“Nothing’s wrong with being a dreamer. If you have ambitions, you have nothing to lose. If you want to accomplish something, especially something significant in your life, make sure you take the steps to make it happen.” – Mr. Kenth Joel B. Cunahap

Sir Kenth Joel B. Cunahap was born and raised in Davao City. His mother, Joy, is from Wakat, Barobo, Surigao del Sur, and his father, Elbert, is from Tulunan, North Cotabato. They both met and started their own family in Davao City. Sir Kenth is the eldest of four all-male siblings. Despite the fact that his mother did not finish college, she did not let her children feel that life was difficult because she was very “madiskarte”. “She will do everything for the whole family,” Sir Kenth said. “She became a sales lady and a promo girl in different malls in Davao City, became an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW), and now put up her own business.” His father, on the other hand, earned a Bachelor of Science in Marine Technology and a Bachelor of Elementary Education but never practiced, instead working as a manager for a well-known company at the time. Sir Kenth had previously experienced times when he was left at home with his brother and cared for by his mother’s cousin because his parents’ shifts ended late at night due to their busy work schedules. When he has assignments or projects to complete, or when he studies, he does so on his own. “If I have problems that require assistance, I tend to keep it to myself because I don’t want to add to their problems and because I know they are busy at work,” he explained. “That is why I became very independent in the early stages of my life.”

“Nonetheless, I consider myself fortunate to have both of my parents, who are both extremely supportive. Regardless of their busy schedules, they will always make time for PTA meetings or academic events that require parents’ participation simply to attend and be present at school. Aside from that, they will always give us the freedom to do whatever we want. They always meet all of our needs and desires as long as they have something to contribute. They always put our happiness ahead of their own because it brings them joy.”

As Sir Kenth imagined that their life in Davao would be eternally happy, everything changed drastically in 2009. He shared, “My father’s workplace was closed due to bankruptcy, and he was left jobless. My grandmother on my father’s side had a stroke the same year. The entire family was in a real dilemma and decided to move back to North Cotabato to care for my grandmother. Despite the changes and sacrifices, the entire family quickly adjusted to the new environment and continued our lives.”

Sir Kenth was a very active student who always wanted to be involved. He always told himself that he would do anything to make his parents proud, even if it was in a small way, because he knew how hard they worked for him and wanted to repay them through the recognition and awards that he was receiving in school. He graduated from kindergarten as Salutatorian. He received First Honors from grade 1 to grade 5, but graduated with a 3rd Honorable Mention from Buhangin Central Elementary School. “I was an active band member and dancer in elementary school, where I also learned the basics of dancing,” he continued, “and in high school, despite the total adjustment from city life to rural life, I continued my passion and love for dancing, where I broadened my understanding of it by participating in different dance presentations, intermissions, and even competitions, not only in school but also district and provincial wide.”

From hip-hop to folk dance, indigenous dance, robotics, and even cheer dance, he was able to dance in practically every genre. Sir Kenth continued to participate in school events despite the family stress and the overall relocating circumstances. In fact, during the last four years of his high school experience, he was a Math Olympiad, representing the school in individual math quizzes and math trail competitions. He also became the school’s youngest news anchor when he joined the School Press Conference, specifically Radio Broadcasting. Sir Kenth was also a part of the school’s publication and a student leader, serving as governor of their batch in 3rd year high school, Vice President of the student body in 4th year high school, and Auditor of the Cotabato Province Division Supreme Student Government in the same year. Sir Kenth was a driven man who aspired to be a part of something huge. That is why he participated in practically all aspects of school life, from academics to extra-curricular and co-curricular activities. With that, he was awarded Salutatorian of Tulunan National High School in North Cotabato.

Sir Kenth claims that his exposure to many activities in school led him to choose a course where he could enjoy himself while both excelling and having a decent profession that suited his personality when he graduated. That’s why he studied at the University of Southeastern Philippines for a Bachelor of Physical Education with a major in School Physical Education. “During my college years, I went back to Davao City and lived alone just to study at a prestigious university”, he explained. “I considered studying away from my parents a gamble because I experienced those times when I had a fever or didn’t feel well. I just took care of myself because no one else would take care of me, and I always ate on my own at every meal time.”

“Every day is a struggle since I not only live alone, but I also have to survive alone. Despite the fact that I was living alone, I kept my passion alive. Academics and dancing were two things I had to handle at the same time. I continued to compete in various dance competitions, and I had the opportunity to participate in dance rehearsals that began at 6:00 p.m. after classes and ended at 3:00 a.m. But it was all worthwhile since I am confident that there will always be a good harvest after hard labor. Despite all of my difficulties, I was able to manage my academics and graduated Cum Laude last 2018.” He added, “As a bonus, I was allowed to represent the institution in regional events, including the National Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, and even the Davao Region.”

Sir Kenth instantly enrolled in a review center after graduating in June 2018 and took the licensure exams in September 2018. While waiting for the results, he took out a part-time job and became an online English teacher, teaching Chinese students. Sir Kenth’s greatest and most cherished gift came in December 2018, on his 21st birthday: he passed the board examinations. As per Sir Kenth, there is nothing that can compare to the excitement and happiness he had on that special day.

“My first formal school employer was Lyceum of the Philippines—Davao. That is why I am grateful to LPU for believing in my potential despite the fact that I was a fresh graduate and a new board passer. LPU is one of the factors that has contributed to my personal and professional development as a teacher. Every day, I learn something new, and I strive to live my life in accordance with my purpose. And today, I am still here and going into my 3rd year as a Lycean faculty teacher.” He added, “One of the most rewarding aspects of becoming a faculty member at LPU was the opportunity to supervise the dance troupe, which is my passion. I always remember those memorable moments as the club’s moderator when I was still a student-dancer. In whatever I do, I constantly aim for perfection. That is why, since the club was established, we have always brought pride to the school, along with our choreographers. If there are school activities, we always conduct dance presentations and intermissions. We also received honors and recognition in various dance competitions.”

Now that Sir Kenth is a teacher, he always considers himself to be a reflection of his students, which is why he always encourages them to find their own meaning, themselves, and purpose. As Sir Kenth was a very ambitious person, in addition to being a faculty member at LPU, he is also working on his master’s

degree, a Master of Arts in Education with a major in Physical Education. And now he is currently working on his thesis, which he hopes to finish this year.

“When I first started at LPU, I was more than happy. Maybe the highest scale of happiness is the scale that I want to put myself on. But when the pandemic starts, the true challenge begins. There are times when I don’t know what to do, where to adjust, or why I am continuing to do it. But I know that the road is still way long, there will still be better things in the future, and today’s happening is just a challenge that I know we can conquer. Let’s just continue living an optimistic life because it will really make our journey lighter and easier,” he said.

“Weak? Tired? Helpless? Do you want to give up? This pandemic triggered a lot of unpleasant emotions, doubts, and anxieties. However, as human beings, we are strong, capable, and resilient. We may not have control over the situation, but we do have power over our own thoughts, actions, and decisions.”

“Nothing’s wrong with being a dreamer. If you have ambitions, you have nothing to lose. If you want to accomplish something, especially something significant in your life, make sure you take the steps to make it happen.”