Two Makati Hope Christian School (MHCS) students, Jerome Samuel Tan and Zach Anthony Ty, were recipients of the 2022 Ten Outstanding Students of Makati (TOSM) Award last June 10, placing second and sixth respectively.
TOSM, a collaboration between the City Government of Makati's Education Department, the Department of Education (DepEd) and Junior Chamber International Makati, aims to engage the student youth of Makati to showcase not only their potential in terms of academics, but in talents, leadership skills, competencies, and more as they rise among the ranks to be noted as their respective schools’ and city’s role models and ambassadors.
Through the TOSM, Tan and Ty were able to showcase their outstanding skills in the different rounds of the contest: the quiz portion, the talent show portion, and through a panel interview.
Amidst victories and new experiences, challenging moments were also faced. These hardships played a role in helping these skillful students unfurl a new chapter in their lives and give them the boost needed in order to accomplish the trials the contest had to offer in excellence.
To document their unforgettable moments in this one-of-a-kind competition with the school community, Candle Pen conducted a brief interview with the awardees. Observing social distancing protocols, Top 6 TOSM Zach Ty was interviewed onsite after class hours. On the other hand, Top 2 TOSM Jerome Tan was interviewed online.
Q: What made this competition memorable?
“I would say there were two things that made it memorable; first, I was exposed to a lot of different experiences and people.” shared Ty. “When the competition came, I was scared because there were people all around different schools; people who excelled in different fields. It's hard to shine in a room of diamonds, and you start to lose your value when in a room with people who are as good as you are.”
Ty then went on to talk about his sentiments engaging with his competitors in a new environment.
“But when I got to know them, I realized that they're just as human as me, still learning, still growing with a lot to offer. Second, I had a realization of what I wanted to do, and how I valued myself as a person. I always thought that what I was passionate about never had much of an effect on others. I was so stressed studying for the test portion, but when TOSM announced its talent portion, I decided I’ll do what I love to do- performing. So I sang a song in English and added a Chinese spin to it, learning piano accompaniment as well. Then, as soon as I hit the keys and started singing, all the butterflies went away. It felt as if I was reliving how things used to be back then.”
Additionally, Ty expressed his words of thanks to Ms. Jasmine Lim and Mr. Michael Uy who assisted him in rehearsing beforehand.
“I'm very grateful for the experience the TOSM gave me; because being surrounded by a lot of these outstanding people made me realize that I, too, was outstanding in my own way.” concluded Ty.
“This competition was memorable because of the amazing and intelligent people we were competing against. Everyone had their own skills and abilities, and were very talented in their own way.” shared Top 2 TOSM, Jerome Tan.
“Despite being competitors, we still respected and supported each other throughout the competition. We started as competitors and rivals, but became friends along the way. It was more than a mere test of wit, but a social experience for us students to befriend and interact with others. Hence, it will always be a contest I will never forget.” Tan adds.
Q: What word of advice would you like to share with your fellow students after this experience? (asked to Zach Ty)
“A student is someone who takes what they're given and remembers it, the outstanding student takes it and crafts it into something beautiful.”
Ty imparts one final message to the student community to those who have or have not found what they aim to achieve in life: "To those that have already found it, congratulations; and to those who are still struggling to find it, congratulations as well; because you have one big journey in front of you.”
Q: How would you use your talents of excellence to benefit the student community? (asked to Jerome Tan)
“During the first round of the competition, I learned one important thing: You can't be good at everything. So be yourself. The challenge with being yourself is that the world tries to make you the "ideal" person, and too many try and fail to live up to that ideal.”
Tan wishes to use his talents as a beacon of inspiration to the MHCS community, and to help them become the best version of themselves.
“No matter how long you do it, you will find it hard to be someone you're not. Inspiring others to bring out their talents and skills is already an honor, and I will be proud to accept that duty.”
The outstanding winners’ sentiments will truly resonate within the student body and serve as a reminder to strive forward and use their God-given talents for the better.
Thank you to MHCS principal, Dr. Marivic Daguio, Ms. Basco, and the teachers for supporting and training the winners for this occasion. Congratulations to Jerome and Zach! To God be the glory!
Story by Anika Uy and Chantelle Saw
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