Updated with a video, thanks again to Benj!
Over at Filipino Voices, Benj wrote a glowing review of Gian’s win at the ESU and what it means for everyone else. He even posted a copy of Gian’s speech at his blog, Atheista.net.
It’s amazing how big a phenomenon Gian has become. For me, he will always be that angsty, moody yet exceptionally driven and brilliant teenager who starred as this emo kid in their final project for Pisay Meets World. I’ve seen that photo of him in barong in the newspaper, but it is this photo with him front and center, that will always capture the Gian I know: leader, actor and prolific writer.
It doesn’t hurt that as a student, he was exceptionally easy to teach and effortlessly topped my class. But now, for all those who read and followed his story from Manila to London, Gian is a symbol. Indeed, there is tremendous symbolic power in a countryman’s — especially a young, promising countryman’s — achievement that just stirs a deep sense of pride and joy deep within us. Benj couldn’t ask it better — What were you doing when you were sixteen years old?
I can’t recall what I did when I was sixteen; I was that unremarkable. So I’ve always told my students that while there are people born into greatness, there are times when greatness is thrust upon you. We just have to pick our moments, and run with it when it comes. Gian, your time has come.
I remember telling you that he was going to be the Philippine representative. I bet a lot of people from Pisay didn’t even know that he was competing. LOL
Some teachers had an idea. Another friend of his was supposed to join. Trip lang daw nila. Some trip eh?
yup, he definitely cornered the emo-vote. LOL
hahaha. “angsty, moody yet exceptionally driven and brilliant teenager” describes him very accurately, sir.
wow. it’s extremely overwhelming when the victory is so close to home.
just realized “extremely overwhelming” is too superlative(?!) haha. but i guess it captures the feeling of the pride and happiness the entire pisay community, especially those who got the chance to know him, felt when we heard the news.
i JUST LOVE HIS SPEECH.. Informative, passionate, and I’m really happy to know that he has been under your tutelage..
As I have said Martin, your contribution lies within these students.. The proof of the pudding is in the eating, and in your case, on the lower right sidebar of this blog..
bra-VO.