Dedication

I was raised by my God-fearing parents. My father finished grade V and my mother, grade I. Even so, she knows how to read and write basic Spanish.

At a young age, I know how my father worked hard as a farmer and my mother as a small sari-sari store owner-which is the only store in the community.

I went to school with my eldest sister when I was a little kid. I am the youngest in our class but due to my interest in education, I got the highest honor from Grade I to Grade VI. I have to travel barefoot from our home to school and pass rivers and rice field with eggs or dried fish and rice as my baon.

During that time, I studied under the light of the so called lampara, I never got tired of reading especially legendary books. With my grandlolas, I used to ask about the accuracy of my readings and stories of their old experiences inspired me to read more.

I pitied my cousins who had no interest in educating themselves. They were always held at home to take care of their siblings and do house chores.

I believe that because of the will of our Dear Lord, I was able to finish my studies as a teacher and became the first professional in the whole community.