“You can never cross the ocean until you have the courage to lose sight of the shore.” -Christopher Columbus

During our junior high school years in face-to-face classes, we usually carried books, a pile of homework, envelopes, and bags; we used to think that all of these were too heavy, we couldn't carry the weight of every single thing in every single day at school, so we put them all down under our desks in the classroom. Now that we're in senior high school, not much has changed. With distance learning, we realize that responsibilities are even heavier, so we put the weight of responsibilities, pressure, and constraint to ourselves. Weighing these two, they're nothing to the struggles we felt while we were and still striving to keep going, Dream, hope, and move forward.

Our achieved interlude suddenly became a question, "Is it a sea, is it a desert, is it hope, is it despair" It was as if we were sailing in a maze of a blue desert. But remember, without despair, hope wouldn't exist in the first place, and without a desert, a sea wouldn't exist. When there is hope, there are trials. Always confused and anxious, every day passes by, yet trust that tomorrow will be different

The desert we once feared became the sea by our blood, sweat, and tears. We are delighted that we got the chance to experience going back and having this most beautiful moment in our lives. So this is our moment; savor it, cherish it, and treasure it. Before I move forward sa exciting part, may I request all my fellow graduates to ask the one sitting on your right side, "Kaya mo ba?" and make them feel their presence can give happiness.

Today, as we get to the finish line, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to those people who became part of this successful voyage.

First, Alhamdullilah, to Allah (SWT), Subhaanaka Allaahumma Rabbanaa wa bihamdika Allaahum-maghfir lee, thank you for the gift of life. I also thank you for the gift of wonderful people I have met along this journey. All of them made me realize how beautiful and meaningful life is.

I would also like to thank my family and relatives for always being there for me from the start up until now. Thank you for always supporting me with my endeavors, especially to my Ummi Jhe and Papa Mon, who were also educators. You are the reason why I keep on striving hard. The awards and recognition I received are nothing without you. Thank you for staying with me. Thank you for molding me into the person I am today.

To my best people, Frances, Denisse, Cristil, Sofia, Kirby, and Lorensky. My Layag BFFS, Jezreel, Giddel, Marianne, Beah, my long-time best friend, Josiah Gwyn and Gwyneth Anne, My adviser in 10th grade, Sir Kris, and most especially to the LAYAG Founder, I've been looking up to, Ma'am Raquel. The most beautiful moments for me are not many, one of which is when I got to know you and found a family in you. Thank you for letting me be me, helping me fly, and making me the person I am today.

To my teachers and mentors during my senior high school stay, Sir Leomar, Sir Alvin, Sir Anjhiene, Maam Kath, and most especially to Sir Marvin and Sir Hezekiah, you inspired me to begin this new chapter in my life. You trained me to be empowered. Thank you for believing in me. With you, I enjoyed my high school life.

To my friends and classmates, thank you for everything you do. Thank you for your endless support. I would like to congratulate you for being able to conquer the overwhelming obstacles. I am thankful for the people who showed me genuine love.

To my fellow graduates, continue to be motivated and be held accountable. Beyond this moment, continue to serve as an inspiration to those who will follow behind you in the days, months, and years ahead.

Before I end my speech,

Let me tell you a story about a girl who challenged the status quo, spread her wings, and continued sailing along with the waves who's often asked by three words, eight letters "Kaya mo ba?"

That was her favorite question and at the same time, her favorite answer. Her parents asked it before she entered the home of great minds, brave spirits, and radical souls of STE. Upon entering a new environment, she didn't expect to get criticized for being different. The impassioned girl who often bawled out a silent cry in the teacher's corner, conflicted whether to give up or keep going through the unbearable pain, was seen by her classmate, who also asked her that same question.

She was again asked that question when an opportunity came her way and offered to join a film contest. Although her mind was clouded with doubt, she responded, "Kakayanin po." Unfamiliar in the field of film, she chose to learn and socialize. The way she handled the pain and endured those led her to tell her story with a statement in a trilogy of narrative-experimental films. These films, Ana Bikhayr, Decalcomania, and Farasha, became her testament to how she went through events of immersive suffering.

The girl in the story is none other than me.

I am Hannah Tabaquero Ragudos, a film director, writer, researcher, and an aspiring software engineer and I am very honored to represent the Class of 2022

And as we continue to explore the vast unknown of the world, we will face the challenges brought upon by the world itself. We may encounter bumpy waves and even waves that try to crash through us. We may encounter rejections, failures, and even experience the most disheartening episodes. But as a reference to the film Layag, we are all boatmen of our own lives. We are boatmen that will continue to voyage whatever we'll face in uncharted waters. This is our Epilogue: Forever, We Are Young