Students Honor Security Guard at Graduation
HILARIO “MANONG DARIO” TOBILLA – A security guard at Tarlac Montessori School became the center of a heartwarming moment during a recent graduation ceremony, thanks to two grateful students who chose to honor him in a way he never expected.
While their fellow graduates sang Yeng Constantino’s “Salamat” on stage, students Luis Sawit and Josh Pinlac quietly stepped away from the spotlight. They weren’t nervous or lost—they had something else in mind. The two walked toward Manong Dario, their longtime school guard, and brought him up on stage with them, giving him the recognition he had quietly earned over decades.
According to Luis, the original plan was to walk with their teachers as a sign of gratitude. But during the ceremony, he and Josh felt it was their last opportunity to show appreciation to someone who had been with them throughout their school journey. They didn’t hesitate—they followed their hearts.
Luis later shared that Manong Dario had always been a father figure at school, someone who looked after everyone without asking for anything in return. Josh affectionately called him “HeimDARS,” likening him to Heimdall, the Marvel character, because of his sharp memory of every student and their guardians.
The touching gesture, captured on video by Luis’s aunt, quickly went viral online. Manong Dario, deeply moved, said he never imagined the students would call him onstage. After 36 years of service, he was overwhelmed with joy and gratitude. He said the students were like his own children, and their kindness gave meaning to his many years at the school.
As he nears retirement, Manong Dario carries with him a powerful reminder that his quiet dedication didn’t go unnoticed. The students’ message was clear: sometimes, those who stand in the background deserve to be celebrated the most.
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