My daughter graduated silently

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No fanfare. By herself. At her school registrar’s. 

She received her transcript of records, glanced at the status that says: Graduated, 6 August 2026. 

And just like that, she has her bachelor’s degree. 

Of course the fanfare will be in Dececember for the march, which is the chance for people to visually record the ceremony. But we would not even be allowed in the building, just the graduates. 

Unlike in the Philippines, we can’t even cheer for her live. 

This, among others, makes it such a glaring comparison with how we deal with graduations back home. 

But here is home now, too. It is different, quieter, spicier, more efficient, calmer, gentler and hopeful. 

She will remain here, up north, for at least five more years. But that’s a another story. 


"I am an X in an indeterminate equation. And that X is the rock upon which I stand." - Mario Puzo

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