It has come to my attention that on July 1, 2013 the Honorable Winston T. Castelo introduced to the 16th Congress of the House of Representatives Resolution No. 00010 “Congratulating and commending Dr. Marietta Geraldino, a Filipina, for being among the 11 recipients of the first ever city-wide Big Apple Awards.”
Through House Resolution No. 00010, Congressman Castelo argued that “Geraldino exemplifies the classic Filipino success story that serves as a beacon and inspiration for the youth in pursuing their dreams.”
I was the only Filipino recipient of the first-ever Big Apple Awards, which recognized the top teachers in public schools across New York City.
“A Congressional commendation? Is it for real?”
That was all I could say when my friend told me the news. Upon seeing my delighted reaction, my friend then gave me an impish smile and said, “It is still pending, though, with the Committee on Basic Education and Culture.”
She winked and continued, “So, this is really like my belated April Fool’s joke on you.”
As soon as our FaceTime ended, I decided to do some research. My friend comes from a family of Congressmen and is someone whom I considered a reliable source for any news related to Philippine politics. And truth be told, she got me curious.
This is what I found when I did a quick search within the portal of the House of Representatives http://www.congress.gov.ph under the ‘House Bills and Resolutions’ category and keyword ‘00010.’
Thank you, Cong. Castelo for the congratulations and commendation and for valuing the Big Apple Awards for Teaching Excellence as an opportunity to inspire the young to reach for their dreams.
I would be remiss not to acknowledge the fact that my success here in New York City as an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) is hugely due in part to my excellent educational foundation and the academic scholarships and study-abroad fellowships afforded to me by both the private schools and government agencies in the Philippines.
Indeed, the young must put a prime value on education. Students must know that there are scholarships; they only need to educate themselves on how to avail of such opportunities. More importantly, they must pursue their educational goal with passion, resilience, and a laser focus. They must never give up their dreams, no matter what.
It’s been almost two years since Cong. Castelo introduced House Resolution No. 00010. But who’s counting? As the saying goes, “It is the intention that counts.”
After all, not everyone has a pending commendation in Congress, right?
INFLECTION POINT 
2 responses to “How does one get a commendation from Congress?”
My heartfelt congratulations to you Dr. Marietta Timblaco Geraldino! You soared like an eagle in terms of your educational achievements and I admire you for always “looking back” at those times when a simple “Mayette” would laugh and cry in the face of challenges in order to reach your goals in life. I am glad to be part of that journey and I thank God that He keeps you grounded and humble, simple and generous. As I see your family and your children who never had the chance perhaps to start their journey in the same way as yours, they have grown to be mature and responsible, and also achievers in their own way. “By their fruits, you will know them!” Of course, even when you did not have a family yet, I know that, guided by your principles and determination, you would reach this far. May God be praised!
I remain your silent angel, happy for your success and praying for all your noble works.
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Thanks, Mo. Araceli! You have been there ever since…advising, listening, comforting, encouraging, praying. Thank you for being a guardian angel. You have all my love, gratitude, and prayers. May God be praised, indeed!
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