06/07/2025
Honor. Excellence. Service.
SABLAY 2025
BELEN, GUILLER PABLO
Master of Arts in Education Major in Physics Education
Thesis Adviser: Sheryl Lyn C. Monterola, PhD
It was my younger self’s dream to enter UP — at eto ako ngayon, fulfilling that dream as a graduate student at the UP College of Education.
My graduate journey has truly been a roller coaster ride. The first year was a major cultural shift as someone whose undergrad is not from Up. It was difficult at first to adjust, but I was grateful to meet new people who were warm and welcoming — sila ung tumulong para medyo gumaan ung UP journey ko.
From my second to fourth year, things became more fun. I got used to UP’s 5:30 p.m. classes and survived on calamansi juice and chicharon from the UP CEd canteen. The experience became even more meaningful when I served as Class President (Shoutout to EDUC 280 Batch 2018). At the time, I couldn’t imagine I’d be able to do it — but I did! We succeeded. We got STEMSIFIED!
As I neared what I thought would be my final year, the pandemic hit. Everything changed — classes went online, medyo nakulangan sa motivation , and I struggled na matapos 'yung thesis ko. I had to extend my stay in the college, which felt disheartening at times. But looking back, that season taught me patience and resilience. With God’s grace, and the support of my adviser, friends, and family, I finally finished it this year. It took longer than planned, but it was all worth it.
I’d like to share a voice-over line from my favorite game that helped me stay strong during those challenging times:
“The past is set in stone, but you can keep moving on. And the longer your future lasts, the shorter your past will become…”
— Nahida to Wanderer (Scaramouche), Genshin Impact
(Kahit Chongyun- Yanfei Main ako)
I also would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank everyone who guided and supported me throughout this UP journey.
My deepest gratitude goes to my Thesis adviser, Dr. Sheryl Lyn C. Monterola, for your unwavering guidance, patience, and encouragement, sa wakas po, nakatapos na. Sumablay na po. I also thank Sir Ramon Sanchez, my critic/reader, for your invaluable insights and critiques that helped refine this manuscript, sobrang naappreciate at natuto po ako sa mga comments ninyo sa paper ko, and Dr. Elenita Que for her enriching input during the defense, salamat po!
To my former school heads, Sir Villamor, Sir Cena, Ma’am Rosario, Ma’am Abergos, and Ma’am Coroza, thank you for your support and approval kaya na-push po na makapagstudy at theis ako. Special thanks to my head teacher and Ninang, Ma’am Edna Francisco, whose support and flexibility lightened my load throughout my MaED journey, nagawan ng paraan ang schedule na makalabas po ako dati ng 5pm.
I am grateful to my PHS SciFam and co-teachers for lifting my spirits during stressful times, puro ako tawa sa faculty HAHHAHA kahit stressdt sa mga lesson at thesis.
To my amazing friends Jenga, Shrue, and OneDepEd, for your unwavering presence and humor. Lagi ko naman kayo nakakausap at alam ninyo lahat ng eksena ko sa thesis.
To my Thesis Buddies–turned–TGIF Buddies, Kuya Vince and Mikee, thank you for the support across the distance Dubai at Japan. Those biglaang unplanned but looked forward call. Motivation ko yon sa para makatapos.
I also appreciate the mentorship and encouragement of Ma’am Gemma Soneja and Sir Alexander Malones, who pushed me to strive for excellence. Mga LODI ko kasi kayooooo!
Special thanks to Andrew V. Gacuma for reviewing my manuscript, kahit biglaan at malayo ka behh. Forda gow ka dyan sa Taiwan.
Ma. Elena S. Catinoy (Bhie-Len) for your editing help and insightful questions that deepened my work. Alam mu yann bhieee. Dami nating usapan about dito.
To my wife, Keith Angeline A. Belen, thank you for your love, care, and belief in me. Your support made this journey bearable and possible. Nakita mo kung paano ko itinulay itong pagaaral na ito. Pero ito na yon. Ikaw naman ang next.
Above all, I thank God Almighty for the strength, wisdom, and grace to complete this fulfilling journey.
