The teacher who joined a trivia game segment of noontime show It’s Showtime—and went viral for his incorrect answer after sharing his academic achievements—has addressed the criticisms he’s been getting from social media users and apologized to those who thought he was just showing off.
Tony Dizon, in a video recently posted on his Facebook page, said he was surprised by what happened.
“I really made a huge mistake,” he said. “Nagulat ako sa sarili ko, ‘Why did you answer that?'”
“I have to accept every criticism, every negative comment,” he added.
Dizon noted that it’s saddening that “we are still in the era of making a mistake.” He continued, “Like one mistake about it, and it will sum up who you are.”
“A lot of people know that once andoon ka sa gitna ng stage na ‘yun,” he noted, “mapepressure ka talaga. You just have to answer (in) five seconds.”
The viral contestant asked the public to imagine themselves in the same situation.
“Sana naisip ninyo na ‘What if you are in that position?'” Dizon said. “Yeah, that’s a very basic question, but dumadaloy sa ’yo ‘yung pressure, so hindi ka makakasagot talaga.”
He said he would continue to be better after the viral incident.
“I will continue learning. I will continue working and researching,” Dizon said. “Yes, again, I made a mistake but it doesn’t mean I will just be there.”
In another post, Dizon reminded everyone that it’s okay to make mistakes. “Mistakes remind us that we are still human but those setbacks don’t define who we are.”
He also apologized to those who found him too proud of the things he has accomplished. “If my achievements may have come across as bragging, I apologize. I’m only proud because the path was harder than most will ever know and God knows the weight of it. But life is about growth, and in time, we’ll find where we’re truly valued and loved,” he said.
“We cannot control what others say about us, but we can control how we respond, whether the words are kind or harsh. So, don’t fear making mistakes. It’s through those moments that we learn, grow stronger, and become more courageous in accepting ourselves,” he concluded.
In the Throwbox! segment of the show on Sept. 19, Dizon was asked who was the first female president of the Philippines. He answered Gloria Macapagal Arroyo instead of Corazon Aquino.
Dizon became the subject of ridicule and criticism since before he answered the question, he noted how he is currently pursuing a doctorate degree in educational leadership. He also noted that he’s been teaching for eight years.
Dizon also shared that he represented the Philippines at a research conference in Seoul National University in South Korea, noting he was the only Filipino there to present a paper.
