“I understood that real strength comes from perseverance. This award is proof that dedication can overcome doubt, and the loudest voice is always inside you, reminding you to keep going no matter what.” – Shaun Ryielle L. Yap (2025 TOSIA TOP CIRCLE AWARDEE)
ALLOW ME to share with you the reflections and insights of Shaun Ryielle L. Yap, one of the awardees of TOSIA TOP CIRCLE AWARD 2025.
May his learnings inspire us to be resilient in times of difficulty and remain strong and faithful in moments of doubt and discouragement.
Shaun Ryielle L. Yap TOP CIRCLE AWARD 2025 of The Outstanding Students of Iloilo Awards (TOSIA)
“This year’s TOSIA TOP Circle goes to…” The likelihood hadn’t even crossed my mind. I was too distracted waiting for another student’s name. My heart raced as everyone went silent. The tensions crushing on everyone.
I had always worked hard for four years straight, sleeping late, and pushing myself to unexpected ways. Not for recognition, but because I believe in myself.
So, when my name was announced, it felt like I was dreaming. I haven’t received a single special award. So how could I be there? The applause faded as I was approaching the stage. I was flooded with pride, doubt, and recognition. But that moment wasn’t about receiving the trophy.
It reminded me how far I’ve reached when others doubted my strength.
My journey to TOSIA wasn’t easy. While others had the training and encouragement, I was mostly on my own. I spent most of my time watching YouTube tutorials on how to properly write essays and how to speak confidently in interviews.
There were those in school who barely supported me; some even mentioned that I wasn’t a good student leader. Their uncertainty felt like a weight crushing down my confidence. But I didn’t let that gloom stop me. I pushed myself forward, believing in myself and a passion to prove that they were wrong.
When I made it to TOSIA, it was a victory over the “crab mentality” that tried to destroy my strength. I learned that not everyone will always support your goals, and that is completely fine.
What matters most is how to respond when others doubted you.
This experience taught me to keep going, even when the journey feels lonely. And to never let other people’s opinion make me back down. As what my generation says, “NEVER BACK DOWN NEVER WHAT? NEVER GIVE UP!”
Standing there, holding that TOP Circle trophy, I understood that real strength comes from perseverance. This award is proof that dedication can overcome doubt, and the loudest voice is always inside you, reminding you to keep going no matter what.
Shaun Ryielle L. Yap is a student of PAREF Westbridge School, Inc. Together with the said school and its Teacher Coordinator Mr. Gabriel T. Abayon, Shaun spearheaded a school project, namely:
Together for Zero Hunger: Empowering Vulnerable Communities with Consistent Access to Nutritious Food.
Introduction
This project aimed to combat hunger and foster unity by organizing a feeding program and giving grocery packs for the Aeta communities of San Enrique, Iloilo and Guimaras. Through shared meals, traditional boodle fights, and grocery packs, the project aimed to ensure that the Aeta families could sustain themselves for a week.
Additionally, this project aimed to raise awareness about the significance of helping Indigenous communities and inspire others to take the initiative in addressing hunger and promoting unity.
Outcome/Results
The feeding program, along with the distribution of grocery packs, had a positive impact on the Aeta communities of San Enrique, Iloilo and Guimaras.
For the first time, many of the children had the chance to taste Jollibee and experience the traditional boodle fight, which brought smiles and excitement on the faces of the community. The grocery packs and the sacks of rice for sharing, allowed the community to feed their families for the entire week, making worries about their next meal disappear. More than just filling their stomachs, this project made the Aetas closer together, fostering the sense of unity and support.
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Through The Outstanding Students of Iloilo Awards (TOSIA): Salute to Excellence, held last May 24, 2025, JCI Regatta – Iloilo continues to illuminate the path of Iloilo’s most exceptional students. In its 16th year, and in partnership with DepEd Iloilo, Iloilo City, Passi City, and CHED Region VI, TOSIA remains steadfast in recognizing junior high and college students who shine in academics, leadership, social responsibility, and faith./PN
