Valediction Speech

Francis P. Orasa

Bachelor of Secondary Education-English

Pioneer Valedictorian, Batch 2016
Esteemed guest speaker, Mr. Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer of Ayala Corporation, University President, Mr. Alfredo I.
Ayala, Members of the Board of Trustees, Vice Presidents, Assistant Vice Presidents,
Deans of Colleges, Members of the Faculty, alumni, fellow graduates, proud parents,
friends and visitors, a blessed morning to all of you.
Few days before this euphoric occasion, I have racked my neurons to function
properly in order to create something that will be worthwhile sharing to the brilliant
class of 2016 seated before me. I spent hours having dialogue with good friends of
what must be included in this speech. I even read voluminous articles regarding tips
on how to deliver a great valedictory address. I had been sleepless for nights
reflecting on how I will give justice to this immense privilege being the pioneer class
valedictorian. I have these thousands of concerns in my mind. But, I realized that I
must not be dependent on what my mind can remember but on what my heart will
never forget after the long run. It is like forgetting the person you loved but
treasuring those sweet memories that you have shared.
Perchance, some are thinking that I have gone through a different process for
me to be recognized as this years class valedictorian. Mind you, we almost have
the same stories. I just added three kilos of daydreaming, more slices of creativity
and chunks of love and passion in everything that I do. I needed these things to
joggle my academics, leadership and service. However, even if I had these salient
ingredients I was still able to taste the different unnecessary flavors of a college life;
flavors which, indeed, gave more meaning to my life, to our lives.
I experienced the tastelessness of being alone during regular school days.
That is why I learned to love myself. I know you have experienced that, too. Yung
grupo-grupo sila tapos ikaw lang mag-isa. Nasan ang hustisya? This made me
devote my time more into leadership and service, kasi ang mga bagay na ito
hinding-hindi ka iiwan.
I am sure, you have also felt that pigil-galit-moments, when you have done
your best in a term paper or proposal yet your instructors and professors will say
repeat performance. I usually say to myself, bakit ako na lang lagi ang may
pagkukulang?
I am also certain that all of us experienced this case when some of our
instructors or professors gave exams which were not taught or not relevant to the
subject that we are enrolled in. We usually murmur, nasaan ang katarungan sa mga
bagay bagay?
Let us just be thankful that these all happened to us. These are only few of
the nostalgias that will be worth remembering in our batch. I believe that our friends
and teachers have done these things for us to be tough and be resilient enough to
withstand the challenges of what awaits us after this day. So let us be grateful to all
of them.
Moreover, let us also reminisce how the corners of this university enriched us
with great discovery and learning. Let us always acknowledge the greyhound spirit
within us. May we be forever thankful to our institution for preparing us to be
attuned to the demands of highly dynamic global environment, for giving us
excellent education and noteworthy opportunities that will surely introduce us the
world of professionalism.
As we move and set forth, fellow graduates, my wish for everyone is to
continue chasing for your dreams. Do everything for you to reach it as long as it
makes you and other people happy. Fuel our societys betterment with our intricate

thoughts and imagination. Apply and innovate what we have learned in its optimum
level.
As I end this, I would like to thank everyone who has been part of my glorious
journey.
To my professors, teachers, and mentors, thank you for touching my future. I
will be forever grateful to you all for honing me not just to become a man of intellect
but also for transforming me into a morally-upright and conscientious individual.
To the numerous organizations which ignited the flame of servant-leadership
within me, I will be incessantly appreciative for unveiling the passion, commitment
and dedication that I abundantly have now. I owe this from you.
To the diverse college acquaintances I have won from the eleven
departments of this institution, thank you for the jiffy pleasantries that we have
shared. It added excitement to my roller coaster-like college life experience.
To my time-tested friends who were literally one call away every moment of
bliss and blues, grazie mille for the unfathomable friendship. We may not see each
other every second of the day but we are always assured with the boundless
connection we have through our hearts.
To my family, most especially, who had exclusively witnessed those highs and
lows, those heart-breaking cries and thundering cackles, those somnambulant
nights, those successes and defeats, a million thanks will never be enough. Danke,
for not letting me fight my battles alone. I will everlastingly be indebted for I have
you as my family.
My sincerest thanks to all of you.
Once again, good morning and congratulations!
Mabuhay, Batch 2016!