Woman of Substance

Ito ang kauna-unahang kong declamation piece na nasulat sa Ingles. Tinawagan kasi ako minsan ng isa kong kaibigan para gumawa ng piyesa para sa kanyang hipag na lalaban sa timpalak nang pagsasatao.

Noong una, ayaw ko pang pumayag kasi mas sanay akong magsulat sa Tagalog partikular ng mga sanaysay at talumpati pero napilitan rin ako sa bandang huli. Salamat na lang at may mga kapwa akong guro na nauto (he.he.he.) para mag-edit ng piyesa. Sa iyo Sarah Sario, at Mrs. Rosette Banzuela, maraming salamat. Salamat din kay Ms. Rose Robielos ang supervisor sa English ng San Pablo sapagkat sa mapanuri niyang mga mata ay nakita pa niya ang ilang kamalian ng piyesa at naitama ito.

Woman of Substance

Declamation Piece on Quality and Excellence in Education for Social Transformation

By Dennis B. Lacsam

Look at me. Just look intently. With my calm disposition in life, no doubt, I am a woman of substance. Am I not?

I may be chic, for I am clad with the most fashionable clothes but deep inside me is a lady who is an embodiment of a dignified persona.

I speak with depth. My words are peppered with mantras of wisdom and I verbalize all of these not to impress anyone of you but to inspire you to believe that you are somebody worthwhile too.

In the past, I wasn’t like this. I was just a typical probinsyana striving to make a name in my school in the metropolis. I dredge up being called by my classmates “baduy”, “bakya”, “low class”, “walang ibubuga” – words and phrases which were not pleasing to my senses. Because of these unfair criticisms, I had learned to be hostile. I associated myself only with men of good character to esteem my reputation. Though, cliché that “No man is an island” is a prevailing belief, however, my guiding principle sticks with me all the time – It is better be alone than to be in a bad company!

Yes, adventure is sensible, so, during those school days I had learned empowering myself with exciting and stimulating activities, for I know that those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go. As a result, I had prompted myself to go beyond my potentials. I harnessed new skills, embraced innovative insights and accepted fresh ideas.

If you think that I am officious, domineering or over assertive, please… please… think not! Imbued with me is my genuine sense of firmness. I know that I am not perfect just like all of you but I am careful not to lose my confidence. Courage, resilience, optimism, and faith will always be my virtues in life. I never mean to sound arrogant but I also don’t assume a deceitful modesty.

Many of my friends didn’t like me before. They had preconceived wicked notions about me. At one time, somebody dubbed me as an atheist! I burst into hilarity… Ha.ha.ha. Me, a nonbeliever? Of course not! Circumstances reminded me that no matter how I please my earthly satisfactions, I would feel emptiness inside without the inner joy acquired by knowing God.

Looking back at my life, I know I am a success! I’ve been envied and have been the subject of intrigues and false allegations. Who might have thought that a woman as young and as vibrant as me would have all the worthy things and noble opportunities in her hands? It may seem haughty but it is an obvious reality. Understand that achievement doesn’t happen in an instant. It is organized and anticipated by consistency just like what I did! My accomplishments were born out of diligence. It’s not a charmed life as people think. The harder I work, the luckier I get!

If I picture myself a sense of destiny, will you blame me? Oh, please… don’t! Mediocrity is not in my vocabulary. I studied and disciplined myself well because I want to achieve something. I enhanced my abilities and performed with excellence for quality of life is my major objective. How do you think can I inspire people to do better if I, myself am not? Yes, I want to be on top but not to possess power or dominance but to become an instrument of change for improving the lives of others. I mean what I say for I know, I can! My assertiveness is in my system – it runs through me!

Now, just look at me again. Stare absorbedly. With my stature in life, do you think I can motivate people to be the best that they can be? Judge.