| what would you feel if one day your sixth grade daughter will tell you that she was told by their school administrator to write a poem to be submitted as an entry to a national search for young writers? and that it must be written inside the school campus? and that there are only six of them, one in each section (sixth grade)? of course, you would feel very happy…and proud, wouldn’t you?
i felt the same when that happened to me weeks ago. imagine, your youngest daughter in a national competition ! i would not feel as great if it is only for the school. i am used to it. my daughter, nikka (nelly karen viktoria), has been a consistent first honor student since she was in the prep until the fifth grade, and hopefully, another one this year. she has lots of medals in extra-curricular fields, too. the next day after she told me about it, i went to immanuel school of davao, the school where she is in and saw this poster in the school’s bulletin board: |
the mechanics:
| again, what would you feel if your daughter wil tell you that she won second place in a national search for young writers? of course, you would feel happier…and more proud, wouldn’t you? you guess it right; i felt the same way, too, when she told me so. it is not easy to be chosen from thousands of entries coming from different schools both from public and private nationwide. her entry must be that good at her level! on the 24th day of last month (october), she surprised us all: my wife, nelly, my daughters gladys and kringkring, and my son, junjun. she brought home from school a box bearing her name and her school’s containing what i called ‘fruits of her labor’. inside the box were assorted books and dictionaries, an expensive digital clock, a beautiful school bag, and a cash gift of three thousand pesos. my heart swelled! and that night, gifts to her came in: an expensive wristwatch from my married eldest daughter, carmeli, who worked as a supervising engineer for ‘pinnacle holdings’ ,owner of ‘nccc chain of supermarts’, cakes from hannah, a long-time friend of my son and from her ‘kuya’ junjun, a beautiful necklace. great, aren’t they? the ‘fruits of her labor’ inside the box are priceless, no doubt about it - they are not bought, nor solicited but prizes. what made me feel the proudest father in the world though did not came from that box . it was in another thin box. it was given to her in an unscheduled ceremony in her school by the search sponsor’s representative. this is it: |
| the winning entry (of course, superimposed on a beautiful picture later by the proud father): |
the search for young creative writers was sponsored by
manoy doro, i would feel extremely proud! congratulations!! manang-mana po sa inyo ang bata! congratulations din po sa nanay at siyempre lalung-lalo na, kay nikka!
congratulations nelly karen viktoria “nikka”! you’ve made your parents proud and brought honor to your family. of course, my congratulations to you too, manoy doro and ate nelly. ang galing po ni nikka.
congratulations!!! galing naman,, love the poem!!
congatulations my friend!! oh! too see your kids achieved something for themselves is truly remarkable.i am so, so happy for you and ate nelly.
hug and kisses to nikka for a job well done.you made your family proud,young lady.manang-mana talaga sa pinagmanahan si nikka, manoy doro!!!
PROST! Nikka! wow! galing naman po ng anak nyo Manoy Doro, Congartulations to you and your wife for having such a daughter, Nikka, Congrats!
wow, manoy doro. congratulations to nikka, i love her poem. also, congratulations din sa inyong mag-asawa, from whom did nikka got her talents must of course be from both of you. her achievements truly can make you proud or any parents proud.
As a mother of three girls, Im so equally proud and happy of what they can. How much more for you oy your daughter’s achievement, its such an honor. she will have a bright future ahead.
Congratulations…………………………..
Hello tito! Wow! Congratulations to Nikka and most of all sa proud parents…Tito Doro and Tita Nelly. Ever supportive kayo as parents that is why they are all performing at their best. Of course, proud cousin din ako. I am happy for you and Tita and of course to Nikka.
maraming salamat sa mga papuri, mga kaibigan! ang sinasabing may pinagmanahan ang anak ko, baka nga. hindi sa pagmamayabang, ako ma’y consistent first honor din mula grade 1 hanggang grade 6. hindi nga lang sa isang private school sa siyudad kundi sa isang pampublikong paaralan sa bukid. (bongabong elementary school sa bongabong, pantukan, comval province)
ay, kaya naman pala! totoo nga ang mana-mana, haha!
nikka brought such honor not only to her family and school, but also to davao, at a very young age of 12 (or maybe 11)! one can just imagine the heights she can reach once she’s finished with school. napakalayo ng mararating batang yan. she has good genes, and davao is one of the best environments i know in the philippines to raise children. post naman po kayo ng picture niya, manoy d, kung okay lang. thank you!
a big CONGRATS to nikka!! and to you, manoy doro, for raising her well, and for- i’m sure- sharing your writer’s genes with her
what a lovely poem she wrote!! i agree with che. i can see nikka developing into a famous writer and/or poet not too many years down the road 
i will keep your daughter in my prayers. may God guide her as she grows each day, and as she brings honor and gladness to her family through her excellent writings!!
hallo Manoy Doro,
LIKE FATHER, LIKE DAUGHTER….
MY BIG BIG RESPECT FOR LITTLE NIKKA. CONGRATULATION AND A BIG BIG HUG FOR HER.
What a lovely poem she wrote!! keep well and cherish her…
Congratulations to your daughter Nikka ! she is so talented and gifted. Congratulations to you too Manoy Doro, you are also reaping the fruits of your labor !
Indeed what a joyful day for you and your family Manoy Doro! Congratulations to Nikka and to her parents who have done a good job in supporting her to get to where she is now! Continue on and Keep it up! Cheers!
hello manoy,
you did write so good…how i wish i write that way too….keep it up and encourage your daughter as well…to write more
thank you for nikka’s picture, manoy doro. she’s very pretty, at dalagang-dalaga na for her age! beauty and brains…
hi Manoy Doro, applause and congratulations yes you’re a very proud father, nagmana sa ama (ay mag-asawa pala) you know what yon ang mga gusto kong mabasa na topic; you planted a good and healthy seed of ur endeavor. again congratulations keep up the goods.
That’s cool. Fantastic. Big congratulations to father and daughter!