We had three graduation songs in elementary: One moment in time, Impossible Dream and Magsimula ka. I was familiar with the first two songs (and was rather skeptical why the teachers chose those songs), but the third was new to me. I can vaguely remember how I reacted to the song when I first heard it, but hearing it again, and sung with so much passion last Wednesday, I can clearly see why my teachers thought it was the perfect song for graduation.

Magsimula ka, batiin ang kay gandang umaga
Ng may ngiti sa iyong mga mata
Sa pagkakaidli gumising na
Ang buhay ay masaya
Palalagpasin mo ba

Magsimula ka, tuparin ang pangarap mong tunay
Habang ang lakas iyo pang taglay
Sa paghihintay baka masanay
Sayang naman ang buhay mawawala ng saysay

Iisa lang ang buhay mo
Kumilos ka, gamitin mo
Kung may nais ang puso mo
Mangarap ka, abutin mo
Upang ito’y makamit mo
Magsikap ka, simulan mo

Magsimula ka, pilitin ang tuklasin ang hanap
Madanas man ang maraming hirap
Ang mithiin mo pag naging ganap
Langit ng pagsisikap iyo nang malalasap

Now get off your asses and do what you have to fulfill your dreams!