Be faithful and grateful. :)

The University of the Philippines is known as the premier national university of this country. Let’s admit it, many of us once (or probably until now) secretly still claim that we’re the best of the best—that there’s only “UP and others.” I know, it’s a very boastful and immature mindset, but as you can see, this mindset has been succes…sful in fueling the production and reproduction of different UP merchandise. :| :)) Although there’s nothing wrong in becoming proud of our institution, let’s remember that there’s still a fine line separating pride from sheer arrogance.

Being called an “Iskolar ng Bayan” is not simply a title that we could use to proudly assert that we’re part of the country’s crème de la crème. Certainly, the UPCAT isn’t the sole measure of one’s intelligence as it is likewise not the only factor that makes each one of us a BONA FIDE “Iskolar ng Bayan.”

My stay in this university has taught me that being an “Iskolar ng Bayan” is more than a mere title. It’s not a bragging right either. It transcends arrogance and egoism. In truth, it carries with it a set of expectations AND responsibilities that we, as students/graduates of this national university, and as citizens of this nation, MUST have to fulfill. It carries with it, that longstanding tradition of HONOR and EXCELLENCE, as well as that DUTY to offer one’s self for the betterment of the society. It’s not just a title; it’s actually a contract—a contract between each one of us and the nation.

However, make no mistake in assuming that this contract is only exclusive between the nation and us, UP students. I believe that all graduating students—from different colleges and universities around the country—carry this responsibility of giving back to the nation as well. All of us are children of this nation. We’re clustered as one young collective body full of ideas, abilities, and energy. Together, we are all one massive force brimming with so much hope and promise. It sounds cheesy but it’s true! We may graduate from different schools but I believe that all of us share (or at least should share) that GENUINE desire to be an active force instigating growth and progress in our society. We must use the education that we’ve earned not simply to advance our own careers and our individual lives BUT to help in the advancement of our nation, and our world as a whole. We study and toil hard to gain our degrees because, in the grander scheme of life, we seek to make the lives of other fellow people better. Each one of us is a member of a greater, collective whole. Our lives don’t operate in an isolated vacuum.

One may become so successful and rich in life but if the fruits of one’s labor are only enjoyed by a lone and selfish individual, then what good does that person bring into this world? We can never bring the fruits of our labor down the grave. What we can do so, however, is leave behind seeds that blossom into trees, which bear good fruits for others.

As such to my fellow graduates here and beyond, I hope you never lose the zeal to continuously excel not only for one’s self but for the greater good of the society. By being the best version of yourself–whether this be in the field of media, politics, medicine, education, arts, literature, sports, science, and such (you name it)–you inevitably offer only the best that you can give towards the world.

Beyond this, and take note this may sound too spiritual, I believe that more than excelling for the society, one must ultimately work for the greater glory of God. We may have different perceptions of who God is (some may even reject the idea) but at least for me, this is the most fundamental and most selfless reason I have in order to continuously aspire for growth. My life here on earth is only temporary. To Him I belong and to Him I shall return. I want to use my life, and the remaining time I have, in order to work for principles that define the One Above—principles such as justice, compassion, and generosity. I’m far from being perfect, I know that, but still… I want to consistently move forward knowing that I’m trying to become a good instrument of God in this lifetime. I believe that by operating in such fashion, I become less concerned about reaping awards in order to impress others. I work hard not because I seek the admiration of other people but because ultimately, I seek for God’s glory and mercy. After all, the only things I bring once I die are my deeds and honor. Even if I leave behind an admirable legacy, that too will inevitably perish—along with all of our temporal bodies. Only The Absolute shall eternally stay.

Praise be to God!