Marielle Anne Ilagan, a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Business Administration major in Marketing Management, surprised her parents on her graduation day that she will graduate with flying colors.
In the video, Marielle is seen showing her parents the handbook which contains her name and cum laude distinction. The parents were both surprised as they didn’t see it coming. Her father even teared up, looking so proud of her.
Marielle expressed in an interview that she wanted to tell her parents the good news on her graduation day as a special gift for their parenting and all that they have done for her.
“They never pressured me with my academics and actually they never asked me about my grades, not even once. Kaya talagang surprise po sa kanila na nag-latin ako,” Marielle said.
Although she’s the youngest in the family, Marielle is described by her older sister Keilah Perez as the child who doesn’t complain and is content with what she has.
“Siya ‘yung bunso na ‘di na-spoil ng magulang. Sobrang bait na bata kaya naiyak po kami kasi sobrang deserve niya ‘yung award,” Keilah said in an interview.
Besides her studies, Marielle juggles extracurricular activities and church volunteering, making her more deserving of the award.
At the end of the video, Marielle expressed her thanks and fulfillment in dedicating her milestone to her family.
“Salamat sa walang sawang suporta at pagsama sa’kin sa buong taon ko bilang estudyante… Finally, ngayon, unti unti n’yo nang naaani lahat, may registered nurse, may registered medtech, at may cum laude pa. These are all the results of your hardwork,” Marielle said.