Anastacio Mamaril: Forgotten Pride of Pangasinan

Anastacio Mamaril: Forgotten Pride of Pangasinan

I am trying to listen to a random YouTube video on "forgotten Filipino songs" to help me relax and fall asleep when the host mentions a name that keeps me wide awake instead. Among those he lists as forgotten is "Cha-cha No. 1" by "Pangasinan pride" Anastacio Mamaril.

The mention instantly brings me back to the time when my grandmother frequently listened to vinyl records to relax or while doing chores at home, with cha-cha numbers by Anastacio Mamaril and His Orchestra among those frequently played on the phonograph. That's how I got to know the music artist, but it never occurred to me that he was a Pangasinense and that he had original compositions too.

The sudden interest has me doing a quick Google search for any info about him. Alas, although there is a host of video recordings of his orchestra pieces, all I get are sketchy data on his background, with not one decent article.

Who was Anastacio Mamaril exactly? Where was he from? (I am hoping he is from my hometown because there are a number of Mamarils here.) Since he used to be a superstar, he must have been written about widely?

But a search result only yields this: Known as the "Trumpet King of the Philippines," Anastacio (Asiong) Mamaril, was both a composer and arranger who released around 300 recordings in various music labels. "Mamaril’s rise to popularity started when he joined the Ylaya Orchestra. In 1954, he formed his own band, Asiong Mamaril and His Orchestra," so apparently he evolved into a band leader from being a soloist. "Among his more popular releases are 'Cha-Cha No. 1' and 'Haba-Haba Cha-Cha.'" Among other intriguing titles are the equally humorous because unexpected ones: "Pinoy Cha-cha," "Manang Biday Cha-cha," "Barkada Cha-cha," "Macho Cha-cha"... It was very Pinoy of him to make a halo-halo of disparate cultural elements.

I next find a memorial website that was ostensibly created in memory of one Anastacio Mamaril, 88, born on January 22, 1917 and passed away on August 2, 2005. But other than that info, there is nothing more.

Another search result is a research paper on Bicolano music artists contending that Mamaril was a mere second fiddle to the real trumpet king, a Bicolano artist who unfortunately did not record his works.

Another result is only accessible through a paywall.

I am not satisfied with the scanty information, so I repeat my search the next day. At last, I find a Tagalog entertainment article on Philstar, a substantive one, but still no info as to his roots.

Ernie Pecho, in his column, "Kwentong Showbiz," relates in a glowing account that Mamaril was indeed a local trumpet king for over five decades, but that he passed away at the age of 87. Moreover, he was dubbed as the "Harry James of the Philippines," because he was one of the finest trumpet and wind instrument players and an excellent bandleader too, with his orchestra becoming famous both in the Philippines and in various countries across Asia and America. "In Japan, he even shared the stage with the Rhumba King, Xavier Cugat," he states.

"During his prime, nightspots featuring Mamaril and his group were highly sought after. He produced numerous dance albums released by almost all record companies in the Philippines ...which featured nearly all ballroom dance sounds."

"Mamaril was also called the 'King of Latin Beat' for his exceptional skill in playing cha-cha, samba, pachanga, rhumba, and tango music." His live concerts here and abroad sold out at high ticket prices.

"During his era, he was the most in-demand instrumentalist along the nightclub row on Dewey (now Roxas Boulevard). The most luxurious gatherings required the presence of the Anastacio Mamaril Orchestra. Back then, no grand occasion was complete without Anastacio Mamaril and his orchestra."

I remind myself that just because you can't Google something doesn't mean it doesn't exist. For all you know, stacks of information are gathering dust in some forgotten basement or growing mildew inside a library.

But it is sad that a cultural phenomenon of such stature would almost have nothing on his personal background in the age of digitization and oversharing, not even a token Wikipedia item or Facebook post.

It is mortifying how one can be a superstar in his day and be quickly forgotten in another.

Anyone know where he was from? Anything more about the man himself and not just his works?

References:

https://www.discogs.com/artist/3162919-Anastacio-Mamaril

https://www.sysoon. com/deceased/anastacio-mamaril-237?srsltid=AfmBOooZ-Zub9kw94Q7jSJzhIdLT6ixtUzy7i39K6YKQ3X_hK-YzFdzs

https://pure.aber. ac. uk/ ws/portalfiles/portal/10396442/The_Bicol_Dotoc.pdf

https://www.philstar. com/ pilipino-star-ngayon/showbiz/2005/08/07/290337/dingdong-klik-sa-lolo-ni-karylle

Lacuesta's own account of the history of the Tour of Luzon

 Here is Atty Geruncio Lacuesta's article recounting the early days of the Tour....

This article was part of the Manila Times' Tour of Luzon supplement, which was celebrating its 10th year in 1965.

THE EARLY, TRYING YEARS OF THE TOUR OF LUZON

Part I

From the Times-Mirror Tour of Luzon Special – April 26, 1965

By Atty. Geruncio Lacuesta

President, Tour of Luzon Association, Inc.; Hon. Secretary General-Treasurer, Asian Cycling Federation; Hon. Secretary General, Philippine Cycling Association; and Director General, Second Asian Cycling Championship.

When I conceived, organized and staged the Manila to Vigan bikathon which was held from April 27 to 31, 1955 for Don Jose Lauchengco as a publicity gimmick for the first Tobacco Festival of Ilocos Sur Governor Eliseo Quirino, little did I dream that 11 years after that race, we would be holding from April 25 to May 9 of this tenth and biggest version of what has become the only annual cycling classic in Asia - the Tour of Luzon.

This year’s race, which has been fittingly named Andres Soriano Memorial Race in honor of the departed patron of the classic, is a far cry from the its prototype, the Manila to Vigan bikathon. The first multi-stage race ever to be held in the Philippines chair manned by La Mallorca’s Atty. Gemeniano F. Yabut, that bikathon was a four-day primitive affair, organized only in 15 days and staged with only P250 in cash, relying mainly on spot volunteer services and donations in kind. Today’s tours are organized and staged by a permanent staff operating on a year-round basis assisted during the Tour by some 200 paid staffers and 400 volunteer workers, not counting the hundreds of volunteers a the lap terminals and thousands of constabulary men, policemen and boy scouts along the route. The cost of staging the race comes up to some P350,000 in cash, not counting the expenses of the participation of various national government agencies, private firms, civic organizations and lap terminals.

No Tour of Luzon would have followed the Manila-Vigan bikathon had it not been for some “cussed” mental quirk that changed the course of our life. Sleepless and spent after four harrowing days serving as manager, judge, timer, clerk of course, quartermaster, public relations man all rolled into one in that Manila to Vigan bikathon, I vowed never to handle another bicycle race. But the next year found us organizing the first Tour of Luzon. I had heard something about the Tour de France from the newsmen who covered the bikathon, and the idea of holding a Philippine version became a burning challenge after the fatigue of the race had worn off.

With P4,000 that I raised from Marvex Commercial Co. and the Rizal Bicycle Store and P6,000 in cash prizes donated by Manila Times, Marvex Commercial CO., Inc, and Bataan Cigar and Cigarette Factory, I organized and staged the First Tour of Luzon with Santiago E. yap as chairman. Joaquin P. Roces, Manila Times publisher, was most instrumental in the success of that race. It was a five-lap jaunt with a total distance of 1,037 kilometers. Antonio Arzala of Laguna, the winner of that Manila to Vigan bikathon, won.

I had no intention of holding a second Tour of Luzon as I was then gong to prepare for the bar. But something happened during the race that changed my mind. Arzala had been accused of riding in a van, and in the spate of recriminations that followed, I was irked by the adverse comments. So I decided to organize the Second Tour of Luzon which was held from May 28 to June 2, 1957 for this purpose, I organized the Philippine Cycling Association, Inc. with Don Antonio de las Alas as president. The other incorporators were Santiago E. Yap, Jose Sy, Eliseo Quirino, Geminiano F. Yabut, Luis Ablaza, Jose Lauchengco, Angel P. Edrosa, Arsenio Luz, T. Calosanz, Dr. Juan S. Tablante, Jose A. Panlilio and Alfredo Balingit. I was elected executive secretary-treasurer.

An event of transcendental importance happened at this time. Col. Andres Soriano accepted San Miguel Brewery sponsorship for Royal Tru-Orange of the prizes for the Second Tour of Luzon amounting to P6,000. He had become impressed by the fact that the Tour was doing something good for the under-privileged youth who were its main beneficiaries. This was the start of the good fortune of the Tour. In preparation for the race, we held the Three-In-One Cycling Series in Manila, Dagupan and Baguio and the first Tour of Bicolandia. The Second Tour of Luzon was a six-lap race covering a distance of 1,155 kilometers. It was a resounding success, unmarred by any incident, with Rufino Gabot of Pangasinan winning the first prize. But I had to pay a heavy price for the success: I flunked the bar. The following year, however, I passed it.

The two years that followed saw the intensification of cycling promotion all over the country. Tying up with the Boy Scouts and the Red Cross, we held 10 regional tours all over the country in 1958 and 12 regional tours in 1959. These were mostly one stage and two-stage races. For me and my tiny staff, it was an island-hopping operation. I had to generate the financing for the massive archipelago-wide promotion from island to island, mainly from gate receipts and local donations.

In the 1958 Tour of Luzon, Coca-Cola Export Corporation became co-sponsor with San Miguel Brewery. This was a development of great importance because it brought into the promotion not only the massive resources of this company but also Rene L. Khan, Assistant Vice President of San Miguel Brewery and manager of the Manila Coca-Cola Plant, whose association with the project was one of the best things that happened to the Tour. The Third Tour of Luzon held from April 14 to 20 with seven laps and a total distance of 1,517 kilometers was won by another Pangasinense, Mamerto Eden.

Because of the advent of Don Antonio de las Alas into cycling, I became interested in amateur cycling. In 1957, we started promoting amateur racing in the Three-In-One Series and held the first national amateur championship. Through the efforts of Mr. Alas, the PCA became a member of the PAAF (Philippine Amateur Athletic Federation). In accordance with PAAF rules, we had to divorce the Tour of Luzon from the PCA. So I organized the Tour of Luzon Association to continue holding the Tour of Luzon.

The fourth Tour of Luzon was held from April 12 to 18, 1959. The project chairman was Salvador C. Peňa. It covered eight laps and 1,618 kilometers. Antonio Arzala won the race, establishing a record of two wins which has not yet been duplicated. In this tour, San Miguel Brewery and Coca-Cola Export Corporation started their logistical support which was to become massive in the coming years.

It was at this juncture that I met for the first time Andres Soriano Jr., whose personal interest in the Tour has been its mainstay since. In the following years, he took time out from his heavy schedule to check up on the logistical arrangements, following the race up the Nagiullian Road and down Kennon Road and viewing it from the air. It was at this instance that Mr. Khan and I observed the 1959 Tour de France to learn all that we could from the world’s biggest cycling race.

The fifth Tour of Luzon which was held from May 14 to 22, 1960 with nine laps and a total distance of 1,692 kilometers benefited greatly from our observation of the Tour de France. For the first time we supplied uniforms to the teams and officials and team vehicles. The race column began to take on more color with more vehicles, flags and signs. It was in this race that the Tour of Luzon Stage Show was initiated. The radio, TV and film coverage was greatly expanded. To select the regional teams for this race, we held four regional multi-stage tours in Mindanao, Cebu, Bicolandia and Cagayan Valley-Central Luzon. The fifth Tour was won by Rodrigo Abaquita of Cebu.

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THE EARLY, TRYING YEARS OF THE TOUR OF LUZON

Part II

From the Times-Mirror Tour of Luzon Special – April 26, 1965

By Atty. Geruncio Lacuesta

The sixth Tour of Luzon held from April 25 to May 7, 1961 covering 12 laps with a total distance of 2,167.5 had several Tour first: it had the first publicity caravan and the first foreign team to participate – the Korean team. It was the first Tour to go through the Cagayan Valley over the roof of Luzon and down the Ilocos coast. Jose Moring Jr., of Cebu won the race.

In the seventh Tour of Luzon held form March 26 to April 8, 1962 covering 13 laps with a total distance of 1,893.58 kilometers, a foreigner, the Korean Kim Ho Soon, came very close to winning the race. A great performance of Edmundo de Guzman of Pangasinan up the Kennon Road saved the San Miguel Brewery trophy for the Philippines. De Guzman won the race. The project chairman of that race was Col. Luis Uranza, Sr.

This race was marred by a threatened walkout of some cyclists instigated by some managers of its commercial cycling clubs. Although the tremendous success of the race was not impaired by the incident, I was so disgusted by the actuations of those who were directly benefiting from the promotion that I wanted to terminate the Tour of Luzon as did also the sponsors. I had in the meanwhile become interested in the national language and had founded KATAS magazine. I wanted to devote my time to the building up of this magazine and to the practice of law. I closed the office of the Tour of Luzon. But in the months to come, I was besieged by cyclists, technical directors and race officials who entreated me to continue with the Tour. The feeling of paternity over the Tour finally prevailed over me and I persuaded our sponsors to go on with the race. But to prevent a repetition of the Baguio incident, we disbanded the commercial clubs and strengthened the position of the technical directors.

The eight Tour of Luzon was held from April 21 to May 5, 1963 with 14 laps and a total distance of 2,350 kilometers. This was the longest race yet and most successful. The technical directors and riders imposed self-discipline and order. Gonzalo Recodos won the race. Project chairman of the race was Col. Guillermo Domingo.

The first Tour to be honored by a President was the ninth Tour held from April 19 to May 3, 1964. President Diosdado Macapagal started the race on its 14 stage peregrination covering a distance of 1,967.60 kilometers. The contest and the shows exceeded all previous races. Project chairman of the race was Col. Jose D. Regala.

The tenth Tour of Luzon scheduled for April 25 to May 9 of this year has a very deep significance for us. First, it marks the tenth anniversary of this classic. Second, it is our offering to the memory of the man who, more than anybody else, has made it possible for this Tour to continue and become the top spectacle on wheels in Asia. Project chairman is again, Col. Jose D. Regala. We appeal to everyone of our countrymen to help make this race a fitting tribute to a man who has helped very much the under-privileged youth of the land.

I have been asked what account for the success of the Tour of Luzon. The following come to my mind.

1. There is a social need for it. The under-privileged youth of the land had been neglected in the promotion of sports in this country. The Tour was the dramatic answer to the need of channeling the potentialities of the under-privileged youth to constructive activities.

2. The public wanted more challenging sports that would overcome the traditional ningas cogon trait of our people and develop rugged character, stamina and strong will power needed for national survival in the atomic age. The Tour was the spectacular answer.

3. The Tour was promoted as a community project thereby assuring it the support among the officialdom and the various communities.

4. The Tour was promoted not only as a challenging sports contest but also as a colorful promotion for trade, travel, tourism and civic cooperation.

5. We had generous “angels” in the persons of the late Don Andres Soriano Jr., and in San Miguel Brewery and Coca-Cola Export Corporation.

6. We did not lack in government and community leaders who gave freely of their time, money and effort to help this sport of the masses.

4Ps Success Stories Series (#8) | “Breadwinner na Winner!”

4Ps Success Stories Series (#8) | “Breadwinner na Winner!”

Alam kong ang bawat pagsubok ay bahagi lamang ng proseso, at hangga’t may pangarap, may dahilan para ipagpatuloy ang laban,” saad ng isang breadwinner na si Reymalyn R. Caranto, 24 taong gulang mula sa Brgy. Caturay, Bayambang, Pangasinan. (I know that every challenge is just part of the process, and as long as there's a dream, there's a reason to continue the fight," said Reymalyn R. Caranto, a 24-year-old breadwinner from Brgy. Caturay, Bayambang, Pangasinan.)

A consistent honor student simula elementarya hanggang sekundarya, nang tumuntong sa kolehiyo ay consistent Dean’s Lister sa Pangasinan State University - San Carlos City Campus at natapos ng may Karangalan (With Distinction) at nakatanggap ng Leadership Award noong 2023 sa kursong Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Social Studies. (A consistent honor student from elementary to secondary school, upon entering college, she was a consistent Dean's Lister at Pangasinan State University, San Carlos City Campus and graduated with Distinction, receiving a Leadership Award in 2023 in the Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Social Studies program.)

“Naalala ko pa po noong ako’y college, ang nakukuha kong cash assistance mula sa pagiging Dean's Lister ay ipinangdadagdag ko sa baon ko at para sa mga kapatid ko,” sambit niya. (“I still remember when I was in college, the cash assistance I received from being a Dean's Lister, I would add to my allowance and use it for my siblings,” she said.)

Siya ay ikalawang batch ng K-12 Curriculum Program ng DepEd, kaya naman pagkatapos ng pag-aaral sa kolehiyo ay sumabak siya sa pagrereview upang paghandaan ang March Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers 2024. At matagumpay niya itong naipasa noong Mayo, 2024. (She is from the second batch of the DepEd's K-12 Curriculum Program, so after graduating from college, she immediately reviewed to prepare for the March 2024 Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers. And she successfully passed it in May 2024.)

“Ako po ay panganay sa limang magkakapatid, ang aking mga magulang ay sina Emalyn at Richard Caranto. Ang aking papa ay kabilang sa mga masuwerteng nahandugan ng trabaho ng LGU Bayambang (Job Order) at ang akin naman pong mama ay nasa bahay at nag-aasikaso sa aming magkakapatid. Bago kami maging benepisyaryo ng Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), tanda ko pa po ‘yung mga days na ang pamilya namin dumaan sa matinding kahirapan tulad din ng ibang pamilya. Ang aming pang-araw-araw na buhay ay hindi naging madali, lalo na pagdating sa pagkain, edukasyon, at kalusugan. Tanging ang kita lang po ng aming papa ang tumutustos sa lahat ng pangangailangan namin,” kuwento niya. (“I am the eldest of five siblings, and my parents are Emalyn and Richard Caranto. My father is among the fortunate ones given a job by the LGU Bayambang (Job Order), and my mother stays at home and takes care of us siblings. Before we became beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), I remember the days when our family went through extreme hardship, just like other families. Our daily life was not easy, especially when it came to food, education, and health. Only my father's income sustained all our needs,” she recounted.)

Kaya naman, labis ang pasasalamat ng kaniyang pamilya na mapapabilang sa 4P’S, kwento niya. “Sadyang sobrang hirap maging mahirap, ngunit sa kabila po ng lahat ng ito, hindi nawawala ang aming pagsisikap at pangarap na magkaroon ng mas maayos na buhay. Nang mapabilang kami sa 4Ps, ito ay naging malaking tulong upang unti-unting maiangat at buhayin ang aming pangarap. Ang programang ito ay lubos na nakatulong sa buhay namin, lalung-lalo na sa edukasyon. Kasi when it comes sa education, limited ang resources namin, to the point na pinagtatagpi-tagpi po namin ang mga lumang notebook at umaasa sa mga free school supply na ibibigay ng school para lang may magamit uli sa next school year. Ang daming oportunidad na pumasok sa pamilya namin noong napabilang kami sa 4P’s, lalong lalo na sa edukasyon at pangkalusugan.

 (Therefore, her family is extremely grateful to be included in the 4Ps program. She recounts, “It is truly very difficult to be poor. Despite all of this, our efforts and dreams of having a better life never wavered. When we became part of 4Ps, it became a huge help to gradually uplift us and bring our dreams to life. This program greatly helped our lives, especially in education. Because when it comes to education, our resources were limited, to the point that we would patch together old notebooks and rely on the free school supplies provided by the school just to have something to use for the next school year. Many opportunities came into our family when we became part of 4Ps, especially in education and health.)

Maraming beses na niyang naranasan ang kagustuhang sumuko. Dumaan ang kanilang pamilya sa napakaraming pagsubok. Labis siyang natakot sa mga posibleng mangyari kung siya ay susuko, lalo na't siya ang inaasahan ng kanyang mga kapatid. (She experienced the desire to give up many times. Their family went through numerous trials. She was extremely afraid of the possible consequences if she gave up, especially since her siblings were relying on her.)

Ngayon, narating na niya ang dating pinapangarap lamang noon. Sa tulong ng kanyang pamilya, mga kaibigan, at suporta mula sa 4Ps at scholarship, natupad niya ang kanyang pangarap — hindi lamang para sa sarili kundi para rin sa kanyang mga mahal sa buhay at sa mga batang kanyang matutulungan bilang isang guro. Natutunan niya na ang bawat pagsubok ay bahagi lamang ng proseso, at hangga’t may pangarap, may dahilan para ipagpatuloy ang laban. (Now, she has reached what she once only dreamed of. With the help of her family, friends, support from 4Ps, and scholarship, she fulfilled her dream — not only for herself but also for her loved ones and the children she will help as a teacher. She learned that every challenge is just part of the process, and as long as there's a dream, there's a reason to continue the fight.)

Sa loob ng ilang taon na sila ay naging bahagi ng 4Ps, at sa kasalukuyan ay benepisyaryo ang kanyang kapatid, nagkaroon sila ng maayos na suporta sa kanilang edukasyon. Ang tulong pinansyal mula sa programa ay nakatulong upang makabili ng mga gamit sa paaralan, uniporme, at iba pang pangangailangan. Dahil sa suportang kanilang natanggap, mas nagkaroon sila ng pag-asa at lakas ng loob na ipagpatuloy ang kanilang laban sa buhay. Naging katuwang ng kanilang mga magulang ang 4Ps upang matupad nila ang kanilang mga pangarap. (For the years that they were part of the 4Ps, and with her sibling currently a beneficiary, they received proper support for their education. The financial assistance from the program helped them buy school supplies, uniforms, and other necessities. Because of the support they received, they gained more hope and courage to continue their fight in life. The 4Ps became a partner to their parents in fulfilling their dreams.)

Dagdag pa nya, “Ngayon, ang dating batang nangangarap na maging guro ay LPT na dahil sa tulong, sipag at pagpupursige sa buhay! Isa na akong private school teacher sa Basista, Pangasinan, at ang aking dalawang kapatid na naging benepisyaryo rin ng 4Ps ay nasa kolehiyo at graduating na. Maraming salamat, DSWD, sa programang ito, at higit sa lahat, salamat lagi’t lagi sa Panginoon. Laging ipinapaalala ng aking mama’t papa na kung ano ang matanggap, malaki man o maliit, matutong magpasalamat dahil ang mabuhay sa araw-araw ay isang napakalaking biyaya.” (She added, “Now, the child who once dreamed of becoming a teacher is now an LPT (Licensed Professional Teacher) because of help, hard work, and perseverance in life! I am now a private school teacher in Basista, Pangasinan, and my two siblings, who also became beneficiaries of 4Ps, are in college and graduating. Many thanks to DSWD for this program, and above all, thank you always to the Lord. My mother and father always remind me that whatever we receive, whether we have much or little, we should learn to be grateful because living each day is a very big blessing.”)

Bilang pangwakas, aniya ay hinding-hindi siya magsasawang matuto at tanggapin ang bawat oportunidad na makakatulong sa kanyang pag-unlad. Ang pinakamalaking pangarap niya sa buhay ay ang mabigyan ng maayos na buhay ang kanyang pamilya, lalo na ang kanilang mga magulang. (In conclusion, she said that she will never tire of learning and accepting every opportunity that will help her progress. Her biggest dream in life is to provide a good life for her family, especially their parents.)

(by: Richard D. Rivera Jr./Municipal Link Pantawid Pamilya)

4Ps Success Stories Series (#7) | “A Student’s Journey: A Family’s Success”

 4Ps Success Stories Series (#7) | “A Student’s Journey: A Family’s Success”

“Learning requires patience. It is a trial-and-error journey. Sometimes, one has to try a hundred times in order to get that one correct answer. Struggles and mistakes are part of life, and it is during these trying times that one must trust and believe that they are capable.” 

This is how Mhylyn E. Datuin describes her path towards her goal to success as a student. A 4Ps beneficiary from Bayambang,  Pangasinan, Mhylyn had always been a determined student. Ever since elementary school, she had earned the honor of being recognized as one of the top students in her class. She was a consistent honor student and had always been active in participating in various activities in school. Growing up, she knew that education was her ticket to a better future—not just for her, but for her entire family. At such a young age, she was fully conscious of the hardships that her parents encounter in supporting the family. Her mother worked hard as a vendor, and her father, a musician, did what he could to support them. His father would also work as welder in construction sites in order to bring more food on the table. Still, their income was barely enough to make ends meet.

As she transitioned from high school to college, things became more challenging. With the increasing demands of her Bachelor of Secondary Education majoring in English, Mhylyn faced difficulties not only in academics but also in other aspects of her life. “A student's journey has never been easy; there are several assignments, tests, and quizzes. It's quite difficult to balance all of your obligations as a student and a daughter.” The overwhelming pressure of her classes weighed heavily on her shoulders. ...Transportation costs and financial instability, things that a young girl should not be worrying about. Yet, despite all these trials, she never let go of her dreams. Her grades remained high, a testament to her perseverance. But every achievement felt bittersweet. She wasn’t just studying for herself—she was doing it for her family. The weight of her dreams intertwined with the hopes of her parents, and sometimes the burden felt too heavy. She also felt the need to become a role model to her younger sibling — a challenge that is not entirely hers but with her family. It was instilled in her mind that a diploma is the key in uplifting their family from being in the fringes of the society into becoming an integral and contributing part of the community.

 

But then came a glimmer of hope: the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. It is a government initiative designed to provide financial assistance to low-income families, and it became a lifeline for Mhylyn’s family. The support from the program made it possible for her to stay in school, focus on her studies, and relieve some of the financial strain on her parents. The 4Ps helped cover transportation costs, school materials, and even some of the family’s basic needs. “Before we became members of the 4Ps, our allowance in school was insufficient for us. Then we were given the opportunity to become members of this program, which helped us sustain our school needs and provide additional allowance for our daily lives.” “I consider it a blessing,” Mhylyn often said. The assistance wasn’t just about money—it was a way for her to continue her education, to pursue her goals without the constant fear of having to drop out due to financial limitations. It became clear to her that the 4Ps was a gift from God, one that had paved the way for her survival.

When she finally graduated, it wasn’t just any graduation—it was a moment of triumph. Mhylyn stood proud as she received her diploma, adorned with the words "Cum Laude" beside her name, her parents, Jayson and Ronda, proudly standing beside her as she receives her recognition. It was proof that her hard work had paid off. Her sleepless nights, the sacrifices she made, and the countless exhausting days were all leading her toward something greater. But more importantly, it was proof that she had overcome the challenges life had thrown at her, with the help of the 4Ps program, her unwavering faith, and her family’s love. “Long story short,” Mhylyn would reflect, “the Lord paved the way for me to survive.”

This is a testament of a student’s journey, that with patience, perseverance and faith, triumph is possible. It is triumph that is not solely hers, however, but one that belongs to many hands that helped her along the way. The steadfast support from her family, unfaltering trust in God, and Mhylyn’s determination paved the way to realizing her dream to finish her education, and with flying colors too. Her story is emblematic of the challenges faced by many students in similar situations. Her narrative serves as a reminder of the importance of community support and government initiatives aimed at alleviating poverty. Programs like the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program not only provide financial assistance but also foster a sense of hope and possibility for future generations.

Moreover, Mhylyn’s story is an inspiration to others facing hardships. It emphasizes that struggles and mistakes are part of life’s journey and that success often requires a willingness to embrace challenges. Her mantra, “I will study hard to prove that poverty is not a hindrance to achieving your dreams,” resonates deeply with anyone striving to rise above their circumstances. As she embarks on the next chapter of her life, Mhylyn embodies the hope that education can indeed be the key to breaking the cycle of poverty, not just for herself, but for her entire family. Her story is a testament to the endurance of human spirit and the belief that with hard work, dreams can be realized.

(by: Mary Anne S. Olpindo - PDO II/Municipal Link | Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program