When hosting his talk shows, Boy Abunda is known not to mince words to get to the bottom line of his conversations with guests. As speaker at OEd’s 4^th Commencement Exercises, Abunda spoke from the heart—giving graduates what he feels is the most practical advice.

“Do not be afraid to annoy. Annoy with dignity–ask the difficult questions,” he said, addressing the 162 OEd graduates virtually present. The advice, he says, is to eliminate usual barriers that prevent people from speaking up.

“Culturally, pinaniwala tayo that we have to be pleasant all the time, no matter how painful it is. Huwag ka magtanong, don’t shake the status quo… iniiwasan natin magtanong ng annoying questions,” shared Abunda. “Ask the right questions if you want to know something about yourself or the world around you, even if it’s annoying, do not be afraid to ask.”

As one of OEd’s Level-Up ambassadors, Abunda was chosen as commencement speaker by the country’s first institution to offer full online degree programs and a member of AMA Education System, owing to their shared advocacy of lifelong learning.

Abunda’s speech was of the of the highlights of OEd’s first ever virtual graduation, held on October 22, that brought together graduates and their families from 18 countries. The online event gave candidates ranging from Senior High to Master’s Degree Programs the opportunity to celebrate their academic achievements from the safety of their homes.

Hosted by radio DJ Nicole Hyala, the program also had surprise appearances from OEd ambassadors Piolo Pascual, Sharlene San Pedro, you, and Darren Espanto, who serenaded graduates with soulful renditions.

With the COVID-19 pandemic presenting a barrier to a physical ceremony, OEd pivoted to the online medium that successfully allowed graduates to study at anytime and anywhere.

“This year, we wanted to ensure that our graduates are able to mark this momentous occasion in their lives and celebrate their academic achievement. We continue to be committed in using online technology to provide our students with learning continuity. Online is truly the future of education,” said Dr. Amable C. Aguiluz IX, Vice Chairman of AMA Education System.

Watch and be inspired by the full graduation program here:

To find out more about OEd and its programs, log on to www.oed.com.ph