by moeum nomen
Naraniag, which means to shine brightly, indeed resembles the celebration that was shared during the 45th Commencement Ceremony of Mindanao State University – General Santos City (MSU-GSC). Not just because of the different colors illuminating the nightly sky, but also due to the hope of a brighter future ahead.
Engr. Aldren Mark Degamo, a proud graduate of MSU-Gensan and Ms. Bacus, LPT, from General Santos Foundation Inc. (GFI) stunned everyone with a proposal. Making the celebration more magical and special.
Nine years and a week of planning. He carried the promise of a lifetime to his long-term girlfriend. Meeting through a common friend during their college years, Engr. Degamo and Ms. Bacus’ journey from strangers to soulmates is nothing short of a fairy tale, culminating in a moment that symbolizes a new journey ahead.
In sheer oblivion, graduates gathered to celebrate their achievements, unaware of a different kind of celebration that was brewing amidst the crowd. The air was thick with anticipation and excitement as students reminisced about their academic struggles and triumphs.
Among them was Engr. Degamo, a mechanical engineering graduate at MSU-Gensan. He finished his degree last year. However, he was not able to march due to his licensure exam preparation. Thinking that it was not too late, he took the chance, bearing hope for a memorable event. Much to anyone's notice, his heart pounded not just from the culmination of years of hard work but also from the weight of the velvet box hidden in his pocket.
Ms. Bacus sat beside him, a barricade in between, oblivious to the life-changing event about to unfold. Their relationship had weathered the typical storms of young love—fear of getting hurt, the pressure of academic burdens, and the ever-looming doubt of an uncertain future. Yet, despite these challenges, their bond grew stronger, grounded in trust and mutual respect.
On one knee, under the glittering night sky
As the fireworks burst, casting a kaleidoscope of colors over the jubilant graduates, Engr. Degamo seized the moment. Underneath the dazzling display, with a crowd of thousands as their witness, he dropped on one knee. For him, the crowd fell silent, as if they had vanished. The only sound was the rhythmic beating of his heart and the collective gasp of onlookers.
"Will you marry me?" he asked. A mixture of fear and excitement was written in his eyes.
The long-sought question caused the onlookers to shriek. Ms. Bacus, who had waited years to hear such an invitation of forever, stood in disbelief. For 9 years, she waited almost without the assurance of being asked. Now, as he reaches another milestone in his life, he carries a promise of celebrating more with her, together, in the future.
"Yes!” With a shaky yet resolute voice, she replied,
Naraniag: To shine brightly
The crowd erupted into applause, the fireworks above mirroring the explosion of joy below. It was a moment that perfectly captured the essence of this event: a brilliant, unexpected burst of light in the journey of life, promising warmth and wonder for the future.
Their story, marked by perseverance and an unyielding commitment to each other, serves as an inspiration to everyone who dreams of finding their perfect match whilst waiting for the perfect time. Indeed, love and aspirations can go hand-in-hand together.
In the midst of academic achievements and future goals, their love story is a reminder that sometimes, the most beautiful moments are those unknown, those that take time and those that you work hard for.
This season marks new journeys. May this be an attestation that your future will also shine brightly amidst the ordinary, much like fireworks on a graduation night.
As perseverance rewards those who dare to dream, may every graduate reach for the bright future they aim to attain. For themselves, for their loved ones, and for the country that wishes them well.
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