Showing posts with label Magsingalenos in Canada. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Magsingalenos in Canada. Show all posts

July 7, 2014

My High School Experience: A Lesson on Leadership

by James Mangaliman

My graduation day

I don’t often like to write about my own accomplishments. It doesn’t feel natural to me. It defies an unwritten moral code of mine. Having someone write about me, I feel, is an even greater qualm that I purposely neglect unless it has been forced upon me. In which case I do the best that I can to minimalize the effect. Though the plaques and certificates are a testament to my growth, flaunting them is paradoxical; it is a conceited and thus immature demonstration. However, my mother asked me to work on this, and as much as I find it challenging, I write this, in as genuine a way as I can, about the unimaginable experiences with the heartiest of people I have ever met, that have raised me to the man I am today. These memories are the true gold that shine brighter than any plaque or trophy bound to collect dust.

I began my experience at Chaminade College School, an all male Catholic school in Toronto, as a reserved boy wanting nothing more than to adapt to his new surroundings. Chaminade, a modest institute to say the least, prides itself in having a “brotherhood” which connects its students, a common bond that calls for the support of friendship in all situations of life. Be it adversity or triumph, this brotherhood of peers and mentors provides an environment that welcomes the growth of the men that walk its halls. To me, Chaminade was a place to try, a home to meet my goal of leaving my mark.

July 2, 2012

My Family


by Mabes Luczon
(as published 4 years ago in MVP)



A group, a cousin, or just a friend
Doesn’t matter which they are as long as they defend
And accept the person you truly are,
Like you are part of their family, someone whom they love, their shining star

Amanda, Benito, and Shieryl Luczon
Are three people I have loved since the day I was born
Three people who show the meaning of love and respect
Two words I will never forget and never neglect
For they show love and respect every single day
By simply dropping me to work or calling my cell to see if I am okay
Three wonderful people to whom I want to say,
“I love you, very much” every single day
And every single day is a challenge to overcome
Part of life’s great mysteries to help you blossom
Into a strong person, one who perseveres
Through a test called life to which we must adhere
And who better to overcome challenges with
Than a loving cousin and a best friend
Two girls I have grown up with, two girls I can depend
On being my two shoulders when I need to cry
Two girls who will never let me down and never deny
Our friendship, which has lasted for as long as twelve years
Christine and Angelica, trustworthy and sincere

A mother, a father, a sister, a cousin and best friend
Are all part of my family because they defend
And accept me for who I truly am,
Their daughter, sister, cousin and friend till the end