Fr. Romeo O. Ner, our School Director; Ms. Carlisa Alicdan, Acting School Principal; Dra. Angelina Torres, Academic Consultant; Mrs. Catalina Monton, Elementary Coordinator; Mr. Edgardo Camungol, High School Coordinator; Dr. Fiel Nierva, commencement speaker; faculty and staff of St. Mary Magdalene School; parents, friends, and fellow graduates.Good evening. As a member of the graduate class, and on behalf of my batch mates in the year 2008, I would like to thank everyone for their love and support throughout the whole duration of our high school years. We finally did it. Hard work really paid off. The stress of late night studying, endless tests and examinations, cramming during recitations, pressure in doing projects, and college school applications are now behind us. As we gather here, I am sure that hundreds, or even thousands, of memories run through your minds, and we nostalgically reflect on our many wonderful experiences over the past four years.

Mixed emotions probably are the best way to describe what we feel tonight. Happy, of course, because finally we have proven ourselves worthy by accomplishing things we never thought possible before. Sad because this night marks the end of our high school days, making us temporarily separated from each other. Some may even be excited to face the next chapter of their lives while others may be afraid to encounter college life. But whatever emotion is that, I am sure that all of us are brave enough to face whatever challenge we are going to face, because we are Filipinos.

Being “Filipino Graduates” of the current school year gives us new obligations we need to fulfill. First, we have to strive hard and do what we can do in order to help uplift the status of the Filipino Youth. The future of the Philippines is fully entrusted to us, since we will act as the new leaders in the near future; we need to do our part by studying hard. Second, we must also act as role models to the younger generations because we are simply the ones they look up to. We also need to exercise good relationship and communication at home, school, and community. The success of these noble tasks lies on our hands. We can stand out and make a difference.

As Filipino teenagers, I believe that we still have many more roads to cross, things to do, and goals to accomplish and sometimes, our weakness may lead us to the wrong direction but if we utilize our God-given talents, we can overcome it and find our way out. All along, no one’s perfect so we must not be afraid to commit mistakes. Together, we can start the change that our nation needs.

Before this night ends, I would like to thank all the people, who in one way or another, have helped me throughout the way. First of all, I would like to extend my gratitude to God for giving me the most wonderful gift a human can receive, my life. I would also like to thank Him for guiding me in my daily life. To my family, especially my parents Roberto and Aurelia Nuguid and my grandmother Leticia Nuguid for letting me grow in their never-ending love throughout the years. If it hadn’t been for them, I’m sure I won’t be here where I am right now. To all my mentors, for all the knowledge they have unselfishly shared with me for the over-all development of my personality. To Mr. Rosas, Ms. Ullega, Mr. Ilustrisimo, Mrs. Ancheta, Ms. Guiruela, Mrs. Dungca, and Ms. Botacion. To my CM Adviser, Mr. Joel Cadiz, my The Magdalenean adviser, Mrs. Emraida Torres , and of course, my fourth year adviser Mr. Edgardo Camungol, one of the best teachers that have crossed my school life. Likewise, I also thank my SUPER party mates, Joie Papa, Jerrah Mae Anglo, and Jayson Delapaz; my fellow CM officers, Kelsie Santos and Rose Anne Sosa; my fellow The Magdalenean writers, Chazzel, Edmar, Frances, Chermina, and Arriane; my fellow honor students especially Badeth, Jozene, Marikay, Jeanalyn, and Collins; my classmates in IV – St. Mary Magdalene who have supported me; I also thank Tropang Jorbolz; And lastly, I would like to thank all my fellow graduate students for the times we have shared together and for all the memories that will forever be etched in my mind. Nothing’s perfect but you, batch mates, have made my high school life absolutely perfect.

Over the years, we have evolved into young men and women ready to face the world and all the challenges that it has to offer. We are equipped with an armor of formal education and knowledge. What we need to do is to strive hard and dominate the battlefield called life. Finally, let’s embrace the future with open arms. Congratulations batch 2008. Good luck and God bless in your journey.