LOOK, DAD, I MADE IT!

"You're going to send him to college in Manila? Baka magbubulakbol lang yan! Magsasayang lang tayo ng pera sa kanya."

I was hurt. It's more painful to hear that statement coming from my dad. He didn't believe in my capacity, he compared me to my younger brother who is the intelligent one. My mom just told me to ignore him and just to keep my moral on high grounds.

I was an underdog when I was in grade school and as well in my high school years, the mediocre perhaps. In the ranking, I was always on the bottom of the list. On the other hand, my brother was always on the honor roll during those days. He graduated with flying colors both in grade school and high school. I know I already did a great effort to belong on the top section and contented with that while watching my brother marching into the stage receiving a handful of medals. Envy, it's what I felt.

The day I left to the city, I was wearing a heavy heart. I was at the brink of crying.

First year came along, a little bit hard fighting the homesickness. Second year, still managing to juggle all my school requirements. Third year and fourth year came along as heavy as what I expected.

But in those 4 years of being far away from them, I made it to the point that my dad will be proud of me as will march with pride and honor on that baccalaureate event. I will try to change my image as a dumb ass, lame and laid back student from his eyes.

That day came. I was wearing that glorious red toga with satisfaction. At last, they can now breathe that I was able to finish my college on time.

But that was not only my surprise for them. Yes, it was only that day that they have known of my "surprise."

And my dad hugged me so tight for the first time, teary eyed. It's not that I proved him wrong, I proved that I made it.