Christian Jay Laya (born March 29, 1998) is a Filipino student of History with a specialization in Philippine History at Mindanao State University – General Santos City, located in Mindanao, Philippines. He is of Visayan descent, with ancestral roots tracing back to Cebu and Iloilo. Among his close relatives and friends, he is affectionately known as "Jay."
Christian's father, Allan Carcosia Laya, Sr., passed away before Jay's 19th birthday in 2017. Allan worked as a tricycle driver, contributing to the livelihood of the family. Jay’s mother, Rosalina Navarro Sope, commonly known as Emily, managed the household as a homemaker, dedicating herself to domestic responsibilities.
Jay completed his pre-formal education and kindergarten at two institutions: San Isidro Labrador Learning Center in 2001 and Poblacion Day Care Center in 2004. During his time in kindergarten, he was recognized as the Most Behaved in his class.
One of Jay’s preschool teachers, Ma’am Tertuliana Lomocso, held a special place in his life, not only as an educator but also as his godmother (ninang) at baptism. Meanwhile, his kindergarten teacher, Ma’am Flordeliza Rioja, fondly known as Ma’am Diza, guided him during his formative years.
He was six years old when he was admitted as an elementary student at Alabel Central Elementary School in Grade 1. His teacher-adviser was Mrs. Gloria Dema-ala, and he was recognized as the "Most Behaved" in their class. His section was I-Dahlia.
In Grade 2, Jay transferred to Alabel Central SPED Center, where his teacher, Mrs. Florentina Haudar, encouraged him to make friends. It was there that he befriended Michael Onel and Mavin.
Grade 3 was a pivotal year for him. His teacher implemented outdated teaching methods, which had a negative impact on Jay's perspective of education.
In Grade 4, Christian Jay Laya was under the guidance of Mrs. Araceli, a tall, generous, and diligent teacher who made a lasting impact on her students. Ma'am Araceli not only fostered a nurturing classroom environment but also introduced and taught the students how to perform the Sarangani Hymn with precision and pride. During this year, Jay joined the Alabel SPED Drum and Lyre Band Corp, where he showcased his musical talents by playing the xylophone.
In Grade 5, Ma'am Charlotte returned as their teacher-adviser, continuing to provide valuable guidance throughout the year.
By Grade 6, Jay's leadership skills were evident, and he ran for Grade 6 Representative. He won the position by securing the highest number of votes from his peers. Under the mentorship of Mrs. Rosalinda A. Hermo, their teacher-adviser, Jay and his classmates were encouraged to appreciate the beauty of education while embracing the exchange of values and life lessons.
In 2010, Jay graduated from elementary with honors, earning the distinction of being the Most Behaved Pupil of their class. He also received the Loyalty Award for his dedication as a drum and lyre band member and was recognized as a Jazz Chant awardee, marking the culmination of his elementary school journey.
Christian Jay Laya, a high-achieving student from Alabel, Sarangani Province, has consistently demonstrated his commitment to academic and extracurricular excellence throughout his school years.
In his second year of high school, Jay became the school's representative at the Rizal is Alive Forum, held in Kidapawan City, to commemorate our national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal. His adviser, Mrs. Lumantas, encouraged the class to join the annual PSYSC School-Based Camp. Additionally, Jay participated in the Math Caravan organized by the Mathematics Department in 2012, further highlighting his passion for learning.
In 2013, Jay represented Alabel National High School (ANHS) in the ASEAN Quiz Bee in Glan, Sarangani Province. Although he did not win, his participation in the competition demonstrated his commitment to learning and personal growth. That same year, he chose Commercial Cooking as his specialization in the Tech-Voc Curriculum, with Mrs. Adora Bagunoc as both his adviser and TVE (Technology and Vocational Education) teacher.
Jay's academic journey continued to shine in 2014. On January 21, he traveled to Banga, South Cotabato, to join the Region XII Population Education Super Quiz Bowl organized by POPCOM XII. Despite not winning the competition, Jay earned a consolation prize of 1,000 pesos. His dedication paid off when he won 5th place in the Division Schools Press Conference (DSPC) 2013 Featured Writing Contest. His talent and leadership were further recognized as he became the Featured Editor of Alay ng Sarangani, ANHS's official student school paper.
In addition to his academic and journalistic achievements, Jay also earned the National Certificate II (NC II) in Commercial Cooking by passing the TESDA practical examination.
The culmination of his hard work came in 2014 when Jay graduated from high school with honors. He received several awards, including Best in Araling Panlipunan, Leadership Award as Historian Club President, and the Loyalty Award as a PSYSC National member.
For Jay, this day was not just a personal triumph but also a moment of immense pride for his parents, Allan and Emily. Their unwavering support and hard work throughout Jay's academic journey have been instrumental in his success. The Laya family's dedication to education has earned them the applause and admiration of their community.
Christian Jay Laya, a determined student from Alabel, Sarangani Province, embarked on his college journey at Mindanao State University - General Santos City, where he pursued a Bachelor of Arts in History. His dream was clear: to become a successful historian, a prolific writer, and a distinguished professor specializing in antiquity.
In 2014, Laya faced a turning point in his life. He overcame significant challenges and emerged stronger, drawing encouragement from his supportive family. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of a series of life-changing decisions. Along the way, he formed meaningful connections with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Among his newfound friends were Mr. Nico, an Ilonggo from Malandag; Ms. Joleah, a Sangil from Tambler; Mr. Rogel, a Cebuano from Calumpang; and Ms. Merissa, a Tausug from Glan. These relationships enriched his perspective and contributed to his personal growth.
Christian Jay Laya's story is one of resilience, cultural appreciation, and unwavering determination to achieve his goals. His journey serves as an inspiration for those who face obstacles in their pursuit of success.
Student's Dedication to Knowledge Earns Dean’s List Honors at MSU
At Mindanao State University (MSU), Christian Jay Laya demonstrated a strong commitment to academic excellence. Known for his nocturnal habits, Jay often spent long hours in the university’s library, diligently reading books to deepen his understanding of subjects he was passionate about, such as Asian History, Politics, and Local stories. Despite his late nights and less-than-average sleep, he remained actively involved in various extracurricular activities, including quiz bowls, where he showcased his intellect and enthusiasm.
Jay's hard work and determination did not go unnoticed. He was named to the Dean’s List during multiple semesters. In his first year, first semester, he earned a remarkable GPA of 1.7125. He continued to excel in his third year, achieving GPAs of 1.4167 and 1.5000 in the first and second semesters, respectively. In his fourth year, he achieved an outstanding GPA of 1.2500 in the first semester.
For Jay, achieving these academic milestones was no easy feat, comparable to "putting a lamb in the desert"—a testament to the perseverance and effort he poured into his studies. His journey reflects not only his intellectual capacity but also his unwavering dedication to his education.
On April 17, 2018, Christian Jay Laya successfully defended his undergraduate thesis at the History Department Faculty Office of the College of Social Sciences and Humanities (CSSH), Mindanao State University – General Santos City. The defense began promptly at 4:00 PM and concluded at 5:00 PM.
His panel members included Prof. Elma Lumantas, Mr. Allan Castino, and Ma'am Hannee Badilles. During the defense, the panel offered valuable feedback and recommendations that were aimed at enhancing the quality of Jay's study. The suggestions were well-received and will guide the refinement of his research.
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