that bench that I learned the real essence of having friends and of being a friend. Life is not merely a sojourn that one is to endeavor all by himself; rather, it is a voyage of a pack... a journey of a flock of birds or a school of fish... a pilgrimage of a multitude... an instantaneous story that one creates together with the cherished persons he refers to as FRIENDS. And in my part, testified by the earth beneath it, that bench I am now looking at had witnessed the different stories I consciously and unconsciously fabricated back then with my friends.

And then for an instant, vivid memories of high school started to flashback overwhelmingly, like a fall profusely cascading its white waters down on earth.

On that bench, I saw Archie Cabacab expertly trying to adjust the sling of his sling bag. I never saw him do this on a backpack before for I never saw him carrying one on his back. He is now ready to go home, hurriedly leaving to catch a cab that would take him to his destination. Archie is a diligent and a comical friend who showcases an array of talents such as acting, singing, dancing and even mimicking. Loyal and true – that’s definitely him!

On that bench, I saw Judel Cleopas. In deep contemplation, he observes his crush who is now busy on sweeping their porch. Judel has long been eying this lady from the neighborhood, but hasn’t taken any action over her in the fear of being rejected. Judel is certainly timid, but he sure is wise in many aspects, an ideal character of being leader. No wonder, as early as this stage in high school, he’s already being hailed as ‘Kapitan Judel’.

On that bench, I saw Alvin Coñado, small in size but large at heart. As usual, he’s now bubbling jokes, with a wide smile etched up to his ears. Like a “Black Phoenix,” his signature in his text messages, Alvin dares to be fiery especially when he cheers up the strained atmosphere of his surroundings, as clearly depicted by his smiley, cute face. Optimism is certainly what Alvin is made of, despite the dimness which persists to overshadow the scene.

On that bench, I saw Jireh Cuarto. As if letting the wind caress him, Jireh is now again being deeply absorbed by the enigmatic songs of Mariah Carey that his MP4 has been playing repeatedly. Jireh as well loves composing songs. He is a humorous person and is undoubtedly easygoing himself. Living life to its fullest makes a big deal of sense for him as he himself simply does what he can in everything that he might be into.

On that bench, I saw Haryl Stephen Daluan with his dearly treasured drawing tools. He’s now again up for scribbling lines and curves on his drawing pad. You bet he wants to take over his parents’ profession as engineer. Haryl is an artistic and creative fellow who also shows the potential to lead the group. Moreover, his groovy talent in dancing is stunning, as his being independent in various things is as well amazing.

On that bench, I saw Joemar Dellaban soaked in sweat. Their basketball practice must have probably just ended. Aside from the court, the next arena for him is the internet cafe - a battlefield where raging wars of computer games take place. Joemar is sporty, physically fit guy who, despite his sturdy features, can also be as tender and sweet as anyone else whenever he decides to do so.

On that bench, I saw Al Savior Dimo. As usual, he’s now again busy singing Lady Gaga songs, unmindful of the their correct tone and melody. In euphoric reverie, he assumes himself as a versatile singer, singing songs of extremely high pitch. Ambitious? Perhaps just too optimistic. Al is anyway an intelligent and extrovert lad who can deliberately be very serious unto something when he sees the need to do so. ‘I get what I want’ – that’s him.

On that bench, I saw Anthony Edmund Dumaog somewhat like rehearsing another dance presentation. While waiting for the bell to ring, he possibly might have decided to consume his free time in a stuff that no one but himself alone can really appreciate – the hip-hop dancing. For he aspires to be a Dance Instructor someday, he sure is wise enough to start off his venture in the grounds of school.

On that bench, I saw Glen Mark Enloran. With seemingly impatient look, he is now waiting for the school gates to open so that he could immediately check out his farm and aquarium on a popular social site in the nearby internet shop. Glen is a practical and a diligent schoolboy who is also perceived as an approachable person. Hardworking and determined – qualities of Glen which propel him in achieving what he wants.

On that bench, I saw Alemar Genabio literally engrossed with his cellular phone. With the peculiar joy portrayed by his face, he is again no doubt exchanging text messages with his talked about girlfriend from the neighboring class. Alemar is a keen, silent-type of guy who prefers to cage himself in the solitude of his own world. Nevertheless, he is an organized fellow who does things in a systematic mode.

On that bench, I saw Jaime Hayson. With a facial expression so hard to interpret, Jaime is now whimpering in front of his mirror, somewhat agitated with the small pinkish pimple popping out at the tip of his nose. Jaime has always been vain about his looks. But truly, Jaime is a very funny lad who is always fond of showing his reactions exaggeratedly. Sorrow? That’s absolutely not his word.

On that bench, I saw Ronnel Lumintad, once again being so preoccupied with the company of his cellular phone, and probably stealing glances to any pretty girl schoolmate that would luckily pass by his sight. Precariously silent, Ronnel is surely a boy whose words are as sharp as that of a double-edged sword. He is just simply full of mysteries. If one word can mirror his personality, the would be ‘unpredictable’.

On that bench, I saw Arvin Pagutayao. Now, or perhaps as always, no one can really tell what he might be into as he strikes up conversations that seem nonsense for everyone. Arvin speaks English very exaggeratedly and absents from his classes very frequently. His towering height eclipses with others, as his changing moods sometimes annoy them.

On that bench, I saw Ellsworth Miller Orlasan. With voice so loud and sharp, his naughty giggles about the girls he fantasize about, and the squeaks made from yelling “Regards lang ko!,” are very audible no matter how far you may be from him. But definitely, he is a magician of numbers as shown in his Mathematical prowess during classes. Ellsworth is however very delicate and sensitive with a lot of things – ‘war shock’, so they say.

On that bench, I saw Norman Umala Jr., now strumming the guitar as he soothingly caresses everyone’s aura with his versatile, powerful voice. As much as he acts independently on many things, he also remains firm in his principles despite having the world go against him. In addition, Norman wonders on a lot of things that surround him. Curious and eager – that’s how his personality is summed up.

On that bench, I saw John Rey Viola, a lad whose totality remains a puzzle for everyone. But to think that he’s able to magnetize heaps of girls, many should learn then that being a silent-type of guy can afterall serve as one’s sure weapon in attracting a lot of admirers. Apart from this, John Rey sometimes tends to be overly serious with things he considers as his own business.

(wala pa ang girls ! hehehe !)

Isatonix: Fourth law of motion

In a retrospect, Sir Isaac Newton formulated the famous three laws of motion: law of inertia, law of acceleration & law of interaction. Now that his successful tenure in this particular field of Science has been but engraved only on books, it is just but right for us, his offsprings, to continue the expansion of his job in revealing the puzzling truth of nature. Thus, we take pride in publicizing the unofficial fourth law of motion, the ever endearing tissue of scientific truth & perhaps the most savagely beautiful form of arts and aesthetics, the ISATONIX!

Meet the pioneers of this scientific endeavor:

Archie

Herald

Judel

Alvin

Jireh

Haryl Stephen

Joemar

Al Savior

Anthony Edmund

Glen Mark

Alemar

Jaime

Ronnel

Ellsworth

Arvin

Norman

John Rey

Dianielhi

Judy Mae

Cheryl Joy

Gliselle Faith

Christyl Jane

Paula Gwen

Elizabeth

Vevian

Hanzhell

Donessa

Nobie Mae

Johanna

Irene

Rosemarie

Jea

Ma. Theresa

Edwina

Evangelene

Cherry Jane

Rogelyn

Lexleen

Monica

Sherly Lou

Fatima

Maegan

Evelyn

Maam Metot - Professor

My Personal Thanksgiving Prayer

Almighty Father, the very root of our existence;

The fountain of life and the source of all hopes,

To Your bosoms now I humbly come; with adoration,

To mirror my outpouring gratefulness to You!

You have blessed me so much in countless of ways,

Offered me with consolations I am not worthy of.

In the end You showered them all to a sinner like me-

A clear mirage of the brimming love You show.

With my mind and heart in total surrender,

I thank You Lord for my loving and caring family;

For the stable dwelling place where love springs;

For the comfortable life I’m savoring at my earth’s stay.

Now, empowered and inspired by the Holy Spirit,

I thank You Lord for the good health and graces in profusion;

For sending Your millions of angels at my side;

And for the safety as I endeavor life.

I humble myself to You oh Lord;

For not abandoning me, Your child so vulnerable;

For providing me with the strength to pursue my goals,

In my studies and career, in whatever I may be into.

Whenever I’m down and in pain,

When everything goes in chaos and despair

I thank You Lord for the hope that eases

As You enkindle the light amid my distress.

Hear my prayers oh Lord,

As I lift these up in gratitude to You!

For now here is Your feeble son down at his knees,

To You are so thankful for bringing him solace.

Amen.

(wew! final activity namu sa Values Educ. IV...la lnG!)