Honor grads inspire young achievers in Read-Along
By Kate V. Pedroso
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 01:28:00 07/06/2008
Filed Under: Education, Books
THREE SUMMA CUM LAUDE graduates of the University of the Philippines talked about the importance of dreaming and the values of hard work, perseverance, discipline and, above all, prayer at yesterday’s Inquirer Read-Along session for high-achieving kids.
Former Binibining Pilipinas-Universe Anna Theresa Licaros, who graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Broadcast Communication in 2005, read Adarna House’s “Lola Puti” by Russell Molina.
Mikaela Fudolig, who graduated summa cum laude at the age of 16 last year with a degree in Physics, encouraged the children to read along with her Edward Lear’s “The Owl and the Pussycat.”
Former Inquirer reporter Edson Tandoc, who graduated in 2003 with a degree in Journalism as UP College of Mass Communication’s first summa cum laude, related his experiences as a schoolboy from the province and how he was able to achieve his dreams
Saturday’s Read-Along was for beneficiaries of the Hands on Schools (HOS)-Galing Mo Kid! program, a mentoring program for high-achievers in Metro Manila.
Participants were Grade 4 and 5 pupils from Nueve de Pebrero School, Plainview Elementary School and Pembo Elementary School.
“All of you are here because you are considered high-achievers,” Gianna Montinola, HOS chair, told the children.” In the next years, who among you will be future summa cum laudes?”
“The kids were really good,” said Licaros, whose story “Lola Puti” had math problems incorporated into the plot. “They’re not just smart, they’re also quick in math.”
“When I learned that they were underprivileged, I was even more amazed because they showed that it didn’t matter. They exude confidence, and they are eager to learn—that’s what’s important,” said Tandoc.
On the other hand, Fudolig, now 17 and a Physics teacher at UP, gave the children three tips: “You should always be motivated, always persevere and do your best always.”
Fudolig emphasized the value of patience. “Sometimes you can’t have everything right away. Some things cannot be rushed. But even then, don’t lose sight of your goal. You still have to keep working hard.”
Tandoc, for his part, told of how being from the provinces did not stop him from dreaming that one day he would enter UP, the country’s premier state university.
“When I was there (at UP), I managed to become an Inquirer scholar, and eventually, I also worked for the Inquirer. After that, I wanted to study in Singapore, and I managed to get a scholarship,” he said.
“Imagine, from a place called Tayug in Pangasinan, that you didn’t even know how to locate on the map, I was able to do all these things. And if I can do it, so can you.”
“You have to remember how lucky you are. You have to believe in yourself. And most importantly, you have to enjoy school, every lesson,” he said.
“And above all, say a prayer. Do not ever tire of dreaming,” he added.
Emma Arrubio, principal of Nueve de Pebrero, described her students’ experience as “amazing.”
“The guests were people my students can really look up to,” she said.
Love your elders
Nine-year-old Leia Maza, a Grade 5 student at Nueve de Pebrero, said she liked Licaros’ story because it taught her to love her elders, especially her lola. “I also learned from Tandoc that no matter where you come from, you can always dream.”
“I learned that you really have to study well to reach your dreams,” said Christianne Balanquit, a Grade 4 student also at Nueve de Pebrero.
Adrianne Joy Maomay, 10, of Plainview Elementary School, was very happy to set foot on the Inquirer. “I want to be a journalist someday and writing for the Inquirer is one of my dreams,” she said.
“I was also inspired by Kuya Edson’s story. It taught me that dreams do come true,” she added.
Saturday’s session was in cooperation with Hands on Manila, Paref Southridge School, Target Philippines, Jollibee, Leisure Farms, Taters and Chimara, and Krispy Kreme. Books from Adarna House were given out.
The next Read-Along session will be on July 12 with Angelique Velez of Goin’ Bulilit and Aliw Awards Best Child Performer Miguel Aguila as guest readers.
Interested participants may contact Ellen Caparros or Girlie Refran at tel. 8978808, local 329. Those who are interested in being a partner in the program may send an e-mail to inquirer-readalong@inquirer.com.ph. With Schatzi Quodala, Inquirer Research
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