Speech delivered by Mrs. Mildred Cielo (Marky’s mom) during the awarding of  Star in the Walk of Fame on December 1, 2009 in Eastwood Mall, Quezon City.

Thank you Kuya Germs for initiating this recognition to Marky Cielo or Boknoi to us his family and clan as well as hundreds of friends throughout the world. Is not enough gesture of gratitude for the recognition. Thank You Kuya Germs, from the bottom of our hearts.

More than 20 years ago, I bore a son, whom we named mark of an angel in heaven. That name was Mark Angelo Cielo. He was born when I was working in Mindanao for an NGO that worked for the recognition of Indigenous Peoples Right to Self Determination. The boy Marky was witness to Datus or Chieftains sharing about unity between humans and nature, in dances, in chants, in celebration. As a young boy, he grew to sounds and the rhythm of nature, to the egalitarian visions of community leaders, and to an environment where the pursuit of the true, the good and the beautiful make life worth living.

More than 2 years ago, Marky aka Boknoi bested a search GMAs Starstruck, not only because he was popular star material, but because he represented a Filipino elusive dream. This dream is the pure recognition of a person who represented the communities in the fringes, the Igorot communities, as well as the tens of indigenous communities scattered throughout the entire Philippine archipelago. He became an inspiration for the communities from the fringes of Philippine society, who identified with him their marginalization despite their talents and competence. His selection demonstrated to and inspired thousands of us, and encouraged young people to start journeying for recognition through hardwork and optimism.

As a GMA star, those in the Kapuso Network can best described him at work, and can speak more about the twinkle of his star in this Walk of Fame, better than us his family .

Let Marky’s star in the Walk of Fame be a living reminder to those who walk his path that pureness of the HEART, HARDWORK and LOVE can still be the best path to fame.

Marky, from the stars above, look upon us here, who love and cherish your FULL although short good life through this star in this Walk of Fame. Thank you Marky for sharing your short life with and inspiring Us. Thank you Kuya Germs and the Kapuso family, To all his fans, thank you to all present here.