198 Acknowledgments

“Silent gratitude isn't much use to anyone.”

~ G.B. Stern

Indeed, college life is difficult. But it would have been tenfold tougher without the people who traveled the road of education with you. It is in this regard that I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to those people whose contributions will never be forgotten.

First and foremost, to my family: Papa, Mama, Kuya and Tummy:

Thank you for the unconditional support, patience and understanding you’ve provided me ever since. Thank you for even the littlest yet significant things that helped me become as I am today. It is to you whom I gladly dedicate the fruits of my hardwork. I love you all!

To our adviser, Ma’am Gev:

Who dares to teach must never cease to learn. Thank you for believing in us although we were unable to meet most of our deadlines. Despite the limited time you have, you have always spared some to help us with our work and to guide us through the research.

To my thesis partner, Alvi:

Sa wakas, tapos na tayo sa 198! Thank you for all the patience and hardwork you’ve put into this research. Our efforts have now been paid off. Congratulations and good luck to your future endeavors!

To our fellow DSP 198ers, Bogs and Narz:

Congratulations din! Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us. I hope you were able to learn some from us as well.

To the whole DSPamilya:

Hahaha! Syempre di naman pwedeng DSFamily di ba? Aida, Arvin, Chia, DP, Emon, Keone, Les, Manu, Marvin, Mio, Nico, Ted, Tim, Tin, Triah, Virg, Sir Lito, Sir Fed, Sir Franz, Kuya Mac, Kuya Joel and DSProbies. Thank you for all the academic and moral support. Let us continue to be proactive. Good luck to all future 190ers and 198ers!

To Bata, Darwin and Aljay:

There is UNITY in GO! From the time we formed our barkada including Alvi three years ago, there had not been a moment I remember when we fought with each other. In fact, inspite of all that transpired, we continue to trust each other amidst all circumstances. I am very grateful to have met friends whom I can really trust and rely in times of trouble and depression. Thank you so much for the unparalleled camaraderie and support.

To Kel:

I've heard it said that people come into our lives for a reason. Bringing something we must learn. And we are led to those who help us most to grow if we let them and we help them in return. Well, I don't know if I believe that's true. But I know I'm who I am today because I knew you. Those lines from the song “For Good” summarizes what I wanted to say to you. You’re one of the few trusted friends I’ve had not only in UP but in my entire life as well. Thank you for all the things you’ve done for me from the past until today. No word is enough to express my gratitude towards you.

To the Boardmates (Inah, Irah, Miko, Dada, Chow, Jean, Gelo, Paul, Joe, April):

Inooooooom! LOL. Joke lang. Thank you for accepting me as part of this group. I am always looking forward to being with you, guys! Thank you for all the laughter and recreation we shared together. I am very grateful to each and everyone of you, especially to Inah and Irah whom I can entrust Cielo whenever I’m not around. Thank you so much!

To my beloved organization, UP Circuit:

Dare to excel. Thank you for being my refuge and sanctuary since my second year in college. Thank you for providing me all the necessities a student will ever need to survive in EEEI; from academic assistance to people whom I consider as almost family. Thank you for all the values you have imparted on me to become a holistically developed individual. To the members of UP Circuit, I thank you all for sharing your time and ideas with me. Circuit HAYT!!!

To my dearest Cielo:

Bheng! Thank you for being both a distraction and inspiration. Sorry for all my shortcomings especially whenever I’m stressed. Thank you for being patient and understanding whenever those times came. I am truly blessed to have you by my side through thick and thin. Thank you for all the encouragement and support you willingly gave me. Most of all, thank you for the unconditional love that kept me and will continue to keep me inspired. Always take care of yourself. I love you so much!

And most importantly, to God:

Thank you, Lord, for the wisdom you bestowed upon me and the loving and caring people you surrounded me with. Without You, I am nothing. To Yours be the glory!