THE STAGING of the series of successful events of Lyceum of Subic Bay, highlighted the impact of youth power! The LSB students, with the equally youthful Head, Academic Department and OSA Coordinator in the persons of Mr. Norberto V. Casabal and Mr. Anthony C. Fababier, respectively, assisted by selected faculty members, showcased their vibrance, energy, enthusiasm, creativity, unity and novelty of ideas and strategies. These were made more meaningful, because they did everything without monetary incentives and with very minimal involvement of key officials of the school. Leadership was evident especially among the SUSC and department officers.  The youth fever was marvelous and contagious, that it triggered a “flashback” on me. I saw myself in them when in my youth (not too long ago) was also getting into about any school activity, despite being a working student. Debates, oratory, school paper writing, radio announcing, dancing, singing, plays, cheering squad and what have you, am there. My, the power of youth indeed! The 2011 Acquaintance Party held at the Olongapo City Convention Center, was a case in point. It was fun watching the LSB youths in action in their K-Pop attires, gyrating and singing with gusto! The venue was virtually transformed into a special evening show! The set-up was simply amazing, a far cry from the usual in similar occasions in the past. Why, I felt like I was walking on the stage of ABS-CBN’S ASAP in my signature Sabella outfit, complete with a hat! I did not regret spending a fortune on these, because the organizers and the affair’s mood deserve no less! Trivia though, at my tender age, it was my first modeling stint under the glaring kleig lights and camera. While on the ramp, I imagined I was Angel Aquino of Magkaribal (sans the height). Anyway, thank you for making real one of my frustrations! Bravo Kids, You made me young again! At the bottomline of all these memorable scenarios however, is character building, that will fortify youth power. The very reason why LSB really goes out of its way to allow and support student activities, is in the belief that to become responsible future leaders, they must learn to associate and relate well with others: be responsible and work as a team; be creative and resourceful; be innovative and not afraid to take necessary risks; and be respectful and honest in all their endeavors. An Anonymous author, captures these character traits in the following lines he wrote and I quote:

The World Needs Men (and Women Too)

• Who cannot be bought;

• Whose word is their bond

• Who put character above wealth;

• Who possesses opinion and will;

• Who are larger than their vocations;

• Who do not hesitate to take chances;

• Who will not lose their individuality in a crowd;

• Who will be as honest in small things as in great things;

• Who will not compromise with wrong

• Who will not say do it “because everybody else does it”

• Who are true to their friends in adversity as in prosperity

• Who do not believe that shrewdness, cunning and hard headedness are the best qualities for winning success;

• Who are not ashamed or afraid to stand for the truth when it is unpopular;

• Who can say “no” with emphasis, although all the rest of the world say “yes”; and

• WHOSE AMBITIONS ARE NOT CONFINED TO THEIR OWN SELFISH DESIRES.

Amen to all of these! For amidst the excitement and euphoria over successful celebrations and events, let not be drowned by pride and complacency, that you have done enough. Only will your cup be “filled to the brim,” when you will have emerged a better student, a better friend, a better son or daughter and a better youth leader, imbibing values and lessons learned. Let Youth Power work and live in You!

To the LSB Youths, Mabuhay kayo!