Ivy and Lloyd visited at school yesterday

I was having a class with my SPED II students when suddenly I saw Lloyd and Ivy just outside the room. I approached them out to greet them. They came to get a video interview on Lloyd getting married this June 16. It felt great seeing my very first students succeed in life.

Speaker, Judge

Last September, MSS conducted SCiMath Camp and they had me as the guest speaker of the camp. It was exciting specially during the Q&A. The campers' teams were outdoing each other for points.Just last October 26, I was back to MSS as one of the judges for the singing contest. They had their sports fest 2010. It was a kind of reunion of mentors of the past. Sr. Myrna, Anna and Inday were my co-teachers in 1997 - 2000. I also met Kelvin, who was there as one of the referees. Needless to say, I always consider myself an active family member of MSS. The school has truly a special place in my heart.

My Commencement Message to MSS 2010 Graduates

Sister Myrna ADC, the mother superior, Sr. Imelda ADC, the principal/directress, Sister Angie, Sister Helen, the teaching and the nonteaching staff, parents, our partners in the education of the youth, batch 2010 graduates of Marcelo Spinola School, to one and all good morning.

How lovely it is to say, “This is the moment!” It is even more fulfilling to know that through the test of this most trying time, when the world is economically not well, our environment is threatened more than ever, the challenges of peace are getting in our way, you, the 2010 graduates of Marcelo Spinola School have made it through. Congratulations to all of you. Congratulations to your parents. Your families celebrate the success you have reaped after all these years of enjoying and struggling through a high school life.

By now, the people around are looking up to you as individuals endowed with skills, talents and character – ready to face a more challenging level. You graduated in this time when the prices of basic commodities are at record high. Our country is just more than a month from electing its new president and other officials. Just at this period, we are experiencing the effects of El Niño Phenomenon. The farmlands produce less. The dry spell has caused the scarcity of water supply. And here, right now, this moment, you are called to be like fountains where everyone can drink. How can we possibly become available sources in this difficult time? How can we ever become like public fountains where everyone can drink?

Just last night, while I was reading through your program, I came across a passage written at the edge of the back-cover that says, “I can do all things in the heart of Christ.” How fitting for this graduation exercises’ theme. Truly, it is in the heart of Christ that we can do all things, that we can really become like fountains – to quench the thirst of the needy, to feed the hungry, to give light to those in the dark, to offer joy to the lonely, to bring peace to this troubled world and to share love to everyone.

Firstly, you are called to be like public fountains of truth and justice. Looking back, you might ask, “Was I honest with what I did to my classmates and teachers?” “Did I practice fairness to everyone?” Graduates, as you move further from high school, you will become even more socially involved. Even at this election period, you are never far from being a part of the entire process. Look at us, your elders, and your parents. Be the change you want us to be when you reach the level where we are now. Be fountains of truth and justice to heal the wounds of our society.

Secondly, you are invited to be like public fountains of joy and peace. As a Marcelo Spinola School graduate in the midst of the people seeking for comfort, be like fountains of joy. Share what you have. Be instruments of peace, flowing like public fountains to everyone seeking for serenity. Share happiness within you. Be agents that bring peace and joy.

Lastly, I pray that you graduates become public fountains of love and service. Remember, we can do all things in the heart of Christ. You are so blessed, dear graduates that you have been here at Marcelo Spinola School. It is a community, working hand-in-hand for the formation of the heart of the young. One can have all the things in this world. But if he has not loved, he is simply nothing. He is like a fountain that has run out of water. He could be a fountain that cannot give water at all. Let us translate this love in our hearts to service. How beautiful is the song “Prayer for Generosity”, “Panalangin sa Pagiging Bukas-Palad”. It expresses the longing to serve even without being paid in return. It tells one’s commitment to be like public fountains – free of charge.

In the heart of Christ we can all become like public fountains. Yes, we are journeying in a tough world. But having the love of God in our hearts, we can confront all the challenges along the way.

I have been always a part of this great school. Our Spinola Sisters were my formators way back my high school life – Sr. Myrna, Sr. Joy, Sr. Milflor and Sr. Nilda. I taught here for three years. Up to now, I still look up to the Spinola Sisters, seeing them as real public fountains of the Love of Jesus. Together, we teachers pray and work hard, that the youth of the land might have the heart of service and love, becoming real public fountains of truth and justice, joy and peace, where everyone can drink.

Leigh, A Spinolanian Tennister

These past days, I've been playing lots of tennis. One time, I dropped by Leigh Cris's place after a tennis game with Hanna, his sister, who is a varsity in tennis in one of the college institutions in Iligan City. Hanna is home for Christmas break. By the next day, Leigh accompanied us playing with my other students in Sibugay NHS, who are very good tennis players. Most of them had to leave, since the classes by Monday shall already resume. So, to carry-on the tennister spirit, Leigh and I agreed that we meet at the DPWH for some tennis action. We played at around 7:45 am this morning. Leigh had long been playing since his elementary. He stopped after such years and played only volley once in a blue moon.

Leigh was a student of mine when he was first year at Spinola. I taught the class where he belonged for only a grading period. That was when I left MSS, way back 2000. He is one of the constant reminders about my unexpected exit from the school. Now he is waiting for the result of the Nursing Board he just took.

A Chat with Leah Riza

Here's an excerpt of our chat just a while ago.

Leah Riza
hello sir Darwin.. musta nman?
12:03pmDarwin
Good ra japon.. Merry Christmas..
12:04pmLeah Riza
Merry Christmas sad dha....
12:05pmDarwin
dili "sad" woi..hehe joke! bitaw, musta na? padad-i unya ko snow ha? nice au imo pics sa snow.. sa snow ra pud.. hehe
12:09pmLeah Riza
hehhe.. gli oi.. kaso malanay sad sya.. anyway, mo visit bya unta ko ni Dione kadto last visit nku dha last March kaso lng nakuha nku iyaha # sa imo mama pa uli nasad ko sa Manila
12:10pmDarwin
ah c.. wer sa u.s ka now?
12:11pmLeah Riza
Dinhi sa Washington DC naa kasi dri ang work sa akong bana

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
It was my sister Dione who informed me that she got married to an American guy. One time, she invited me over Facebook and so we got linked.

Looking back the old Spinola time, Leah Riza was one of the III - Matulungin students, whose picture appears at the bottom of this blog site. I wouldn't think she would gone this far, for at the time, she was like carefree and someone who has a happy disposition. Now, she is settled at the US and from our chat, I could sense that she is living a life with some responsibilities. She told me she's working part time there at the U.S. She told me she misses the food here. She plans to visit the Philippines by 2011.

Met Two Spinolanians Today

1. Eng'r. Elnie Celecios
I was walking at the commercial center in Zamboanga on the way to the jeep terminal for Baliwasan when I met Elnie. From our short chat, I learned that he is working as Maintenance Engineer at a big shopping center in the city. We couldn't talk any longer because I had to rush for my classes.

2. Marissa Madrona
My last class in MA SPED was called off and so I could take an earlier trip way back home. I happen to catch up an air con bus. While I was looking for available seats, I heard Marissa's greeting. There was still a vacant space where she was seated, so I took it. She paid for my fare. I was really gratefull. We talked a lot while the bus was on its way home. At that time, she is the OIC at the Rural Bank of Siocon.

Elnie and Marissa were two of my best students way back in Spinola. It is so heartwarming to see them at their working status. It is a teacher's fulfillment seeing his students succeed in their chosen fields.

MSS Palaro 2009 made me reminisce

Ana, a co-teacher at MSS way back '97 came to school and invited me to judge the Literary competitions for the MSS 2009 Palaro. Earlier, she was trying to contact me but she was using the number of my phone that got lost. Anyway, I told her I'd come.

Last Friday, October 23, I entered back to MSS. I saw students playing ball games, some just roaming around. I was right away reminded of my stay at Spinola. When I got to the lobby, I recalled the times when I talked with my students there. I was told that Sr. Myrna was upstairs and the contest would be at the HE Room. Sr. Myrna has been a long-time close friend. She happily welcomed me.

As the contest progressed, I remembered what happened in the past - the moments when I was there at the school. The students were as talented as in the past. I was truly reminiscing the old times!

Dada and I at a Contest

Yesterday, there was a contest in our school. It so happened that my student before at Spinola School, Idalyn Lutero, was there to coach for a spelling bee, which would also be participated by my contestants, whom I was also coaching.

It was somewhat new to feel something, that your student before is in a contest, with both of you involved. During the course of the contest, I couldn't help but confront with what I was feeling. Well, the contest was truly not a big deal as it would spend time that should have been for teaching tasks. And so I just realized, that aside from really growing older (O yes, I accept it!), it is also heartwarming to see my students joining in the circle where I belong. I have been always feeling the fulfillment to have seen my students succeed. Idalyn, or Dada as we fondly call her, is certainly one of those I am so proud of. Looking back at MSS, Dada was one of the students who were excelling. I know that as she continues with her journey in the DepEd, she would sooner reap the sweet fruits of her labor.

All the best in life Da!

Ellan Jasper's Home!

Last month, while I was at WMSU, I got a text from Ellan, one of the pioneering students of MSS. He just arrived from abroad and he worked there as a seaman. After the end of my class, I proceeded to where he was. He was on a drinking spree with his batch, who were also my students at Spinola.

As we were talking, he happily showed me his cellphone pictures while abroad. He has traveled like all over the globe. The places he visited were truly amazing. Ellan has gained a lot of weight, but he still has been a student that I used to know of. Our meeting there near UZ with his batch was just like a day that came after yesterday - their high school moments at Spinola.

He will be back abroad sometime at the end of this month. Way to go, Ellan!

Butch, once a student, now a co-teacher

Ralph Magbanua he is. He's one of the very first students in a science class that I taught at MSS. I could still remember the "eagerness to learn" of the little boy that he was during our classes. During his second year, I taught the class where he belonged English lesson. I wasn't assigned to their class when they were in third year.

Now, he is a civil engineer and, a co-teacher at WMSU-Ipil ESU. I was so glad to have known that he would be teaching in the campus. I have been proudly telling my students at WMSU that once, Butch was one of my brightest students!

wow wowie!

Wowie or Rowel Torralba, was one of my interesting students at MSS. Just last Saturday night, I met him at the Ipil Plaza. One of my friends told him that I was at the park, so he came to see me. Yesterday at the Palid Beach, while we (my students at WMSU-Ipil) were preparing our food (we were having a party), I saw Wowie washing something (I thought it was fish) at the shoreline. Soon enough I called him up and he approached me. He invited me for a drink with his Uncle and cousin.

Looking back, Rowel was like a kuya to his classmates. One thing that I would remember about him is his skill in guitar playing. He even composed a song for Mama Mary and his batch sang it during their graduation. Wowie got a friend "Puti" or Marvin whose foster parents were also close to Rowel. He called Marvin's mother "mama" and later I caller in the same manner. Marvin's house at Palid made me often go to Palid with Wowie. One time, we were sailing on a small vinta and took a swim at the coral reef. It was a very nice experience, seeing a variety of live corals in their vibrant hues. The water was very clean too. How I wish to go back there for another snorkeling.

The Wowie now, is a someone earning for his living. He is a trainee for PNP and at the moment assigned here in Ipil. He told me that he will be assigned later to Tungawan, a 30 - minute away drive from Ipil. But as we talked yesterday, I felt the same Wowie that I used to know. A big dreamer but at the same time, content with what he could possibly have. He is one Spinolanian who will forever be remembered.

Dyan, my sis

Her voice is as angelic as her face. I consider her my closest sibling. She became a student of mine on her first year in Spinola along with my sister Dionessa, who was at second year that time.

She would win every singing contest in MSS. Everyone in school just loved her heavenly voice. Thanks to me, I tutor her (joke, but a bit true). She was also the soloist of the Regional Band Delegate to the National Competition way back (I forgot. Was that in 2002?) She would care less about academics but I know she had the brains to cope up, but just like me, she probably didn’t believe in recognitions. She was so small-built that many considered her like a kid in the elementary grade. But, unknown to us, she had a lot of suitors. Among the known one to me was Jonathan Fontanoza. I could not forget the time I saw them walking through the Sanito bridge with Jonathan holding my sister’s lunch box. Dyan was at second year and Jonathan, I think was first year at the time. They eventually broke up. I heard Dyan’s friends were a factor of the breakup (sounded like showbiz). Marvin Insisto (married now), who is our neighbor also became Dyan’s BF. My parents loved Marvin, considering that his family is our family’s friends. I thought they broke up too. She pursued her college at WMSU in Zamboanga City. There she met Jonathan Maraon, who is now her husband. Jonathan was the most serious BF Dyan had. That could have been the reason why they were meant to be. She had to stop for her pregnancy. Now, they are staying in Consolacion, Cebu with their cute son Jonas. How I miss Jonas. Jonas grew up here at home since he was 6 days old. Dyan is working now as a medical transcriptionist. Thanks to Athan, he sent Dyan to school. Athan is currently an engineer at the Transco in Cebu.

Dyan and Athan had their church wedding last May 24, here in Ipil. I was singing for the event as a tribute to my favorite sis.

Christine R. Roxas, truly worth emulating

I thought it was her who supposed I was a new student when she saw me on their “first-day-high” in 1998, third year level. It was my first day of work as a teacher at MSS. I had to blame it on my small built, barber-cut hair, faded jeans, blue shirt, sporty shoes, my small pack and on the thing I carried on my hand – a lunch box. She belonged to the pioneering class. The class was kinda surprised when I introduced myself to them. I thought they couldn’t believe. But of course, I had had to show them I was a worthy teacher.

Christine, we call her Ninia, as a third year student was simple but very observant. To my mind, she could be thinking about many things the way I handled the class. She was not so vocally participative in class recitations. But, she was excellent in the quizzes and written exams. She presented awesome projects. Her devotion to her studies, family and God was very evident. She was a consistent top 1 student. Maybe she didn’t know how I appreciated what she hung on the wall of the III – Masunurin room. It was about the “greatest” things in life.

When she was in fourth year, Christine became a bit extrovert. It was also at this time that I became “friendly” with my students. (You see, a new graduate would have all the ‘principles” in education in his mind. But as years pass, he becomes aware of the real world, and becomes more flexible.) Christine would go out with us (some of her classmates). There was even a time when we had to be past twelve at Pangi in a fiesta. I heard her father was kinda strict regarding her going out, that’s why I would think twice before I would invite her. Finally, she graduated valedictorian, of which she deserved most. All her high school days were blessed truly and I have been always happy to have been a part of her education.

She took up MIS at Ateneo de Zamboanga, maybe not considering any possibility that she’s going to be a teacher one day. During some sem-breaks, we would see each other with her classmates. There was a time that we got home almost already 6 pm from the beach and I had to bring her to her home. His father was there and was so angry. He said something like “delikado ngayon…” in a heavy tone and it scared me a bit. Who would have thought Kuya Manny (the name of Ninia’s father) and I would become close friends now, thanks to Interlude choir membership! Christine at those times would hear my “useless sentiments”, perhaps during the times I drink with our friends. But, I thought she was giving a listening pair of ears. Now she’s a teacher at a university. I heard from Ate Lourdes (her mom) that she’s serious in her career. I think she’s going to be successful in her current job. At the moment, we would see at the church and talk about anything for short moments. Her parents are my companions in a choir.

Christine is a reminder of the batch she belonged to. Worth-emulating and I am truly proud to have become a teacher and a friend of her.

I would have had this posted last May 24, her birthday. But because I was busy with my cousins around, I could not find time. Her batch and I would usually celebrate her birthday at her home.

MSS Batch 2001 made me realize

I would really like to write something about batch 2001. My problem has been the unavailability of any high school picture with them. But anyhow, and I guess it’s long overdue already to heed to the anonymous' comment on my not putting any entry on their batch.

My day 1 in teaching at MSS was in their class. I could still remember how Edelsa was actively reciting in the class on that day. My little Sister then, Dyan was one of the students. The class was so attentive. Everyone in the class would agree that it was the topic on “matter” that made the class really went crazy. They were insisting that “love” is matter. Of course, I knew it was out of the intention to make it a big deal. Well, it so became. I even made a poem to disprove their claim. When I read it before the class, they were like frenzied about it.

They were still my students when they were at second year. I taught them English II. I could still recall the superb compositions of Ciara. Even up to now, she speaks English like it is her native tongue. And oh, the name tags. “Vam Yaks” for Seneca, “Kulot” for Edelsa, was is “Osang” for Ruby? “Bong” was Christopher Lausa (complete huh!), “Ta-e” for Henry, “sister” for Juvy and the rest, I forgot already.

When they were in third year, I wasn’t given any subject for them because at the time, I focused on Science I and IV. But then, we were still that close as though they were my regular students.

Fourth year they were when I left the school in September 2000. We were so happy then and I was their Physics teacher at the time. But there was an instant when the class was in trouble when Krishna said something to me and, it made me angry. I drew a line on the board with a chalk that was strongly pressed against it. The class was quiet and I moved out. Anyhow, we patched it up and the teaching sessions went on normally.

Perhaps, it’s indeed difficult to write something about this batch because of the prolonged guilt that I have had on them – guilt that was caused by my leaving them, who were to me, precious students. The nights after I left the school were blazed with my dreams that I still was teaching at MSS. How I really wanted to turn back time. But I believe God was still in the midst despite the trouble. Now, I’m teaching in a public school but the heart of mine still has the shape of a Spinolanian.

A Whole New Lloyd

Lloyd M. Duque is one of the pioneering MSS students. Who could forget Lloyd! He was one of Sister Ardeen's favorite students despite his childish behavior then. I recalled Sister Ardeen's remark that whatever you say or do to Lloyd, he would simply not say anything but just smile. But he was and is a good friend to his batch. He would be present whenever there were reunions or gatherings among his classmates. I would be with them in many hangouts.

When I took my master’s degree in Zamboanga, I met Lloyd and I learned he was taking up Criminology. He was still the Lloyd I knew. He found a GF there and one time, we were having a day at Palid beach here in Ipil.

When he finally finished his course, he endeavored for an Air Force job. He got his luck and now he works in investigation section at the Air Force in Cebu City.

Yesterday, April 5, 2008, I was at his home and there I found him with his father. Of course I greeted his father a happy birthday and he did the same to me (we have the same birth date). Lloyd's mother shook hands with me when she saw me. She said she still remembered me. She invited me for a thanksgiving party on the 6th. Later on, I sent Lloyd some pictures via Bluetooth. Those were pictures with him present. As the night progressed, our conversation was focused on his job. He was talking about managing his earnings and how he is with his present work. But we (his batch and I) had to leave because it was already past 2 am.

It was truly a whole new Lloyd that I met. I am so grateful he is doing well now. Congrats igit!

Sister Bonnie… Angel on Earth

Last November 27, 2006, our school entry to the Regional Science Fair was chosen as the delegate to the ASEP National Science Fair Physical Science Team Category that would be held in the cold, wonderful City of Pines – Baguio. The competition was set on February 9 – 11, 2007.

Together with my three students, I made my first travel to Baguio, with our little budget. What was playing on my mind was “how would I be able to stroll around the place, when it would be my first time to be there.” But I met friends from Dipolog City. We were in one quarter and some of them have had visits to Baguio already. So we roamed around the city on the 11th of February. The breath-taking Mines View Park, the lovely Burnham Park, and the Strawberry Farm in La Trinidad were simply adorable. My students were very grateful that they have come to the place. The greater pleasure was mine because I gained some friends from Dipolog.

Earlier, we booked at a ticketing office here in Ipil for a round trip via Cebu Pacific. The return trip would be on February 13. But we had to leave Baguio by the night of the 11th because the competition was already over. Our budget could not suffice for our food expenses. At least we could find a place where to sleep on the 12th. So I called up the Spinola Sisters in Ipil. It was Sister Helen who got my call and she gave me the contact number of the Spinola Sisters in Manila. I called up Sister Myrna and she told me that Sister Bonnie’s brother in Parañaque might accommodate us. Sister Myrna gave me the instruction on how I would get to their place in Diliman, Quezon City. We got in there at 4 am and so we had to wait at the gate till it is opened. (We did not ring the doorbell since it was too early.) We took a bath there and they offered us breakfast. We waited for Sister Bonnie till around 11:00 am. While on the wait, we went to SM City North EDSA and ate at Mc Donald’s. When we got back, Sister Bonnie was there already. We gave the Sisters some strawberries in gratefulness.

Sister Bonnie brought us to Parañaque. She didn’t give us a clue that we’re on our way to a subdivision, and her brother was a big time business man. We were accommodated in an air-conditioned room and offered sumptuous meals for free! Sir Oscar (Sister Bonnie’s brother) was so accommodating. He brought us to Bay View at Roxas Boulevard. We enjoyed the night there with many shows for free. By tomorrow, we were brought to the airport through van for free again. We stopped by Mall of Asia before we went to the airport.

I wouldn’t have enough words to thank Sister Bonnie and her brother. We had a little budget but our humble prayer was heard. When we got to Dipolog, Adrian, a friend I found at Baguio ferried us to the boulevard in Dipolog and we treated him with Chowking halo-halo. Our trip was made easier and more joyful by our dear friends.

“I met Sheila at Dakak”

Our principal Dr. Beverly Miñoza (now the ASDS), at Zamboanga Sibugay National High sent me to an Educators’ Congress as her replacement because she could not make it. When I was told that it’s going to be in Dakak I said, “wow, Dakak!”. So I grabbed the opportunity of going there. It was on May 28, 2006.

The place was indeed like a paradise. It was a smaller place than I thought. Getting there is no easy. The road is steep and narrow. But once you’re there your eyes can’t take off the captivating scenery of a world-class beach.

I was kind of upset because the participants had to proceed right away to the conference hall. I didn’t have much time to look at the wonderful place. In the evening there was a socialization party at the beach. The food was so good. Then each SLC (Sibugay Learning Center) was instructed to present a number. So came our part, we went up the stage. I positioned myself at the back of the group, not expecting that Sheila was doing the same too. So, we met and talked a lot even the group’s presentation was in progress. (We would not be seen anyway.) It was a fun-filled night. The Dakak management put up an amazing dance show.

Sheila was a co-teacher at Marcelo Spinola School. She was one of the most loved teachers because of her being so gentle with the students. Our group would visit her during her birthdays. She’s now working in a public school.

A Moment with Ciara in the City of Golden Friendship

Ciara is one of my brightest students. She was a consistent honor student at Marcelo Spinola School, the Batch 2001 Valedictorian and now a Certified Public Accountant. Should she venture for a higher goal, she would definitely make it for her heart is steadfast, and her will is straightforward and she has a brilliant mind. She too is a friend of my favorite sister Dyan. Last March 23, 2008 we met at the Church during the Easter Sunday Mass.

Looking back, in 2004, DepEd required all teachers in the public school to take the English Proficiency Test. Luckily, I got a score which qualified me for a mentor’s training in Davao. January 16 - 21, 2005 was the schedule of the training. I had to be in Davao early morning on the 16th. I had to leave Ipil by the 15th. I sent a text to Ciara that I’d be going to Davao and I’d drop by Cagayan de Oro. At the time, I thought there was still a communication between her and Allan (her former BF), who is a close friend of mine.

I arrived in CDO at around 4 in the afternoon. Ciara gave me the instruction thru text on how I’d get to her apartment. Fortunately, I found it. Something was wrong with my phone at that time. Allan earlier requested that I send him text as soon as I see Ciara. Anyway, Ciara introduced me on that friendster thing. I had no idea about it so she helped me out creating my own account. The friendster that I have now was made in CDO. Then we went out. Ciara treated me in an “eat-all-you-can” restaurant. I didn’t realize that I had to eat all the food I got, or pay for the left over! Whew! It made me so full up. Allan called up Ciara while we’re eating. I thought he asked if we (Ciara and I) met. After the dinner, she brought me to a park. I forgot the name of that place but there were many displays there, which were sold at affordable prices. I took a bath as soon as we arrived at her place. She called up a friend on how I would go to Davao. At around 11:30 pm, we parted our ways and I was so grateful for her hospitality. All of a sudden my phone recovered at the bus terminal and I received many texts from Allan. I told him I was already on my way to Davao.

It was my first time to go to CDO and Davao. It was made easy by a truly wonderful and beautiful inside-out friend. "Thank you Cia. Hope to see you again."

The MSS Pioneering – Dearest to me, Closest to my heart

It was sometime in May 1997, when Sister Milflor and I had a talk regarding my up-coming stay at MSS when I saw the first student that was introduced to me by Sister Milflor. He passed by the Principal’s Office and he was kind of smiling. He was a little boy wearing a checkered blazer. Sister Milflor told me that he was going to be one of my third year students. It was at that instant that Sister Milflor told me something about the class. She told me that the students are cherished in her heart. (She would often tell to a student “yes, my dear?” and I know she meant it profoundly.) Mommy Margie earlier told me not assume that all the kids were that smart regarding the way I would teach. “Hinay-hinaya lang na sila Dar” were her exact words. Sister Milflor told me that the kids were pampered with love and care by Sister Joy, who left for her mission in Angola, Africa. Sister Milflor is there too now. It was Sister Milflor who told me “you know it is love because it hurts.”

The principles in education were all that was dominating in my mind. I recall our supervising teacher telling us not to do the things that the students are supposed to do, be friendly but maintain a clear cut to avoid over-familiarity.

True enough, I wasn’t so friendly with the pioneering class. All that was there on my mind was to get my lessons across. I would solve grades up to the last point and would not mind about having even a little time with my students. I could not even remember very well what goodness I have shared with my students in the first quarter of the year. I remembered my not showing up at the table setting/preparation during the Nutrition Month in July because of my anger for some reasons. I did not even eat any of their preparation. What is more remembered was the very difficult case between six of my students with a student in second year. It was the most trying time of my stay at Spinola. I wished I could have resolved it without any students dismissed from the school. The event taught me a lot. It made my heart soften for the students. Had I been close with them, I would have prevented it from happening. It was so heavy for me that I got a migraine after and was hospitalized. I was surprised by the visit of my students there. I suddenly realized that I was kinda too far from them. I was on leave for about three days. When I returned to school, the class was very quiet. I know it was about the dismissal of their six classmates. I started to get closer with them. During lunch breaks, many of them would stay near the canteen and some at the receiving area. I would go to such places and we would talk anything under the sun.

Sister Ardeen (now a Carmelite nun in Zamboanga) loved so much the group. It was to me that she would talk regarding the students. We even formed a sort of a group with some of the boys of the III – Masunurin (the name of the section of the pioneering). We would sing near the convent in the afternoon with Sister Ardeen. We also brought the students to Naga for a special prayer. It was a nice experience. The picture of the bright moon that time we were travelling to Naga is still very vivid in my mind. A student was asking about how come we only see the same side of the moon all the time. We had a prayer at the church and then went out lying on the grass. Our quarter was not that spacious, but we sustained our sleep till morning and went home.

Another experience I had with them during their third year was our trip to Suclema. It was for the birthday of their classmate, the daughter of the then Barangay Capt. Villarosa. Jazheel is also well remembered because it was his case that I made my first house visit. I talked with his father regarding his absenteeism and after that, I saw him already present in school. (But he had to take summer for his failed grade in Math. He wasn’t able to march on their graduation day. But right after the graduation, I went to Toto (Jahzeel’s nickname) and we visited Lloyd’s celebration.)

It was kind of bizarre that I got to be closer with them when they were at their fourth year. Maybe because at the time, I had the most number of hours with them – two hours in Physics and an hour in English IV, I got to know them better. IV – Magiting was the name of their section. I still remember how Dave drove the class wild with how he recited in my lessons. They were more participative and assertive. Christine, the batch valedictorian was also coming out.

Perhaps, reminded of the fact that they had to leave the school after their graduation, I started missing the group. It was sometime in November 1998 that I had a celebration with the boys on Roger’s birthday. There was a student there who vomited on my pants, which I still wore on my trip to Zamboanga by the following day(I didn’t realize until I was at the bus). It was like a regular routine that we go to Ivy’s place during a fiesta in Pangi. There was even a time that the mother of Allan came over at around 1 am to check if her son was there. Good thing ma’am Bienvenida was good. She told me she wanted to make sure I was around. On the dawn of January 1, 1999 I strolled with some of the students around the town then to the Palid wharf and our lunch was at Glenda’s birthday. It has been also a routine till now. The graduation of the students was very hurting to me. But they had to leave their school to find their selves somewhere. A week after their graduation, some of them stayed with me at my home because I was alone. The entire family went to Gensan.

I thought I would never ever see them again. But in their first sem break, they came home to visit me. They were also present during my birthdays. Lloyd had the perfect attendance. His father and I have the same birth date. There were also times that we have our reunion at the beach. Even until now, we still see each other. But time really has changed and we all have to heed to our priorities. We might not be that any close now but, I swear…

“I am not what I am now, had I not lived at MSS”

MSS or Marcelo Spinola School is the only Spinola School in the Philippines. It is handled by Spinola Sisters, which originated from Spain. I believe they have scores of schools there.

The school was built during the time when Ipil was raided by the Abu Sayyaf. But despite the event, the school opened by June 1995. At the time, I was in my 3rd year college at Western Mindanao State University in Zamboanga City. I really never heard of the school during that year. When I was on fourth year in Secondary Education course, Sister Myrna, who has been a close friend of mine, way back my high school life, told to a friend that I call up their convent if I’d be willing to teach in Spinola School. I was somehow excited because my first year of teaching would be in my hometown. I would also like to give my first shot in teaching in a private school. Sister Milflor was the principal when I applied there. After my teaching demonstration, I was hired.

Valuable were the memories I have in Spinola. In my first day of teaching, I experienced a different kind of environment. There were many smart students, and yet the simplicity and serenity of life could be felt. There were no tensions. All there was was a friendly environment. The Sisters really believed in my capacity. They gave me teaching loads not only in Science but also in English. I didn’t know that I could be a language teacher. I was even sent to trainings for further enhancement of my competence, and I thought it worked out for me. I also have learned how to share my thoughts candidly. Thanks to our BEC sessions. I also experienced handling a difficult case among some students. But it caused me my migraine.

Teaching science is my forte. I would not have been what I am in science now, had I not been given the opportunity to polish my learning through teaching all science curricular subjects. Now, I am enjoying the gains of my learning in Spinola. I recently passed the Comprehensive Exams in Science Education. I authored the making of indigenous science instructional materials in the school where I teach now and the 4th grading Science I Regional lesson plans. I brought my students last year to Baguio City as regional delegate to the 4th National Science Fair.

Perhaps, every member of the Spinola Community from 1997 to 2000 learned about my sad parting with the school. But however that might have been handled or whatever could have been the cause, I believe it was God’s providence that I leave the school I love to work with and be somewhere and do the same ministry or even better. MSS is forever etched in my heart. There, I didn’t only find my self’s worth, I gained valuable memories that I shall treasure for life. I too have gained good friends like Inday, Melai, Helen, Bebey, Ana, Roy, Anabelle, Jonie, Rosafey, Cleofe, Sherie Ann and of course, the Sisters and mommy Margie. Ma’am Margie was a teacher of my brother and sisters and me (all of us!). There were times when the Sisters and the teachers would go out and enjoy our company. How I truly miss it all.