May 30, 2018. Our batch's graduation date. A date we will always remember.

It was yesterday, when we finally graduated from high school. The wearing of the togas, the tossing of the caps, the diplomas, the singing of our graduation song. It seemed like yesterday passed by so quickly. If I'm being honest, I still don't feel it sink in my mind that I finally graduated. That I will be parting ways with my batchmates and friends. That we will go to college within the next few months.

The graduation was a very formal event. We even practiced it numerous times, so we would know our cues, since there was no emcee to guide us. At the actual ceremony, even if it wasn't perfect, it still went better than expected. After the procession, we had the prayer, national anthem, and sang our opening song to our parents, guest, and to the school staff. Then, finally the receiving of our diplomas. I'm still shocked at the actual presence of our country's Vice President at our graduation, and she was also the guest speaker, who made her speech after we got our diplomas.

After that, we finally lined up at the stage to sing our graduation song. It was surprising since there were teachers that we saw cried. I had a feeling some of my batchmates cried, and I only confirmed that after the actual ceremony. After the recession, the cap tossing, the batch pictures, pictures with family, and pictures with friends was happening. People going near each other and saying *"Pwede picture tayo?" or **"Halika, selfie tayo!". It was quite chaotic with a lot of people talking and walking around the venue. But it was not like we minded, since time is precious and this little time we have left before college is important.

Then, after all the picture taking, there was an after graduation program in the gym, where we ate snacks and watched the prepared videos of all our shared memories. We also gave gifts of gratitude to our parents and teachers. There was also a photobooth that gave bookmark style pictures. The program ended and we went home.

This morning, when I woke up, I still don't feel it sink in that I actually graduated yesterday. I still went to school since I had to finish my clearance, and to hang out with my best friends. It was fun to just talk about everything ang nothing, while eating at a fast food restaurant with them. But now, I just can't help but think of how fast time does fly. How the 6 years of stay in our high school went by quickly. How I will always remember the chorus of our graduation song, which was:

"We have had the time of our lives, now the page is turned, the stories we will write. We have had the time of our lives, and I will not forget the faces left behind. It's hard to walk away from the best of days. But if it has to end, I'm glad you have been my friend in the time of our lives."

To be honest, I am quite grateful for everything and everyone I met in my high school life. Even though we will be parting ways, I know we still have our memories to hold on to. I know we can still communicate with each other, but not as often as it is now. I know that we'll always be grateful for our high school days, since we have had the time of our lives.

*"Can we take a picture?"

**"Come here, let's take a selfie!"