My four-year stay in the Academy seems to be just like a very busy single day.

In fact, that very

moment when I first stepped on the prestigious gate of the academy is still fresh in my mind. I can
still remember my first day in high school. I was so excited then. And now, I am excited again because
of this night full of glamour and fun, our Juniors and Seniors Promenade.
Ladies and Gentlemen, a pleasant afternoon to each and every one of you.
Yesterday, today, but what about tomorrow? Can anyone tell me what will happen in the next ten
years or so? Perhaps a glimpse of the future would suffice this feeling of uncertainty. Then, I started
walking in a crowded mall.
As I stroll along, I passed by a bookstore. I actually dont know why, but a strange feeling crept over
me, as if it is telling me to go inside. And so I did. As I enter the bookstore, an old book lying on the
table caught my attention. As I look closely to the book, its not totally old, its just dusty. Would you
imagine that? A store is selling a dusty book? Anyway, with my curiosity, I cleaned the hard-bound
cover of that book. Written on the cover: Batch 2011-2012: Reminiscing Yesterday. I was like oh, I
belong to that class. I got more interested. I opened the book, and saw the first page with nothing.
Then, with my astonishment, texts and pictures seemed to appear. I felt nervous but I continue
browsing the book.
The first page reveals one of the brightest students of our batch, our mayor, Ms. Dianne B.
Francisco. She is now a successful engineer who graduated Magna Cum Laude in the University of the
Philippines-Diliman. She is famous around the Philippines for she is the woman behind the biggest
infrastructures in the country.
I flipped the next page, and saw Laxandra Chico who has always been a good public speaker. She
studied law in UP Diliman after finishing Mass Communication in Bulacan State University. She is now
a lawyer of a Philippine-based international company. She is now married with a multi-millionaire
astronaut.
And whos this? Oh, Erriza Yamazaki. She is now the owner of one of the franchises of Golds gym.
Erika Varona, on the other hand, is now a well-known singer with sold-out concerts at the Smart
Araneta Coliseum and Platinum Record albums.
Another accomplished fellow in the entertainment industry is Charisse G. Flores who bagged the Ms.
Universe 2019 title. Ms. Flores is now the choreographer of the Sunday show, ASAP.
Moreover, Anna Marie Gerona is also a part of the said show as a dancer. Anna is currently engaged
with Mr. Estrella, and will soon be married, early this 2020.
And heres a magazine featuring Jillian Welowie Agtarap on the cover. She is now a cosplay model
in Korea and became a model of many international magazines.
Cristly Rae Caragdag, on the other hand, is now one of the most in-demand local commercial
models, including shampoo brands, perfume, and a clothing line.
Another batch mate who is in the local TV scene is Cecile Ortiz who became a part of the ABS-CBN
Chorale which will compete in the U.S. later this year.
At that time, I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. I feel light-hearted, as if the world is revolving
around our very existence. I opened my eyes and toss the pages again.
There, Lady Angela Marie Alonzos image emerged. She finished journalism at Centro Escolar
University and currently the Associate Editor of Manila Bulletin.
On the next page, I saw Nicole Angelie Policarpio with Korina Sanchez and Noli de Castro. They are
the new forces of the news program, TV Patrol 2019. Nicole is now married with a guy who is a flight
attendant at Gulf Air. And at the end of 2019, they will welcome a baby girl.
Then, Ronnie Maye Saraza, after 7 years, is now the owner of an international clothing line that
dresses some of the Hollywood actors and actresses.
Then again, there are the high school best friends, Cara Janela Lorenzo and Bea Lucero who both
finished Accountancy. They are the owners of the famous fine dining restaurant, Auxrad.
Again, I turned the other page and saw the picture of Kristine Joyce Adami with her Ate coaching
the FEU Womens Volleyball Team. She serves as an inspiration for everyone who wanted to be a
volleyball player.
In contrary, and in the opposing team, Shaira Maela Sonajo is the coach of UP Womens Volleyball
Team. In fact, the next game of the UAAP Season 81 is UP vs. FEU. Sounds exciting, right?

I stopped and breathe again for a while. The girls did great! Good for them. What about the boys?
Once again, I flipped the pages.
A picture of an astronaut appeared. Yes, he is the best in science during our time, Carl Bryan Aberin.
He is the first Filipino in space. Furthermore, he placed our countrys flag on the moon.
On the next page, I saw Christian Rayo concentrating on his studies. I smiled sheepishly, Who would
have thought that this once a naughty boy would actually graduated Cum Laude in college? Wow! He is
now the captain of the cruise liner, Titanic II.
Not to be left behind are the high school barkadas, Jose Marie Bautista and Patrick Louise
Untalan. I was really amazed with their picture. Both of them are handling a bible and a rosary in front
of the Immaculate Concepcion Church. Who would have thought that they will be priests someday?
Well, they are both religious, indeed.
This is getting more exciting, I thought as I explore more pages.
A picture of Jhon Louie Francisco appeared. He is now a successful movie and tv director.
I turned the page and saw Mr. Junior 2011 and Mr. Senior 2012, Anthony Reyes, Jr. Many
opportunities come on his way after winning in Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition Season 2019.
Endorsements, modeling career, and soon, he will launch his debut teleserye with Kim Chiu.
Another batch mate who is also enjoying the limelight is Mico Estrella who is dancing on ASAP with
his fiance.
I saw the photo of Ariel Allan Pammit in a club. He is playing saxophone and every girl is falling in
love with his endearing music.
Crisanto R. Perez, on the other hand, finished accountancy in University of Sto. Tomas and now a
company accountant. He is also a part-time vocal coach of UST Chorale.
Subsequently, Emmanuel Naag is now the Department Head of Science at Sacred Heart Academy.



The pages of the book were thinning already.
As I turned the last few pages, I saw the picture of Benedict Malibiran playing with the Sepak
Takraw US Team. He is the only Filipino among them twelve.
I flipped the page and the picture of Efreihm Dalmacio emerged. He is now a fashion designer of
many celebrity icons. He also became a judge of the prestigious show, Project Runway.

There is only one left. Suddenly, a soft wind blew the pages and a whirlwind has somehow sucked my
breath as I twirl in a seemingly endless motion. Then I find myself in an international company. I was
sitting on my desk, with lots of things to do, and papers to sign. Apparently, the Manila Bulletins mail
man delivered our daily newspaper supply. I saw my name written in the top most part of the editorial
board.
Then I transported to another scene. This time I was in an orphanage. With the help of my family and
friends, it is now time to give something back. I visited the orphanage which I used to support.
I look at my surrounding. Its still the same but I found that its already late. It was a great but out-of-
this-world experience. My brainpower sure fired up my imagination. Then I look at the book again. It
was gone but a torn page was left behind with a note. And it read God has created man and woman to
fulfill their purpose and their destiny. He has good plans for all of us. We are given freewill to act on
the destiny He has chosen for us. Sure, there will be many obstacles that will hinder our way to the
top. But it is up to us whether we will choose to linger in the pitfalls of failure or accept the challenges
and move further.
I, Carl John A. Perez, is challenging each and every one of you to fulfill your dreams and follow your
passion.
Once again, Good evening and enjoy the rest of the night. Thank you very much.