Cultivating Dreams: Ino Pamaran’s Account of Seed and Harvest

To dream, my friends, is a universal language. It’s a birthright not exclusive to the privileged, and it’s not a privilege limited to the realm of adults. But let me make one thing clear—while dreams are free, transforming them into reality demands something more profound.

From a young age, grown-ups around me encouraged me to dream big and reach for the sky. “Mangarap ka nang matayog,” they would say. However, I hold the belief that to dream deep, or “mangarap nang malalim,” is equally essential, as if planting a seed deep in the soil, allowing it to grow, bear fruit, and eventually reap a bountiful harvest. To be more precise, I see a dream as a seed, and before I reap its rewards, I must first and foremost plant it in the perfect soil. So, picture this: a young man named Ino, raised by a single mother, driven by the ambition to support his family, embarked on a quest to find the most fertile ground.

After hearing the words of tongue and immersing myself in various news articles, I resolved to plant my dreams in what I then perceived as the richest of soils—the University of the Philippines (UP). To gain admission to this esteemed institution, I wholeheartedly dedicated myself to rigorous preparation throughout my high school years. When the fateful UPCAT (University of the Philippines College Admission Test) arrived, I poured every ounce of my effort into securing a place in my dream university. So, when the disheartening news arrived that I hadn’t made the cut, I was left in a state of profound dismay, as if the realization of my dream had been stunted before it even began.

“Is this it? Is this all the Earth’s solid ground has in store for me?” I asked myself. I couldn’t simply accept that my dream of attending UP had come to an abrupt end. “One last attempt,” I declared. Before contemplating surrender, I was determined to exhaust every effort and explore all possibilities. With unwavering resolve, I gathered wood, crafted a sign, and marched towards UP with a bold message: “RECONSIDER ME?” There were no hints of shame, no room for doubts. For the sake of my dream university, I was prepared to go all in. 

However, like a seed planted in the wrong soil, despite my patience, my dreams failed to take root. With the realization that my pursuit of UP had reached its conclusion, I decided it was time to replant my aspirations somewhere else. This was then that my focus shifted to a place I believed to be equally suitable—PLM (Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila)—where I eventually secured admission.

Planting and waiting for dreams to bloom can be daunting, but knowing I wasn’t alone in pursuing a great personal ambition at PLM brought reassurance. Within our university’s halls, I found myself surrounded by fellow dreamers, hailing from diverse backgrounds and inspired by different visions. Nevertheless, we all shared a common trait—the audacity to dream on a grand scale. Initially, PLM appeared as an imposing institution, nearly overwhelming for a mere dreamer like myself.  But as the years progressed, I unearthed that it’s more than just an institution—PLM is a tight-knit community, an ecosystem of support. Our school instilled in us the belief that we are capable of achieving our dreams. And as we grasped the full extent of our potential, we witnessed those very aspirations burst forth after taking root in the nurturing soil of our pamantasan.

Our dreams, initially no more than seeds, were never destined to achieve their full potential merely by taking root; that was but the beginning. From that point forward, our mission was clear: We needed to invest every ounce of effort in nurturing our dreams, fortifying them against the unpredictable winds, and ensuring they could withstand even the harshest weathers. When the pandemic struck, leaving me utterly bewildered, it felt as though an unrelenting storm was obstructing the fulfillment of my grand goal. I found myself adrift, uncertain of how to proceed, as I had never encountered such circumstances before. Nevertheless, our instructors, together with our classroom leaders Jamela and Miggle, had diligently taught us to remain focused on our ultimate objectives and to confront challenges like what we experienced head-on.

After three years at the university, a profound transformation started to unfold. My dreams and I, as a dreamer, were now closer to fulfillment. During those three years, I gained sincere appreciation for the path I was on, journeying alongside my fellow Haribons Caezar, Jet, Edrian, Andre, and Leoj—a transformative experience I had never seen coming. Even surpassing my initial expectations, I received the news that I was a contender for honors in my Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Major in Economics. This revelation ignited a strong conviction within me. I dedicated countless hours, day and night, to safeguarding that dream. I pushed myself relentlessly, determined to attain the grades that would catapult me to the pinnacle. Finally, after enduring countless trials and tribulations, I harvested my first triumph—graduating Magna Cum Laude.

As I reflect on this achievement, I recognize that this is merely the initial step, the first yield of my unwavering efforts. A bountiful harvest awaits, patiently biding its time. In this understanding, I find profound solace, assured that during my college years, I was precisely where I was meant to be.

So, remember this: Within each of us resides potential for greatness, awaiting its bloom. These potentials manifest as dreams in our minds, and to see them flourish, all they require are unwavering perseverance, all-season hope, and a radiant attitude that welcomes life’s spontaneity. Understand, my friends, that dreams remain mere fantasies unless we act upon them. However, if you acknowledge your potential and actively harness it, the heavens will shine their light upon you, fulfilling the deepest desires of your heart.