7 Things to Prepare for Philippine High School Graduations

Nina
13 min readFeb 10, 2024

--

High School graduation is right around the corner, school is over, and you are restless with no idea what to do. You’ve spent years in classrooms, late nights studying, and countless memories with friends.

Now, it’s time to step onto the big stage of your High School Graduation. Nugagawen?

Graduating from high school is a significant milestone in anyone’ life. It marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another — this transition is filled with excitement, uncertainty, and endless opportunities for high schoolers.

In the Philippines, high school graduation is not just a personal achievement; it’s a cultural moment celebrated with your family and friends. As you prepare to embark on this journey, there are several essential things you need to know before donning your cap and gown.

Table of Contents

  1. Academic Requirements and Clearances
  2. Preparing for College Admissions
  3. High School Graduation Yearbook Pictures
  4. High School Graduation Ceremony Practice
  5. Emotional Preparation
  6. High School Graduation Ceremony
  7. Post-Graduation Celebration
  8. Checklist Corner

Academic Requirements and Clearances

Before you set your sights on the graduation stage, you must fulfill all academic requirements set by your school. This includes completing all necessary or missing works, passing exams, and meeting any specific graduation criteria mandated by the Philippine Department of Education (DepEd).

Clear any outstanding fees, return borrowed materials, and obtain the necessary clearances from various school offices to confirm that you have no pending obligations. This will not only make the administrative process smoother but also allow you to fully enjoy the celebration without any last-minute worries.

Don’t wait until the last day to do it!

Also make sure to stay on top of your studies and seek assistance if you encounter any challenges along the way!

Preparing for College Admissions

Graduating high school opens up a world of possibilities for your future. Whether you plan to pursue higher education, enter the workforce, or explore other opportunities, now is the time to start planning and setting achievable goals for yourself.

Consider seeking guidance from career counselors, mentors, or trusted adults to help you. There are schools that hold events like College Fairs or even Career Fairs so you could get a better understanding of who you would want to become, and what you would want to do in your degree, and later on as your profession.

Take the time to research and understand the requirements for college admissions or your chosen career path.

You can read more about it in an upcoming article of mine!

High School Graduation Yearbook Pictures

Say cheese!

Your graduation photo is more than just a snapshot; it’s a timeless memento of your achievements. Prepare for your graduation picture by choosing appropriate attire for your creative or group shots, practicing your smile, and considering any poses you’d like to capture.

As for your yearbook, it is a cherished keepsake filled with memories from your high school years. Take the time to pick your best photos, quotes, and anecdotes that reflect your high school experience.

Remember, your photo and yearbook contributions will likely find its way into family albums, yearbooks, and social media feeds, so make it count!

(And your high school will definitely show it on the big screen once you’re on stage!)

High School Graduation Ceremony Practice

Graduation ceremonies in the Philippines often involve various performances and speeches. These typically take up the remaining days of your high school since there is pretty much nothing else to do.

Attend all rehearsals diligently to familiarize yourself with the proceedings. Pay close attention to cues, stage directions, and your role in the ceremony. This is for the convenience of everyone, if you don’t want to start from the top when you make a mistake.

Practice walking confidently across the stage, receiving your diploma, and smiling for the camera before your big day!

It is also during graduation practices where teachers and event organizers facilitate the distribution of graduation tickets. These tickets include information such as the graduation date and timing details, dress code, venue, and number of guests allowed, and timing details, ensuring that graduates are fully prepared for their memorable milestone event.

Traditional Filipino graduation attire often consists of a Barong Tagalog for males and a white dress or Filipiniana attire for females. To some schools, it’s just your regular old uniform. It’s essential to align yourself with your school’s dress code for the graduation ceremony to ensure that you adhere to any specific guidelines or traditions.

Many schools also have limitations on the number of guests each graduate can invite to the ceremony due to space constraints. Be sure to check with your school regarding guest invitations and any ticketing procedures they may have in place.

Be sure to familiarize yourself with the schedule, dress code, and any other important details to ensure a memorable and dignified experience. You don’t want to be late marching down the aisle!

Emotional Preparation

Graduation can be a bittersweet experience, as it marks the end of your time in high school and the beginning of a new chapter in your life. Graduation also means saying goodbye to friends, teachers, and to the surroundings that you’ve grown familiar with over the years.

Make time to express your gratitude to those who have supported you along the way and cherish the friendships you’ve made during your high school years. You can even give them letters or even parting gifts to remember each other by!

While saying goodbye can be difficult, it’s not forever. You can always choose to stay connected with your classmates and alma mater through social media, alumni associations, or reunions.

High School Graduation Ceremony

This is the moment you all have been waiting for! You’re finally here! The graduation ceremony is a time-honored tradition and typically held towards the end of the school year. It is a formal event attended by students, parents, teachers, and distinguished guests.

However, to ensure that your day goes smoothly and stress-free, it’s essential to make thorough preparations in advance. A couple of days before would suffice.

So, first things first, make sure you have your ticket invitations, wallet and extra bills in your bag. You don’t want to be scrambling to find them at the last minute. Check the details, including the venue, time, and any specific requirements for entry.

Whether you’re going for classic elegance or showcasing your personal style, lay out your attire; cap, gown, shoes, and any accessories you plan to wear the night before to avoid any wardrobe malfunctions on the big day.

If you’re planning to get your hair and makeup done, go ahead and do it!

Now, let’s talk about what you need to eat. Plan your meals for the day in advance, starting with a nutritious breakfast to fuel you for the festivities ahead. If your graduation ceremony spans several hours, pack a bottle of water, snacks or a light lunch to keep you and your family energized.

Speaking of energized, ensure that your phone and any other electronic devices you’ll be bringing with you are fully charged or you have a power bank on hand. You’ll want to capture memories, stay connected with family and friends, and have access to important information throughout the day!

Travel arrangements are also key. Whether you’re driving, taking public transportation, or arranging for a ride, ensure that you know how to get there and how long the journey will take. Consider factors such as traffic and parking availability. Don’t get stuck in the rush hours of Philippine traffic!

Of course, no graduation day is complete without capturing the moment. Decide whether you’ll hire a photographer onsite or designate a family member to be your personal paparazzi. And don’t be afraid to get emotional. Graduation is a time to celebrate your accomplishments and reflect on the journey that brought you here.

Post-Graduation Celebration

As the final cap was tossed, the diplomas are collected, and pictures are taken, it’s time to say goodbye. However, as the ceremony concludes, hunger often becomes the next pressing matter. Too often, post-graduation celebrations are ruined by long waits and crowded restaurants. We don’t want that on your big day, do we?

By the time the summer season begins by March in the Philippines, expect a surge in high school graduations. Be prepared for crowded venues, from malls to restaurants, so watch out for that!

Planning ahead can make your graduation celebration into an unforgettable experience for you and your loved ones. Rather than being caught in the rush of hungry graduates, take charge of your post-graduation dining experience.

Anticipate the popularity of graduation season and plan well in advance. Once you’ve decided on a venue, don’t wait until the last minute to make reservations. Booking in advance ensures you’ll have a table waiting for you, sparing you from the frustration of long wait times.

On the day of your graduation, aim to arrive early at the venue with some time to spare. This gives you the opportunity to settle in comfortably and avoid any unnecessary stress.

If dining out isn’t your style, why not bring the celebration home? Catering services or ordering can provide delicious meals right to your doorstep, allowing you to enjoy a feast in the comfort of your own space. Or better yet, cook your food the day before to save you the time and money.

High School graduation is right around the corner, school is over, and you are restless with no idea what to do…

9 minutes

High School graduation is right around the corner, school is over, and you are restless with no idea what to do. You’ve spent years in classrooms, late nights studying, and countless memories with friends.

Now, it’s time to step onto the big stage of your High School Graduation. Nugagawen?

Graduating from high school is a significant milestone in anyone’ life. It marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another — this transition is filled with excitement, uncertainty, and endless opportunities for high schoolers.

In the Philippines, high school graduation is not just a personal achievement; it’s a cultural moment celebrated with your family and friends. As you prepare to embark on this journey, there are several essential things you need to know before donning your cap and gown.

Table of Contents

  1. Academic Requirements and Clearances
  2. Preparing for College Admissions
  3. High School Graduation Yearbook Pictures
  4. High School Graduation Ceremony Practice
  5. Emotional Preparation
  6. High School Graduation Ceremony
  7. Post-Graduation Celebration
  8. Checklist Corner

Academic Requirements and Clearances

Before you set your sights on the graduation stage, you must fulfill all academic requirements set by your school. This includes completing all necessary or missing works, passing exams, and meeting any specific graduation criteria mandated by the Philippine Department of Education (DepEd).

Clear any outstanding fees, return borrowed materials, and obtain the necessary clearances from various school offices to confirm that you have no pending obligations. This will not only make the administrative process smoother but also allow you to fully enjoy the celebration without any last-minute worries.

Don’t wait until the last day to do it!

Also make sure to stay on top of your studies and seek assistance if you encounter any challenges along the way!

Preparing for College Admissions

Graduating high school opens up a world of possibilities for your future. Whether you plan to pursue higher education, enter the workforce, or explore other opportunities, now is the time to start planning and setting achievable goals for yourself.

Consider seeking guidance from career counselors, mentors, or trusted adults to help you. There are schools that hold events like College Fairs or even Career Fairs so you could get a better understanding of who you would want to become, and what you would want to do in your degree, and later on as your profession.

Take the time to research and understand the requirements for college admissions or your chosen career path.

You can read more about it in an upcoming article of mine!

High School Graduation Yearbook Pictures

Say cheese!

Your graduation photo is more than just a snapshot; it’s a timeless memento of your achievements. Prepare for your graduation picture by choosing appropriate attire for your creative or group shots, practicing your smile, and considering any poses you’d like to capture.

As for your yearbook, it is a cherished keepsake filled with memories from your high school years. Take the time to pick your best photos, quotes, and anecdotes that reflect your high school experience.

Remember, your photo and yearbook contributions will likely find its way into family albums, yearbooks, and social media feeds, so make it count!

(And your high school will definitely show it on the big screen once you’re on stage!)

High School Graduation Ceremony Practice

Graduation ceremonies in the Philippines often involve various performances and speeches. These typically take up the remaining days of your high school since there is pretty much nothing else to do.

Attend all rehearsals diligently to familiarize yourself with the proceedings. Pay close attention to cues, stage directions, and your role in the ceremony. This is for the convenience of everyone, if you don’t want to start from the top when you make a mistake.

Practice walking confidently across the stage, receiving your diploma, and smiling for the camera before your big day!

It is also during graduation practices where teachers and event organizers facilitate the distribution of graduation tickets. These tickets include information such as the graduation date and timing details, dress code, venue, and number of guests allowed, and timing details, ensuring that graduates are fully prepared for their memorable milestone event.

Traditional Filipino graduation attire often consists of a Barong Tagalog for males and a white dress or Filipiniana attire for females. To some schools, it’s just your regular old uniform. It’s essential to align yourself with your school’s dress code for the graduation ceremony to ensure that you adhere to any specific guidelines or traditions.

Many schools also have limitations on the number of guests each graduate can invite to the ceremony due to space constraints. Be sure to check with your school regarding guest invitations and any ticketing procedures they may have in place.

Be sure to familiarize yourself with the schedule, dress code, and any other important details to ensure a memorable and dignified experience. You don’t want to be late marching down the aisle!

Emotional Preparation

Graduation can be a bittersweet experience, as it marks the end of your time in high school and the beginning of a new chapter in your life. Graduation also means saying goodbye to friends, teachers, and to the surroundings that you’ve grown familiar with over the years.

Make time to express your gratitude to those who have supported you along the way and cherish the friendships you’ve made during your high school years. You can even give them letters or even parting gifts to remember each other by!

While saying goodbye can be difficult, it’s not forever. You can always choose to stay connected with your classmates and alma mater through social media, alumni associations, or reunions.

High School Graduation Ceremony

This is the moment you all have been waiting for! You’re finally here! The graduation ceremony is a time-honored tradition and typically held towards the end of the school year. It is a formal event attended by students, parents, teachers, and distinguished guests.

However, to ensure that your day goes smoothly and stress-free, it’s essential to make thorough preparations in advance. A couple of days before would suffice.

So, first things first, make sure you have your ticket invitations, wallet and extra bills in your bag. You don’t want to be scrambling to find them at the last minute. Check the details, including the venue, time, and any specific requirements for entry.

Whether you’re going for classic elegance or showcasing your personal style, lay out your attire; cap, gown, shoes, and any accessories you plan to wear the night before to avoid any wardrobe malfunctions on the big day.

If you’re planning to get your hair and makeup done, go ahead and do it!

Now, let’s talk about what you need to eat. Plan your meals for the day in advance, starting with a nutritious breakfast to fuel you for the festivities ahead. If your graduation ceremony spans several hours, pack a bottle of water, snacks or a light lunch to keep you and your family energized.

Speaking of energized, ensure that your phone and any other electronic devices you’ll be bringing with you are fully charged or you have a power bank on hand. You’ll want to capture memories, stay connected with family and friends, and have access to important information throughout the day!

Travel arrangements are also key. Whether you’re driving, taking public transportation, or arranging for a ride, ensure that you know how to get there and how long the journey will take. Consider factors such as traffic and parking availability. Don’t get stuck in the rush hours of Philippine traffic!

Of course, no graduation day is complete without capturing the moment. Decide whether you’ll hire a photographer onsite or designate a family member to be your personal paparazzi. And don’t be afraid to get emotional. Graduation is a time to celebrate your accomplishments and reflect on the journey that brought you here.

Post-Graduation Celebration

As the final cap was tossed, the diplomas are collected, and pictures are taken, it’s time to say goodbye. However, as the ceremony concludes, hunger often becomes the next pressing matter. Too often, post-graduation celebrations are ruined by long waits and crowded restaurants. We don’t want that on your big day, do we?

By the time the summer season begins by March in the Philippines, expect a surge in high school graduations. Be prepared for crowded venues, from malls to restaurants, so watch out for that!

Planning ahead can make your graduation celebration into an unforgettable experience for you and your loved ones. Rather than being caught in the rush of hungry graduates, take charge of your post-graduation dining experience.

Anticipate the popularity of graduation season and plan well in advance. Once you’ve decided on a venue, don’t wait until the last minute to make reservations. Booking in advance ensures you’ll have a table waiting for you, sparing you from the frustration of long wait times.

On the day of your graduation, aim to arrive early at the venue with some time to spare. This gives you the opportunity to settle in comfortably and avoid any unnecessary stress.

If dining out isn’t your style, why not bring the celebration home? Catering services or ordering can provide delicious meals right to your doorstep, allowing you to enjoy a feast in the comfort of your own space. Or better yet, cook your food the day before to save you the time and money.

Congratulations on your graduation!

And you’ve reached the end of this article. All I want to say is, I’m proud of you for making it this far, both figuratively and literally!

Congratulations on reaching this significant milestone, and may your future be filled with success, happiness, and fulfillment. You made it!

It’s natural to feel excitement and fear about the future but remember that you are more than capable of great things and have a world of opportunities ahead of you.

--

--