A Parent's Payback

There is no reward more fulfilling to a parent than to see their children finish school. It is the ultimate dividend for the countless overtimes, the grumbling stomach (sa sobrang pagtitipid di na kumakain), and the periodic debt that comes with the territory. It is the ultimate happiness and then some.

Our children may not be the consistent honor student but I I'll settle for the chance to just see them walking that stage and getting that precious piece of paper. That would make all the sacrifices worth the taking and the investment worth the risk.

Praying that my children will reward me that much.

Graduation Message

Last March 28 marked a milestone in Chesca's life---her high school graduation! However, as I sat there listening to the valedictory speech, I was disappointed. The valedictory speech should inspire the other graduates to look forward to college life and dream big! Unfortunately, the speech focused more on reminiscing high school life and the thought of missing it after they've gone their separate ways. So let me impart my own graduation message to my daughter Chesca.

1. Have a VISION. Going to college without a vision is like sailing on a boat without a rudder! Know what you want and make it happen!

2. Be Persistent. College life will definitely not be an easy task. Challenges will surely present itself in every turn. As such, one must have a strong heart to hurdle the problems that may come your way.

3. Do not be afraid to fail. Failure is part of life. A person who does not have problems is already six feet under the ground. Treat failures as opportunities that you can learn from. Two important things you get to learn in failing: (1) you will know WHAT DOESN'T WORK; and, (2) failure gives you an opportunity to try A NEW APPROACH.

4. Do not waste time. Finish your course on time. As an old Chinese saying goes, "one ounce of of time is equivalent to one ounce of gold, but an ounce of gold will not be able to buy the ounce of time already passed." Among other things, we don't have the luxury of unlimitted resources for you to gallivant through college. Additional tip: LEARN FROM THE MISTAKES OF "OTHERS".

5. Hard work is more important than talent. Graduating with honors is not an INSTANT SUCCESS free card! I can name a number of honor students who failed to even graduate college. Talent alone will not guarantee success but hard work will.

6. Always think POSITIVELY. Positive thinking is the fuel for persistence. Always look at the brighter side. Accept circumstances that you don't have control over and make the best out of it.

7. Choose your friends well. "Tell me who your friends are and I'll tell you who you are." Friends have always been a big influence in all of our lives. Make sure that you pick them well.

8. Pray. Many people pray only during times of crisis. Don't be like that. Always keep God in your heart. Thank Him for all the blessings---great and small! Ask Him for guidance in all that needs deciding.

9. Walang nagsisisi sa huli! Regret always come in the end. Before making any major decision think first of the consequences. Make sure you will be able to live with whatever consequences your actions. Wala nang LIBRE ngayon!

Good luck and may the FORCE be with you!

PS
Yung isang picture na pinadala mo e di ko na linagay dito---seloso ako e!

Return of Investment

I attended my daughter Chesca's baccalaureate mass this morning and the presiding priest spoke about the hope each parent has of a bright future for their children. A step towards realizing this goal is to send their child to school. Now, this is a burden that all parents are willing to take. As I have told---and keep on telling---my children, "igagapang ko kayo na makapagtapos basta ayusin nyo lang ang pagaaral nyo!"

Whether we put our children to a private or public school, as parents, we have our own individual burden to take on to ensure that we are able to financially sustain our children's education. This is our investment and the return of which is to see our sons and daughters get a degree and make something out of their lives! However, we do not have a hold of life's circumstances. Our children need to see the value of this investment---this whole fuss about graduating from college and become successful professionals! They need to go beyond the "what my parents want" state of mind and think of education as an opportunity to grow wings and sore beyond the horizon! They need to see themselves beyond today and the vision should be a sunny day portrait!

I pray in behalf of all the parents whose sons and daughters are graduating (or have graduated) that God be always with them in their journey and that they be blessed with wisdom to make the right decision in all the crossroads they have to take.