WE GOVERN MEN! BENEATH THE FAME AND TROPHY: UBIAN AWARDEES’ ONKAT 2022 JOURNEY

BY: CELINE JOY G. AGAPAY

Balancing the hectic time for preparations and fighting the urge to give up, the participants with a strong winning spirit continued to march forward and hope for a brighter future ahead through inculcating everything they learned during the contest proper.

Whether for having more experiences or achievements, Aldred Abando, Aliah Dimaculangan, Carmela Cueto, Hannah Sude, Isabel Cuevas, Kate Fetizanan, and Yoesha Velasco managed to set aside the weight of whatever might be pulling them back to rise, stride and uphold the visions of their home school, University of Batangas.

Despite the branching schedules and personal matters each one had, quitting was never an option as they got a grip of themselves and attained heights in the end.

The Price of the Prize

Trophies come with sacrifices because nothing else comes free.

“The intensive trainings for the contest caused my schedule to be fully booked, sacrificing the time I wished I was able to give to myself and to my loved ones,” Isabel Cuevas, one of the quiz bee contenders who qualified for the 4th place stated when asked about what she had to give up for the position she got.

“Sa oras na pinili kong lumahok sa patimpalak sa pagsulat ng sanaysay, alam kong macocompromise nito ‘yung time ko for myself and my academics because I had to make sure na ready ako bago ako sumabak sa competition,” Carmela B. Cueto, the 2nd placer in essay writing - Filipino category said when asked about the sacrifices she had for the competition.

Such remarks showed how UBians, despite age and circumstances, symbolized persistence at its finest as they represent the institution. Ensuring adequate and efficient results for achieving triumph in the academic competitions.

Pressed but not Crushed

Beneath the sparkling eyes and genuine smiles unfold hidden struggles of toilsome hours and sleepless nights.

“When my teacher told me that I’m going to represent the school, I was anxious. It was my first time to join a competition outside the school. The overwhelming feeling and nervousness were clouding my mind. But, there is this quote that I always think when I encounter difficulties which is ‘ad astra per aspera’ which means ‘to see stars even through difficulties.’ So, I did my best to look at the light even if I was scared,” Aliah Angeline V. Dimaculangan, the 4th placer in the junior high school photo contest mentioned when questioned about the mindset or principle she held on to when the going gets rough.

“You’ve come this far. People around you also sacrificed a lot for this. It would be regretful if you don’t do your best,” Isabel B. Cuevas shared when asked about a helpful mindset she kept during her trying times.

These are proofs that when quality principles prevail, one leaves behind a beneficial trail. Hence, who knows what impact a simple saying can do to an exhausted mind with a heart that pursues.

A win-win situation?

“I am very much satisfied because I did not expect being in the list of winners. At first, I was anxious of the result because I uploaded the file with a typographical error,” Aldred Sky P. Abando, a junior high school essay writing contest 4th place qualifier, answered when interviewed about the outcome of his work.

“I am quite satisfied because of the experience and the things that I have learned from the ONKAT 2022. It boosted my self-confidence in joining more contests and because of it, I became more aware of what I should prioritize more during my time in school. It made me become a better person because it helped me enhance my knowledge and my time management.

Most importantly, ONKAT 2022 shaped me in becoming a person who can now accept their failures in life and thrive for the better,” Hannah Yochabel F. Sude, said when asked about her thoughts after the awarding ceremony.

Not only did the online platforms provide the contestants with exceptional experience and honed their remarkable abilities, these also added much to their confidence in showcasing their undeniably the best spirits in everything they do regardless of aspect.

Thus also promoting the University’s brand through exemplifying its core values in every action they take in and out the academic learning areas. Proving that with a willful heart comes a courageous start making one stand out with an extraordinary trademark.