VICTORY OR DEFEAT?

Thank you so much to my dear friend Luther for the wonderful introduction.

Greetings!

-To the encouraging Principal of Quirino General High School, Ma’am Nimfa
Yarcia;

-To the beautiful and handsome Head Teachers;

-To the equally talented faculty and staff;

-To the supportive parents;

-To the astonishing ladies and dazzling gentlemen;

-A lovely evening to everyone.

Being back on the ground of our dear Quirino General High School gives me
this ecstatic feeling and goose bumps. I love coming back to this place, I always
feel the youth in me when I walk through the corridors again and I remember
how naughty our class is, of course when I say class, that’s with Sir Luther and
Ma’am Bec. How they always call us “pinaka maingay na klase, mula 1 SC, 2 SC,
3 SC, 4 SC kami” but still I believe I am one of the most quiet in class, diba
Ma’am Mercy? Nevertheless, I always remember the shy girl who along her
journey had spent four years within the corners of the QGHS school premises. I
remember that shy girl who used the best heroes in life to DEFEAT the enemy
and finally said it was a VICTORY!!! They are not called Kimmy, Alucard,
Hayabusa or any other heroes on Mobile Legends but the combination of my
heroes includes God, my parents, my extended family and teachers who guided
me through my life’s journey. I may not be the Most Valuable Player but I was
able to play well and I was able to protect my turret through their guidance and
they gave me the best weapon, skill and EXP (or experience) when I step up to
the next Rank of my journey. I remembered that shy girl, after graduating
elementary would need to go out of San Marcos Elementary School. Being part
of the Science Class at that time is everyone’s wish. So, I took the exam and
luckily I passed it. I am not sure what to expect being in high school and being a
Science Class. Well, they say that if you are on the Science Class section you are
the cream of the crop. All the valedictorians from different elementary schools
were there. There was also a time when I almost wanted to quit my post as
part of the Science Class section. I told my dad to transfer me to other school
because I can no longer bear the hard subjects but the truth being that my
classmates were also bullies, just kidding. While holding his belt, he told me to

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either go to school that morning or to stop going to school and I will endure
the pain that will be caused by his belt. So, there was no other option for me
but to fix myself wear my favorite maroon uniform and as if I did not ask him
about being transferred to other school. I believe that was the wisest decision I
made, to keep going my “high school journey” in QGHS.

I befriended my bully classmates until my story became the story of SC Batch

2002. Until now, we still spend time together with our classmates. For two
decades now we are still friends, and as much as we can, we meet once in a
while. We always remember the stories 20 years ago and still fresh on our
minds. We laugh at it especially when we remember that day when we were
scolded because of the dusty windows, so we were told to plant camote
instead; guess what, the next day, there were camotes hanging on the
windows. We also try to remember the dances during our JS Prom, the love
stories and heartaches, the letters that we sent paying 5 pesos when the
English Department was raising fund and of course the way they tease me
about my crush, until now. Those are memories that will forever stay in our
hearts.

I am very proud of our class. I was not able to express this during our Grand
Alumni Ball but please allow me this time to acknowledge the success of our
class, Science Class Batch 2002 of QGHS. We have successful teachers like Sir
Luther Marc Sarandi, Ma’am Ma. Victoria Cabiles- Soriano, Leofred Velasco who
is currently employed at Nueva Vizcaya State University- Bayombong Campus;
Gladys Ann Malto is a teacher in Manila; Verman II Olaño, working as teacher
overseas; Marcela Inoyay-Butale, also a teacher here in Quirino; a successful
geologist- Carlo Angelo Pagulayan who is working at Oceana Gold Philippines
Inc. with Tenessee Baguilat; Successful Engineers- Engr. Roel U. Jimenez, Engr.
Jeffrey Viovicente, Engr. Noel Yuri Alipio; Registered Nurses- June Essex Danao;
Eva Joanne Cambi, Richelle Grace Corpuz- Saberola, Xenia Tuguinayo-
Cabacungan, Xyza Valido- Rebollada and Abigail Villanueva-Respicio; a
pharmacist- Eve Michelle Joy Balitbit- Reyes; Alex Cuaresma is currently
employed in an International Company; a politician- the No. 1 Sangguniang
Panlungsod of Santiago City- Katrina Camille Bautista; and, the most famous in
our class because he was already interviewed on national television, Christian
Joseph Clarito who is currently employed at Philippine Institute of Volcanology
and Seismology. So, I believe now that friends of the same feather flock
together. I always remember when we were still studying here when they
always say that we are the noisiest class. Maybe, the general rule is that an
empty can is noisy but in every rule there is an exemption and that is SC Batch

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2002 of QGHS because we proved that even if we were noisy then, now it
cannot be said that these cans were empty.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all the teachers of QGHS who
continuously mould the youth and for preparing them in what I usually call the
outside world. Without them, we do not have these successful men and
women of SC Batch 2002, of course that is including me.

To Ma’am Mercy Soliven who trusted my abilities. The tasks that you have
given me when I was still a second year high school taught me how to become
responsible.

To Ma’am Dolly who introduced me into counseling. I may not be a Guidance

Counselor like you ma’am but still my job is giving advice to people on their
legal issues.

To Ma’am Nips for letting us understand Research. I always remember how

hard it is when we were in high school but I knew the importance of it when I
was in college and even now that I am working because I am able to
understand cases that involves the basics of Research.

To Ma’am Daisy Vadil-Garcia, though she is no longer teaching here. GSP helped
me boost my confidence.

And to Ma’am Nimfa Yarcia, she was then the Principal at Diffun High School
when I was still completing my Pre-law Course, AB English and one of the
subjects was Practice Teaching. I am thankful and overwhelmed because you
have given the highest grade in my whole life.

I may not be able to name more because I have a limited time but please to all
teachers to accept my sincerest gratitude.

How we’re able to become who we are now. Today, the rules of the shy girl
towards her journey to the less travelled road, who stepped into the grounds
of QGHS on June, 1998, are ready to be told.

Rule No. 1

It was from the wise words of Walt Disney, the brain behind the successful and
famous cartoon characters like Mickey Mouse whose celebrating his 100 years
now, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Pinocchio, among others, once said,
“If you can dream it, you can do it!” Today, you might be wandering especially
what track/course you will be taking in college. Some might want to become
engineers, doctors, or lawyers. If you started dreaming and you say that you

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can do it, you can definitely do it. Just believe in yourself and make the
difference.

Though, along your way there might be a lot of battle that you will need to
fight.

At times, we have to make choices. Going back to our ML journey, because just
like this game, sometimes you need to make a choice between damaging the
turret of the enemy or protecting yours to achieve “VICTORY”. Sometimes you
either need to play well in order to become MVP or to play with the team to
achieve “VICTORY”. There might be times that fighting means “SAVAGE” but
expect that there might be times that you have no REWARD at all.

Do not be afraid if you are a newbie. Everyone have their first time. And not all
people were born expert on their fields. It is normal to fail, use these failures to
sharpen your skills and abilities. Eventually, these skills will be used to
strengthen your character.

There might be times that you will be SLAIN but you always the chance to
resurrect because winners never quit. In order to win your battle, you need to
prepare and gear up with the necessary skills. Always believe in yourself, I am
sure you can do it.

Rule No. 2

Along your way you need to avoid the phrase “What If”. I always remember
this very brief but striking line of one of the characters of the 2010 film Letters
to Juliet and I quote “What if: two words that will hold your life forever.”
Remember the first rule “If you can dream it, you can do it!”

There might be times that there are brighter offers but if it would cause your
education, do not be blinded by its light. Education is the best weapon
nowadays. If you believe that it will contribute for the betterment of yourself,
do it.

Rule No. 3

Focus on your dreams and always remember the word self-discipline. In every
aspect of our lives, we need these two to be able to achieve our goals in life.
Focus on your dream- no one can ever steal that from you. It is only you and
you will be able to make it come true. And while on your way to your dream,
you must have self-discipline. Always remember that TOO MUCH is not good.
Well, it might be too much studying. Loosen up at times as long as it will not
affect your studies.

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Just like anyone else, I also made some turns in life before I successfully
manage to get the title Atty., problems, heartaches and failures but I never
stopped, because I know that I can and I will if I focus and if I have self-
discipline. Some roads towards my dream are rough but I was able to manage
it. I am sure you can, too.

Some might say “we are poor.” As the famous saying goes, Poverty is not a
hindrance to success. I have a living proof. I have this very close friend who
proved that poverty is not in any way a hindrance to her success. I idolize her
because I knew her life when we were still students. She was able to finish her
four year course. She worked. Now, she is building her home and even has her
own service going to work. You very well know her. She is working right now at
the Admin Office, my dear friend Minerva Pama.

If you stick on your dreams, you focus towards it and giving up is not an option,
you will get through the journey of life that you have forseen. Take control of
who you wanted to be someday. Be the one that you wish for.

My road towards becoming a lawyer is a tough one. It is the toughest of them

all. I gave up a high paying job just to study for another four years. How can I
forget standing up for 2-3 hours when I cannot answer the question of my
professor in law school? I cried because I do not understand the terms in my
Labor law class. I almost gave up my Corporation Law class because I cannot
read 500 pages before the next class. I almost forgot my friends name and
even forgot to update my parents when I was reviewing for the Bar Exam. Yes,
I cried because there are times I felt empty. But I never give up because I
wanted to become a lawyer. Just like Robert Frost said in his poem entitled the
Road Not Taken-

-Two roads diverged in the wood, and I—

I took the one less travelled by,

And that has made all the difference…

Before I end my speech, please allow me to read a poem written by one of the
people closest to my heart entitled “Bakuran ng Tadhana”:

Bakuran ng Tadhana

Dito nag simula ang lahat...

sa Bakuran ng tadhana.

Maiba taya!
Bumaliktad ang mga palad at ako ang naiba...
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 Kayat mabilis na nag takbuhan papalayo ang aking mga kalaro…
Si PAg IBIG ay kumaripas ng takbo,
si LIGAYA, si TAGUMPAY at si LUMBAY.
Nag habulan kami ng walang humpay
sabay sabay itataas ang kamay...

Biba! may bagong taya

Tuloy tuloy ang habulan sa bakuran ng tadhana..
Noon pa man, taya tayaan na ang paborito naming laro,
Takbo rito, Takbo roon.
Ang aming mga sapatos ay walang kasing dungis,
Ang hugis ng aming mga mukha
Ay unti unting nagiging kawangis ng kay LIGAYA.

Dahil madalas akong taya, madalas kong habulin si LIGAYA,

Madalas man ako madapa hahabulin ko parin siya.
Dahil sa tuwing dumadampi sa kanyang balikat ang aking mga kamay.
Nakakalimutan kong kasali sa laro si LUMBAY.

Si LUMBAY ang isa sa mga pinakaayaw kong kalaro

Una dahil KJ siya.
pangalawa: dahil mas mabilis siyang tumakbo kesa sa akin
At higit sa lahat.. ayaw na ayaw ko siya kalaro
Dahil alam kong feeling niya may gusto ako sa kanya..
Aamin ko.. crush ko dati si LUMBAY.
Noong mga panahong ang hanap ko’y kadramahan sa buhay.
Pero crush lang yun... Alam ko namang hindi pa siya yung THE ONE..
Dahil iniibig lamang ng gamugamo ang lampara
Dahil akala niya ay ito ang buwan.

Natutunan ko yan..kay PAG IBIG,

Isa sa mga pinaka magiliw ngunit pinaka mailap kong kalaro
Minsan sinubukan ko siyang kunchabahin
Sabi ko “kapag ako yung taya”
Ok lang ba mag pahabol ka na lang sakin?
Pero hindi mapandaya si PAG IBIG.
Di tulad ni LIGAYA..
Na minsan, Depende sa silakbo
Nag papahabol nalang yata para ako’y ganahang maglaro.
May mga hapon kasing nakakatamad ang init,
Mga gabing masyadong madilim para makipag habulan,
At kung naranasan mo nang madapa sa karimlan,
Alam mong hindi ito masaya.

Buti nalang sa laro’y parating nandyan si PAG ASA,

Dahil pag nasabakuran at nagsimula na ang takbuhan

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 di maiiwasan na sa pagkataloang puso ay magalusan.
Siya ang nagyayaya saking maglaro araw araw
Siya ang tumulong sa akin na pagsuko’y kalimutan
Siya ang sugo na naguudyok saking patuloy na lumaban.

Pero hindi na rin kasi ako kasing tulin tulad ng aking kabataan
Kalaunan si Oras na ang pinaka ayaw kong habulin
Tuwing nag tataya tayaan
Alam naman natin na sa bakuran ng tadhana
Si Oras ang pinakamabilis tumakbo
Sa lahat siya ang parating unang dumarating..
Habang huli naman lagi si TAGUMPAY..
Pero salamat sa kanilang dalawa
Natutunan kong mag hintay araw araw.

Hanggang isang araw,

Nagulat nalang ako biglang parang bumagal ang takbo ni ORAS
Biglang may sumaling bagong kalaro
Sabi Ni PAG IBIG bagong sali taya!!"""
Pero bigla ring nag bago ang mga laro
Sumara ang mga bulaklak bumuka ang mga bulaklak
Pumasok ka sa eksena biglang ang saya saya.

Umuwi ako ng hapong iyon ng may kislap sa aking mga mata

At ng pusong puno ng mga awit ng pagsinta
Nanay, tatay kailangan ko po ng patnubay
Ate, kuya kami ba ay bagay?
Siya na yata ang gusto kong Suyuin,
Sana di ako nagkamali sa pipiliin
Dahil balang araw I wanna be a tutubi
Na may dalang diyamanteng bato.
Luluhod sa lupa..
May handa na tanong maghahatid samin
Sa pagitan ng dagat at bundok
Pero sa ngaun hahayaan ko munang turuan ako
Ng aking mga kalaro kung paano mag handa at maghintay
Sasanayin ko muna ang sarili sa mga simpleng apir
Hanggang mag disappear ang lahat ng hadlang
Hanggang sa mapuno ang bawat patlang
Ng mga salitang ang nais ay hindi na paglalaro lamang

Kayat heto ako ngayon, bulag sa iyong rikit

Nakapatong ang palad sa mga matAng nakapikit.
Nag aabang na balang araw sa iyong pagpitik..
Ay manunumbalik ang aking paningin
At ang una kung makikita

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Ay mga daliring parehas nakaharap
Sa mga taong pinili nilA
Ang akin nakaturo sayo at ang iyo sa akin