Speak

I was invited to be a speaker for my alma mater way back in 2005.

I declined. I told my former teacher that I am not yet ready. I was still working in Makati at that time, although I already informed our manager that I decided to leave and go back to Davao to study law.

While I was in law school, some of my previous teacher will make parinig that I should be a speaker whenever I visited some programs of my alma mater since my brother is still studying there.

Last year, I was again at my alma mater during the Call to Honors for my brother. They invited me again and I could not say no. I think they would not allow me to say no anymore.

And so, I was informed of the day I was to speak in my alma mater. The time, date, place and theme were given to me, as well as the well-known fact that I have to be in a Filipiniana dress.

I had to submit my resume and a picture first. I tried looking for a Filipiniana gown to rent but my mom decided to buy one. I liked the dress but it had to be altered to fit me.

I asked my sister if she will be free that day to assist me, my PA for short. At first, she wasn't but with a stroke of luck, she was able to change her schedule to accommodate me.

A week before the big day, I had an idea inside my head how I would go about in my speech. It was only three days before where I finally sat down and put my ideas into words. I had a draft by Sunday. The speaking engagement was on a Wednesday.

I had my dress rehearsal the night before. So far, so good. My client informed that there was to be a hearing the next day. He just received a notice and I have not yet entered my appearance. Good thing my father willingly oblige to be there instead of me.

On the day itself, I was there at the events center. It was surreal for me to be there as a speaker.

I was happy to see my teachers. I think this was really the highlight for me.

I was asked if I was nervous. Honestly, I wasn't nervous speaking before the students. But I was nervous since I was in the presence of my teachers and school administrators.

For now, I don't have pictures when I was speaking. My sister was busy with the video. And my brother was one of the awardees. My dad was attending my hearing and my mom could not leave work because of deadlines. I don't even have a picture of my tarpaulin .. hehe.

All in all, it was a nice experience. It was indeed honor. Honestly speaking, I never imagined myself that I would be a speaker in my alma mater after all those years that I attended those recognition and graduation ceremonies during my school years.

Thank you Lord for this experience.

P.S. I was later informed that it was the first recognition ceremony at the Events Center and it was the first time that they gave a medal to the speaker. Honored! ;)