Two thousand, one hundred and twenty-three students of Taguig City University (TCU) are among those who marched in the 18th Commencement Exercises of the said institution at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.
The honored guest was Eugenio "Boy" Abunda, Jr., a talk show host, who advised the new graduates not to let others dictate who they are.
"The most important person in the world is the person in front of you. And what is the most important thing to do if you can: help. When are you supposed to do it? Not tomorrow but today," said Abunda.
Abunda furthered that he didn't let himself be discouraged when a friend told him he would never achieve his dream of becoming a TV host due to his way of speaking, his homosexuality, and his appearance.
Today, Abunda is one of the most popular television hosts in the country. "Do not allow anyone to tell you who you are. Show them who you are. Do not allow anyone to count you out because you are the only one who can count yourself in. Do not allow anybody to tell you what you can do because you are the only one who can do that. Do not allow anybody to ever define who you are. That right does not belong to anyone," Abunda added.
Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano, meanwhile, expressed her dream for the graduates of Taguig City University to be brave and aspire for an excellent and unique life.
In Cayetano's post on her Facebook Page, she expressed her "heartfelt thanks to our commencement speaker Dr. Eugenio "Boy" Abunda Jr., who shared a powerful speech. It provided inspiration not only to our graduates but to all the attendees. I pray that the LORD will guide the graduates. May they be granted the determination to fulfill their noble aspirations in life."
(Photos from Facebook page: Lani Cayetano)