Kevin Yambao Graduation Speech was inspired by Lloyd Luna

I am greatly honored and flattered to have been asked to speak for this very, very wonderful
occasion. I promise, as King Henry the VIII allegedly promised each of his wives, “Don’t worry,
I won’t keep you long.” This speech will last for 5 minutes and 2 hours.

I’m sure everyone knows what a corn seed is. When you plant a corn seed on a healthy soil, you
don’t get a corn seed but a corn, right? It’s because the harvest is always greater than what is
planted as long as we nurtured them properly. This applies to what we are right now.

And so, my fellow graduates, we are gathered here tonight to reap more than all the combined
product of the thirst, hunger, exhaustion, & sleepless nights we encountered en route to this
exciting moment.

As we happily walk our way up to this stage, but please do not take it literally, we sometimes
falter and fumble. We have already heard inspiring stories of successful people, and as I have
noticed, failure is the common ingredient that seemed to add flavor to the final dish of what they
have cooked.

When I was a child, I loved music so much and I dreamed of becoming a professional musician.
I even thought of enrolling in some of the prestigious conservatory school of music in the
Philippines, but my family couldn’t afford it.

I didn’t turn out to be a full-fledged musician.

During my elementary days, I always dreamed of being the best. I strived hard and managed to
be consistently on top of the class. Because of the social issues that occurred between me and my
teachers, I was not able to make it to the top when I was on my 6th grade.

I didn’t become the valedictorian.

These failures made me stronger. True, what I’ve just shared to you are my sad experiences. But
these experiences didn’t bring me down because I didn’t want them drag me down. I know there
are still a lot of things like this out there waiting for me, but always remember what Robert H.
Schuller reminded us, “Tough times never last, but tough people do.” Also, remember that “Day
always follows the night as there’s rain after summer.” I managed to survive the rainy season and
am now starting to work on summer. Are you experiencing the night of your life right now?
Don’t worry; you will have your day after the night. The sun will rise and it’s rising very soon.

Today, as you leave with a diploma on hand, remember the encounters, the good times as well as
the bad times you’ve experienced at Senator Renato “Compañero” Cayetano Memorial Science
& Technology High School that made us a better person. Bear in mind the promises you made to
yourself and others. Keep in contact with those who have touched your lives. Come back and
visit our Alma Mater!
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the God Almighty, my guardian angels, Lola, Ate
Neneth, my family for their encouragement, unconditional love and support, my teachers who
discussed not only what is in store in their lesson plan but also the lessons of life, my fellow
schoolmates who took part in molding my personality and were always considerate during
difficult times. Let us also take time today to thank the people behind the success of this
momentous event.

The Cayetanos namely His Honorable Senator Alan Peter Cayetano and his wife Honorable
Congresswoman Lani Cayetano, Honorable Senator Pia Cayetano and most especially the late
Honorable Senator Rene “Compañero” Cayetano, last but not the least the energetic and exciting,
disciplinarian but compassionate, our principal George Tizon. The sacrifices of these people lead
us to this fruitful accomplishment. Let us give them a big hand. (clap)

Thank you! I am going to miss the days we have spent together. Keep our dreams alive! And
finally, please let me end this speech with a quote from the ever famous Winston Churchill,
“Success is never final. Failure is never fatal. It is courage that counts.”

God bless you all.