Author: Janelle Lorzano

“May sasabihin ako. Cum Laude ako.” This young man from Cagayan had a unique way of surprising his grandmother. Days before his graduation day, he learned that he would graduate with latin honors! He wanted to share the good news with his beloved Lola Eugenia, whom he offers his success and victory! “Totoo nga? Ipagkakalat ko na? Sobrang saya ko. Sobrang saya ko talaga,” Lola Eugenia can be heard saying in the video. “Actually, maraming beses ko pong in-attempt na kunan ‘yung reaction niya. Pero sa tuwing susubukan kong I-video, nahahalata niya. Kaya one time, pag uwi ko galing sa…

This couple from Novaliches is another living testament that love conquers all— in sickness and in health! The couple got engaged last April 23, 2022. After a couple of days, the soon-to-be-bride was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Instead of postponing the wedding, the bride’s health condition pushed the groom to join the love of his life on her life’s greatest battle. “Pinagpray mo po ‘yung tao, parang naisip ko po na ang tagal tagal ako inantay ni MJ kasi apat na taon niya po ako inantay tapos nung kami na, ilang buwan pa lang po nung nalaman po na…

This group of friends made sure not just to deliver the goods but also achieve their dreams in life! After juggling work and online classes, they are now reaping the fruits of their handwork. They are now one step closer to becoming members of the police force. “Kahit na anong baba ng tingin nila sa mga delivery rider, ‘wag ka mag papa-apekto. Patunayan mo na may matapos ka, ipakita mo sa kanila na hindi ka habang buhay doon ka lang. Pakita mo sa kanila na may patutunguhan ‘yung buhay mo,” Grab rider and now college graduate Gilrex Servidad Jr. stressed.…

This young father has the best support system! During his graduation photoshoot, student Medel Jr. Dumrique had a special guest – his 11-month-old daughter, Ashianna. But what makes the moment more memorable was how his friends were very supportive during the shoot. “Nung photoshoot po namin sinama ko po si baby kahit bawal po, sinama ko po talaga siya. Gusto ko po siya masama sa pinakamasaya at pinakamagandang picture sa buhay ko. Having her po is a really blessing to us and actually ninong niya po lahat ‘yun,” he told The Philippine STAR. “Nakaka-overwhelm nga po kasi wala akong narininig…

“Actually, I’m more of a like parang pinupush ko po talaga sila eh. Like since kasi nagworkout siya sakin ‘yung pagkakaroon ng sariling business.” 28-year-old artist Jamaica Verceles used to work in an animation company right after her graduation in 2015. After almost three years, she decided to resign from her regular job. “Actually, ‘yung funny story ‘yung akin I was only like one-month old in my sticker shop when I decided to left my job kasi po, in the first place po kasi practically speaking hindi po talaga ganun ka-taas ‘yung sahod ko. Parang, yes I have a full-time…

When a member of the LGBTQ+ community from Misamis Oriental passed away, her friends did not miss any details on her last wish. They did not allow sad songs to take over during the burial ceremony. Her fellow group members also conducted an impromptu miss gay pageant during her wake. Apparently, it was Michelle’s idea to conduct a lively ceremony before resting in paradise. “Sa burol niya, kaya ganun ang music dahil request niya talaga ‘yun, na dapat sa libing niya walang iiyak at dapat masaya lang. Nung lamay niya, may ginawa kaming on the spot na Miss Gay Pageant.…

This architecture student decided not to enroll after the COVID-19 pandemic hit the country. Months later, he had an idea to help his family financially. It is through his talent— sketching! 22-year-old artist Zyrus Earl Montealto from South Cotabato started sketching during the T’nalak Festival in 2018. During that time, he would earn P70 from every live sketch. “Madalas akong nag l-live sketch ‘pag may mga events or minsan iniinvite ako. Like [for] example, fiesta or youth fest or mga camping. Doon ko po pinapakita ‘yung pag li-live sketch ko. Since kinder ako, mahilig na ako. Usually pag preparatory or…

This 15-year-old girl is a huge fan of Korean dramas and variety shows. In 2018, she decided to learn the Korean language!But the thing is, she did not enroll in any Korean school and everything was self-taught! “I started learning Korean back when I was in 7th grade, and then parang I think it was just an impulsive decision, and then I started learning out of nowhere. I grabbed a notebook and a pen and then searched it up on Youtube, how to learn Korean and stuff so I think that’s how it started,” Lane Margaret Gift Boiser told The…

“Para sa mga moms and dads, it’s not too late.” This mother paused her graduate school journey to focus on taking care of her daughter. She never thought that in her wildest dreams, she would be able to get her master’s degree after more than two decades! She enrolled in the same university as her daughter Karla Elliesita Obispo, who sponsored her initial tuition. The idea started when the COVID-19 pandemic happened in the country. The mother and daughter were forced to stay at home and conduct a work-from-home set up. “Naisip ko si mommy ang tagal niya nang na…

This student had seven different jobs from senior high school to college in order for her to sustain her needs in school. In 2022, she finally got her degree! “Actually po, mahirap po yung buhay namin. Kahit dalawa lang po kaming magkapatid, wala naman pong stable na job ‘yung both parents ko po. ‘Yung unang job ko po is naging ukay-ukay saleslady po ako sa isang ukay-ukay,” Redeen Isabel Biene told the Philippine STAR. Redeen started to juggle work and school when she was in grade 9. All of her free time was spent either for catching up on school…