By Gloria Leodivica Ines Araneta

For Aaron Paul C. Caril, graduation is more than a milestone. It’s a story of faith, family, and the people who believed in his talent long before he had a diploma to prove it.  

First and foremost, Caril gives thanks to God for never leaving him. In his message, he acknowledges that every effort and every bit of strength came from above, saying, “Despite sa kalisud Lord Ikaw Ang hinungdan ani tanan.” (Despite the hardship, Lord, You are the reason for all of this.)

Second, he expresses deep gratitude to his family, especially his mother Cefe Caril and father Richard Caril. Even while navigating the challenges of being an irregular student, Caril says his parents’ support never wavered. “MA, PA para ninyu ni. Kamo akong inspiration ani tanan kay gusto nako ipa kita na kaya satong Pamilya!! Graduate na ug BSIT inyung pinaka maguwang nga anak MA, PA. Salamat kaayu. I love you,” he writes. (MA, PA, this is for you. You are my inspiration for all of these because I want to show that our family can do it!! Your eldest child has now graduated with a BSIT, MA, PA. Thank you very much. I love you.)  

Caril also credits the BSP Bohol Council Boy Scouts of the Philippines, where he first began shaping his passion for Visual Arts. “Salute to all Boy Scouts and Rover Scouts. Ipadayun Ang inyong talento nga gihatag sa Ginoo,” he says. (Salute to all Boy Scouts and Rover Scouts. Continue with the talent that God has given you.)

His gratitude extends to The Scroll, the official school publication of his alma mater, Lourdes NHS-Panglao, Bohol, DepEd Region 7. He thanks the coaches and mentors who guided him during competitions: Butchoy Mattz Alquizar Valloso, Jocelyn Jorolan Laguna, Myra Cynthia B. Bonite, Celene Faye Bulayo, Veronica Lorete-Gutual, and sir Hora. “Wala ko sa Industry karon ug di tungod ninyu. Salamat ninyung tanan,” he reflects. (I wouldn’t be in the industry now if it weren’t for you. Thank you all.)

In the media world, Caril gives special thanks to The Bohol Tribune Newspaper, which he calls the most trusted and dedicated media company serving the people of Bohol. He highlights Ma’am Ardy Ines Araneta Batoy for trusting his talent in Editorial Cartooning. “Graduate na imong working scholar ma’am. Dili nako makalimtan tong miingon ko nimo one time nga dili na naho kaya financially ug mo-undang nako ug eskwela. Unya imo dayong gikuha imong cellphone ug imong gitawagan ang mga Tirols nga maoy tag-iya sa Cristal-e College. Salamat sa Tirol Family. Salamat Ma’am Ardy nga nagtrabaho ko at the same time scholar pa sa CEC. Maayo gyud ang training ug disiplina akong nakuha sa opisina ma’am ,” he notes. (Your working scholar has now graduated, ma’am. I won’t forget the time I told you that I couldn’t afford it financially anymore and I was going to stop studying. Then you immediately got your cellphone and called the Tirols who own Cristal-e College. Thank you to the Tirol Family. Thank you Ma’am Ardy that I was able to work and at the same time be a scholar at CEC. The training and discipline I got from the office was really good, ma’am.)

He is also sending a shoutout to the Tribune family: Ate Kate Laquinta, Kuya Frony Narisma, Atty. Greg Austral, and bro. Jonas Añuver, Tata Iyog, and Joseph Pozon.  

The Tirol Family, especially sir Ryan Christian, also receives his appreciation. “Mga datu silang tawo ug manggiloy-on kaayo. They help and they do not shout it to the world. Mao nga ako ang mosinggit karon sa akong pasalamat ngadto sa ilang pamilya ,” he says. _(They are wealthy and very kind-hearted people. They help and they do not shout it to the world. That’s why I will now shout my gratitude to their family.)

A significant part of Caril’s journey happened at Mynah Creative Studio, the pioneering photo and video studio in Bohol. He thanks proprietor Sir Engineer Spike Cuizon for teaching, guiding, and welcoming him into the studio where he discovered his passion for photography. “Salamat kaayu nimo Boss Amo. More shoots to come pa sir ha,” he writes, adding a shoutout to boss John Cojie for the shoots he captured. (Thank you very much, Boss Amo. More shoots to come, sir, okay?)

Caril also acknowledges Vibe 105.5 FM for trusting his skill, even in a short time. He thanks Ma’am Kyla Sevilla and Sir Ryan Christian for the opportunity to serve as their photographer for the program every Friday afternoon.  

To PYM Panglao, he expresses thanks for the four years he spent serving and working with the organization in service to God. “God bless you fam,” he says.  

Finally, Caril extends his thanks to everyone who believed in him.  Aaron Paul C. Caril now graduates with a degree of Bachelor of Science in Information Technology.