SOMEDAY BECOMES TODAY

BY: KAYE ELOIZA P. DEL CASTILLO, LPT

Our distinguished guests, Sangguniang Kabataan officials headed by SK Chaiman Janna

Paz, to our Sanggunian Bayan Member, Mr. Arnold Paz Sr, fellow kabataan, friends, and
ofcourse my dearest pammadayaw awardees, ladies and gentlemen, good evening!
It is with a heart brimming with gratitude and humility that I stand before you tonight. To be
chosen to speak on behalf of such a distinguished group—a group that embodies
dedication, resilience, integrity, perseverance, and commitment. This moment is an
incredible honor I will forever treasure.
Friends, colleagues, esteemed guests – I see some familiar faces, and I know what some of
you might be thinking: "Another speech? Mangpabpabayag lang, nakakaborboring to
metlang!" Believe me, I get it. I've been there, slumped in my seat, silently wishing for the
speeches to end. But sometimes, a speech – the right speech, from the right heart – can
truly inspire and ignite something within us. So, please, allow me to borrow a few precious
moments of your time. I promise to keep it short, sweet, and hopefully, memorable.

Tonight isn't just about celebrating achievements; it's about acknowledging the incredible
journey that brought us here. Twenty years. Come to think of it – two decades dedicated to
learning, growing, and transforming into the individuals we are today. Think about it: from the
first tentative steps in nursery to the triumphant strides across the college stage. Twenty
years of studying isn't a joke; it's a long, hard journey. It's a journey paved with hard work,
punctuated by inevitable failures and setbacks. There will be draining times, moments of
intense stress, tears shed in frustration, and sweat poured over countless requirements,
projects, exams and assignments.
But being here, in Pammayadaw, signifies something deep. It means we've achieved
something truly great. We've overcome challenges, persevered through setbacks, and
emerged stronger and wiser on the other side. And let's not forget the great privilege of this
journey. We were given the chance to learn, to grow, to fight, to dream. This is a gift, not a
right.

And this brings me to the most important point I want to emphasize tonight: gratitude. We
wouldn't be standing here, basking in the glow of our accomplishments, if it weren't for the
support of those who believed in us from the very beginning – our parents. Imagine a life
where education wasn't an option. Let's take a moment to truly appreciate the sacrifices they
made, the love they poured into us, and the strong faith they placed in our potential. Their
dedication paved the way for our success. Let us honor them tonight, not just with words, but
with a renewed commitment to making them proud. To my mama and papa, this is all for
you.
Growing up, I have so many dreams, I grow up full of amibitions. Someday, bumaknang
nakto. Someday, magatang kunto amin nga kayat ko. Someday, agbalinak to nga kastoy
kastoy. Someday, makasubad nakto ti pamilyak, Someday, agtravel kaminto ti pamilyak da
mama ken papa, kakabsat ko, dagijay kanakak tapos itugot konto da nanang ko nga coling
ken tatang ko nga taning.
We've all been there. We dream big, envision a future filled with success, happiness, and
fulfillment. We have ambitions that burn bright within us, whispering promises of what we
could achieve. But often, these dreams remain just that – dreams. They're tucked away in
the "someday" box, a distant, hazy future that feels unreachable. Someday becomes a
convenient excuse, a way to postpone the hard work, the risk-taking, the vulnerability
required to pursue our aspirations.

But what if I told you that "someday" is a myth? Mito, isang konsepto lamang. It's a phantom
we chase, always just out of reach? The truth is, "someday" never arrives. There's no
magical day when we suddenly become ready, capable, or deserving of our dreams. The
only way to reach our goals is to transform "someday" into "today." And that
someday is today, as we receive the fruit of our hardworks.
Transforming someday into today is about conscious choices, deliberate actions, and
consistent effort. It's about taking that first step, however small, towards you. the life we
envision. It's about acknowledging our fears and insecurities, but choosing to move forward
anyway. It's about embracing the challenges and setbacks that inevitably come our way,
learning from them, and using them as fuel to propel us further.
My journey to becoming where I am now wasn't a straight line. It was not an easy process.
Like many of you, I had my doubts, my stumbles, and moments where I questioned
everything. I even questioned if I am truly destined in the path I am taking.
I always thought that after graduating with latin honors and passing my boards with a high
rating would be my passport in getting a job easily. I believed that success would pave a
smooth path ahead but I was totally wrong. The challenges only intensified and it’s the reality
we have to face. It is indeed true when they say “ Ang totoong buhay ay pagkatapos
natin mag kolehiyo” The search for a job, the pressure to perform, the stark reality of
starting at the bottom – these are the lessons that truly shape us. The minimum wage,
the financial struggles, the constant balancing act between passion and practicality – these
are the realities of trusting the process.
For nine months, I've poured my heart and soul into teaching. It's a profession I deeply love,
yet it has tested me in ways I never anticipated. Crafting engaging lessons, delivering them
with passion, and managing the expectations of diverse students – it's a constant uphill
battle I have to face for nine months. There have been moments of doubt, times when the
weight of it all felt overwhelming. Times when the flame of my passion flickered, threatening
to extinguish. I've felt the sting of underpayment, the frustration of systemic limitations. And
yet, I persevere because I know that this is part of trusting the process and it echoes my
passion that have carried me to this very moment.

Sabi nga sa memes sa facebook “Mas madali atang sumakses pag ilegal”. Ano
kayang mangyayari it we don’t trust the process? If gagawa nalang tayo ng illegal
para sumakses?
In reality, if that’s our mindset, our success will only be for a moment. Hindi natin
mararamdaman ang satisfaction and fulfillment. Successful ka nga, nagtatago ka
naman sa batas. Always remember that success is sweeter if we worked hard for it.
I always believe that these struggles, these moments of doubt, are not setbacks – they are
stepping stones. This uncertainty is natural. It's part of the process. Life rarely unfolds
according to a perfectly crafted plan. There will be unforeseen challenges, and moments
where you question your path. They are the crucible in which our resilience is forged, our
character is strengthened, and our determination is refined. The challenges we face are not
obstacles to overcome, but opportunities to learn, to grow, to discover our true potential.
Remember the passion that brought us here. Remember the late nights we spent pursuing
our dreams, the sacrifices we’ve made, and the lasting belief in ourselves that propelled us
forward. That passion is the fire that will guide us through the darkness, the fuel that will
propel us towards our goals.
The path ahead will not be easy. There will be more moments of doubt, more challenges to
overcome. But let us embrace these moments. Let us learn from them. Let us use them to
fuel our passion, to refine our skills, and to build a future worthy of our dreams. Let the
struggles not define us, but rather reveal our strength, our unwavering commitment, and our
unyielding spirit.
My mantra, my guiding star, is this: trust the process. It's a simple phrase, yet its depth is
immeasurable. It's a philosophy that has carried me through moments of doubt, despair, and
overwhelming uncertainty. It's the quiet whisper that reminds me to keep going, even when
the path ahead seems impossibly long and hard.
There are times, I confess, when trusting the process feels excruciatingly slow. The uphill
climb seems endless, the weight of expectation heavy on my shoulders. Doubt creeps in,
whispering lies about my capabilities, my worthiness, my very future. I've felt the draining
effect of persistent challenges, the frustration. I've questioned if I'm on the right path, if I'm
strong enough to continue, to keep going.

But in those moments of deepest doubt, I return to my mantra. I remind myself that progress
isn't always linear. Sometimes the journey is hard, sometimes it’s exciting, but it's always a
journey towards something. And that something, whatever it may be, is worth the struggle.

Trusting the process is about faith. It's about believing in your own potential, in your capacity
to learn and grow, to adapt and overcome. It's about embracing the challenges as
opportunities for growth, for strengthening your resilience, and for discovering hidden
strengths you never knew you possessed.

It's about recognizing that setbacks are not failures, but rather valuable lessons, stepping
stones on the path to success. Each obstacle overcome, each challenge conquered, adds to
your wisdom, your experience, your strength. It's in these moments of adversity that we truly
discover who we are.
So, I urge you today, embrace the power of trusting the process. Believe in the journey, even
when it's difficult. Have faith in your own abilities, even when doubt creeps in. Remember
that every step, no matter how small, brings you closer to your destination. And most
importantly, remember that you are not alone. We are all on this journey together, supporting
and encouraging each other along the way.

The path ahead may be uncertain, but it is also filled with limitless possibilities. Embrace the
challenges, learn from your mistakes, and never stop believing in yourselves. Let the
passion that forged your journey echo in your achievements, inspiring you to reach for
something more, something greater, something truly extraordinary.

Remember this: the journey is far from over. The true measure of our success lies not in the
ease of our path, but in the strength of our resolve, the depth of our commitment, and the
unwavering belief in ourselves and our dreams. Let us face the future with courage, and
resilience. Let us rise to the challenge and make our mark on the world. Let life's lessons
mold us, strengthen us, and inspire us to reach for the stars.

Lastly before I conclude my speech, I want to go back to one of the main points of my
speech gratitude. I'm here because of the hardworking people who have been a part of my
journey, helping me turn my "somedays" into realities.
First and foremost, I want to thank God. His guidance, his strength, and his love have been
my constant companions throughout my journey.
To my hardworking parents, words seem to fail me when I try to express the depth of my
gratitude for everything you've done. Your love and sacrifices have shaped me into the
person I am today. To my papang, your tireless work as a farmer, your strong hands and
resilient spirit, taught me the value of hard work and perseverance. Mama, your dedication
as a teacher, your patience and wisdom, instilled in me a love of learning and a thirst for
knowledge. It's because of your combined efforts, your support, and the love you've shown
me that I stand here today, proud and grateful. Thank you for raising me, for molding me, for
believing in me – without you, I wouldn't be who I am.
To my dearest grandparents, I offer my deepest gratitude for the foundational role you
played in shaping the person I am today. Your love and care during my formative years
weren't just the provision of food and shelter; they were the foundation upon which my
character was built. You nurtured my curiosity, patiently answered my endless questions,
and instilled in me values that continue to guide my life. Thank you for being the constant,
loving presence that shaped me into the person I am, a person I am immensely proud to be,
thanks to you. Your legacy lives on not only in my heart but in the very fabric of who I am.
My brothers manong mon mon and manong Jayjay, who were always there for me,
cheering me on and helping me through tough times. Thank you.
My niece and nephews, your laughter and joy brought sunshine to even the darkest days.
Thank you for reminding me of the simple pleasures in life and for filling my world with love.
My friends specially to my bestfriend since kindergarten, Angeline, Thank you for
celebrating my victories and offering comfort during setbacks.
To my teachers from daycare upto college, thank you for your guidance, your wisdom,
and your dedication. You ignited my passion for learning and equipped me with the tools I
needed to succeed.
And finally, to everyone who believed in me, who stayed with me through the ups and
downs, thank you. Your belief in me gave me the courage to pursue my dreams, to
overcome obstacles, and to transform my somedays into realities.
Thank you all, from the bottom of my heart. I am eternally grateful for each and every one of
you.
Let's leave this night not with accolades alone, but with a renewed commitment to making a
meaningful difference in the world
Congratulations, fellow awardees! Go chase your dreams! The world is waiting for you!