chika

In April of 2017, 11 year-old me, at that moment, set the 3rd fastest time in the Philippines to solve a 3x3 rubik’s cube at only 6.62 seconds, falling short of the national record by twenty six-hundredths of a second.

To our school president, Sir Jay A. Velez, to our School principal, Ms. Concepcion D. Uy, to our Vice Principal for SHS, Ma’am Leila Simbajon, our Vice Principal for NHS, Ma’am Allyn Mecarte, to our Vice Principal for BED, Ma’am Jeva Mendiola, to our Vice President for Lasallian Mission, Br. Marvin Sipin FSC, to our esteemed speaker, Mr. Michael M. Obach, the board of trustees, distinguished guests, 1974 golden jubilarians and 1999 silver jubilarians, alumni from previous batches, batch 1992, to our Lasallian brothers, school administrators, highly competent teachers, proud and ever-supportive parents, friends, and fellow students. On behalf of the batch 2024, a pleasant day to you all.

You may be wondering, why did I start this speech with my rubik’s cube record 7 years ago? Looking back at this achievement, I realized that to solve a rubik’s cube is like finishing high school.

Initially, we were a scrambled rubik’s cube, going to school as a blank slate.

We started by forming the cross which I like to think of as God, the foundation of our lives.

Next, we pair up corners and edges to solve the first two layers of the cube, with each pair symbolizing our support system. The first pair is our family, the second- to our institution and community, the third- to our mentors, and the last pair- to our friends. At this point, we have solved more than half of the puzzle.

With God as our foundation and our support system, we have completed the first two layers. Now, it is time to focus on ourselves, the final layer of the puzzle.

Solving the last layer is about working on the things that we have learned, growing and improving as individuals. Each turn represents our efforts and determination, ultimately leading to our triumph in high school.

We gather here today to celebrate the fruits of our hard work and dedication. Batch of 2024, we finally made it.

Our years of Senior High School, more than ever, were filled with struggles, self-doubt, anxiety, pressure, and the constant fear of failure.

Grade 11 was one of the most hectic academic years. We were constantly draining our brains, trying to make sense of chemistry, general mathematics, statistics and probability, pre-calculus, and basic calculus. Not to mention, the start of our research projects. On the bright side, these hurdles were the stepping stones to the bonds that we now cherish today. From our research and PT groupmates, our classroom friends, and our teachers, somewhere in between our struggles, our bonds were formed. These are the bonds that helped us survive our first year in senior high school.

Grade 12 was also not so friendly. Although Sir Jun’s calculus classes, Sir Ian’s math classes, and Ma’am Eve’s chemistry classes were behind our backs, there was a knock on our door and came in Ma'am Shayna’s biology classes and Ma’am Jai’s physics classes. Also, we had to deal with defending our research paper and completing college applications. All of these made us overwhelmed. We barely had any time for ourselves, all we could think of were the deadlines we had to catch, and the tests we had to prepare for.

Our years in high school definitely was not an easy path. Hearts were broken, tears were shed, and dreams were crushed, yet, we continued to persevere. Our struggles and failures became the ground for us to grow. No matter how many times we failed, we stood back up and pushed ourselves forward stronger than before.

All of us are here today, with our heads held high, and our diplomas in our very own hands because the world didn’t end when we failed that one exam, when we struggled in our research, when we couldn’t catch up with that one subject, when PTs were too overwhelming, and when college admissions took a toll on our mental health. Like solving a Rubik's cube, each challenge brought us closer to completion. The fact that we are all here today is a testament to the wonderful and courageous people that we have grown into. All our struggles were indeed worth it.

Above all, we extend our thanks to the cross, our foundation, God the Almighty Father or Allah for without His love and guidance, everything would not be possible. He gave us the strength and wisdom to overcome all of our challenges and grow into these amazing persons, sitting here inside this gymnasium. We may still be holding a scrambled rubik’s cube but we must never lose sight of our faith and continue to trust in His plan for the spirit will always lead us to the right twist and turn.

To the first two layers, our support system, thank you.

To start with, our beloved teachers who patiently taught us, shared their wisdom and made memories, we owe you a lot of gratitude. They have made countless sacrifices and stayed up late to prepare our lessons and to grade our papers. To Sir Jun and Sir Ian who taught me that math can be fun. To Ma’am Cyrel, Ma’am Shayne, Ma’am Jai, and Ma’am Eve who never failed to make their classes lively. To Sir Mon and Sir Mike for their unwavering support. To Ma’am Krystel and Ma’am Jen, for being a parental figure. To Ma’am Issa who always cared for her students. And to all the teachers and advisers who have shaped our minds, touched our hearts, and transformed our lives, we are beyond grateful to share our high school years with you.

To our institution, we extend our thanks to the Lasallian Brothers, Br. Marvin, Br. Antonio, and Br. Ivan. Thank you for your selfless service to this institution and for allowing me to be a part of the brother’s community. To Br. Ivan, thank you for making my BLIP experience something I would never forget, along with my fellow contacts and aspirants, for saying yes to the brother’s call together with me.

To the friends that I have made along the way. Each of you played a crucial role in my growth here in La Salle.

To my homeroom, STEM C, Jian, my dynamic duo, Famhi, my dancerous journalist friend, Arki, Lara, Fatima, Eduardo family, and our advisers, Ma’am Sam and Ma’am Krystel. I am lucky enough to have spent these last two years with you. I will forever reminisce about the bonds and laughter we shared in our classroom, thank you.

To my SSG family headed by our Mother Ma’am Dayan, I am grateful to have competent individuals in my experience of becoming a student leader.

To my Search-In family, Sir Ray, Br. Ivan, and Circle 195, ang gugma ko kaninyo walay sukod! I will forever cherish the three-day retreat and I am forever grateful to have said yes to life together with you.

To my dearest friends, brother julian, tob our pro gamer, boz jan dennis, and ate michelle. You have shown me what friendship truly means. To rb, for always having my back, and being my comfort, motivation and inspiration. Thank you. All of you have made my senior high school life something I will never forget. You have made me a home I can always go to when things get rough. You have taught me freedom, through our sponty laags, I was able to finally break out of my shell, and see the world through my naive eyes.

It pains me to think that just in a few months, we will be parting ways. We will navigate the twists of life taking our own paths while pursuing our dreams. Know that I will always keep you in my prayers, always asking the Lord to shower your lives with guidance and strength, and for Him to bless your path. I am proud to call you my friends and I am proud of the person you have become. You are doing great and I know that you will continue to do amazing things.

As we shift on our separate journeys, I will always keep looking for your smiles, laughter, weird jokes, and the warmth of your presence, for I will never have another friend and a bond like the ones I have made with you. I will never forget each one of you and you will always have a special place in my heart.

Last but definitely not least, to our family, we share with you this victory and achievement. Thank you for selflessly giving us the love and support we need.

To my brother, I thank you for being my role model in many ways. I am glad to not be the only Capistrano to give a speech during their grade 12 graduation. Koy, thank you for taking the time out of your day to help me in my academics and for giving me the best advice, to have fun, fun, and fun.

To my parents, Mama, Papa, as you already know, your youngest child is not in any way shape, or form expressive. I am also a very spoiled brat, who gets sad when he doesn't get what he wants and only thankful when he receives gifts. But Mama and Papa, I am forever grateful to call you as my parents. You are my superhero and my inspiration. Whenever I feel overwhelmed, I always remember to look back and see how hard you have fought for me. Despite having three miscarriages and only 1 fallopian tube, you didn’t give up on me and kuya. You made sure we got to school on time, we got home safely, that our tummies were full, and that we have what we need. If I didn't have such strong parents, there wouldn’t be an Edrian and Nathan Capistrano. So, it is my duty to never give up on my life and to work as hard as I can to give back to you. All of my achievements, and my future successes would not be possible without your love and your sacrifices. I promise to repay you for all of what you have done. Your love and dedication towards me are a testament to the person that I am today and will be my motivation for the person that I will become tomorrow.

La Salle Academy, thank you for being with me for the past 14 years. I have made countless classrooms my home and called many teachers my second parents. I will always keep in my heart all that I have learned, cherish the memories I have made, and continue to live on with the Lasallian Spirit etched within my heart, proudly calling myself a Lasallian.

Our high school journey, like solving a rubik’s cube, was about aligning the right pieces. We started off as a scrambled puzzle, but with God, our support system, and our hard work and dedication, we navigated through each turn and twist. Now, we stand here today as the completed cube, ready to overcome what lies ahead with our shields of green and white.

I am Edrian Miguel E. Capistrano, thank you and once again, congratulations, batch of 2024. ANIMO LA SALLE!