ISKOLAR NG BAYAN FOCUS:
Chessca Bren F. Fronda
Beyond Fear: Kris Dela Cruz Finds His Voice in Balagtasang Ala Eh
Success does not always begin with confidence. Sometimes, it begins with fear—and the courage to try anyway.
For Kris Lawrence D. Dela Cruz, joining Balagtasang Ala Eh was never part of his original plans. Yet through encouragement, perseverance, and faith, he discovered a voice he never knew he had.
A Humble Beginning, A Willing Heart
As a third-year Bachelor of Elementary Education student from Alangilan, Batangas City, Kris grew up in a humble home where, despite financial limitations, he was surrounded by love. His family’s openness taught him to value relationships and the importance of having people who believe in him.
Balagtasan, however, was something he never thought he could do. When Mr. Jolo Javier first invited him to join, his immediate response was, “I can’t do it.” But through Mr. Javier’s patience and guidance, Kris slowly learned the craft—and eventually learned to love it.
Making It Through the Challenges
The journey to Balagtasang Ala Eh was not easy. Kris and his teammates, Larz De Leon and Elisha Abarquez, struggled to find time when all three were available for practice. Class suspensions caused by heavy rains further limited their preparation, while their midterm examinations added another challenge.
Despite the circumstances, they found ways to continue, including online practices and limited face-to-face sessions. With the guidance of Mr. Jolo Javier and Mr. Lorenz Isla, and the support they gave one another, the team made the most of the time they had.
Finding Courage on the Stage
Kris also faced challenges in writing and delivering their Balagtasan piece. Since he was not used to writing in that form, he had to learn how to express his thoughts differently and make his lines fit the flow of the performance
Nervousness followed him to the competition. He worried about forgetting his lines, especially since he often forgot them during practice.
Before they performed, however, Mr. Isla reminded them, “Your greatest competition is yourself.”
Instead of worrying about mistakes or the result, Kris focused on giving his best and trusting their preparation. Their hard work paid off as the team secured third place in Balagtasang Ala Eh.
A Victory Beyond the Award
For Kris, placing third was a moment of excitement and fulfillment. The recognition made all the stress, sacrifices, and hard work feel worthwhile.
More importantly, the experience taught him to face something he once believed he could not do. He realized that sometimes, fear becomes a greater limitation than ability.
The people who believed in him also played an important role, especially Mr. Javier, who saw his potential even when Kris could not see it himself.
As an EBiDa Scholar, Kris sees the achievement as a privilege and an inspiration to continue improving, pursuing opportunities, and becoming better—not only for himself but also for the people who believe in him.
“Do It Scared”
For students who are afraid to step outside their comfort zones, Kris has one simple message: “Do it scared.”
He encourages others to take chances, even when fear is present, because sometimes, trying is the only way to discover what they are truly capable of. More than anything, he hopes students will continue to believe in themselves, dream big, enjoy the process, and trust God throughout their journey.
His experience in Balagtasang Ala Eh may have started with uncertainty, but it gave him something more valuable than a third-place finish: the confidence to face opportunities he once thought were beyond him.
Kris entered Balagtasan thinking he could not do it.
He left knowing that he could.
And sometimes, the courage to try is already a victory.
