I am Mary Ann Garcia Agajanian, eldest of 8 children. My father is a printing press operator and my mother, a plain housewife. With the minimum wage earnings of my father, I knew that it would be hard for them to send me to college. I really wanted to be a flight stewardess at that time. We visited some schools that offer it. But of course, you can’t take entrance exams without certain fees plus your pocket money for transportation and food. I was losing hope at that time and thinking that I might not be able to enroll that year. However, along with prayers, I was also looking for a scholarship program that might help me get into college.
At that time there was this group of NGO who conducted bible studies every Sunday in our compound from St. Francis of Assisi Church. They learned that I was looking for a school, so they introduced me to Miss Clarice who sponsored my expenses to go to Punlaan to take part in the exams and interviews. At first, I was still hesitant because what I really wanted was to be a flight stewardess. However, my second option was HRM, and when I saw the list of hotels and restaurants who partnered with Punlaan, I must admit, I was impressed and I saw myself working in one of those prestigious hotels wearing a nice uniform, and entertaining guests. So, with butterflies in my stomach and wet hands, I pushed myself to pass all the exams and interviews, and thank God, I passed! I remember, during one of the interviews, we were required to come in corporate attire and I had nothing at that time! So Mama just borrowed one from a neighbor! And to go to the clinic and have the required medical laboratory tests, that was my first time too. What I am saying is that getting into Punlaan is not easy.
I had my OJT at Azzurro Bistro a fine dining restaurant. I was rotated at the dining, bar, cashiering and kitchen. I finished my OJT in Azzurro and worked closely with Chef Philip Golding. They hired me right after graduation. After my first contract, I joined a new company in the name of Discovery Suites as pastry helper (casual). Then, when Discovery Primea, a five star hotel in Makati, opened, I was again one of the lucky persons who was transferred to Manila to open the new hotel. It was proven once again that God’s timing is really perfect because our kids are growing and need to go to a good school. And at the same time, my husband was also offered a better position here in Manila as the Food and Beverage Operations Manager of the Rainbow group. So, the whole family moved here to Manila. Together, we were able to buy a parcel of house and lot in Cavite and are paying a condominium unit in Mandaluyong by installment. Those are for the 2 boys because we want them to build their families in the future in a decent place because I know how it feels to live in a slum area.
Aside from my full time job, I also have a sideline of accepting made-to-order customized cakes and pastries and I hope to make it a soon-to-be business. And that is for my daughter. I want her to be a capitalist someday because I know how hard it is to be an employee. Once the business clicks, 10% of each cake order will go to Punlaan School!
My husband and I work really hard to secure the future of our children mainly because I don’t want them to experience the feeling of being deprived. Yes, I am from a less fortunate family but it doesn’t made me less of who I am. I never blamed my parents. Instead, I thanked them because I perceived the true value of education, money, life and most specially, faith in God. I know that it’s our parents’ obligation to provide for us, but it’s also our obligation to make the most of what they can give!
Now, I am holding the title of Junior Sous Chef in Pastry at Discovery Primea, happily married with 3 healthy and good-looking children. My 4 siblings are now doing good in their chosen fields. One as a heavy equipment technician, now in Australia. Another one is studying her masters in Law, one is a Certified Electrical Engineer and another is taking the same path as I am, a chef.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank God for continuously showering me with blessings, for my best friend and Punlaan graduate too, Riza, we almost have the same battle and path. I would also like to thank all the sponsors and donors for the support- you’ve made many lives better, and of course, Punlaan School for molding me to be a good person.
Punlaan School and its faculty members changed my life. They molded me not only in academics but most importantly, in values – values that became my foundation as an individual and as a professional. No matter where life takes me, lessons from Punlaan are embedded in my heart. And I am proud to be one of their graduates!
May the Lord God continue to bless you and your mission such that you can help more less fortunate youth!
Fellow graduates, let me end this with a quote I once read. “I learned to give not because I have plenty, but, because I know exactly how it feels to have nothing.”
Have a blessed and pleasant evening everyone!