This third guidepost in life reminds us that it is better to give than to receive. I remember so well my earlier years, at the bottom rung of management. As I am sure you would, I worked hard in order that I will be prepared for the career breaks that come my way. Thus at that stage, I was dependent on the possibilities that my superiors could create and offer to me. I was at the receiving end, and the more I performed, the faster I moved up the organization. Grateful as I will always to be those who gave me the important breaks in my career, those who standout are the ones who went on a limb for me, those who put in some sacrifice to see me through. Look back from this happy moment, and who will you easily remember from the past? For me, I will never forget my father sharing with me some late nights when I needed tutorials in spite of his being tired from a long day at his dental clinic; I remember my mother giving me a good spanking because I treated our house help badly; I recall the [De] La Salle Brother who taught me Algebra in Grade 3; I remember my very strict home room advisor in my Prep class who painstakingly taught me how to write and read; I appreciate the chance that another [De] La Salle Brother gave me to handle a high school retreat; I remember the dread of taking major subjects under the toughest professors, and in the end learning so much from them; and more recently, I have to thank disobedient, recalcitrant subordinates in the office who have made me realize that I can still be a kinder and more compassionate manager. These and many more are those who have touched our lives for good, in their silent ways, deserving far from applause than what they could ask for. And thus I say, as our fourth guidepost, let us make our gratitude greater than our success. It is because what we are today, what we have become, is the product of the many unique encounters with others. Life is a collection of experiences that we continue to build up to the very end, where there is a yardstick that we will have to measure up to. At this point, let me now attempt to define success; success is a measure as decided by others. But let me very quickly offer another point of evaluation; it is called satisfaction, and satisfaction is the measure as decided by you.

And so at some reckoning time, what will matter? How will the value of your days be measured?
What will matter is not what you bought, but what you built; not what you got, but what you gave.
What will matter is not your success, but your significance in the lives of others.
What will matter is not what you learned, but what you taught. What will matter is every act of integrity, compassion, courage or sacrifice that enriched, empowered or encouraged others to emulate your example, and in turn make a difference in life.
What will matter is not your competence, but your character.

And so my dear graduates, and all of us Lasallians here gathered today, let us make that Lasallian star shine through our lives. Let us allow ourselves to be the bearer of the Good News to others, so that their lives will be better and ensure a truly bright future for the generations of Filipinos to come. We need this transformation of values at this very moment when our society is helmed in with lies, deceit, selfishness and callous materialism. These block off the light and plunge us into darkness. We are now at the threshold to make a difference—let us not miss this opportunity to help rebuild and rescue our nation from its moral decadence.

Recently there was a raging debate among some La Salle e-groups as to whether we should be called Lasallites or Lasallians. To some, there was indifference, they just could not care. To several older graduates, they were adamant that they be referred to as Lasallites. They felt it was in keeping with tradition, as old as Green-and-White. For the younger ones, the term Lasallian is more encompassing to include the co-eds, faculty, and new members of our academic community. As for me, a Lasallite is one who has gone through a [Lasallian] education; but I make a distinction for a Lasallian as someone who lives according to the norms of our founder, St. John Baptist de La Salle, which are Religio, Mores, Cultura. And so, my dear graduates, would you allow me to refer to you as Lasallians? Would you then accept the challenge to make that Lasallian Star shine through your lives and therefore create great possibilities in the lives of others, while we make ourselves the professionals who will remake this nation?

Let us live a life that truly matters. That’s a very big possibility just outside this auditorium. Take that first big step boldly because you are now armed with the best education and the Christian values to go with it.