| revised version & under editing |
Annaliese Thalia is known for being an active member in the Iglesia Ni Cristo. Growing up from the conservative, yet a big, happy, and a loving family of the Executive Minister; her life revolves around school, ch...
Ngayong araway ang moving up ceremony ng mga Grade 10 students ng New Era University. Pero dahil sa pandemic — lalo na't nasa MCQ ang Quezon City, the ceremony will be held virtually via live-streaming through WebEx.
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Annaliese
"Sana di paputol-putol yung signal mamaya," I uttered habang sinet-up ko yung WebEx in my laptop for the moving up ceremony ng school.
At least di pa naputol totally, yun ang mahalaga, huhu.
"And... done!" sambit ko nang naka-ready na yung meet. Halos lahat nandoon sila sa group video call na off-cam pa lang, habang inaantay na namin yung mga emcees pati na ang faculty.
While the ceremony hasn't started yet, inaayos ko muna yung sarili ko. I quickly changed into my junior high school uniform, styled my hair in half-tied, at may puting ribbon naman sa gitna.(photo from Pinterest for visuals, eme—)
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I then applied baby power and lip balm... voila! All set for this event.
"Anna, where are you?" rinig ko yung boses ni tita Gemma from downstairs since my bedroom door is open.
"In my room po, tita!" malakas kong sinagot habang naibalik sa grooming box ko yung pulbo at lip balm.
Maya't-maya, nakarating si tita sa kwarto ko sabay niyakap niya yung likuran ko. "Mhmm... ganda-ganda talaga ang bunso!" she said that I only chuckled as response.
"Excited ka na ba?" tanong neto.
"Super!" panimula ko, "Although mas prefer ko po talaga yung dating set-up, well—" I paused and heaved out a sigh, "tiis-tiis muna sa online," I added, sadly.
"Okay lang yan baby. At least now, makakasama mo na kaming lahat na panoorin yung moving up ninyo," she made a tongue-on-cheek and winked. "and that's why I'm here pala. Ibaba mo muna yung laptop mo habang di pa nakapag-start, m'kay?" pakiusap neto.
Di na ako mapakali, binitbit ko yung laptop ko at dahan-dahan ako bumababa sa hagdan hanggang sa nakarating na kami sa living area — where everyone, including Daddy E and Mommy Lynn, are there.
"Dahan lang, hija," alala na pakiusap ni Mommy Lynn when she noticed na umaalog yung dala kong laptop.
"Don't worry po," I mouthed sabay maingat kong nilapag yung laptop ko sa coffee table.
Good thing flat naman yung surface, wala naman nakapatong na ibang gamit, at naka-auto connect naman sa wifi ng baba.
At sakto, nung umupo na ako in between Daddy E and Mommy Lynn sa sofa, nagsalita na ang emcee sa group call — senyales na mag-uumpisa na yung ceremony...
"Hello, good morning to all! And welcome to our moving up ceremony for the academic year 2020-2021... Grade 10 students of NEU's Integrated School. This is the second time that we held this event virtually since the start of the pandemic last year..."
"Gosh, ambilis po pala ng oras. Parang kailan lang... nung umpisa ng lockdown, no?" I whispered to Mommy Lynn and she silently mouthed me 'Oo nga naman,' as response.
As said at the program, we sang the national anthem first, followed by an opening prayer na pinangunahan ni Ka. Joey Lumbao, singing the NEU hymn, and the opening remarks from the SHS principal.
And a few minutes later, we were now at the part where our sections and names will be called one-by-one... hanggang sa na-mention yung section namin which is 10 - GALILEI, and since letter M yung last name ko, baka matatagalan ako dyan. Chez!
"Manalo, Annaliese Thalia. Academic Honors!"
Nagsipalakpakan yung family after my name and awards are mentioned.
"Congrats ate!" bati ng mga bata sa akin ng sabay-sabay.
"Yown!" tito Angelo howled in his makulit na tono in his voice.
Jusko! Tito naman! Hahaha!
"Thank you po, fam! Para sa inyo po yun! You taught me so much, eh!" I cooed, amd everyone made an "awww" sound.
"Sa Diyos ang lahat ng kapurihan! We're so proud of you 'nak!" Daddy E commented and planted a soft kiss on my forehead.
"Thank you po, Daddy E!" napasandal ako sa balikat niya.
Patapos na yung program. After Janessa, ka-batch ko from section Einstein na Highest Honors, had finished her speech, we're now going to sing the iconic graduation song... which it was titled: Awit ng Anak sa Magulang, tribute to our parents, parental figures, and love ones for their unending support, guidance, and love.
Noo'y munting batang inaakay Inaalalayan, bawat paghakbang Ngayo'y nakatayo sa 'king mga paa Salamat aking Nanay, aking Tatay.🎶
Wala akong sapat na salita Walang katumbas, inyong pag-aruga Ngayong kayo'y matanda na't nanghihina Ako naman ngayon dapat mag-alaga.
Lumuluha na ako after I sang the second stanza... I love you, dear parents!
Kayo ba'y aalalayan, aakayin din Pag lumuluha ay patatahanin Babantayan kung may sakit Dadampian ang noo ng halik At kapag gabi ay malamig Yayakapin din nang mahigpit Ipapanalangin At kukumutan ng pag-ibig.
Tanda ko ang hirap ninyo sa akin Puyat, pagod, lungkot ay tiniis Hinding- hindi ko malilimutan Walang kapantay n'yong pag-ibig.
Huwag kayong mag-alala Sa puso't isip ko'y nakatanim Sa 'king sambahaya'y ipadarama ko rin Walang katumbas n'yong pag-ibig.
Aking mga anak ay aakayin din Pag lumuluha ay patatahanin Babantayan kung may sakit Dadampian ang noo ng halik At kapag gabi ay malamig Yayakapin din nang mahigpit Ipapanalangin At kukumutan ng pag- ibig.
Kayo ay aalalayan, aakayin din Pag lumuluha ay patatahanin Babantayan kung may sakit Dadampian ang noo ng halik At kapag gabi ay malamig Yayakapin din nang mahigpit Ipapanalangin At kukumutan ng pag-ibig.
Wala kayong katumbas Wala kayong katapat... Mahal kong Nanay Mahal kong Tatay SALAMAT PO!🎶
The ceremony is finished, and all of us did a group hug.
"Worth it yung mga efforts mo! And we're even more proud of you for having a strong faith in God, anak!" Mommy Lynn cheerfully uttered.
"Let's celebrate!" I shouted, followed by a laugh from everyone.
"But first, pagsamba muna," Daddy E reminded, "tutal, it's Thursday today. Wag na nating kalimutan na ipagpasalamat sa Diyos. Kinaya mo, dahil Siya ang naging kasama mo sa mga nagdaang araw habang nag-aaral ka," he assented that made me hug him tight.
