the BIGGEST THANK YOU ever to all fellow dreamers!

It' s finally happened!! I have graduated with an MA and fulfilled one of my dreams!!

In June 22, 2006, I made a call out to family, friends and to everyone else in the world to help fund my endeavor to get to the Institute of Social Studies in the Hague, the Netherlands. For a donation of P300 to help my dream, I would do a good deed in their name and post it in this blog.

By September 2006, I received enough money to buy my plane ticket and begin my academic adventure.

Fifteen months later, last December 14 specifically, I graduated with an MA in Development Studies (Major in Population, Poverty and Social Development; Minor in Gender Studies, bow) AND with overall merit! I say that with pride as I know that I have achieved that only with the help of so many people who helped me get here in the first place.

Kung may acknowledgement page ang libro, ito na yun para sa akin. Kung may pagkakataon mang mag-speech sa graduation ceremony, binati ko na kayo isa-isa. Thanks to all of you!!

1. Auntie Florence
2. Auntie Geline
3. Auntie Nor
4. Auntie Boots and Uncle Lenn
5. Joseph & Aimee Santos-Lyons - with very special thanks for extending the call to her network
6. Ana Sevilla
7. Analy Mangalindan (RIP) - wherever you are... salamat.
8. Angel Balagtas-Suero
9. Astrid Tobias - special thanks for being my number one supporter on the dreams and deeds things!!
10. Ato Villasenor
11. Carlota Pineda & Richard Rescate
12. Carina Evangelista
13. Carol (friend of Aimee)
14. Cary Ryan Reyes
15. Celia Sevilla
16. Daisy Carinan
17. Ditsi Carolina
18. Detremier Villones
19. Dondon Farrales
20. Earnest Mangalubnan-Zabala
21. Elnora Ebillo
22. Elaine Penaflorida
23. Elaine Sevilla
24. Faye and Alfa
25. Jane (UPSCA)
26. J-anne Areola
27. Jay Banzagales
28. Jasmin Dacio
29. Karen Cruz
30. KNN (Hanna, Angelo, Danz… oh my, who else… anonymous kuno kasi ang pagbigay)
31. Laarni Salanga
32. Melanie “Lala” Ruiz
33. Lene (UPSCA)
34. Erlinda “Leng” Derecho
35. Marj Villa
36. Martina Miranda
37. Mavreen Tan
38. Maya Alcantara
39. Imee Alcantara
40. Merci Ferrer
41. Miko Lopez
42. Melissa Goebel
43. Denise & Neil Bascos
44. Myra Manialong
45. Nicolle Comafay
46. Hermrei Ong
47. Peng
48. Roderick Manalo
49. Sunshine delos Reyes
50. Suzette (friend of Aimee)
51. Tata (friend of Aimee)
52. Te (arlene) Calleja
53. Tess Miranda
54. Tin Macatulad
55. Vida Aenlle
56. Vir Lontoc

Huge thanks to Mama, Papa, Gert and Auntie Yeng!

At the moment, I am now working in an INGO called Aflatoun Child Savings International. We aim to promote Child Social & Financial Education, which means empowering children by teaching them about rights and responsibilities, as well as financial literacy.

Once again, thank you. And may we all continue to dream so long as there are others out there who are willing to dream with us.