Category: Journal

Dagitab (2014)
“Sparks”
Written by: Giancarlo Abrahan

Towards the end of the film, I couldn’t not help but ponder:

Mag-isa. Ganito makakarating sa pinanggagalingan. Hindi naman sa paglingon. May puntong babasagin mo ang sarili at wawasakin ang lahat ng nagtatahi sayo hanggang mag-isa ka na lang. 

Kapag handa ka ng mag-isa. Saka mo makikita ang kailangan makita. Laging ganito. Nasa pinakamagandang panahon ka ng buhay mo. Wala kang muwang. ‘Di mo alam na naroon ka na sapagkat naghihintay ka ng katiyakan sa loob mo na meron pang dadating. 

Naghihintay ka ng naghihintay hanggang magugulat ka, lumipas na ang panahon niyo. Lahat ng hinintay mo ay dumating na pala. 

Photo by my brother, James Hostalero PICC, Plenary Hall My college graduation

First, a big CONGRATULATIONS to all of you! I say, education is worth more than any amount of material things our money can buy. It is one of the treasures we could cherish and share to everyone forever; and to all of you who have decided to pursue and achieve your dreams; to all of you who have passed and finished your elementary, secondary and college degrees with and even without honors, soar high! You are one step closer to the betterment of our society. And, as early as now, you finally have made a difference.

The best advice I could give to all of you is… Don’t STOP. Don’t. No matter how the universe says otherwise. Like some of you, I have so many frustrations. I can’t even say that I am successful (in the universe qualifications) right at this moment, but if feeling ‘happy and contented’ and/or finding ‘genuine happiness’ are to be registered as qualifications to label as successful, I am now, perhaps.

I graduated with  a Bachelor’s Degree Major in Marketing Management from one of the top 10 universities in the Philippines and now continuing with various programs from internationally recognized educational institutions. When I was in college, I was 0.04 away from being a Dean’s Lister and 0.07 away from Cum Lau De. Always almost but not quite. I know, I’ve worked extra hard for everything I do and sometimes, like most of you, I feel like my best wasn’t good enough. But then, that taught me so much lessons – grades are just numbers, honors are just bonuses and it is always hardwork over talent. But, don’t get me wrong. I salute all of you who have reached the utmost level of awards to graduate with flying colors, who have achieved positions in their respective student organizations and council and to those who have been recognized as one of the prides of their respective schools, colleges and/or universities. I salute you all for all the hardwork and passion you exerted for the past years of your lives. And I do hope that you will use all of your achievements to be one of the instruments of change.

Photo by Shainne Hostalero FEU Diliman Grade School and High School Graduation 2015 (also posted on FEU Diliman’s Facebook Page)

To all of you, don’t let your standings overrule you. Don’t let your emotions do the same too. Think, feel, and work hard for every little thing you do. No matter what the weather is and even the odds aren’t in your favor, there should be ‘no stopping’ you.
You know what they say, ‘Sometimes, we win. Sometimes, we LEARN.’ No matter how it feels like you are far away from the top, always be reminded that for you to get there, you should take the first steps towards it.You may happened to have failing grades, but it shall not define how hardworking and how good as a person you are. I must say, and perhaps you know it well too, that sometimes the most intelligent and successful people are not always the good ones. We must always know how to remain our feet on the ground, that no matter how strong our wings are; we must never forget how to walk.

If you, by any chance, have encountered someone who degrades you, always remember that what they say is a reflection of them and not you. No matter what bad things they may do, don’t let that in to your heart for they will just destroy the goodness in you.

For everyone of you who have loved and lost, for everyone who were cheated by their former partners, and for everyone who have done the same too… may the lessons from your experiences bring you to wonderful places and for the better phase in the the sphere of your lives. May all of those things that have happened in the past be a lesson to you to change for the better and to make up for the time you have lost luring around hate, anger, lies, and bitterness. May all of those teach you a lesson of trust, patience, contentment, acceptance and happiness.

To all of you who wishes to have another degree after graduation, please do so. To all of you who still have a long long way to go, I hope you all be guided by what’s in your heart to achieve all of your dreams in life. To everyone who believes to whatever they can do to be a better person, I salute you.

May all of your dreams come true and may you be a happy instrument of change in this world. You make a difference. Congratulations, Batch 2015!

Before the clock strikes 12 midnight and consider April 22nd over and done, I want to say thank you to the whole universe and to the Lord above for giving me such a perfect day.

Photo by Candy Razon

Thank you everyone for your birthday greetings! This, I could say, is the best birthday I’ve had for the past three years (since 2012) of jumble. Thank you so much to my family for putting up a mini get-together and for leaving your offices earlier than usual so you could come home before I do.

Thank you so much my bff, Rara, for the birthday greetings and for generally coming into my life and sharing almost a decade of true friendship.

Thank you to my FEU Diliman Family for the surprise cake and a happy lunch. I’m really blessed to have this day came through. Indeed, an unleash!

Again, to everyone of you who took time to go through my social media dashboard to express the warmest greetings, to everyone who texted, called, left wonderful messages for me and surprise me in any form… thank you so much. This day was and still is perfect!

I really felt the love by the gestures each of you have shown. I have received 3 cakes from friends and family and yes, it’s a lot because I used to receive none from the past though. Hahaha! And I must say, these cakes all came by as a surprise!

From my FEU Diliman Family

From MY FAMLY

From Ditzler and Lay

To the best Lola in the world, happy birthday! I’m happy to have started my life with you and if the Lord permit, to end it with you also.
I know I haven’t thanked you enough, you and Papa for everything you’ve given me ever since I was able to stand up on my own, literally. I might stay home not talking or maybe you’re having this impression of me that I’m not listening but I tell you, Ma, I know every little thing about your stories.

Thank you, Ma. Thank you for being there when my world seems like it’s falling apart. Thank you for telling me that everything’s going to be alright even though, sometimes, we know that it’s not going to be at all but yeah, thanks.

Thank you, Ma for making each day wonderful. For making me feel like I’m not alone. For everything you’ve done. For the unconditional love you and Papa showered me.

No words can express how much I love the both of you. Even my actions aren’t enough to elaborate how much I love and care for you. I love how we laugh about everything like they really make sense at all. I love the simple lifestyle we have, the simple lifestyle you’ve taught me that made me really simple and I therefore think, that’s one good thing about myself. I’m proud.

Like a lyric from a song, “you are the one that makes me happy, when everything else turns to gray.” Indeed. Thank you for wishing all the best for me and thank you accepting the lovers I had/have – that whoever I’m happy with, you are happy too.

Thank you for singing songs to me when I was a kid, though you know I hated the sad ones because they always make me cry without rational reasons at all – maybe because I pictured myself with those lyrics and never did I want to lose you. Not a single chance.

Thank you for bringing me to thrift shops! I love it! One of my favorite places here on earth.

Thank you for the love and the care that no amount of money can buy. Thank you to both Papa and you.

Happy birthday, Ma. I wish you all the happiness in the world. I love you so dearly.