Isang taos-pusong pasasalamat...

I was aware that despite all the interviews I had to transcribe, the laws I had to analyze, the incidents I had to narrate, nothing is harder than writing the acknowledgments part of one's thesis.

To me, this page pretty much sums up the experience of writing the thesis: of late overnights with friends, of lending hands (full of money, of course!) in times of financial constraints, of conversations over coffee regarding the latest frustration with one's research.  There is a reason the thesis is the culminating requirement for every course--because it likewise culminates one's experience of four (or more) gruelling years in college.

So to those who have made it to the point of writing this page, kudos to all of you!  I had a blast writing this part, especially because it is one of the few parts in the thesis where emo-ness is at least tolerated (although the guidebook instructs me to keep it professional; since when have I been an avid fan of rules, anyway?!:P)  I ask indulgence to those whom I may have forgotten to say a word of thanks through this page; the guidebook was strict in saying that it should be kept to a page at best.  Nevertheless, to all those who've helped me with my thesis, I really, really appreciate it!

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

            This thesis would not have been possible without the available help and generous support of the following people:

            First, my parents who were very understanding of my late-night bouts with research and excessive requests for extra allowance.  Without their support I wouldn’t have survived writing this research.

            Second, to my dear Chururus, the group of friends who supported me with every endeavour:  Janina, Elsie, Bea, April, Celia, Agatha, Kam, Dyan, Jen and Dan, I shall never forget all our laughing trips and camwhore moments.  You made my last sem in college a truly remarkable one.  On to more smiles and long-hour trips!

            Third, to the two most beautiful girls in my life, IA and Elsie.  We might be seen as couples from time to time but we don’t care.  You two have become my sisters and life partners, mothers and companions, girlfriends and friends.  You have been everything to me, and I owe what I am now to you.  You have supported me all throughout my ordeals and breakups, scolded me when I was going astray but supported me whenever I break down.  I know it’s not possible to live forever so I’m simply hoping that this friendship is for life.  You two are for keeps!

            And lastly, to Sam Juan, to that one person who is actually the reason why I chose this topic for my thesis, thank you.  Thank you for breaking my heart at the most opportune time, for it made me stronger and helped me focus on things that I never knew were more important.  Many people are satisfied with dedicating their theses to their significant others, but I went the extra mile and made a topic out of the two things you and I are good at—I with blogging, and you with Law.  You will always be in my heart, no matter how painful that could be.

And here's what's written on my dedication page...

Ang sarap mag-emo sa thesis, grabe!!!  Baggage kung baggage lang!  =))