The Best Teacher I Ever Had

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"Boy I couldn’t wait to grow up and skip elementary! I wanted to become her legitimate student back then. "

I knew her ever since I was a kid. She was well-known in our community as a kind and approachable English teacher. Many positive feedbacks I heard about her from her former students. Some of them are young professional already while others remained to be common faces in our place, yet all of them have one thing in common- they keep on uttering words of praise and admiration as they pay tribute to their ever beloved Madam Ellen.

Back to my childhood days, I used to stroll inside the campus of a private school where Madam Ellen once became a member of the faculty. Our house was a stone’s throw away from the school where she’s teaching back then. During those days I had access to stay inside the school campus. I played with the freshmen; had snacks together with the sophomores; watched the juniors marched during their CAT and became a mascot of the seniors during the intramurals. Being popular and familiar with the students I got the chance to sit-in with them during their classes. Of course I acted the way they did. I had my own pen and paper and even my own seat as well! When their heads were bowed down during quizzes and exams, I was also busy on my paper writing my name in every line of intermediate paper. During recitation though, I was the quietest person inside the room since I didn’t care what they were discussing about. And during those days I had seen how energetic and enthusiastic Madam Ellen was.

Her students liked her very much. Neither did I see her scold nor embarrass students in front of the class. She also had a reservoir of stories- from her childhood days up to the time she first landed a teaching job. During her class, I couldn’t remember a single moment when I saw someone sleeping. She had this magnet to attract the eyes of her audience- call it charisma as other people describe it. Boy I couldn’t wait to grow up and skip elementary! I wanted to become her legitimate student back then.

Soon my glory days were over. Gone were the days where I rubbed shoulders with high school students. I was no longer a saling pusa during PROM nights, Christmas parties and intramurals. Reality bit me. Time had come to go to elementary. I felt so bitter back then, no more time to sit inside Madam Ellen’s English class.

During my early years in elementary, I admit my luck ran out. I was tortured emotionally by my teachers. I was humiliated in front of the class. I was compared to my classmates for being so slow in Math- my waterloo. My teachers back then where traditional in nature wherein they believed in the mighty power of wooden stick to discipline us. They were far different to Madam Ellen. Compassion and authentic love to pupils never became a part of their system. In other words, I had a terrible stay in elementary.

Years passed by and I graduated in elementary. Deciding where to enroll in high school was easy as pie on my part. I went back to the school I used to hang out when I was young. I was so lucky Madam Ellen was still there, though I never became her student at once. I waited more till my junior year. The long wait was finally over. I finally became her formal student.

She was still the same. She had some gray hairs and wrinkles in her face but the enthusiasm to teach and tell exciting stories of her life was still there. I envied the way she spoke English with ease and how articulate she was. Because of her, I grasped a better foundation in English language; fascinated by the history of English and American Literature and captivated by Filipino-English literary works. Because of her I fell in love with writing.

Beyond all the knowledge that she imparted to our young minds, her personality outside the school was even more astonishing. She was a devoted Catholic being an active individual in our church. She was also a loving and generous neighbor. During calamities, she never hesitated to lend a helping hand by providing canned goods and noodles from her small store. Even though she never talked in front of the class about her good deeds, her actions were loud and clear for us, her students to imitate. Indeed she was well-loved and respected in our community.

After high school I went back to Baguio City and bade farewell to my beloved teacher. I kept our communication lines open. A year after she became a school registrar and she still managed to have some teaching loads. Then I received the saddest news about her. She got ill and for three years she dealt with excruciating pain brought by her ailment.

I frequently visited her during her ordeal. Even though she was weak she still managed to draw a smile on her face. Her physical stature deteriorated but the warmth of her heart and her never ending stories remained. My visits to her were all filled with laughter, stories, hugs and tears. All of them are still fresh in my memories. She was indeed far more than a teacher inside the four walls of a classroom. She was a teacher of life.

All beautiful songs have to end and the melody of Madam Ellen’s life was played on its finale. She passed away peacefully on 11th of August 2004. Her former students paid their last tribute to their much loved mentor. Her stories are now passed on to the next generation by her students. Indeed the legacy of a great teacher was made for eternity. The legacy of Madam Ellen will be forever evident in the life of her students.

Thanks Madam Ellen for being an influential persona in my life. Thanks for all the lessons you taught. Thanks for being a part of my life.

Thanks Mom for being such a great teacher of life!

PS: People in the primary picture are my classmates in high school who also became students of my mom.


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"A teacher’s influence on the life of a student can never be quantified or measured in terms of distance and number of years."

During the May 2007 election in Taysan (Batangas), some teachers, supervised by Nellie Banaag had just finished counting the votes and were about to bring the ballot boxes to the Taysan Town Hall when masked and armed men arrived with firearms. These men poured gasoline on the ballot boxes and all over the place. The teachers and some crew burned inside the building.

-0-

Imagine, for just one small town election? Lives were destroyed. This is just one of the tragic stories that happened and continues to happen to teachers every election. For P3,000 as compensation, the lives of the public school teachers are put to risk. The teachers are required to serve during elections mainly because of the lack of manpower. But more important than that, teachers are considered to be the most honest and credible members of the civil service.

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My dad died when I was 9 years old. This happened during the summer after my 3rd grade in Elementary school. When I started Grade 4, I had this teacher in Home Economics who knew my dad and also about his death that summer. My teacher’s daughter was a student of my dad in Saint Louis University. I will never forget that teacher of mine, Mrs. Esperanza Sabater. She was old, about 50 years old during that time, skinny, she wore glasses that magnified her wide compassionate eyes, and she had short curly hair.

I learned a lot from her Home Economics class - the perfect combination of foods like champorado & tuyo, mami & siopao, suman and thick tsokolate drink. I learned to clean fresh fish, to sew manually and to use a sewing machine. I had the impression at that time that they were rearing us, girls, to be good housewives someday. But aside from that, I can never forget her because during our break time, she always called me aside and gave me money to buy snacks. Sometimes P50, sometimes P20. Actually, my mom already gave me my snack & lunch money that morning. I dunno, did she pity my “orphan” situation? Did I look like I haven’t eaten for a day? As I can remember, I was quite healthy & round during my 4th grade. I was even one of the tallest and healthiest in my class. Anyway, I will never forget Mrs. Sabater because she cared about me, a mere student of hers. She was like a nice grandmother to me. In the eyes of a child, the kind deeds that she showed will always be in my heart up to now.

-o-

A teacher’s influence on the life of a student can never be quantified or measured in terms of distance and number of years. What a teacher taught us will still be with us wherever we go, how old we become. Teachers are called second parents for a reason. They should be the role models outside our homes. They are presumed to be more knowledgeable and masters of their subjects. We should listen to them and appreciate their hard work. They are human too. They commit mistakes; they may not know the answers to some questions. But in the end, their only objective is to teach us what we need to know. That is their main concern.

DELECTABLE FINALE:

Among all the teachers in history, the greatest one of all is Jesus Christ. With His parables and stories which always contained lessons, He thought the people about goodness and compassion to fellow brothers. He introduced us to that Big Guy in heaven who loves us so much. He didn’t need a classroom or a blackboard. He was simply there for the people. His presence and His teachings enlightened the people’s path so they may not stray.

Doubt

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How could my readers love my work?... The worst part of it I quit writing.

My dream of writing a book started when I realized I had skills in writing essays. I had the mind set that I could write whatever topic people would throw at me. So I read newspapers and idolized the way the columnists construct their articles. And then I compared my writings to them… hmmm something was wrong. Theirs looked so precise and deep while mine was so simple and shallow. How could my readers love my work? And then I began to have a doubt regarding my writing skills. And more anxieties came into my mind. Lots of questions ran in my mind. I doubted myself every time I hold a pen. The worst part of it I quit writing. That was in high school by the way.

When I was in college things changed. I was exposed to different areas in life which helped me realized I was wrong when I quit my passion for writing. I began to write again and I learned to love my work and most of all I eschew away doubts in me.

People are prone to have doubts, that’s a fact. It is just natural having doubts but to live life shadowed by anxieties and questions brought by our doubts is something we need to overcome. Having doubts is negative in nature. It will only lead us to become pessimistic- living life within our comfort zone. Later we will feel afraid to make a step to move out. Worst is that, it will soon remove our confidence and our capabilities to make best decisions in our life. Our doubts can kill our dreams and the chance to achieve the best life intended for us.

When I read articles about successful leaders and businessmen, I never see the word doubt nor identify a sentence indicating that they experienced having doubts during their journey towards success. However, all of us will I agree that these triumphant men and women once doubted their own self. The only line that separates them to losers is that they never entertain their doubts.

Defeating doubts in our mind is not easy. Back in college, the only reason why I felt like a mediocre every time I compared my composition to the articles in broadsheets is the fact that they (columnists) tend to use highfaluting words and their topics cater to serious issues like politics and current events. As compared on my part I keep banking on the light-hearted topics about the daily experiences I encountered. I also used simple words to let my readers enjoy their time reading and quickly absorb the thought I would like to impart. I removed my doubts simply accepting this reality. Most of all I began to embrace the truth- that I have my own way of writing my essays.

In life in general, having doubts is inevitable. Doubts will come in our work, career, competition, family, relationships, business ventures and even in our faith in God. Still the only remedy is to search for the truth. And when we find that truth, believe in it; keep your trust in it. For only the truth shall set our minds free.

Cream Page:



The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious.
It is the true source of all art and science.
- Albert Einstein

Last Sunday I had the chance to watch BIG STAN, Rob Schneider’s latest movie which he also produced and directed. I mentioned this because aside from sharing what transpired in my long-weekend that was brought about by the celebration of Ninoy Aquino’s Death Anniversary, it will bring us to the topic Pat & I chose for this week: DOUBT. In the movie Stan has to go to prison because of his fraudulent and deceptive businesses. He doubted his survival inside prison. He feared that big guys will try to rape him. He cried and bawled over the situation until he met The Master.

A particular scene in the movie:

Stan and his wife are having dinner with The Master. With an aura of wisdom and confidence The Master said,

“I find weakness and turn it to strength.
I find fat and turn it to muscle.
I find blister and turn it to canker sore.
I find doubt and turn it to will.”

Truth be told, The Master trained Stan to defend himself against the big guys inside prison. Stan became the little “bully” that each prisoner feared and respected. So actually doubt can be changed to certainty, then to confidence and eventually, to a strong will.

You know what? I think if we always have doubt, this can hinder our growth as individuals. We must not forget that life is a journey. At the end of our days we’re going to look back and ask ourselves, what are the things we have accomplished? What are the moments that we will cherish? And definitely the moments we will never forget are those moments that took our breath away- the moments that made our hearts race, the risks we took, the courage and the bravery that we showed. And all of these will never be achieved if we forever stay in our comfort zones.

I am not afraid to try new stuffs. This is the reason why I chose, without second thoughts, to work here in Manila with its fast paced lifestyle. Many provincianos say “Maraming magnanakaw, manloloko, holdaper, kidnaper, drug-pusher sa Maynila. Maraming basura at sobrang init ang panahon dun”. But I still took the risk. After passing the board exams, my friends and I immediately applied jobs here because there were more opportunities. Luckily, I found a job in a real-estate company in Pasig City. So I enjoyed my new-found freedom in this metropolis. I wanted to explore new places, but I was still vigilant and cautious. The only thing that does not set off my sense of “adventure” are the night out “gimiks”. I don’t want to drink, get drunk and meet random people at bars all throughout the night. I guess that’s just not my kind of fun.

Last Saturday, I went to one of our company’s projects, Chateau Valenzuela. It was my first time to go to Valenzuela City. I just rode a bus going there. A non air-conditioned bus to be precise. Mainit, mausok, matagal ang biyahe dahil sa traffic. But it was perfectly fine with me because along the way going to Valenzuela, the bus passed through Caloocan then Malabon. I had never been to those places yet. So for that day, I saw 3 new places. And I was alone. Solo. I had no fear or doubt. I just trusted that I’m going to arrive Valenzuela eventually, which I did. It may seem shallow, but to me, coming from Baguio City, exploring a new town is still exhilarating.

The unknown is where growth resides. Be the best person that you can be.

Postscript: Belated Happy Birthday Mom! Your love is one thing in the world that I will never doubt.

Delectable Finale:

There was a funny line we had back in college and it goes like this:

"If you are in doubt… press F1 for help. "

I thought this is just a humorous and non-sense saying but at some point it is true. When we are in doubt, our mind was clouded by questions and anxieties. We tend to lose a vivid view in making decisions. Always be reminded having doubt is normal, however, we need to overcome our doubt in order to avoid its negative effects. We need to find our way out and seek for help in finding the truth. As we find the truth, learn as well to trust our own selves.

Always seek for the truth and believe in our own capabilities.

I hope our article serves as F1 button to all.

A Decade From Now

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“Ten years from now all I want is to have time.”
-Patrick Celino

In my whole experience in writing, I just realized that I was prone to write about my past and not about my future. Maybe I treasured so much about what happened in my life during the prior years and forgetting to make a short glimpse at next years ahead of me. Right now I am pushed to write about what I would become ten years from now.

Honestly, I am not comfortable writing about this topic. However, I guess it is just on time to write something to look forward to since I am not getting younger anymore. I keep thinking- what will be my driving force or a spark plug for me to stay hopeful and enthusiastic towards the next decade of my life. Would it be- money, fame, family or simply enjoying the simplicity of life?

Then I finally realized that all I have wanted for so long is to have time- to have time for everything I love to do. My bucket list for my next ten years would be all concentrated on how to control and enjoy my time.

Have time with my family. I stick to my initial plan of getting married at 28 but not later than 30. Ten years from now, I would be the happiest husband in the whole world. I would spend my very first moment of every morning of my life greeting my wife a sweet kiss. I would prepare our breakfast and enjoy our every morning meal with our kids. I would drive my kids to their school every day.

During special occasions and vacations we will be in overseas touring around the beautiful cities in Europe. Summer days will be spent along the beach with inihaw and fresh seafood to satisfy our tummies. Christmas and New Year will be the best time for us to have reunion with our relatives.

Have time with my father and siblings. After years of being away from home, I wish I could spend my time more often with my Papa, Kuya and Ate. I want to spend more time with them especially with my Papa. I don’t want to entertain the idea that he might be with my Mom ten years from now. I still want to see him enjoying the weekends playing with my kids- his apo’s. I will invite him to monthly trips to Baguio, our favorite place to unwind; enjoy the beauty and madness of Palawan, Bohol and Boracay; and live like king and prince in our luxurious trips to Hong Kong, Singapore and Thailand. He has some reservation though going in States and Europe thinking that he might not get used to the cold weather- that’s according to him.

Have time managing my business. After long years in the corporate world, I would like to see myself having business lines on my palm. I have this dream of having not just 1 but 5 kinds of business ventures. Topping the list is a Coffee Shop in Baguio City. I wanted to be a barista- enjoying my time serving my customers as a hand on manager/owner. I also like the idea of inviting my father to have a cup of coffee and a cinnamon on the side as he read newspaper during his visit in the City of Pines.

Next venture would be a bar and restaurant. I want to have one not for profit but for the love of fine dining moments with my family and friends. During special occasions I will offer my place as a venue. Having a place like this one is like a magnet- I can attract dearest people in my life to spent time enjoying the moment together. I will have a wall in my bar/resto for all the pictures of celebrations and gatherings held in my place. Take note there will be free drinks to all of my relatives and friends.

Next ventures would be a photo shop, a grocery store and a bakeshop.

Have time to teach in universities. My ultimate goal in life is to teach. Maybe it is in my blood since my parents are both teachers. I have this thought that the legacy of a teacher would never stop. It will be an eternal legacy to be passed on to every generation. Funny thing about this is that I am a barista in the morning, a professor in the afternoon and a bar owner at night.

Have time watching movies/ concerts. I am an avid fan of movies and music. Although my passion watching movies temporarily died during audit days, it will soon come back to life.

In line with music, I still dream of learning a single instrument. My friends are musicians so I want to be like them. Probably drums or bass would fit my style.

Have time watching PBA/ NBA/ Olympics. This is really included in my bucket list. No question asked but it’s really my wish to see my NBA idols. But most probably Lebron, Kobe and Garnett were already retired by then. Still I am hoping sons of Michael Jordan will be stars of the ball game in the future.

I want to learn bowling even more. I was addicted to this sport during college. I hope bowling would be added to the Olympics and let me bring the house down for the team Philippines.

Have time to pursue Masters/ Law degree. My heart still begs for me to continue my dream to pursue law. Besides my Uncle Delfin passed the Bar exam when he was in his forties.

Have time to write a book. This is already in the making.

Have time to establish a foundation. After all the blessings I received and will still receive, I will return the favor of helping others. Sharing my wealth is not enough but giving my time is the noblest deed I can do to my brethrens.


Have time with God. At the end of the day, I want to say thanks to the Lord for the life He has given me. Besides, after all things were said and done, my long and lasting time would be with Him.


This is my bucket list ten years from now. What about yours? Remember clock is ticking. Make one now.



Cream Page:

"... I still have the same smile I always wore on my face ..."
-Maan Chaguile

I’ve reached the tender age of 35 and until now I still have the same smile I always wore on my face since I was a little girl. I dunno, I guess I was just born with a smiley face. I remember when I was about 6 years old, how my mom told my dad one night when they thought I was asleep that the name “grace” suited me well because even if I was sick, it never bothered me. I still played and went about the day like I wasn’t sick at all. Maybe this was a sign that for all the challenges I went through in the past years of my life, nothing will put me down.

Right now, I’m sitting quietly on the terrace of my Tagaytay home looking at the nice view while savoring a cup of creamy coffee. Our household helper makes the best kapeng barako. I added a lot of milk to reduce the bitterness. Besides I need the calcium for my bones now that I’m past my adolescence. My husband and two kids are inside watching an ABS-CBN show. I can hear their laughter and happy voices. It’s weekend once again and we’re relaxing in our Tagaytay home. Our weekend retreat has always been a habit. My kids are growing up so fast. Gabriel is already 9 years old and his sister Reese is 5. I appreciate how Kuya Gabby protects and guides his little sister all the time. My husband Rey is still the same caring guy he has been since I met him. A few white hairs are growing on his temple but I am attracted to him more. We’ve surpassed trials together and the love just got stronger.

Rey and I got married 9 years ago in Quezon City. It was a May-December love affair. He is older than me by 13 years. I realized that deep down inside, I have always longed for a father-figure to take care of me and guide me as I got more matured. And for 9 years now, our relationship has been like a blossoming flower… getting prettier every day.

I had been the Ambassadress for the Philippines in Italy for 3 years. With this responsibility I had the chance to help my Filipino countrymen in Italy most especially the Overseas Filipino Workers with their employment problems. I had leisurely visited the major countries of Europe, toured some Asian countries and had been to some of the nicest beaches in the world. And in most of these trips I brought along my husband or my mother.

When my three-year term as Ambassadress had ended, I accepted the job as Comptroller in San Miguel Corporation’s financial department, and for two years now, I’m still enjoying my job and the company of my staff.

Ten years ago I was working in a real estate company. This was the job I accepted after I passed the board. There were high and low points but the important thing was I learned, I got tough, I got molded, and I earned sufficient enough to buy my own car when I was 27 years old. It wasn’t brand new but it was alright for me at that time. A black Toyota Corolla. I stayed with the company for 8 years and I will always be thankful for the people I worked with.

On the side, I give in to my passion for dancing. I like ballroom dancing especially Tango and modern dance. I have organized a small group composed of my friends, co-workers and neighbors to meet every Thursday and dance. We meet in this exclusive club in Pasig City. Dancing has kept me in shape since I gave birth to my kids.

If Thursday is for my dancing, Friday is especially reserved for me and my husband. We dine out or watch a movie just like we did before we got married.

Through wise investment in stocks and bonds, we had enough to put up a small resto that is being run by Rey’s family. Rey has his landscaping and interior decorating business. And our family has five apartments being rented.

All of these were made possible with our strong faith in God and belief in ourselves. As they said, do not put a limit on what you can do.