As they say, "Behind every great daughter is a truly amazing father."

The quote personifies Anna Raiza de la Cruz, a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management, who finished her studies with Latin honors (Magna Cum Laude), at STI Naga in Camarines Norte — a fete she credits to his hardworking father, Luisito.

Raiza's perseverance in her studies was inspired by the hard work of an auto mechanic who only received a P20,000 salary, too measly to send all his four children to reputable schools and bring food to the table.

Looking back to her elementary and high school days, Raiza said she was not making it to the top honors.

"Though I did not make it to the top, I made sure that I have good grades to show to my parents. There were lots of competitors during that time, but papa and mama are still proud of me for finishing high school. Back then, I was concerned if I could make it to college given our economic condition. My mom is a housewife, and my father is a mechanic. I have four siblings that are also studying. I don't know what to think or do back then. But I want to fulfill my dreams to be able to uplift the dire condition of my family," Raiza shared.

(To be continued)