Angge Alcantara was nervous on Thursday morning.
It was not because Adamson University had a big game in the UAAP.
Alcantara, 23, was about to deliver the biggest speech of her life in front of her fellow klasmeyts.
During the graduation rites of Adamson held at the Philippine International Convention Center, Alcantara gave the valedictory speech after graduating with Latin honors.
Yes, the Lady Falcon finished her BSESS major in Fitness & Sports Management degree as Magna Cum Laude.
She kept her honor as a surprise for her mother, who traveled all the way from Bataan to Manila to attend her graduation.
“Sobrang saya po even though wala yung tatay ko sa mismong graduation but nandito naman po sila nanay and sobrang happy po ako kasi ang priceless po ng reactions nila,” she quipped.
Alcantara’s journey to this “podium” had been long and hard.
Despite being the lead playmaker of the Lady Falcons, Alcantara admitted that she was a little bit of an introvert.
It made her stay in Manila doubly hard.
“At first, sobrang hirap po talaga kasi wala po akong ibang relatives dito sa Manila kaya nahirapan po akong mag-adjust sa environment. Sobrang mahiyain rin po ako kaya hindi rin ako marunong makipag-socialize sa mga tao,” she recalled.
But as the months flew by, her confidence soared.
In her senior year, she was called up to be Adamson’s lead playmaker after the departure of Louie Romero.
(C) Roman Prospero/SSL
She passed the first test with flying colors, earning herself the honor of being the Best Setter in the 2023 Shakey’s Super League Collegiate National Invitationals.
As a student, she learned to be a leader.
And it’s all thanks to sports.
“My coaches and teammates helped me adapt sa ways of living here and on how to balance my time in academics and trainings,” she shared.
That is why in her speech, Alcantara, now brimming with confidence, gave this inspiring message.
“Despite all these challenges, we also have the choice to be strong and face them. In fact, we need to be strong and confront them head-on. Everything happens for a reason; they are mere invitations to continue being grateful in the midst of adversity. They are opportunities to grow and become better.”
Alcantara is looking forward to probably taking a master’s degree at Adamson.
But for now, she is laser-focused on leading Adamson to the promised land in the UAAP.
