To Whom Much is Given, Much is Expected

by: Miguel Lorenzo L. Ildesa, Most Outstanding Elementary School Pupil of Iloilo for AY 2011-2012

To the audience, organizers, my fellow students, teachers, guests, and parents, a pleasant day.

Another school year is about to end and at the same time my elementary years are drawing to a close. As this journey is about to end, another journey will begin: my high school life. And this journey I will look forward with excitement in the same way that my elementary years I will remember with fulfilment. And one of the greatest fulfilments I have is to be of service to others and serve as a good example to the students.

To be chosen as the Most Outstanding Elementary School Pupil of Iloilo is indeed a great fulfilment. And this moment I will remember not only with humility but with gratefulness as well. For the honor and the achievement also belongs to my school, classmates, and especially my parents. To my mom and dad, it has been a great journey. Thank you for the guidance, for showing me the right directions. And now I have arrived and found my fulfilment as the Most Outstanding Elementary School Pupil of Iloilo.

The Most Outstanding Elementary School Pupil Award is a special recognition, as it does not only measure the students in one field of proficiency. It gives weight not only to the students’ academic achievements but to their extra-curricular activities as well. It sees the students as individuals with varied intelligences and capabilities. Students who vie for this recognition are encouraged, and challenged, to participate in more activities and to excel in them – always making sure that they deliver their best at each endeavour - striving hard in the pursuit of excellence.

To the organizers, thank you for this opportunity. To our dear parents, we thank you all for the untiring support and unconditional love. You have all done well in rearing your children. We hope you do not get tired in guiding us for you are our primary educators. Please continue to direct us not just in our academic endeavours but more so in building our characters as this is of greater consequence and more long-lasting.

To my dad Russel, mom Tess Ildesa and sister, Pat, thank you for the support and love. In fact, this award belongs to you. You are the best blessing I received from God. I love you Dad, Mom and Pat.

To our schools, thank you for believing in us. And to my school PAREF Westbridge, thank you for the mentoring and support, for guiding me to be a man of integrity, a Westbridge gentleman. To Mr. Ronnie Gilles, our Executive Director and Mr. Gerard Eugene Lacaya, our Elementary Principal, my greatest respect and admiration to the two of you. Thank you for producing rounded Westbridgers like me.

To our teachers and mentors, thank you for your patience and untiring support. The love you have shown inspired us to do more and be serious in all our endeavors. To Mr. Laurence Soteo, our student affairs officer and student council adviser and Mr. Gerard Bhel Bionat, our Science Club adviser, no words can suffice how grateful I am to your motivation and for believing in my capacities. I would not have been here without your help. To my sirs and older brothers, I share this award to you.
To my fellow awardees, let this recognition serve as our inspiration to be more diligent in our studies and conscientious in all our undertakings whether in school or outside the school, whether we are graded or not, whether we are being watched or not.

Let us consider this award not as a mere acknowledgment of our achievements but more of a reminder of our responsibility to our families, schools, communities, our country, and to God, the source of all our talents and intelligence.
As we continue our journey, we will meet more challenges and opportunities. And we cannot hurdle them without the aid of God and whatever fulfilment we had and will have, let us abandon it to Him and exert all our humanly efforts not for personal gain but rather to serve others.

“To whom much is given, much is expected.”

And as my high school journey begins I will take into heart all the lessons you have imparted to me. And the fulfilment I had in my elementary years will serve as my inspiration in the long road ahead and I hope that my fulfilment would be an inspiration to others also.

Now, some of you may be wondering or curious enough to know what makes me an achiever.

Well, my journey towards success begins at home with my parents. And they have taught me that nothing, I repeat, nothing beats hard work and discipline. At my young age, the choice between watching a favourite TV program or studying my lessons is always clear. To prioritize my studies and let go of the TV program strengthened my will and gave me a worthy definition of myself as a student. Prioritizing, knowing what matters most and acting on it, is one of the greatest contributions my parents gave to me.



And this contribution is strengthened in school. As my teachers and mentors reach out and organize activities like the Father and Son Camping and the School For Parents, Studying becomes a family endeavour. Yes. Westbridge has a school for parents. In our school, when your son is enrolled, the parents are also enrolled. Through a program of seminars, Parents are taught about how to raise children into mature and active citizens of the community. Parents are made to realize that in the nourishing of their son’s mind and soul, in the guiding of their son’s future, the burden and the responsibility is shared by the school. The Parents are always welcome to talk to the teachers, and to God through the recollections and retreats organized by the school. A holistic home-school collaboration, a collaboration between my teachers and my parents, makes me who I am right now. A man of integrity. A student blessed with talents, given the opportunity to be a good example to others.
Ladies and gentlemen, a person becomes a great leader not just because of what he has received, but more importantly, of what he has given.

Because great ambition or dream without contribution is without significance.
In Westbridge, we believe that our best contribution to the community, to the nation, and to the world is the gift of well-formed and principled people. And forming principled people begins at a young age, begins with us, the young leaders of Iloilo.

To the audience, organizers, my fellow students, teachers, guests, and parents, it has been a pleasant day, a memorable one. In behalf of all the young leaders of Iloilo, Thank you so much for believing in us. As we all look forward to reach our dreams, we will always remember that these dreams were inspired by this very momentous occasion. God bless everyone. Carpe Diem! @

An Epic Cram

by: Rey Philip J. Gallos, Most Outstanding Secondary School Student of Iloilo for AY 2011-2012

To the organizers of this activity, members of the Outstanding Students Circle of Iloilo, my fellow awardees, teachers, friends, and guests, a pleasant afternoon! If there's one thing high school has made me realize, it's that nothing in this world is impossible. Back in my elementary days, I only dreamed about being half the person high school has molded me to be and now here I am, on this stage. Until now, the very thought that I was chosen as the Most Outstanding Secondary School Student hasn't even sunk in yet. To tell you the truth ladies and gentlemen, the MOSSS...is just a title; but the thing that makes it so special, so beautiful, is the fact that it takes a person four years of determination, hard work, patience, sleepless nights, sacrifices, and passion to get it. Not only that, a person would have to surpass three filters - the portfolio, the written exam, and the interview to earn it. What made it even more challenging for me, however, was the fact that I had to go through these three stages of evaluation cramming. When I was compiling the certificates as well as the needed information for the portfolio, I had several outputs and long tests the next day, so you guys would imagine the night of beauty sleep I had to give up to join this contest. Of course, I was extremely surprised when the committee informed me that I qualified. Next came the written exam - January 20, 2012, on the same day the Metrobank Math Challenge or MTAP written exam was held. I was the school's contestant so I had to take both exams. Talk about cramming! After taking the 2-hour exam, my math adviser called to ask where I was, so I ran all the way to INHS from St. Clement's to take the MTAP exam for another 2 hours. I arrived physically and mentally exhausted but still, I strived hard to do well on both exams. Again, you don't know how surprised I was that I qualified for the interview. The interview - February 15, 2012. I thought nothing would interfere, but guess what, ladies and gentlemen, our prom had been scheduled on the 16th and the MTAP Division Team Finals on the 17th. After the interview, I ran all the way to school to practice for the program the next day and review for the MTAP on the day after. This, my friends, is why it gives me such joy to receive the award...because I had to go through thick and thin to get it. By the way, ladies and gentlemen, today is the awarding ceremony of the Top Outstanding Elementary School Pupils and the Top Outstanding Secondary School Students, obviously. This morning, I came from INHS because I joined the MTAP Regional Finals. If there's one phrase I could use to describe the entirety of my TOSSS experience, it would be "epic cram". It's just like a cram, but epic. But seriously, anyone can accomplish anything despite the endless work and the obstacles as long as they have the determination and the perseverance to do so. I would always hear my classmates complain about school work, about never having breaks, about the never-ending projects...but if they could only feel what it's like to be Rey Philip Gallos for a day, they would definitely realize how free their schedule is. High school has been extremely torrential. The cramming, the pressure, the stress, but looking at the brighter side, we see friendships, free periods, laughter, you know...the little things. It is the aggregate of these little things that altogether make the beauty of the high school experience. The same is true about success. It is the combination of the traits we possess that create the success we deserve. If we want to make it out in this world as winners, we have to radiate positive energy despite all the negativity and pessimism. Through observation, however, most teenagers lack the hope and motivation as well as the resiliency to do so. The technological advances have crippled most of us to a carefree lifestyle which is why I'm really happy to see all my fellow awardees right now who serve as examples that despite the flow of the status quo, we stand firmly, clutching the values of hard work and perseverance in the hope that someday bringing honor and pride to ourselves, our school, and the nation as well. Even right now, we've taken the first step in doing so. By being examples of brilliance, we show that there is hope for the country and that there are still individuals who aim to excel and who strive to be virtues. You know, I'm very happy that the OSCI exists to give praise to these...endangered species, and to show to the world these people who might someday make their marks in history as individuals who changed the world with their vision, values, and integrity. I'd also like to take this opportunity to thank Iloilo National High School - Special Science Class, the faculty and staff, for imbuing me with such idealism. They've become a vessel for me to start the reform for change. I'd also like to thank the OSCI for seeing me fit for this extremely high honor. Also to my parents who never ceased to make a way for me to continue my education and for supporting me all the way. The parents and teachers who have molded these young faces to be the pride of their schools and of the community. And most of all, to God Almighty for always being there as a guide who helped me through it all. To Him, I am eternally grateful.



I leave you with the words of Larry Bird. "A winner is someone who recognizes his God-given talents, works his tail off to develop them into skills, and uses these skills to accomplish his goals." To the younger generation, especially to our elementary awardees, I hope you guys realize that there's more to you than you think. I hope you realize your talents and use these to improve yourselves, the country, and maybe even the world. Once again, thank you everyone and good day! @

What makes a person outstanding?

(A Response delivered by JINNAH MAE CATONG VILLANUEVA on March 11, 2011 at the Social and Cultural Hall, Department of Education as the Most Outstanding Elementary Pupil of Iloilo for Academic Year 2010-2011)



What makes a person outstanding? What qualifies one to be regarded as outstanding?

Medals, trophies, certificates, ribbons, and never- ending list of awards and recognitions maybe one’s basis for regarding one as outstanding but for me, it is not.

An outstanding person is someone who was able to battle every war that has befallen in his life; was able to surpass every trial and testing that has beset him; and was able to overcome every obstacle that has come his way.

As a child, dealing with all these experiences is no joke. The feeling of being disliked; of being unwanted; of being detested by some people around you is something that is too heavy to carry for a 13 year old like me. I wanted to cry. I wanted to give up. I almost lost hope.

But then, a tiny voice whispered to me, “God will make a way where there seems to be no way. He works in ways we cannot see, God will make a way, God will make a way.”

The words helped me to become strong. I said to myself, “ I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”

From that day on, I did everything with confidence and trust in the Lord for I know that once you commit your ways unto the Lord, your plans will succeed.

This recognition given to me by the Outstanding Circle of Iloilo is something to be thanked for.

To my parents, thank you very much for your endless support, love and concern;

To my sisters and relatives, thank you for your words of encouragement;

To my teachers, thank you for your guidance and patience in teaching me the things that I have to learn;

To my friends, thank you for cheering me up in times when I was down;

To my principal, Ms. Elizabeth L. Orquiola, thank you for providing me opportunities where I can grow as a student;

To the organizers of the Outstanding Student Circle of Iloilo, thank you for opening doors for us to meet new friends and to excel in our endeavors;

And above all, I would like to thank God for this blessing and would like to give all the honor and glory to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who gave me strength every step of the way.

Before I end this speech, let me share with you the lyrics of the song “Rejoice in the Lord”

“ God never moves without purpose or plan
When trying His servants and molding a man
Give thanks to the Lord though your testing seems long
In darkness He giveth a song

I could not see through the shadows ahead
So I looked at the cross of my Savior instead
I bowed to the will of the Master that day
Then peace came and tears shed away

Now I can see testing from above
God strengthens His children and purges in love
My father knows best, anf I trust in His care
Through purging more fruit I will bear

O Rejoice in the Lord
He makes no mistakes
He knoweth the end of each battle I take
For when I am freed
And purified
I shall come forth as gold.


To my fellow outstanding students, never fallen in times of failure. Never surrender when faced with troubles……. Look up and whisper a prayer to Him . God promised that He will never leave us nor forsake us. Good afternoon to everyone and to God be the glory. @

Doors of opportunities

(A Response delivered by RAOUL DANNIEL A. MANUEL on March 11, 2011 at the Social and Cultural Hall, Department of Education as the Most Outstanding Secondary School Student of Iloilo for Academic Year 2010-2011)



Ladies and gentlemen, a pleasant afternoon.

If we were to conduct a background check and investigation of my fellow awardees honored to be the Ten Outstanding Secondary School Students of Iloilo for this school year, we would feel awe as we discover their accomplishments from records and browse over their long lists of worthwhile endeavors in different fields. We would drop our jaws and exclaim, “Wow, so unbelievable!” For this, the high school awardees deserve a round of applause.

However, one fact is more unbelievable --- that a student who is about to finish high school from a state university topped the pack of all-around individuals and has been awarded as the most outstanding, an incredible feat for a school caught “in between.” Most call us public, although we do not take all the scholastic aptitude tests administered in such schools and although we attend classes on Monday holidays when the rest stay home. Then a few would consider us as private; yet our school does not participate in the sports and literary-musical events of private schools and our students seldom take part in seminars and camps intended for them.

During the first time I visited the OSCI blog and did my own background checking of the past number one’s of this annual search, I myself was intimidated. What made me more intimidated was my familiarity with the other contenders. Fortunately, I was able to transform these trepidations into motivations to aim for this spot and rely on my abilities, into self-confidence to prepare thoughts and points I would share with you this afternoon before the official release of this year’s OSCI search results. With the help of the Divine Providence, I have become the living testimony that this triumph of a state university’s high school student is indeed not unbelievable, just highly improbable.

Student life can be likened to a house of many doors. These doors are knocked upon by so-called opportunities. We may opt to open the door for one, take a peek at some, and totally shun others. Honestly, my student life is a house with unopened doors. Due to circumstances, I was not able to unlock several doors, doors which could have allowed me to move out of my house and explore other aspects of the world. Four years back when I was in sixth grade, I was qualified for the Mathematics Trainers Guild National Training Program at Tagaytay. Attending that program could have enticed other opportunities to knock at my doors. Going to Tagaytay could have brought me to distant borders where I could have sharpened my mathematical skill. Unfortunately, I failed to go.

Another opportunity tapped on one of my doors late October of 2009. It came in the form of a package that included a letter informing me that I was invited as a Filipino delegate to the People to People Leadership Program in the US. I was willfully eager to swing my door and open it wide so that I could grab this chance of visiting and learning at Washington, DC. It was a once-in-a-lifetime knock, for that kind of program was open to high school students exclusively. Because of factors beyond my control, the door was left ajar until it slowly moved and snapped shut. CLOSED.

These and other missed opportunities have left my house and my student life and I can only speculate on the mysteries behind those unopened doors. My mind was crammed with all sorts of “if only’s”. If only I went there…if only I was able to make it. That mindset of mine persisted until I brought home from a science contest in Manila a box labeled Today’s Advice containing everyday wisdom for everyone. On a cold morning in November last year, Today’s Advice read: “To be happy, drop the words if only and substitute instead the words next time” by Dr. Smiley Blanton. That supposedly ordinary morning shifted my mindset. It dawned on me that I have been a man walking through the gaps of the past and the dark shadows of the unknown. My mentality took a leap. I had learned to use the past to my advantage: to live in the present with the past as a compass for the future. Now, as a cream of the crop, I can say that I am armed with the weapons I collected from the past and I am ready to face the uncertain future. I gained the courage to step out of my hut and come back in as a more fortified person.

We, this year’s high school awardees, have our own share of doors and corresponding opportunities. More prospects that accompany this title conferred to us will surely turn up. Fellow awardees, this award we have just received will be an addition to our collection of medals and array of plaques. This title is truly unique for it has inspired us to add the touch of passion to our endeavors. This award may serve as a memorabilia of our struggles to be called Outstanding Students. But more than that, may it also be a symbol of three virtues I have acquired from my high school. First, may the structure of this strap exemplify the timelessness and continuity of service we must all render for the benefit not of the self but of others: the community, the nation, and the world. Second, may the luster of this medal typify the standard of excellence we ought to maintain. May it drive us to aspire high benchmarks and give our best in all pursuits. Lastly, may the solidity of those plaques signify indestructible honor, a kind of honor that seeks to preserve integrity above all costs, that is valued highly and points to the right direction in the quest for excellence and service. Together, let us live up and practice these virtues so as to become foundations of a better, more progressive nation. Let us utilize honor, excellence, and service in harmony with one another such that in today’s word of mayhem, we light up as hopes by being catalysts of opportunities for change.

Just as no TV icon would shine without any sponsors, I would have not reached this far without the guidance of the people who have always been supporting me and reaching out a hand to help me in any way they can. To my coaches in this search as well as the UPHSI Student Council Advisers, who have contributed much to the honing of my leadership capacity, Prof. Dominique Maquiran and Prof. Dolores Jardeleza, to another coach in this search as well as in math competitions, Prof. Raphael Belleza, to the UP High School in Iloilo faculty and staff for producing breeds of outstanding students through the decades, to my mother and my father for their care and understanding, my family, my IV-Narra classmates for your patience whenever I ask about schoolwork I missed because of inter-school activities, and to UPHSI Batch 2011, a thousand thanks.

To the staff of the UPV Office of Continuing Education and Pahinungod, for the time and effort you shared in my application to different student searches, the SPED – Integrated School for Exceptional Children, the Alma Mater that first unleashed my hidden potentials, a big thanks.


In behalf of all the awardees, I express my gratitude to all the teachers, school administrators, heads, and coaches for doing your part in the continual empowerment of today’s generation to grow into the responsible movers and leaders of tomorrow. To the Outstanding Student Circle of Iloilo, thank you for sending a ripple of difference to the world. And to God, the Great Omnipotent Divine, a million thanks for your shower of blessings every day of our lives.

Exactly a week from now is the deadline of confirmation to enroll in a university at Diliman. Another opportunity knocking, I guess. Should I open the door soon, later, or not at all? May God help us make the right choices with regard our respective doors. May the choice be with you. Once again, good afternoon. @