No, I am not the most successful graduate of San Antonio School, nor the most successful in this room

today, in fact I still doubt the criteria used for choosing me as today's commencement speaker. However, I realized
that it is not the level of success that matters, it is the amount of lessons in life that one has learned in a span of
time, and that is what I would like for you to learn from me today. I’d like to talk about patience.

It’s been almost half a year since quarantine and more than 8 months since the outbreak of this virus crisis.
But despite the lockdown, fear and anxiety, we endured and continue to live life even if the “old normal” is not
normal anymore. Today, amidst this paradigm shift, we recognize your accomplishments. We applaud you, we
honor you and we celebrate with you. We know that your dedicated pursuit and successful attainment of your
education has never been an easy route to take on. You persevered through the years, spent countless hours to
study, lasted many late nights and beat early mornings. Some of you may have even juggled academics with both
family or even work – but as every graduation speaker say: “You made it!” And as we celebrate this day, let us be
reminded of those who have walked with you along the way and supported you throughout your journey. This day
also serves to honor them – family members, friends, “special friends” and also the faculty and staff of this
institution. Those who have lifted you up and whose shoulders you stand tall. Graduates know that your alma
mater and your faculty and staff are very proud of you. And perhaps more importantly, please know that we are all
counting on you to help create a more thriving, healthier and safer world for us to live in. For the impactful
contributions and the difference, we know you will make, we say “thank you” batch 2022 of San Antonio School.
Thank you all for not letting these current circumstances get in your way and for coming together when we need it
the most. Kung baga – “When the going gets tough, you keep on going—that is the San Antonians way” For if there
is anything this crisis teaches us – it is that we share a common humanity, equal in vulnerability, but strong in
generosity and selflessness when we so choose. Lastly, please take care, wash your hands, and continue to smile
even if the world just sees the mask. To all, my deepest thanks once more and congratulations to this year’s
graduates!