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The Panicle, Ibajay (2026)

08/06/2026

𝗕𝗦𝗖𝗦 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝘀 𝗟𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗕𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗮𝘆 𝗕𝗲𝗹-𝗶𝘀

Four Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSCS) student interns, namely Karylle B. Bautista, Andrea Nicole A. Gregorio, Evar I. Sanglitan Jr., and Yuan R. Barraca of Aklan State University–Ibajay, successfully developed an Integrated Tourist Management System to modernize tourism monitoring and strengthen the digital promotion of Barangay Bel-is, Buruanga, during their internship at the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Aklan.

The project was developed under the supervision of DOST Aklan Provincial Director Dyna Rose R. Gubatanga, Practicum Supervisor and DOST-Aklan Science Research Specialist Eunice Raiza Panagsagan, and their Practicum adviser, Engr. Johnnee Jess R. Cahilig.

Developed under the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) initiative and the supervision of Project Leader Mrs. Aura Grace Angeli R. Adap, the web-based platform aims to streamline the monitoring of tourist arrivals through real-time data collection. This enables local tourism personnel and barangay officials to improve tourism planning, event coordination, and resource allocation.

The project, titled "Empowering Barangay Bel-is through Science and Technology toward Sustainable Tourism Development" (Project Bel-CEST), also introduced an online tourist portal that serves as a digital gateway showcasing the barangay's tourist attractions, community-led services, and other local destinations, making information more accessible to prospective visitors.

Through the integration of technology and tourism, the initiative highlights the valuable contribution of student innovation in supporting sustainable community development and enhancing the digital presence of local tourism destinations.

Article by Cristine Joy Verzon
Design by Nicole Ann Galvez

07/06/2026

𝘾𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘿𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙢𝙨, 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘿𝙚𝙜𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙨

While other students carried only books and lesson plans, Alondra M. Amador carried both her dreams and her child.

Behind her smiles during recognition day was a journey filled with sacrifice, tears, sleepless nights, and perseverance. At 27 years old, Alondra, a graduating Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEEd) student from Buenavista, Nabas, Aklan, proved that motherhood is never a hindrance to achieving one’s dreams.

Among their ten siblings, she shared that she was the only one who was able to continue studying. Now, as she finally prepares to graduate, she carries not only her diploma but also the sacrifices of her family—especially her husband, who worked tirelessly to support her studies.

“Masaya ako kasi may isa samin na pamilya na makakagraduate na,” she shared emotionally.

Alondra became a mother during Grade 11, a reality that forced her to stop studying for two years because she feared she could no longer balance motherhood and education. However, despite the uncertainty, she chose to return to school and fight for the future she dreamed of—not only for herself but also for her child.

As college life began, so did the challenges of being both a student and a mother. With no one left at home to take care of her child, Alondra had no choice but to bring her daughter with her while studying. While she attended classes and worked on lesson plans, her child stayed by her side, growing up while witnessing her mother’s sacrifices firsthand.

At the same time, her husband worked in Boracay just to support their family and her education. Life was far from easy.

“Naaabutan kami ng gabi, nababasa kami ng ulan pauwi. Minsan kailangan ko mag-absent para sa anak ko. Minsan naman dinadala ko siya kahit may sakit kasi walang magbabantay,” she recalled.

There were days when stretching her husband’s salary became almost impossible. They already had their own home to support, school expenses continued to pile up, and there were moments when she arrived late to school because she needed to prioritize her child first.

Despite everything, Alondra remained grateful for the people who stood beside her. She recalled how her mother-in-law would help her financially whenever their transportation fare became insufficient, while her friends and classmates willingly watched over her child whenever she attended classes.

She also admitted that there were countless moments when she wanted to stop studying altogether.

“May ga hambal sakon dati nga hindi nalang ako mag-school kay may anak na ako kag gastos pa ako,” she shared through tears.

One of the hardest moments came during her fourth year in college when one of her husband’s parents became seriously ill and needed surgery in Iloilo. Because of financial struggles, Alondra considered stopping her studies so her husband’s sibling could continue schooling instead.

However, her family encouraged her to continue.

“Nag-insist ang bunso nga ipadayon ko nalang ang pag-eskwela kag siya nalang ang ma-stop.”

That moment became one of the reasons she pushed herself even harder. She thought of her child, her husband’s sacrifices, and all the years she had already endured just to reach her final year.

Throughout her journey, Alondra said her husband remained her greatest source of strength. Even during difficult days, he constantly reminded her that she was capable of finishing her studies.

“Hambal niya pirmi sakon, kaya ko ya. Tapuson ko ya.”

Behind her cheerful personality, however, were silent tears shed inside their home after long and exhausting days.

Still, despite every hardship, one memory remains closest to her heart—seeing her child with her during recognition day.

“Subra gid akon kalipay nga makita ko ang akon anak didto kag upod ko siya.”

For Alondra, every sacrifice became worth it the moment she realized she was finally reaching the dream she once thought she had to abandon.

Now, as she prepares to step into a new chapter of her life, she also leaves a message for fellow student mothers and struggling students:

“Magpadayon. Huwag sumuko. Okay lang madapa, okay lang magtangis, pero laban gyapon. Hindi gid magdula it confidence kag hindi mag-isip mag-stop.”

Alondra’s story reminds everyone that success is not measured by how easy the journey was, but by the courage to continue despite life’s hardships. Carrying both her child and her dreams, she became living proof that perseverance, love, and sacrifice can turn even the most difficult struggles into triumph.

“My journey as a mother and a student was not easy, but with hard work, perseverance, and the unwavering support of my husband, I was able to continue chasing my dreams and finally reach this milestone.”

Words by Divine Gelito
Layout by Eron Maglunob
Design by Nicole Ann Galvez

07/06/2026

𝗕𝗲𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗻𝘀: 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗼𝗻𝗹𝘆'𝘀 𝗧𝗿𝗶𝘂𝗺𝗽𝗵 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀

"When you have resourcefulness in life and complete trust in God's plan, poverty simply becomes the background story of your victory. I made it because I chose not to give up."

People often say that dreaming is free, but the road leading to those dreams often demands a price. For Donly Dela Cruz, that price came in the form of sacrifices, sleepless nights, and countless battles fought behind closed doors. In a life where survival itself was a daily challenge, giving up was never an option.

Raised in the humble barangay of Laguinbanwa, Ibajay, Aklan, Donly's journey toward graduation was never a straight path. It was a road marked by financial hardships, uncertainty, and moments that tested not only his endurance but also his faith.

As a self-supporting student, there were days when hope felt distant and exhaustion felt overwhelming. Yet instead of surrendering, he learned the value of pausing without abandoning the journey.

"I allowed myself to rest instead of quitting. I learned that it's completely okay to cry, to fail, and to feel weak—dahil doon natin mas nakikita kung gaano katapat at kabuti ang Diyos sa buhay natin."

For Donly, resilience was not about never falling. It was about finding the courage to rise each time life pushed him down.

His faith became the anchor that steadied him through life's strongest storms. Whenever burdens became too heavy to carry, he found strength in prayer and comfort in the belief that every hardship served a greater purpose.

Alongside his faith stood the people who never stopped believing in him, especially his family and his mother. Their sacrifices became silent reminders of why he needed to keep moving forward. Like sunlight waiting patiently behind dark clouds, hope remained present even during the most difficult seasons of his life.

Beyond the classroom, Donly discovered another avenue for growth through content creation. What began as a creative outlet eventually became a lens through which he viewed life differently. It strengthened his bond with his mother, nurtured his confidence, and taught him to find joy even amid adversity.

"It made me realize that even if you feel like you have so little, you still have the power to give—and for us, that is giving happiness."

Through every video he created, Donly chose to share not perfection but positivity. He understood that while life may not always offer reasons to smile, people can become those reasons for one another.

Looking back, he now sees that every breakdown was preparing him for a breakthrough. The struggles that once threatened to stop him became the very experiences that shaped his character, sharpened his determination, and strengthened his resolve.

The day he finally walked across the stage was more than a graduation—it was the culmination of years of sacrifice.

"This diploma represents every single drop of sweat, the countless sleepless nights, and the moments when I almost gave up because of family and financial struggles. It carries the weight of my sacrifices and hard work."

For Donly, the diploma was more than a piece of paper. It was proof that persistence can outlast hardship, that faith can illuminate even the darkest roads, and that dreams remain possible despite life's limitations.

Behind the lens was never just a content creator searching for the perfect shot. There was a son carrying the hopes of his family, a student determined to rewrite his story, and a dreamer who refused to let poverty define his future.

And now, as he steps into a new chapter, the picture becomes clear: every struggle was simply part of the frame that made his triumph worth capturing.

Article by Michaella Montero
Layout by Mico Pabon
Design by Nicole Ann Galvez

06/06/2026

𝘿𝙧𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙗𝙮 𝙁𝙡𝙖𝙢𝙚𝙨, 𝙍𝙞𝙨𝙚𝙣 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝘼𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙨

"Yung neighbor namin, nasunugan," Lyle Rommel Fuentes recalled. "And unfortunately, nadamay din pati bahay namin which is naubos talaga lahat ng naipundar ng parents ko."

Some memories refuse to be buried by time. They linger like embers beneath the surface, waiting to be stirred. For Lyle, one of those memories was watching the life his parents had painstakingly built disappear into flames.

"I still remember the way my mother cried when she saw our house and everything they worked hard for burned in flames."

What was once a home became ashes. Yet from those ashes emerged a dream—not simply to succeed, but to rebuild.

A Cum Laude graduate of the Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management, Lyle is more than an achiever adorned with academic honors. Behind every accomplishment stands a son carrying a promise: to help restore the life his family once had.

His journey was far from the picture many imagined. During his high school years, he lived with his aunt, who became one of the strongest pillars supporting his education. Her assignment as principal in Naile eventually opened a path for him to study at Aklan State University–Ibajay. Though he came from New Washington, he chose to pursue his studies in the university that would later shape his character and aspirations.

"I became her driver noon," he shared. "Driving her sa mga meetings and gatherings sa school."

What seemed like a simple responsibility became one of the many experiences that taught him discipline, humility, and perseverance.

As he looked back on his college years, Lyle remembered the opportunities that transformed him. Through various organizations, he discovered abilities he never knew he possessed. Serving as the University Student Council President became one of the defining chapters of his student life, allowing him to unlock his potential as a leader while learning lessons beyond the four walls of the classroom.

Along the way, he found mentors among his instructors and support from the people who believed in him. Yet behind the leadership positions and achievements were sacrifices that often went unnoticed. Responsibilities gradually consumed much of his time, leaving fewer moments to spend with his family. Still, he remained grateful for every challenge that shaped him into the person he is today.

More than the titles he earned, it was resilience that became his greatest achievement.

"My goal is to slowly but surely bring back the life we once had noong bata pa."

The words carried neither pride nor grandiosity—only the quiet determination of a son who understood the value of sacrifice and the weight of a promise.

Lyle's story is a testament that success is not measured by how smooth the road becomes, but by the courage to keep moving despite the obstacles along the way. The flames that once consumed their home may have taken away material possessions, but they failed to extinguish hope.

Today, with every step forward, every dream pursued, and every achievement earned, he continues to rise—not for himself alone, but for the family who inspires him to keep going.

Some people are broken by the fire they face.

Lyle Fuentes chose to rise from its ashes.

Article by Shakira Salas
Layout by Eron Maglunob
Design by Nicole Ann Galvez

06/06/2026

𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗗𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗼𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗮𝘇𝗶𝗻𝗴

A mother's heart is forged from weathered steel—strong enough to withstand life's storms, yet gentle enough to nurture dreams. At 33 years old and with two children to raise, Dolorosa C. Precillas, a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science (BSES) graduate, embodies the selflessness and resilience that define motherhood.

Walking a tightrope between being a mother and a student, failure was never an option. She admitted that the hardest part of motherhood was the fear of falling short of her responsibilities. Yet she pressed forward, knowing that her children depended on her.

“Hindi puwede kasi para sa kanila din yung ginagawa mo—for the future ng pamilya ko,” she shared.

With a child in one hand and a textbook in the other, she learned to balance two worlds little by little.

Like a heroine facing countless adversaries, she battled overwhelming requirements and relentless deadlines. Among them all, time was her greatest enemy. After fulfilling her duties as a mother, she transformed into a student, facing another set of responsibilities waiting to be conquered. Armed with discipline and determination, she wielded time management as her weapon against the swift passage of time.

Yet, like every story of triumph, challenges remained inevitable.

When difficulties arose, she reminded herself: “Magtiwala sa sarili, maging matatag, at magpasalamat sa Panginoon.”

These words became her source of strength, drawing power from both faith and perseverance.

Having two children meant carrying two reasons to keep going. One morning, after spending the night studying, she woke up late only to hear her child say, “Ma, nagsaing na ako.”

At another moment, when exhaustion and worries clouded her mind, one of her children gently asked, “Ma, bakit gatahimik ikaw?”

In those simple words, she found comfort. They became reminders of why she continued chasing a dream that once seemed out of reach.

“Tinatanaw ko ’yung sinumulan ko kaya dapat kong tapusin,” she said, determined to finish what she had started.

Despite her age, her dream never faded.

“Pangarap ko po talagang makapagtapos,” she confessed with a warm smile.

Years earlier, in 2009 and 2010, she pursued a Bachelor of Secondary Education degree. However, financial hardships, coupled with the loss of her father and the struggles endured by her mother, forced her to stop after only a year.

It was during the pandemic that she fully realized the value of education, especially as she watched her children grow.

“Tay, balang araw, kahit mahirap at may anak na ako, gagawin ko po ang lahat para makapagtapos ako ng pag-aaral.”

These were the words she once promised her father before he passed away.

With teary eyes, she described graduation as the “most awaited moment” of her life.

It was like a tree she had planted in the institution's soil years ago—its roots growing deeper with every sacrifice, its trunk strengthened by every hardship, and its fruits of dreams finally ripening from green to gold.

After graduation, she hopes to secure a stable job and give back to the people who helped her along the way, carrying with her a deep sense of gratitude.

“Hindi po mawalan ng pag-asa kasi kung may ginahandum ka sa kabuhi, nandiyan ’yung Panginoon,” was her message to those who are losing hope in their studies.

Even she never expected to return to school. Yet through faith, determination, and God's grace, she crossed the finish line.

Throughout her journey, it was a mother's endless love that carried her forward. Every setback, challenge, and hardship became lighter because of the unwavering support surrounding her.

A dream once delayed has now been fulfilled.

Motherhood demands love, care, sacrifice, and patience. For Dolorosa, it also meant meeting deadlines, attending classes, and pursuing a long-held dream. Through every uncertainty, she learned to steady herself like a tightrope walker—carefully balancing her roles while moving forward with courage.

In her two hands were two worlds: her family and her future. And because she never let go of either, Dolorosa proved that she is, indeed, amazing.

Article by Raymundo Acielo
Layout by Mico Pabon
Design by Nicole Ann Galvez

05/06/2026

𝘽𝙚𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙙 "𝙅𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙖 𝙃𝙚𝙡𝙥𝙚𝙧"

Some words linger longer than they should. For Irene S. Samonte, those words arrived unexpectedly, spoken by an employer dissatisfied with her work.

"You are just a helper."

Just a helper.

Four words. One label. A sentence that attempted to reduce a person to a job description. For a moment, it succeeded.

"It was painful. That moment broke my confidence and questioned my worth," Irene recalled.

But life has a way of turning wounds into fuel.

Long before those words were spoken, Irene had already been carrying burdens heavier than most. Becoming a mother at a young age forced her to grow up faster than she ever imagined. While others were still discovering themselves, she was learning how to survive, provide, and sacrifice.

The years that followed became a cycle of hard work and perseverance. She wore different uniforms and took on different roles—cashier, waitress, massage therapist, and domestic helper.

Different jobs. One purpose.

Every paycheck carried the same dream: a better life for her son. Yet one of the cruelest ironies of her journey was that, in order to become a good provider, she had to spend time away from the person she loved most.

"One of the most painful sacrifices was taking care of other people's children while being away from my own son just to earn a living," she shared.

While she comforted children who were not hers, she quietly carried the ache of missing milestones, birthdays, and ordinary moments with her own child. It was a sacrifice invisible to many, yet it shaped every decision she made.

Then came the words that would change everything.

"You are just a helper."

Some people would have carried those words as a burden. Irene carried them differently.

Instead of allowing them to define her, she turned them into a challenge.

"I realized that I wanted more for myself, for my child, and for my family," she said. "Instead of letting that experience define me, I used the pain as motivation to work harder, go back to school, and prove to myself that my worth is greater than how others see me."

So she did something many would find difficult—she started over.

After nine years away from the classroom, Irene returned to college, not as a carefree freshman but as a mother carrying responsibilities that extended far beyond school requirements and deadlines.

Still, she persisted.

Semester after semester, year after year, she proved that determination can accomplish what circumstances often try to prevent. From her first year to her fourth year, she consistently earned a place on the Dean's List, balancing academic excellence with the realities of adulthood.

Then came another disappointment.

Despite years of hard work and academic achievement, university policies prevented her from qualifying for a Latin honor.

The disappointment was real.

"At first, it truly hurt and disappointed me, especially after all the hard work and sacrifices I made," Irene admitted.

But growth has a way of changing perspective.

"Eventually, I accepted it with peace. I believe that God has a better plan than mine, and this journey is not just about titles or recognition, but about growth, resilience, and proving to myself that I was able to finish what I once paused."

Perhaps that is what makes her story remarkable.

Not the Dean's List certificates.

Not the missed Latin honor.

Not even the diploma she now proudly holds as a college graduate.

It is the fact that every time life gave her a reason to stop, she found one to continue.

Today, Irene is many things—a mother, a graduate, a provider, a dreamer, and a survivor.

But above all, she is proof that a person's worth is never determined by a job title, a setback, or someone else's opinion.

After all, the woman once told she was "just a helper" did not spend years proving people wrong.

She spent those years proving herself right.

Article by Jader Lee Cabhog
Layout by Eron Maglunob
Design by Nicole Ann Galvez

05/06/2026

𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗸𝗮 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗞𝗮𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗠𝗮𝗴𝗻𝗮 𝗖𝘂𝗺 𝗟𝗮𝘂𝗱𝗲: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗼 𝗧. 𝗧𝗲𝗻𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗼

Not all dreams are born in comfort. Some begin in quiet homes where food is simple, resources are few, yet love is overflowing, unity remains unbroken and hope quietly grows stronger each day.

One of the inspiring students of ASU–Ibajay, Andro T. Tenorio of Yawan, Ibajay, Aklan, is one of those young individuals who turned hardship into strength and scarcity into purpose. At 24 years old, he now stands as a Magna Cum Laude graduate of Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Filipino. But behind this honor is not an easy journey—it is a story shaped by endurance, sacrifice, resilience, and unwavering faith.

For Andro, college was never just a four-year course. It was a long and difficult journey filled with exhaustion, doubts, uncertainty, and moments that tested not only his ability, but also his spirit. There were nights when giving up felt like the only option, when silence felt heavier than hope, and when the future seemed too far to reach. Yet every time life pushed him down, he chose to rise again—quietly, steadily, and with faith intact.

He learned one powerful truth: success is not about how fast you reach the finish line, but about the courage to keep moving even when everything tells you to stop.

His strength and dedication were deeply rooted in his family.

As the son of a farmer, Andro grew up witnessing the quiet heroism of hard work and sacrifice. He saw how his parents labored endlessly under the heat of the sun, enduring exhaustion just to provide for their children’s needs. Life was never easy, and scarcity was a constant companion in their daily journey. Yet within their home, love was never absent—it was their strongest form of wealth.

Being raised under the 4Ps program, Andro learned early that poverty is real—but so is perseverance. Instead of allowing his circumstances to define his limits, he allowed them to shape his determination to rise above them.

He never hid where he came from. In fact, he carries it with pride. Although life was not rich in material things, it was overflowing with something far more valuable—love, kindness, and humanity. There were times when he shared meals in other people’s homes. What may seem simple to others became deeply meaningful to him: a reminder that he was never alone. In those moments, he discovered strength in compassion and relief in community, realizing that even in hardship, there are people who choose to care.

Even today, he holds on to his mother’s words:

"Indi pag-isipa kon ano ro suod it inyong tiyan, indi man makita it iba ron nga balingka ag kamote ro suod. Ro importante, nagasulod kamo sa eskuylahan."

These words became his anchor through every challenge. Whenever exhaustion threatened to break him, they reminded him of his purpose. Whenever life felt insufficient, they reminded him that education itself is already a blessing worth fighting for. And whenever doubt whispered loudly, those words became his quiet strength to continue.

Even when their table was simple, his dreams were never small.

Financial struggle became one of his greatest battles. While some of his classmates were able to focus on their studies without worry, Andro had to find ways to sustain his education. He worked as a school boy, learning how to balance responsibility and ambition, survival and success, duty and dream.

Every day demanded strength. Every challenge required sacrifice. Every step forward came with effort that most could not see. But he never allowed hardship to become a reason to stop.

Instead, he transformed struggle into fuel, and pressure into purpose.

"Miskan malisod, hay determinasyon ag pagtinguha gid ro puhunan."

This belief carried him through every obstacle. It reminded him that true wealth is not measured by money, but by determination, persistence, and an unwavering heart.

Through every trial, his faith remained steady. He believed that every hardship carries meaning, and every delay holds purpose. This faith became his guiding light in moments when the path ahead felt uncertain, reminding him that he is never walking alone.

Now, standing on a stage filled with memories, Andro holds more than a diploma and a medal. He holds the evidence of sleepless nights, quiet struggles, unseen sacrifices, and countless moments of choosing to continue when giving up would have been easier.

His story is not only about academic success. It is about resilience that refuses to break. It is about faith that refuses to fade. It is about a young man who chose to believe in tomorrow even when today was difficult.

From balingka and kamote to Magna Cum Laude, Andro’s journey stands as a powerful reminder that beginnings do not define destiny—persistence does, and faith sustains it.

In the end, life is not measured by how fast we arrive, but by how faithfully we continue. And those who endure—despite hardship, despite doubt, despite fear—will always find their way to the dreams they once dared to pray for.

Article by Christine Joy Canaoay
Layout by Mico Pabon
Design by Nicole Ann Galvez

05/06/2026

𝗟𝗮𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗹𝘀 𝗹𝗶𝘁 𝗯𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗲

"Many people would say that I was too old to start again, but I learned that dreams do not expire."

In the quiet town of Sta. Ana, Pandan, Antique, a star named G-ar B. Barrientos blazed across the academic sky. He didn’t simply graduate, he triumphed. With a degree of Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science, he earned the distinction of Magna Cum Laude, ascending to the pinnacle as the highest Latin laurels of his batch

But behind the medal and the applause lies a journey carved in sacrifice.

Before returning to school, G-ar had already carved a place in the corporate world. In Boracay, he worked in a four-star hotel, earning a salary that seemed decent but carried no promise of comfort. “While I was earning a salary, I came to realize that it was not enough to provide for the future I wanted for my family, especially for my eight-year-old son at that time,” he recalled. And so, he surrendered work to chase a diploma, believing that true security lay in knowledge.

At thirty, when many men are already deep in careers, G-ar walked back into the halls of senior high school. And at the age of thirty-two, he stepped into college, carrying not just books but the weight of responsibility for his family. His journey was never solitary; it was shadowed by trials that tested the very marrow of his resolve.

During his first year, his mother was always hospitalized due to illness. The emotional and financial strain was heavy, yet he continue moving forward. The following year, his sister, the family’s breadwinner and his lifeline in studies, lost her job. Suddenly, the safety net was gone, and the struggle grew sharper.

But the deepest wound came in his third year. “My greatest inspiration in this study lost in just a blink of an eye,” he uttered, his voice trembling. His son, the heartbeat of his dreams, was taken by leukemia. The loss carved a hollow in his chest, a silence no accolade could fill. Yet even in mourning, he clung to grace, believing that God’s hand was steadying him when his own legs faltered.

The trials did not relent. In his last year in college, one of his classmates chose to seek eternal peace and end her struggle. For G-ar, it was another reminder that every soul is fighting battles. From these tragedies, he learned the sacred weight of kindness, the quiet power of compassion, and the necessity of checking on one another.

The most remarkable part about the graduation story of G-ar is not the award he now wears, but rather how it came to be. In that regard, his achievements can only speak more eloquently because they are born out of grief, out of trials, out of faith. His journey stands as a testament to the same principle his words spoke so passionately about: that dreams have no time constraints, that age cannot hold back hope. They sleep with layers of despair waiting for someone brave enough to light a spark under them. And if you pursue them hard enough, they will blossom even in times of sadness, demonstrating that hope springs eternal, and there is always time to start again.

Thus, when G-ar was crowned with honor, he bore more than a laurel of academic excellence. He carried the story of a strong person who chose to go on from his own point of view whatever the rest of the world told him, because for him, dreams never die; they live, waiting to be claimed.

Article by Cindylexious Urbe
Layout by Eron Maglunob
Design by Nicole Ann Galvez

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