An open letter to Dr. Nanay

Dear Nanay,

Who would have thought that after 88 years, you would receive a doctorate of Humanities honoris causa from the De La Salle University? Perhaps this letter should be addressed “Dear Dr. Nanay.” Don’t you like the way “Dr. Nanay” sounds?

I guess you really are a late bloomer. How many awards have you received while you are in your eighties? As you like to say “Kung kailan pa ako tumanda, ngayon pa ako speech ng speech!” But as you also like to point out in your numerous Nanay-isms, “The biggest room in the world is the room for improvement.” And you are living proof that just when you think you have done it all, you discover that there is so much more to do and so much more to learn. 

Citing your many achievements and contributions to our country, Brother Gus nailed it on the head when he introduced you during the 30th commencement exercises of De La Salle Dasmariñas.

You are, of course, an icon of Filipino entrepreneurship because of the way you built National Book Store without any formal training. Through your very hard work, sheer perseverance, never-say-die attitude and indomitable spirit, you have become the ideal role model for all of us and any other young entrepreneur or budding businessman. For this, thank you.

There are also your countless contributions to Filipino education. Ironically or perhaps appropriately, you have helped shape our country’s education — the one thing which the fates have denied you. You may not realize it, but National Book Store has played a vital role in educating generations of Filipinos. This includes not just “school education,” but “life education” as well. You have shown us that our lives need to be continuous journeys of learning. As your other Nanay-isms proclaim:  “Education never ends. You have to keep learning.” “You will always have something to learn from everyone.” “They can take away everything, but they can never take away your education.”

Again, for this, thank you.

You could not have made me prouder than you did when you were up on stage receiving your doctorate. More than just the fulfillment of a lifelong dream of “receiving a college education,” the conferment of that honorary degree is just another testament to your enduring legacy. And although you always question why anyone would honor you — a mere high school graduate from a public school “who speaking no English” — we all know that all your life achievements make you as deserving as anyone.

And yes, Dr. Nanay, as you said in your commencement address (another first for you … at 88!), we know your time has come and almost gone and you are just enjoying the rest of the ride. Well, you should enjoy it! You’ve certainly earned it!

In all the functions and events I have attended with you, I have honestly never seen a person who is as genuinely respected and admired by people from all age groups and walks of life. From the smallest schools we have visited to functions in Makati to the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards in Monte Carlo.  You serve as a true inspiration for all of us.

Lastly, for teaching us about the importance of education and giving us the privilege of studying in the best schools and pursuing our dreams, I commit to do the same for your great-grandson. To do our best to give him every opportunity to pursue his dreams and realize all of his seemingly endless potential. To share with him a love not just for reading but for life long learning as well.

For setting the bar of life’s achievement so high that I can never even dream of approaching it … well, at least it shows me what is possible in life and what can be accomplished at any stage of your life.

But, most of all, for giving us the simple joy and true honor of being a part of your life, I just hope that someday I can also make you half as proud as we are of you.

Sincerely,

Miguel Ramos