Honored Leonor M.

Briones, DepEd Secretary;// Director Ramir Uytico Deped

Regional Director, // Sir Bernardo A. Adina, CESO VI, Borongan City Division
Schools Superintendent; Dr. Gaudencio C. Aljibe Jr., CSEE, our School adaptor//
our District in-Charge, our ever-dedicated principal, Ma’am Rosario L. Apura,
beloved teachers, adored parents, fellow graduates, friends, everyone, a pleasant
day!

“Ate Dinz, Ate Dindi, Ate” panbarangay Ate. I used to wonder why everybody calls
me Ate. Its not that I don’t want to be called “Ate”, it’s gives me a feeling of being
matured. Imagine yourself being called “Ate” even those who are older than you,
what would you feel and what would you think exactly? Am I really matured
enough to be called ate?
Well, as the time goes by, I come to understand the answer to my own question. I
am really an Ate, not only to my own siblings, but to everyone who put their trust
and faith in me. Its’ not my age who define who I am.
Oftentimes when mama is mad at us (hehehe being naughty gihap), she always
tells these lines “Bisan dire kamo magpaka honor, ok la it ha am ni im papa. Dire it
nam kailangan it medals kay wara hit gamit. It importante, it pamatasan nga
maupay, it meada pagrespeto hit kag-anak, hit igkasi tawo, hit Ginoo.” Yes,
verbatimly, these are the words of my mama which I value so much that I always
carry wherever and whenever I am.
Take a look back to every scenario where I was one of your audience, you wont
even hear me share my opinion as you expect me to do so. For sure, you just saw
me smile, heard me laugh, frowned at you or just shrugged or giggled at you.
Don’t you know why? Deep inside myself, I always battle with myself if I would
openly share my opinion, express what I feel and think or to better shut my
mouth. And you knew the answer…I’ll just keep quiet because its’ not that I don’t
have anything to say. I do have; however, I just tend to smile, laugh, giggle, frown
because I don’t want to hurt anyone. I am scared that I may disrespect you, that I
may offend you. I just want to remain respectful as papa and mama always say.
I know that’s not what my parents mean, but that’s what I want it to be.
Lets us remain humble and respectful even though we are far from beyond of we
were before for we will not be who we are today if not of the different people
who guided us all throughout.
Firstly, to all my great friends whom I shared my laughs, my giggles, my angers
and tears, I thank you so much. Thank you Sonson, Pusit, Ate Pam, Ate Lans,
(nakabulos ak hehehe), Bundats, Tala, Bea, Sissy, Carps, Dunamis. We may part
our ways as we go to high school, always remember, you are part and parcel of
my childhood. And to you my classmates, my fellow graduates, we may not know
personally rest assured that I believe each on of you has a huge part in me as a I
create wonderful experiences here in out Alma Mater.
Secondly, to our ever-dearest teachers. We could not thank you enough for
everything that you’ve done for us. We will be forever debtful and grateful for all
the great things you imparted to us. Indeed, you made a lot of self-sacrifices for
us just to learn everything that we need to learn as persons with dignity, with
value, with honor, with character, and with faith. You selflessly taught us not just
about academe but beyond it, the true meaning of learning ABC’s, to become
intellectually developed enveloped emotionally, physically, socially and spiritually
developed. You helped us overcome our fears by passionately showing us to be
confident and be better of who were yesterday. Your gentle words, soothing cares
and undeniable love inspire us to do better. For these…Thank you and I love you.
Thirdly, to the most important individuals in my life, my FAMILY, Papa, Mama,
Ecoy, A-An and Yenyen. No exact words would equate how thankful I am to God
for I am born in this family. To my ever-kindest Papa Egan, who always hugs, kiss
and soothes me with his gentle voice every time I feel stressed. Thank you so
much. To my slightly strict yet jolly and full of surprises Mama (peace), thank you.
You are always in my life every step of the way, like attending important meeting
though you are working (sometimes Papa of course), like surprising us with cakes
and snacks not only during occasions but most of the times pag meada nim
kwarta. Oh, how I love your silly surprises, you always make us happy so we are
motivated to study better. Papa and mama never cease to disappoint me every
time I have to participate school activities like parties, competitions. They love to
support Ecoy and I as they always make sure to personally attend to our needs
like our clothes, bags and shoes to wear and of course “balon”. Ecoy and I were
always excited to attend competitions, may it be district, division and region for
they always made sure na medyo sobra am balon kay nahadlok hira magutom
kami nga duha, hehehe. Never will I stop thanking them for everything, the
unconditional love they share to us and for never getting tired of believing in me
that I could do big and worthy things. For helping me build my confidence and
pushing me to stand against all odds while keeping my feet on the ground and
living with respect and kindness and for reminding me always to pray and be
grateful.
Also, to my best buddy Ecoy, whom I shares everything like tiny little things,
whom I share my laughter and smiles most of the times, my awkward moments,
my Korean idols thank you Buriks. You are one of my inspirations and my reasons
of being Ate. And to my two cute little A-An and Yenyen whom I feel obliged to
take care, you don’t know how much happiness you bring us to our lives, even
though magkulit kamo danay. To my Titas’ and Titos’, Nanays’ and Tatays’ from
both sides, thank you so much, your supports are all appreciated.
Lastly, to Papa God for all the great things He showered unto me and to my whole
family. For all the countless blessings that He poured unto me. For always guiding
me and shedding light so I would remain fearful to be inhumane, thank you so
much.
Fellow graduates I take pride in saying these words form Henry David Thoreau
“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined”,
yet always bear in mind that our future belongs to those who believe in the
beauty of our dreams. Let us be bold and be confident in creating our own path
and making our own memorable experiences ahead! Congratulations to all of us.
May God grant our heartful desires and guides us all the way.!
Thank you once again and good day!