In a world waiting to be conquered, every step forward holds the promise of leaving behind a golden legacy. A legacy that glows, not with perfection, but with the brilliance forged through trials, triumphs, and transformation—like the sun that didn’t always shine as bright, reaching one’s zenith requires a thousand steps, each guided by courage, grit, and grace.

On May 15, 2025, the class valedictorian, Mark Andrew V. Fulgencio, delivered a heartfelt message during the Senior High School Commencement Exercises of Centro Escolar Integrated School - Malolos at Guiguinto Municipal Athletic & Cultural Center. Standing before his fellow graduates, he radiated not just pride but a luminous reflection of a journey marked by light and shadow, hope and hardship, memories and milestones.

“Sa pagtahak natin sa bagong yugto ng ating buhay, ang pagtingin sa salamin ay hindi lamang upang makita kung sino tayo ngayon, kundi ito ay upang balikan kung saan tayo nagsimula.”

With these words, Fulgencio emphasized the importance of reflection, not just to admire how far they’ve come, but to honor the roots that held them steady when the winds grew strong.

“Sa loob ng dalawang taong pamamalagi natin sa Senior High School, hindi maikakaila na naging makulay ang bawat araw—puno ng halakhak, luha, at alaala.”

He painted a vivid picture of their shared experience, where laughter echoed through hallways, tears etched growth into their hearts, and memories glistened like stars guiding them through nights. To him, every moment was like a puzzle piece—scattered at first, but eventually forming a complete picture of who they’ve become.

But his light did not shine alone. 

“Naging tahanan natin ang isa’t isa,” he said, his voice rich with gratitude, mentioning his fellow batchmates who accompanied him on his journey.

He shared that his glow was ignited by the people who stood beside him—friends who became family, teachers who became guiding lights, and every person who believed in him when self-doubt clouded his skies. Together, they built a home not made of walls and roofs, but of shared dreams and unshakable support.

“Naniniwala akong taglay na natin ang lakas at kakayahan upang abutin ang pangarap.”

He looked ahead with hope, envisioning a time when each graduate would have carved their names in different fields. A future where each of the graduates becomes a beacon of their light.

Fulgencio extended his appreciation to the members of The Escolarian, who entrusted him with a platform to lead and grow in the world of journalism. He also mentioned his mentors who fueled his discovery of the power of his voice by encouraging him to explore the world of broadcasting and hosting.

In his address, he also named friends, teachers, and family members—those whose unwavering support and gentle wisdom carried him through every challenge. Their words became lanterns that lit his path, enabling him to move forward.

Most of all, he paid tribute to Centro Escolar Integrated School, the very ground where dreams were planted, nurtured, and are now finally ready to bloom. A place where blood, sweat, and tears watered the soil of their growth; and where learning extended into the realm of character, compassion, and resilience.

As he neared the end of his speech, Fulgencio echoed his earlier reflection with deeper meaning:

“Huwag nating kalimutan ang pagtingin sa salamin—hindi upang hanapin ang ating kahinaan, kundi upang kilalanin kung gaano tayo katatag.”

Every hardship overcome, every lesson learned, every person met was not a mark of weakness, but a shimmering proof of strength. Each of these memories now lives within them, glowing quietly as they step forward into the unknown.

Looking forward, as the graduates walk away from the halls that once held their laughter and tears, they will carry with them a radiant legacy—a legacy of dazzling lights, magical bonds, and a brilliance that can never be dimmed.

The road ahead may be uncertain, but one thing is clear: they will continue to dazzle.