Graduation!

PARENTS, dads especially, invariably know when graduation time is just around the corner.

Like the dark clouds before the storm accompanied by the distant rolling of thunder, graduation is often announced by a sudden spike in school expenses: retreat here, prom there, final tuition fees here, yearbook and graduation fees there.

No wonder that this time of the year for parents with kids who are graduating is especially stressful, especially for families with modest means.

Yet, this time of the year should probably make it to the Top Ten Events of the Year especially to a dad who has a son or daughter graduating this year. In fact, I dare say, that this time of the year, far from the storm that casts a dark pall on the sky actually brightens it. One reason is the publishing of the results of the one thousand and one entrance exams that any self-respecting high school senior must have taken last year: ADMU, St. Benilde/DLSU, UST, UA&P, UE, FEU, San Beda, Merriam, and, of course, UP Diliman.

Nothing but nothing could be more fulfilling to a dad than to see a son or daughter pass the UPCAT. And, in the process, inch closer, even only a tad closer, to his or her dream. Against all odds, if I may add.

Passing the entrance exams is not a walk in the park, although it’s not as formidable as it may initially seem. Having the wherewithal to support the studies of one’s son or daughter in Manila is, to many, a more real obstacle to hurdle.

One thing going for parents is that schools invariably offer scholarships and grants-in-aid. I know of one absolutely stunning HS senior who was given by UA&P 100 percent free on tuition and all expenses due the school, a whopping P80,000 worth.

Then there’s also U.P. There, the tuition fees and dorm expenses are really low. The tuition per semester on a regular load is P25,000, lower if the parents qualify under Bracket B (gross family income of P500,000- P1 million), in which case tuition comes up to just P20,000.

Kalayaan Dorm charges P2,800 per month for food and board, with students coming from the provinces given special slots. Ikot and Toki costs P7. Your student might need to use this for gym and math bldg. A good and affordable place to eat would be at Kasaa (ave P50 per meal which many UP students rave about on Facebook). Bookings start on March 4, online.

Funny. In the 70’s, Molave Dorm was charging P450/month if I remember right. Back then, a cup of rice cost P0.20 and fried egg cost P0.50, meaning for P1.50 for breakfast, one could have a feast! Ikot then was P0.10; there was no TOKI, then, which I assume is IKOT done clock-wise.

In other words, rejoice, dads, it’s not as bad as it looks. Our own parents sacrificed a lot for our education; it’s time to do the same for our own kids.