For every graduation photo shared on social media, there is a student yearning to express appreciation for family and friends who have been part of one’s journey.
In the case of Maria Kristine Neeve Cambel, a 20-year-old student who graduated with a degree of BS Psychology from Cavite State University in Indang, Cavite, she simply would like to dedicate her achievements to their family’s pet rooster, which she calls “bunso.”
As Cambel updated her Facebook profile picture last June 30, she uploaded a graduation photo where she can be seen posing with a rooster. She also wrote a hilarious caption narrating how the animal actually helped her.
“Gusto kong malaman mo na ikaw ang isa sa mga rason kung bakit ako [sinipag] mag-aral dahil tiktilaok mo pa lang sa umaga, mapapabangon na agad ako,” Cambel said.
(I want you to know that you are one of the reasons why I persevered in my studies. Because of your crowing every morning, I was able to rise up quick.)
Kristine also thanked the rooster which has been a source of income for the family through cockfights.
“Nang dahil din sa iyo, nakapagtapos ako sa kolehiyo. Thank you tinulungan mo parents ko financially and you also helped them to become responsible parents to you chickens,” she said.
(Because of you, I graduated from college. Thank you for helping my parents financially and for helping them become responsible parents to you, chickens.)
She also expressed her support for “bunso” for all its sacrifices in every fight in the cockpit and said, “wieee soar high, fly high!”
Cambel even joked that she sometimes felt jealous because of the rooster, since the rooster seemed to be her parents’ favorite, especially of her dad. She said, “[Kaya] minsan gusto na kitang [gawing] tinola.” (That is why sometimes I already want to cook you as tinola.)
Their family has been raising fighting roosters for years, and they already have approximately 200 roosters, she told INQUIRER.net in an exclusive interview. Aside from chickens, Kristine is also fond of dogs and considers them friends.
Being an animal lover, she has a message for her beloved pets and other pet owners: “Whenever I’m down, kayo lang yung nalalapitan ko (you pets are all that I can turn to) and all of you are willing to listen to me. Let us all appreciate the animals around us.”
Of course, Cambel did not forget to thank her parents, friends, pet dogs and God for helping her fulfill her dreams of finishing school.
As of writing, her post has amassed over 11,000 reactions, 800 comments and 3,200 shares. JB
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