Tony Espejo Announces Gantimpla 32nd Season

In the recently concluded World Theatre Month, Tony S. Espejo, artistic director of Gantimpala Theater, was awarded the Outstanding Artist for Golden Years of Service. Together with other theater stalwarts such as Tony Mabesa and Onofre Pagsanhan, he is just one of the many luminaries given recognition by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the International Theater Institute, at the Malacanang Palace, when it concluded the month-long world theatre celebration.

Also, productions under his direction earned honors as well – The God Stealer/the Queen’s Jewel (2006 Best Non-Musical Production); Lifetime Achievement Award (2007), and Ang Pagong at ang Matsing (2008 Best Musical Production) – all from the ALIW Awards.

With all these accolades, Espejo beams with so much pride and is obviously in high spirits. In this exclusive conversation, he reveals his many thoughts and feelings about his first love and baby – which is the theater and of course, Gantimpala.

“I felt old,” laughs Tony, who immediately touches his silver hair as he flashes a beatific smile, when asked to react about his latest recognition. “Well, the NCCA Award was totally unexpected. When their office called me up and asked me to go to Malacañang to receive it, I was very elated. It occurred to me that I must have been doing something good for having been chosen as one of the awardees in the field of theater arts.”

He elaborates, “When I say that I must have done something good for Philippine theater, it is because I think I have made the Philippines aware of our play writing quality. For me, the soul of one’s culture or artists is through its literature. No matter what you do, if you go back to the libraries of earlier civilizations, what you immediately look for is their literature. You always go back to the roots. For example you are an Eskimo and would like to know about the Philippines, he has to read something about the country and its people. If he manages to read a play about us, then he will have a better understanding of us. The soul of the Filipino character is best captured through writing, and playwriting contributes greatly to this fact. I think I made people aware, especially the writers that you must write about the Filipino, his life, aspirations, trials and experiences, so that we could be understood and appreciated. If no one writes about us, how can anybody learn about us?”

“The idea of the small, intimate production is very exciting and the discovering of new works by new writers acted by young artists, I think is another good contribution,” he adds. “The whole genre is very stimulating and I do believe in the ten-year reign of Gantimpala Theater at the CCP as one of its original dramatic arts companies, did a lot in further enriching Philippine literature and dramaturgy. Now, that we are doing the Four Classics and other plays, I think I deserve some credit for tapping several millions of Filipinos, especially students, and believe me, that’s no easy job. Reaching out to this very important aspect of youth culture is very important.”

Since leaving the CCP, the Four Classics (Florante at Laura, Noli Me Tangere, Ibong Adarna, El Filibusterismo) are the centerpiece productions of his company and he explains the objective behind its staging once more as Gantimpala celebrates its 32nd season.

“Personally, I feel that in the theater, first and foremost we must appreciate our own, we must watch the classics. In music, you have the likes of Mozart and Beethoven, they are masters. In dance, you have the likes of Nutcracker and Giselle. Gantimpala is the company that presents the classics. We hope that as we produce them, it inspires our audiences to go back and read the written work and appreciate it even more.”

“Let’s face it, regarding Florante at Laura, how many of us actually read it?” he inquires. “In high school, they assigned it to us, we read a chapter, but do we really sit down and read it from cover to cover? This is something which I doubt very much. But when Gantimpala stages it, in two hours time, the whole five-inch thick novel is finished. You witness its highlights and the characters coming alive. It really makes it easier for the reader to understand and appreciate it and hopefully, the theater experience would inspire them to re-read it completely. It equips the student with better appreciation of what they are studying in school.”

“When we did Florante using the komedya as a theater form, I felt that if Florante was staged during the era of Balagtas, it could have been staged as anything else except as a komedya because that was the theater form of that time. We re-wrote Florante for the stage and used the form of the period, and hit two things. The impact was so strong people thought that the Balagtas’ poem was written as a komedya. It is not! It is only Gantimpala who did it. That is the impact of Gantimpala introducing a theater form. Ibong Adarna is the same thing. It’s an awit so it has to be very light,” explains Espejo about some of the classics added elements.

What can he say about the critics who do not share his vision? “The criticisms do not bother me at all,” he reacts. “I think that is ignorance working rather than an intelligent understanding of what we’re doing. The classics must be revived, staged, and viewed over and over again.”

Aside from the Four Classics, Espejo’s company also stages plays written by National Artists, children’s musicals and contemporary plays, as well as touring productions. For this year, Cinderella and Our Town come alive on the Gantimpala stage.Katipunan, Mga Anak ng Bayan, Ang Pagong at ang Matsing, Sleeping Beauty and A Life in the Slums meanwhile are set to tour various provincial destinations..

“I always welcome new work,” Espejo avers. “I feel presenting a children’s play is very important in the work we are doing because we are working for students. The classics appeal to high school students, what about the children? I feel that if you want the children to appreciate the theater at early age, then you must give them something that they can appreciate. This is very important for me thus we are introducing the children to good theater to begin with. This season we are welcoming the arrival of Cinderella, J. Dennis Teodosio updates the Charles Perrault version with music by Jesse Lucas.”

He imparts, “With regard to the National Artists, they are such a select few and for me they are very important since they have helped form the soul of Philippine culture. We read about them in the papers. We know their names but we do not know what they’ve done. This my way of telling the people that this is what they have done and their works are the testaments of their greatness so it is about time for us to understand, listen and appreciate them.”

"I’m very much excited about Our Town this is something that I look forward too," says Espejo. "This play by Thorton Wilder is one of the few intelligent plays we have not done for a long time. We just didn’t have the venue for it but now, I think the company is ripe to do this one. Our Town is a small play that is big in impact and I’d like to do more plays of this kind in the years to come.”

Where do you get the drive to continue? “I get surprised myself,” he answers quickly. “Gantimpala is like my daily vitamins. I thank God for making me as sharp or as sensitive as before, or even more. I could not imagine myself thinking this way twenty years ago. Actually, twenty years ago I would be bothered how the playbill would look like. Now, as the artistic director, I balance the yin and yang of the company.”

“Well, my personality is, I’m in a way, kind of cold, there is almost an unapproachable part of my personality,” he discloses. “So I build up on the enigma, this is all just part of the ilustrado packaging (points to his cane), I enjoy playing that role to the hilt. What I love most about in the theater is that it is a dictatorship and when there are power struggles or shall I say democracy rearing its ugly head, it’s a great feeling to know that I’m wiser and mellower now and that I know how and what cards to pull.”

In the nearest future, Espejo wants to spearhead a new Gantimpala Theater Playwriting Contest, the publication and staging of these plays, building a home for his beloved company, and the realization of his PAPA – the Philippine Academy of the Performing Arts.

Since the PAPA has not yet been established, Gantimpala Theater opens its doors to theater practitioners as it conducts a 10-day stage and production management workshop under Ed Murillo. It will be on May 25 to June 5, 1:00 to 5:00p.m, at the Rehearsal Hall, Open Air Auditorium, in Luneta, Manila. (Workshop fee is P3,000.00)

For all the accolades and the trophies, what Espejo consider priceless are the appreciation of common folks, strangers even, to what he and his company has been doing.

“One memorable incident of that sort happened when I was still at the CCP during the days of Bulwagang Gantimpala. I was set to go out for lunch at that time, and then there was this utility man, an elderly guy mapping the floor. He approached me and said ‘Mr. Espejo congratulations at salamat po.’ I asked him why. He answered, ‘kasi lagi po akong nanood ng mga plays ninyo lalo na pag historical, kasi hindi po ako nakapag-aral so kapag gusto ko pong matuto, lagi po akong nanonood ng mga productions ninyo. That really touched me. I did not purposely do my productions for that and it amazes me that the effects of the plays are multiplied ten folds. Until today, there are bank tellers, who when I present my pass book, recognize me and inform me that they have seen the Four Classics, or just the other day, when I was doing my early morning jog, a man went out of his car, approached me, and thanked me. He just recently saw my picture in one of the papers and said to me that in high school, he saw all our plays. And that just recently, his son has been watching them too. All of these make me smile for indeed, they are affirmations that, I must be doing something good.”

For more information about the 32nd season of Gantimpala Theater and its stage management/production management workshop Call 528-0603/536-5860; email – gantimpalatheater@yahoo.com.ph or visit: gantimpalatheater.multiply.com

My Prayer

It’s already 10:17pm here in Auckland and I still can’t sleep. After my previous blog, I just feel like writing again. But what do I write about this time ?

I almost forgot I didn’t pray today, but I did this morning, wonder if that’s all right?

Someone asked me today if I could hear the voice of God while in prayer. Quite a few people I know have doubts if their prayers are ever answered. Some are confused if they are praying the right way. Some seldom pray, some never prays at all..

My own personal brand of prayer.. I do rosary sometimes, I go to church to pray but prefers if there’s only a few or no one else around. Most of my routine prayer is at midnight before going to bed (although I tend to sleep while am doing my prayer).

I do say a prayer for other people whenever I’m asked to.

I pray when I’m walking to work, when I’m in a car, bus, taxi, jeep for a safe journey to my destination.

I do relaxed prayer; while sitting on a comfortable chair with your feet up on the table.

Sometimes I find myself singing and praising and realize that I’m doing my prayer already.

Sometimes I pray but no words come out of my mouth… a “silent prayer”.

I pray on bended knees when things just get too hard to bear…

My prayers are small, big, exaggerated, impossible, serious, worrisome, sad, funny, undescribable, and senseless at times… but that’s how my daily prayer goes.

The truth is, the more you pray, the more intimate you become with God.

I remember my brother asking me to pray for him once. “Why don’t you pray for yourself, I know God will listen to you”, I asked. “But you’re much more prayerful than I am so please pray for me”, was his reason.

But he’s missing an important point.. that the power of a prayer comes from the heart of the one who needs it. Other people can help, but we’ll be just an additional step. If you want something earnest you have to take the direct leap !

Prayer is an act of humble worship in which we seek God with all our heart. It should start from our heart first. We should have an intimate relationship with Him, so that you can ask Him freely, and He will guide you and lead you through the right directions.

You will then appreciate the importance of having your own personal prayer with God, you’ll become more sensitive to others, you will pray for them even if they don’t ask you to. You’ll find it in your heart to say a prayer for their safety, more blessings, good health, and a lot more. James 5:16 “ Confess your sin to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful result.”

1 Peter 3:12 “The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers.” So try to be righteous in all ways. Remember that it is through prayers that you become closer to God. The closer you are to Him, the better person you will be.

In Luke 18: 1, Jesus told his disciples a story to illustrate the need for constant prayers and to remind them that they must never give up on prayers, and prayer must be consistent and persistent. And according to 1 John 5:14, we can be confident of God’s response to our prayer when we first submit to his will. If you feel your prayer is not answered, do not lose hope, because it may be that God has answered your prayers already by giving you not what you asked for but something far better.

7 years ago, our family had the most trying times of our lives. My father had to undergo a bypass operation as soon as possible in order to live longer. But it was only me and my mother who was working during that time, and our money is just not enough. I felt so helpless. All I can do was to pray we would overcome this trial. I even lost hope and gone to the point that I already accepted my father’s fate. But looking at my mother’s face, I knew I had to keep the hope in my heart alive, I just can’t let my father die. My mother tried to hide her weakness, her struggles, and her pain to us. Her smile told us not to worry, that everything will be okay. But when the doctor gave us a week to decide, that’s time when I heard my mother cried alone in her room. She had no idea where to get that big amount of money for the operation. She found herself the next day inside the adoration chapel near the public school were she was working, praying for God to give her guidance, to lead her to where she could find help. After a few minutes, a nun who was then in charge of the chapel approached my mother to ask what was wrong. My mother, who couldn’t help herself anymore, started to cry and poured out all her sufferings. The nun said they would include my father’s name in their prayer requests, to help our family pray for my father’s successful operation.

After five days, my mother received the money we needed for the heart surgery, and many thanks to the people who helped us, my father surpassed the operation.

When my father learned the story about my mother’s prayer and the nun in the adoration, he volunteered to serve as a member of the lay cooperator of that congregation. That was the first time I saw my father had the interest to serve in a religious community. And he’s the one who led me to become part of the group too.

It’s a simple fact of life, that the more our schedule is crammed full of activities, the more problems we have. The more there is to pray about!

Remember to always turn to God in prayer, especially when you’re feeling down and lonely. He will always be there waiting, to give you the strength, comfort and encouragement you need.

My thoughts and prayer right now is for my parents who I miss so much. I hope they’re doing alright and always find a way to get rid of sickness. Thank you both for standing by me constantly through all my walks of life.

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PS:

Click on the link below to watch a short video I made for my wonderful parents. I thank them both for being my parents!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOHiBv_y5E8

Can you measure God’s blessings?

Hmm… seems easy,  yet! my answer is "No".

In this blog I want to share with you my blessings. I can’t imagine that I’m getting these kinds of blessings. It’s just out of my dominion.

Last Friday, I did my routine practice driving with one of my kind sister here in Auckland, Yup! She’s a blessing too. In between driving tips I enjoy getting her viewpoints. She’s one who encourages me to write more, even though sometimes I think my writings are corny and makes no sense at all. I’m lucky to have her as friend.  Surely people like her will be blessed abundantly.

How do I gain enough confidence to drive alone, what kind of car should I get, couldn’t wait to get on the road with my first car … thoughts that are bugging me whenever I’m lying in my bed. What will happen within the next few days, if God permitted?

It’s really hard to get around here if you don’t have your own car.  But the main reason why I like to drive my own car… is to have a continuous service to God, to join other servants, and to take hold of the opportunities that God is laying down upon me.

Come to think of it, the reason why I’m getting all these blessings is because of the opportunities that came to me. Opportunities that arise as a result of helping family, friends, and other people. But most of all, I refer to the opportunities to serve God that came to me unexpectedly. 

When I found the chance to join a church community again here in Auckland, I started to ask myself,  "am I ready to serve.. again?".  Truth is, I’m afraid to fall down again, that in the long run, I may want to run away instead of facing all trials and hardship that I may encounter. What if I get disappointed with others servants, if I become so busy, if I experience spiritual dryness, or any reason that you can think of?

But you know, forget all these obstacles that are hindering you from taking opportunities to serve God. Stop whining and complaining. Don’t resist but just go with the flow. It could be quite strong if you can feel the energy coming towards you. Instead, pray and ask for guidance, God will listen.

If you have problems with transportation, money, time, or whatever. God will provide.  Just open your heart, listen to him, and you will see how great the opportunities are to serve him. I found it difficult opening up to these opportunities at first. But I prayed to God, told him how weak I am, and how I lack understanding of spirituality, and God understood.

So don’t worry and don’t be afraid. Respond with courage and faith to God’s opportunities when it arise.

Remember the verse in the bible Matthew 9:37-38 He said to his disciples, "The harvest is so great, but the workers are so few. So pray." I’m hoping that even though I have nothing compared to others who have all the good things in life, I pray that in my own little way of serving God, these little ways may result to something big in the future, and that I may encourage others to open their hearts and make time and effort to respond to their opportunities.

To share with you a promise from God, Matthew 25:29 "To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they have an abundance. But from those who are unfaithful, even what little they have will be taken away."

I ask you earnestly to respond to your opportunities when it comes to you. Don’t be afraid or discouraged. The Lord your God is going before you. He will fight for you, and guide you, direct you to fulfilling the opportunities he is giving you. And someday, in God’s time, you will be surprise and amazed of what God’s master plan is for you.

I may sound like I’m blabbering nothing, or maybe it’s hard for you to recognize the opportunities that I’m telling you about. Or maybe you’re wondering how to get those and what to do when you get one. You see, for me.. God never gives us that we can’t handle, even if it’s not in our dominion. He can make it all possible!

As for now, let me just share with you the blessings that I have coming from God..

I have a job and I’m good at what I do.

This gave me the capacity to help my parents, which is my sole desire when I came here.

I found opportunities to serve God in my own littlest ways.

I was led to join a choir, and become a part of a church community where I can share my life.

I can go on and on but I’m just happy that..

I recognize these blessings to write about.. many won’t be able to.

Thank you God !

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Please find the link or attached file in this blog, and see what blessings I am experiencing right now. You tell me if you can measure it!

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PS: Thanks to all the people who I’m with always and gladly share their time and company with me. Even though sometimes I fall short of your expectation, I never cease being grateful to all the kindness you’ve given me. To all… your being is my blessing.

A Simple Song Makes a Difference

I remember when I was a child I didn’t talk too much because of many reasons like my shyness, my dorky complexion, my relative’s playing favoritism, my lack of confidence…but most of all I had speech problems. I stutter a lot and most of the time I couldn’t get my words to come out right. (utal-utal sa pananalita o kaya bulol). Do you believe me? Yes, it’s true. It’s not hereditary or hormonal defect. My mom said I’ve had it since the time I’ve fallen out of bed real bad when I was a baby. Or maybe there are other reasons..

At the age of 5, I started to feel self-pity. I was always afraid that people will laugh at me when I say something or start a conversation with them. I remember instances when my cousins or friends make fun of me repeating my words and mimic how I say it… “ku..ku..ku..kuya” , “ a..a..a.ate”. I felt I had a defect, that I wasn’t normal and that I’m so weak. I’ve sort of lost hope that there’ll be a cure to my disorder.

It was really hard for me to express myself, my thoughts during those years. I felt that the real me hides beneath someone else, someone who‘s afraid to communicate, who’s always shy, worries a lot, no self-confidence, and jealous of others.

I got used to being in this quiet world and was contented for a while. Until one day I woke up and found the strength to break free from this grim front I have masked myself with all these years. Suddenly I knew what I wanted. What I wanted was …to be able to express myself openly and freely..to just say what I feel without hesitation and not think about how others will think.. to laugh loud… to say more.. and just let it all out !

I wanted to share my thoughts.. to say something nice that will to encourage someone who is in hardship or pain. I believe in the power of words to affect people, and kind words when you hear it.. it gives you hope, openness, strength, and love.

This is the one true self I want to be… and I just can’t wait to be my real self…

I remember praying so hard and asking for God to someday take away this problem I’ve been battling with since childhood. I did my best too and tried all means to improve my speech.

Now at my age, chances are a good no one would have thought I had a speech problem during childhood. God gave me the encouragement that with maturity and time I will be able to overcome my stutter.

Every occasion in my life that I experience a similar situation, I cherish it. I don’t care how long I suffer for as long as I know God will help me and guide me to overcome all these.

Through all these years He has also shown me that my family is my greatest shield and my most powerful strength. I remember fondly, it was my mom who was my most devoted teacher and it was my dad who thought me to not fight back at anyone who lashes at me.

In all these experiences that God has given me, I no longer feel pity for myself like I had felt since childhood. I no longer stutter. I’m still in the process of becoming my “real self” but I know I’ve found my “new self”.

For the moment, let’s just have a simple song within ourselves, a song that only you can hear, a song that you sing over and over and carry in your heart always, a song that gives you hope, gives you peace, will nourish you….and help you find your “Real Self”.

The song of change and improvement is what’s playing softly in my heart right now…and it is what’s making the difference in my life.

PS:

Let me share with you a short video I made for the choir group I’ve joined just recently. They are called the “The Bread of Life Chorale Group” based in Auckland NZ and headed by Ate Nanette and Kuya Winston Feria. If you’re trying to find me in the video, I’m just at the back. :) May God bless you while reading and watching my story.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ot9_67-b1zY

A Moment in the Shore

Hi guys! I would like to share with you a story that happened on August 22, 2008 (Friday). I had feelings of being down, sad, lonely, and frustrated that time, which normally happens to an overseas worker (I think so). And after long hours of work, though I haven’t worked too much (that’s frustrating on my part), my friend offered me a lift to drive me home.

While on the road, HE asked me if I like to going to the beach. I didn’t answer back because I didn’t want to spoil his time, energy, and of course his gas. But my friend insisted me not to worry and not to think too much because, “HE is different”.

We went to Eastern Beach, Howick. HE showed me the Bible College where he studied before, which is near to the shore. After that, we reached our destination. HE mentioned to me that there are two options to enjoy going to the shore: first is by riding a car and second by walking; but HE chose to walk so that I would enjoy some moments in the shore. We started at the top of a hill, went down to a narrow road; we passed by a little bush, then barbeque area, then shore, etc.

Okay! I enjoyed the walking, HE let me do things that I like doing, which is photography. And during that time, I also remembered my childhood days… my province… my family…

After we finished walking at the end of the shore, we finally decided to go home.

Well… It’s a good experience, because it’s the first time that I went there. But to tell you the truth, I felt a strange feeling that I couldn’t understand… and I knew that deep inside me, something was lacking…..

When I got home and faced the computer, I checked the entire photos that we took and enhanced some of the pictures in photoshop before uploading them to my flickr account.

When I was editing one of the pictures, something suddenly struck my mind. I realized that something has happened. So I figured it out.. In the presence of my friend, HE is there too… HE is the loving God… HE is my friend… and my friend wants me to smile, to cheer me up, to enlighten my mind and spirit…. Geeez! I feel stupid. I didn’t recognize the presence. It’s a perfect scene, time, right person whom HE used to be his instrument, for showing his love for his child.

God wanted me to smile, to forget the problems for the meantime, to enjoy and to feel the love, because every time we feel down or up, HE’s there to uplift us and HE is the first person who will know what we are up to.

To explain more of my story, I uploaded a short video slideshow of my experience about special moments in the shore………. just click the link below:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqkkgw4f23U 

(This my ever first attempt of sharing and writing. One of my way to serve God, to show my existence, to be a living bearer of God’s love for us.. May you bless this day while your reading this short story of mine. Thank you!…..Thank you God….   

A Commencement Speech

by: Mr. Danilo Ignacio

Brother Kenneth, Ms. Lily Hope Mendoza, Ms. Karen Hebron, members of the faculty, administration officials, dear parents, graduates, ladies and gentlemen. Magandang gabi po sa inyong lahat.

Napakalaking karangalan po sa akin na maging Commencement Speaker ninyo ngayon. Bata pa lang ako, pinangarap ko ng mag-aral sa La Salle. Kaya lang, pinanganak akong mahirap. But thank God I was able to fulfill that dream with my children.

My daughter graduated from St. Benilde, my son from La Salle Taft and my other son and granddaughter are now studying in La Salle Taft. When I could already afford it, I took up graduate studies in Public and Business Management in La Salle. I am very proud of my involvement in La Salle Canlubang. In 2001, I was a member of the Building Committee that was responsible for the construction of the school. Thereafter, I served as member of the Board of Trustees and then as chairman of the board until two years ago when I had to resign when I was hired by Dr. Lucio Tan to be the President of Eton Properties Philippines, Inc.

Bro. Kenneth asked me to share with you, dear graduates, my experiences which you may hopefully draw from as you progress towards university life. So today, please allow me to share with you four important values – the values of integrity, hard work, friendship and gratitude to parents.

Integrity

Let me start with integrity. Princeton University is one of the most selective colleges in the United States, admitting only 9.25% of undergraduate applicants in 2008. In the “America’s Best Colleges” rankings by the Forbes magazine in 2008, Princeton was ranked first among all national colleges and universities. Its reputation for excellence is bolstered not only by its esteemed faculty but also by its students who pride themselves in upholding the highest academic standards and values.

A testament to this is what a group of students started in 1893, which has become the cornerstone of academic integrity in Princeton University. Implemented since then, the Princeton Honor Code places on the students the responsibility to observe full honesty in taking written examinations, tests and quizzes, as well as the obligation to report any suspected violation of the honor code. The exam instructor distributes the exam papers and gives the appropriate instructions, after which, he leaves the students to take the exams unsupervised and only returns to collect the papers. In turn, the students, prior to taking the exam, would write and sign the following statement on their exam paper : “I pledge my honor that I have not violated the Honor Code during this examination.”

This, to me, is the ultimate test of one’s integrity, which is doing the right thing even when no one is watching.

I have worked for over 30 years in the real estate industry — as Vice President of Citibank, President of Philam Properties, General Manager of Robinsons Land and, currently, President of Eton Properties, the developer of the 1000 hectare Eton City very near this school. I have awarded billions of pesos of contracts. There are plenty of temptation in this industry, from contractors, suppliers and brokers. However, when faced with such situations, my parents’ words ring in my consciousness — you can buy almost anything, but you can no longer redeem your integrity once sold. I tell my contractors that the best gift they can give me is to give the company their best price, finish the project on time, and never compromise quality. My employers pay me well, more than enough for myself and my family to have a decent lifestyle. I am happy to receive such compensation only and nothing more. I do not owe any contractor any favor; therefore, if a contractor does not fulfill the requirements of his contract, then my actions will only be dictated by what will be in the best interest of our company.

Integrity is manifested through one’s commitment to be honest and truthful all the time. It is choosing and doing what is right and true, without the need to be prompted by others. John Maxwell said, “Policies are many, principles are few, policies will change, principles never do.”

Admittedly, the road to integrity is not always the easy path to take. There will be situations when you will have to make the unpopular choice or go against the norm. However, as my experiences taught me, the rewards are endless. You gain the trust and respect of your employer, friends and colleagues. More importantly, you feel no guilt and radiate a peace that only a clear conscience can give. You sleep soundly at night. As the French Proverb goes, “There is no pillow so soft as a clear conscience.”

La Sallians are persons of integrity. However, you will not be spared from temptations which will compromise your values. During these moments, simply go back to the values your parents and La Salle taught you and you will manage well. Your integrity that is ingrained in you will be your best bet against these external pressures and temptations.

So dear graduates, may I request you to raise your right hand. Ang hindi magtaas ng kamay, hindi bibigyan ng diploma ni Brother Kenneth! Now tap the person to your right. Sabihin ninyo – “Hindi ako mangongopya.” Now raise your left hand and tap the person to your left. Sabihin naman ninyo, “Hindi ako magpapakopya!”

Hard Work

I want to share with you the first secret to success — WAKE UP EARLY. As the saying goes, daig ng maagap ang masipag. The early bird catches the worms. That’s easy in elementary and high school when you have morning classes and you have to wake up early. As you go to college, your class schedule becomes flexible and less structured. Your nightlife becomes longer with parties and barkadas. Waking up early becomes a very difficult ordeal.

I developed my work ethics from my childhood days. Ang aking mga magulang ay nagtitinda sa palengke. My day starts at 5 in the morning. My mother and I will go to Paco or Divisoria Market to buy the goods which we will sell in Sta. Ana Market. I will then leave the market at 10 am to prepare for my afternoon classes. After classes, I would go back to the market and go home past 8 pm.

When I was in my 2nd year in Mapua, I worked in the school as a student checker. Ang trabaho ko ay mag-check ng attendance ng mga professors, kung present, absent o late. Pati sarili kong professors, kailangan kong i-report kung absent o late sila. 8-5 ang trabaho ko. I attended my classes at night and on weekends. The work ethics and the habit of waking up early that I developed in my early childhood helped me not only in getting my engineering degree but also in finishing at the top of the graduating class and subsequently placing first in the board examination.

Similarly, my work life had its share of challenges. In 1990, I was given the mandate to build Citibank Tower, a 33-floor building, with a budget of 55 Million USD. I had no previous experience in high-rise building construction, but I happily accepted the assignment. I woke up very early. I started my meetings at 6am. I studied very hard. I read a lot of books and consulted experts in the field. I was not afraid to ask questions – better to be ignorant for one day so I can be an expert later on. I hired the best contractors, architects, engineers and consultants. I am proud to say that Citibank Tower is the first world class office building in the Philippines, built by somebody who has not built a building before. My formula – I woke up early, worked hard and never stopped studying.

Francis Kong, from whose columns, books and speeches I drew inspiration for my speech, wrote in his newspaper column, “Success is never handed to successful people. They work harder than the rest.” My boss, Lucio Tan, starts his meetings at 5:30 in the morning. George Ty, the owner of MetroBank, starts his meetings at 7am.

Inspired by the work ethics of these taipans, I also try to set the example to my employees by waking up earlier than them and working harder than them. I typically wake up before 5 am and start reading my emails and browsing the different newspapers online. I am usually among the last employees to go home in the evening. However, I still try to find time to have dinner with my family and spend quality weekends and vacations with them.

Francis Kong beautifully sums up the correlation of hardwork and success. He quoted:

“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Tenacity is the key.”

“There are those who believe that with luck alone, one can be successful. This is not true. Success is never a one-shot deal. And then there are also those who believe that if you ‘believe enough, visualize enough, dream enough and discover the ancient secrets, you will be successful.’ Those who dream great dreams need to wake up and do some work.

“Because at the end of the day, it is still the one who wakes up a little earlier, works a little late, studies and learns new things everyday, is dedicated to his work, faithful to his family, connects with God in an intimate way and tenaciously deal with all the downturns in life, who will emerge successful.”

Dear graduates, please raise your right hand and tap the person to your right. Sabihin ninyo – “Gigising ako ng maaga.” Now raise your left hand and tap the person to your left. Sabihin naman ninyo, “Bumangon ka rin ng maaga!”

High School Friendships

Let me now talk about the value of high school friendship. Tignan ninyo ang nasa kanan ninyo. Tignan ninyo ang nasa kaliwa ninyo. Tignan ninyo ang nasa likod ninyo. Ke maganda siya o mas maganda sa inyo, remember these friends. These are the people who have known you at your best and worst. They have been with you through good and bad times, through triumphs and failures, through victories and defeats. They are those who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down. They may stab you, but they will stab you in front with their frank and well-meaning words. These true friends may get in your way, but only when you happen to go down.
Exciting times await you in college and you will meet people from all walks of life. You will meet some who would influence you, and others also whose lives you would touch. You will spend time with people of similar interests, and laugh with those with the same sense of humor. You will find people who study longer and perhaps drink more bottles of beer or tequila shots than you.

You will continue to share many experiences with your newfound friends. However, during the low and trying moments in your life — your first heartbreak; flunking a major exam; getting fired from work; meeting an accident; getting seriously ill, experiencing loss in your family — your high school friends will be among the first who will give you comfort and support. They are not the fair weather friends who would only be there when times are good but will scamper away when situations turn unpleasant. Hindi sila pa-weather, weather lang. These friends have no requests nor expect any favors, except for the favor of your loyalty and friendship. They are the ones who punched the school bully after he pushed you; they who stood with you as you were caught by your teacher; they who helped finish your science project when no one else would; they who opposed your misplaced curiosity, but came to your rescue nonetheless.

So go out and meet people. Experience life as it awaits you. Nurture new friendships and relationships, but do not forget your real friends, your high school friends. Remember to thank these people who have helped you make this day possible. They will cherish your friendship as you do theirs, with no pretensions and vested interests.

So dear graduates, again, please raise your right hand and tap the person to your right. Sabihin mo sa kanya, “Hindi kita makakalimutan.” Now raise your left hand and tap the person to your left. Sabihin mo, “Hindi ko rin makakalimutan ang utang mo!”

Expression of Gratitude

Mike Healy’s story, “It’s the thought that counts,” told of three sons who discussed the gifts they gave to their elderly mother.

The first said, “I built a big house for our mother.” The second said, “I sent her a Mercedes with a driver.” The third smiled and said, ”You remember how mom enjoyed reading the Bible? And you know she can’t see very well. So I sent her a remarkable parrot that recites the entire Bible. It took elders in the church 12 years to teach him. He’s one of a kind. Mama just has to name the chapter and verse, and the parrot recites it.”

Soon thereafter, mom sent out her letters of thanks:

“Michael,” she wrote one son, “the house you built is so huge. I live in only one room, but I have to clean the whole house.”

“Gerry,” she wrote to another, “I am too old to travel. I stay most of the time at home, so I rarely use the Mercedes. And the driver is so rude!”

“Dearest Dennis,” she wrote to her third son, “you have the good sense to know what your mother likes. The chicken was so delicious.”

Remember - It’s the thought that counts!

I am sure none of you have gifted your parents with a Bible talking parrot. What then have you given them? When did you last express your love and affection for them? Have you thanked them for their sacrifices and gifts, most especially your education?

There are times when you may take your parents for granted. You get caught up in the day-to-day things that you lose track of your relationships with them. Often, you find yourselves arguing with them instead of exchanging stories or having a laugh with them. How many times have you argued about your spending time with your barkada instead of working on your school paper? How many times have you answered back to your parents when you went home past your curfew? Were you hurt by your parents’ words when you thought you were not at fault and your parents were unreasonably strict? Beyond the anger and the harsh words, did you care to stop to listen to what your parents were actually saying? When your mother nagged you to improve your grades or clean your room, didn’t you hear her concern for your future and wellbeing? When your father scolded you for staying out late or going out without permission, didn’t you hear his concern over your safety? When your parents grounded you for not behaving in class or figuring in a fight, didn’t you hear their desire for you to grow responsible and morally upright?

Apart from the material gifts your parents shower you, they also show their love through their words and actions. As parents, they may use a different tone or display a strict demeanor to express their love and concern, but it does not mean that they love and care for you less.

So on this day, I urge you to take time to listen beyond what your parents say and do. Instead, appreciate the messages that they want to tell you. Return their affection by showing them the love and respect they deserve. Thank them for giving you the best gift that a parent can give – the gift of the best education in this country, the gift of a La Sallian education. There is no better day than today to thank your parents for your academic achievement. So graduates, please show your gratitude to your parents by giving them a rousing round of applause. Palakpakan natin sila.

May I also request you graduates to raise your right hand and tap the person to your right. Sabihin mo sa kanya, “naintindihan ko na kung bakit strict ang parents ko.” Now raise your left hand and tap the person to your left. Sabihin mo, “Huwag ka nang pasaway!”

Closing

At this point, please extend also your gratitude to your teachers — they who selflessly shared their knowledge to provide you the best education possible. While you stand proud as La Sallians, they too stand tall as accomplished educators, having molded you to be individuals of integrity and value. Please also take time to express your gratitude to your alma mater, your home for the past several years, which provided you the finest training ground to explore your limits and realize your potential. Your gratitude towards your school would best be measured by the right path you will take and the moral decisions you will make from this day forward.
To the class of 2009, my congratulations. Animo La Salle!

Thank you very much.

Source: http://franciskong.com/motivation/a-commencement-speech