Success is never instant. It is built on perseverance, sacrifice, and the will to keep moving forward despite life’s toughest challenges. Few stories capture this truth as powerfully as that of Ray Francis Olbenario Diapera, whose six-year journey toward finishing his studies is nothing short of inspiring.
From Odd Jobs to Survival
To support himself, he took on every honest job he could find — from working as a security guard, service crew at Jollibee, rider for Foodpanda and Maxim, habal-habal driver, empanada vendor, online seller, and even selling malunggay during the pandemic.
His determination to survive and study pushed him to humbly ask people for work:
“Sir, naa kay ipa-sugo?”“Ma’am/Sir, ako la’y trabaho ana bi para naa koy pangpalit pagkaon.”
Sleepless Nights, Endless Hustle
After the pandemic, things became even tougher. He worked multiple jobs at once — Jollibee during the day, Foodpanda at night, and Maxim in the early morning hours. With only 3–4 hours of sleep, he attended online classes, often dozing off while logged in.
When face-to-face classes resumed, he continued to ride for Foodpanda and habal-habal to earn his daily allowance and cover school expenses
Empanada and Sacrifice
By his third year in college, Ray Francis found another way to keep going: selling empanada. This small venture became a lifeline, helping him survive school life. He recalls how, during his first and second years, there were days when his meals would be nothing more than sabaw sa siomai — yet he endured.
A Story of Grit and Hope
Now, after six years of relentless effort, Ray Francis has proven that with hope, strength, and determination, success is always within reach. His story is a reminder to all students, dreamers, and workers alike: no matter how heavy the struggles, padayon lang.
Today, he stands as a living testament that no dream is too far for those who refuse to give up.
Padayon, Ray Francis! Your story continues to inspire countless others who are fighting for their own dreams.
