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.