Francisco L. Buccol – I have been fondly recalling this rather gentlemanly-sounding name that I concocted to humanize and to add more intelligence and substance to the carefree perception behind the term iskul bukol (knucklehead student). The common iskul bukol is someone who seizes the day in the least relevant way to the pursuit for knowledge. Trademark activities of an iskul bukol would be cutting classes, idle afternoons, and misadventures with friends. While this individual could be so-so among peers and classmates, this type is despised by teachers because of their negligence to learning and responsibilities.
By now, your keen eye should have
spotted this term in the name Franc(ISCO L. BUCCOL).
For those not familiar how
Filipinos would derive nicknames from Hispanic and American-inspired names,
someone named Francisco can be fondly called as Kiko, Franky, Frank, and ISKO.
Moreover, my short-lived stay in the country’s premier institution the
University of the Philippines Diliman has taught me that the same ISKO is a
shortened version of the Tagalog attempt on the word scholar. So if you have
followed my trail of thought properly, the wordplay is somehow reminiscent of
an enlightened and learned individual who came out of a medieval-esque stage in
his scholarly journey.
To elevate your status from a
mere iskul bukol to Francisco L. Buccol, you should merit the following:
1.
Knowing the difference between fun and too much
fun.
2.
Has understood and experienced the implications,
setbacks, and hope found in failure.
3.
Learning that continues beyond theories and
school.
4.
Thirst for knowledge (and alcohol if you will)
5.
Liberal thinking
6.
Long-term goals and objectives
7.
Principles
8.
PASSION.
I intentionally placed passion
last on the list. Why, you ask. This factor is the same trait that fueled the
renaissance, the industrial revolution, global businesses, world leaders (even
Hitler and Napoleon), and many more. This is the upward push everybody needs to
effect life-defining moments, great discoveries, and influencing works. This is
the most powerful trait that can and will turn a senseless or mediocre life 360
degrees.
So what if you failed countlessly
in your past? So what if people have doubted you for the longest time? So what
if you have been rejected? A Francisco L. Buccol will definitely continue the
journey with bravado and all the lessons acquired previously. This individual
has the passion to turn dreams into reality, no matter what it takes and no
matter what other people think. The only bukol
this individual will be leaving this world is his legacy. A legacy of
triumph, achievements, and inspiration.
It is you and only you alone who
will call the shots in your life. Nothing more, nothing less. Make every one of
them count.
