I sighed as I got up from my bed. The sun was peeking through the curtains, “Today feels different.” I whispered to myself, knowing it will all be the same. A laundry list of backlogs and a world without end of bad news encapsulates most of my days. Following the same routine over and over can be tiresome. Scrolling through different social media platforms is usually one way for me to take a break. I reach for my phone to catch up with everything that is happening around me. My newsfeed is a combination of memes that will be the laughingstock for a couple of days, news updates that can trigger so many emotions, relatives inviting you to like baby pictures for a photo contest based on popularity, TikTok trends that many raves about, and my all-time personal favorite— achievements and congratulatory posts. The proud smiles of friends, acquaintances, and even strangers sparks joy within me. Seeing their intricate narrations of both the good and the bad parts of how they were able to pursue a certain endeavor resonates with me so much.

I find it invigorating to see the wins of people, may it be big or small. My favorite part is seeing this one specific word that shines as the beacon of hope. Who knew that a seven-letter word could leave such a great impact? Padayon, doesn’t it sound very promising?

Padayon originated from the land of Visayas which can be traced back to places such as Iloilo and Negros Occidental. It is a Hiligaynon term that means “to continue,” although catchy, this single word means so much more.

What does it mean to continue? Is it always looking at the bright side and disregarding the unpleasant? My personal interpretation of Padayon meant always striving for the best, regardless. I have come to realize that I was so wrong in so many ways.

Taking the time to actually understand its meaning changed my perspective. The beauty of a word can be translated into so many ways. Filipinos have always been tagged as resilient in every scenario possible. I guess the word Padayon could be related to the fact of how we always persevere regardless of how the situation looks like. At the same time, it is a balance of knowing how to continue without jeopardizing one’s sanity. It is also acknowledging the fact that reposing is also an act of going on.

Now more than ever, the term is popularized. When people, especially students of today’s generation, are set down in a tough place, struggling, and using every means to make it through, oftentimes you’ll hear them chant Padayon raising their right arm while their fists are clenched. You will also see scribbles of the term as a gesture of hope that is a declaration that says, “I will push through.” In a digital avenue, you will see tweets and posts with the term Padayon, as it ignites the pursuit to continue in every single one of us.

Isn’t it beautiful? Through the highs and the lows, and even on the brink of giving up, we would always find a way to breakthrough. So, Padayon means so much more than just continuing. Instead, it is a glimmer of hope that despite the hardships in life, we have to forgive ourselves for the mistakes we make along the way and continue to move forward because better things lie ahead.

I placed my phone down with a smile on my face and a spark to continue within me. Realizing I owe myself the biggest apology for failing to celebrate my wins, may it be finishing a list of tasks or taking time to rest. All the more, it counts.

So here’s to you and me for constantly trying and evolving. Padayon!