01/04/2026
Hands Once Burdened, Now Dreams Determined
by Pierre Elijah D. Leba
It is never too late to chase your dreams. Mistakes can be corrected, neglected hopes can be revived, and unfinished journeys can be completed. This is the story of Warren Tolentino Dumasis, who, at 31 years old, proved that dreams remain alive as long as we refuse to give up.
He was born in Brgy. Managuit, Dumangas. He grew up in a happy but poor family, where survival often came before schooling. As a child, he woke before dawn to sell crabs his father caught, ensuring his siblings had rice and milk. Poverty kept him from attending classes, but the values of respect and honesty, instilled by his grandmother, became his compass. Even then, the dream of education never left him; it only waited.
As the eldest, he sacrificed his own schooling so his younger siblings could continue theirs. At 13, he worked in Iloilo City, proud to help his family but aware that he was neglecting himself. This awareness would linger with him and grow into a dream that one day he could finish what he started.
That day came through the Alternative Learning System (ALS) Senior High School Program at Lambunao National High School, where he found a second chance. With discipline and time management, he balanced massage work with school tasks. He completed his assignments during breaks at work, focusing fully in class and ensuring that he made full use of every moment. Encouraged by teachers and loved ones, he discovered that he could indeed finish what he had once set aside.
The journey was not without burden. On the outside, it may look as if it is only suffering from exhaustion and stress from both school and work activities; however, he also faced moments of self-doubt and questioned whether or not he should pursue such a goal, because it demanded a lot from him. To add to this, his age also made it difficult for some of his classmates to fully understand his situation, making the emotional weight heavier, and he felt alone.
Yet despite all those setbacks, he coped with the struggles through discipline, motivation, and perseverance, reminding himself: โPadayon lang War, kaya mo na,โ knowing a time would come that all his efforts would not be in vain.
Finally, he graduated with high honors, a recognition that validated his hard work and determination. As he walked across the stage, he can look back at every crab he had sold, every massage he had given, every sleepless night and he can say it was all worth it. He also acknowledged the support of mentors and loved ones like Maโam Mercylou Leysa, Maโam Lilibeth Edral Larupay, โTita Ging,โ his partner Ronejohn Laranja, and dedicated teachers. He pressed on through their encouragement. โTapusa ang pag-eskwela mo War, kay lain gid ya kung may tinapusan kaโ became his anchor to move forward and achieve great heights.
His story is living proof that dreams do not fade with age, but wait for the right moment to be pursued. What began as a childhood interrupted by poverty and responsibility ended as a triumph of perseverance and hope. In his words, โA 31-year-old can dream big. It is not too late for us to soar for more. I know that we are capable of doing anything; with a proper amount of motivation, dedication, and perseverance, nothing is impossible.โ Just as he wants to remind us that it is never too late to chase oneโs dreams, his journey shows that determination can revive what was once set aside.
