‘Life is an endless process of education’

This is the speech delivered by Regal Matriarch Lily Monteverde (pictured with husband Remy Monteverde) during the recent anniversary of Arellano University:

Good evening to all of you. Little do people know that the Mother Lily of Regal Entertainment comes from a long tradition of educators. Yes, I come from a family of teachers, a clan that considers education as the greatest form of health and the source of motivation. Even if I am known for the movies I have produced through five decades of Philippine cinema, I never stopped giving priority to education.

I believe we are all teachers. In everything we encounter in life, we are taught as we must learn. Life is, after all, an endless process of education. Each day, whether in triumph or failure, we learn.

Whether you are a doctor, a businessman or belong to the humblest of professions, each day teaches us a lesson. Each victory and especially defeat open our eyes to the fact that everyday should be an opportunity for learning. Education does not end in the classroom.

Real education takes place between classes, within the school. It is the freedom and the challenge we give to students that shape who they become. It is the strength of character — not only in lessons taught by teachers but the challengers in life that enforces their principles.

It is they who are after we give them the diplomas that prove the kind of education we have given them.

And the moment they step into the real world, they still remain as students while also becoming teachers to the next generation.

We are gathered today celebrating education, giving praise to learning. We should always put to heart that the teacher will forever be a student… as the student will always be a mentor to his teacher. Today, we celebrate this… and a student and teacher of life. I am honored to be part of this gathering.

Thank you.