Divine Sign

I was deep in prayer with both knees knelt down. My petitions included the immediate principalship/oic post, the enrolment of Academy of the Virgin Empress this coming opening of the SY 2008-2009. Somehow I also included Myrene, my teacher, that she'll overcome her situation. I didn't ask God for any sign. I seldom ask for signs. I'm always the "thy will be done" type. A very unexpected turn unfolded before everybody's eyes. My companions were singing our hyms. A little boy, we fondly call him Aloy, son of Ronel and Cristy Reyes, approached the "altar" and handed me a stem of yellow chrysanthemums. Gratefully, I reached for the chrysanthemums and placed it in the vase nearest me. I finished my prayer and went back to my seat. It didn't reflect anything to me other than a little boy being sweet who is offering flowers to the Virgin Mary since May is the flores de Mayo month.

After I have settled back in my chair, Mam Lit asked me what the color of the flower (she said "rose", but I corrected her that it was the same as the one we had for the offering). She looked at me with such emotion. "It will be granted, you will become oic", she told me. She attributed the yellow chrysanthemums as a divine sign that God will grant my prayer. Overwhelmed, I could hardly react except for a soft "Thank you".

Our conference followed with the usual lectionary about having natural and super natural faith. It was mentioned again - her own experience of having received yellow flowers - as God's sign, though she did not mention to our group my personal intention. Deep in my heart, I was so grateful about her interpretation of the incident. God's will be done unto me, alleluia. AMEN

Labor Day Trek to the Crater of Taal Volcano

Three years ago, a few students of mine took a trip to Talisay, Batangas. We had a guide, a child only. We wanted to go near the Taal Volcano. The trip pushed through but our guide failed to show us the right turn. We insted went direct to Tagaytay and farther and farther until we reached Lemery. The group got hungry so we decided to stop and enjoy the rest of the day swimming in a public resort.

Today, my long dream materialized. With the Marquezes, I enjoyed a free ride in their Adventure to Banga, Talisay where Ben Jumarang - hubby of co-choir member Manay Elvie - came from. We crossed Taal Lake in a motor boat. The trip seemed less than 30 minutes. The exciting part is the horseback ride to the crater of the volcano. It was my first experience to ride horse. I felt nervous but my sense of adventurism got over me. I trusted our guides.

I felt funny when the horse started to move. The choppy motion made me laugh. I still felt tense in the first 10 minutes seeing we're going up and the trail was rough and narrow. It was becoming hot as we climb higher and higher. I was ready with my sunblock and native hat. My guide, an elementary graduate forgot his cap. He was not immune to the heat from the King Sun. Besides, it was very dusty. We bathed ourselves with the dust and the smell of horse shit. As we went higher, I felt pity for the horse, which would stop from time to time for a brief air.

AT last the crater! What do you know? It's not the one visible in Tagaytay. It's a different part of the volcano apart from that small mountain admired whenever I pass Tagaytay. it's a big mouth for a volcano. The water was all green and smelled not very nice - sulfur. Look, down there! There's smoke coming out! And another one there! I showed my companions how good my far-sighted vision. Hah! This is life. Once in a while, I try to forget my obligations and enjoy my remaining late adolescent stage days.

Message in a Cone

A note from another student who didn't sign in full dated April 4, 2000:





Earth is fast revolving around the sun and another
batch of naughty students is gonna say goodbye
and that's us, the craziest students.
I wanna say thank you for all the
things; your lessons and your
patience even though I'm
sleeping in your subject,
I assure you I learn a
lot from you becoz
in my dreams you're
still teaching
me how to
face the
world.

Clean-Up and Tree Program

The closing of Palarong Pambansa in Puerto Prinsesa City, Palawan coincides with the Las Piñas City Clean-Up and Tree Program. April 25 - high school principals attended the closing of the Palarong Pambansa. I was designated OIC by Mam DAvi. What sheer luck for me! I have to manage that teachers will cooperate in the said program. With the help of Mrs. Austero, Mrs. Honrales, Mrs. de Castro and Dr. Ranie Copada, I felt confident that we can succeed.

The CAT trainees were of great help. I am very thankful that they were present. They did most of the dirty ground work - digging the ground, carrying the mahogany seedlings which male teachers will not willingly do. The Supreme Students Government also came to extend a helping hand. I assigned one officer to have the attendance signed by the participants. I divided the participants into two groups: one for the Candido Ramos Drive; the other beside the covered court along Marcos Alvarez Avenue.

Everyone found the program enjoyable though Mrs. Nicolas only prepared coffee and bread.

Michael Olivo, RIP

Let me first thank Mouse e Teclado for the comment to my post "Heartwarming Message". I'm flattered that a big international company paid attention to my post. This made me realize that I should continue writing about my students.

So here, it is.

Let me point out that this post is not so pleasant. I just want to point out that a message given to me long time ago became a reality.

During my first year of teaching at Golden Acres Annex of Las Piñas National High School (Greater Metro Manila, Philippines) I handled the last section (I-El Vibora) in First Year as Adviser. It was my first time to teach the freshmen in my 8 years of teaching. It was a very challenging assignment having to advise students from different family backgrounds.

Michael Olive was one of those who can be considered comfortable because his mother is a city government day care teacher and his father is a Phil. navy serviceman. At the end of the school year, I gave them a slum notebook to write on. This is what Michael wrote:

March 30, 1999

I hate to say goodbye because I will miss my classmates and I don't want to be separated from them. And I'm afraid that the others will be retained in first year. I wish some day the students of I-El Vibora will meet again and that is only my dream. I know it won't happen.

P.S.
I love you Ma'am and I wish you will be my adviser again next school year.
Signed Michael F. Olivo

Michael died from tragic crime after graduation in high school (2003). I just attended my uncle's wake and funeral in Sorsogon. I was not able to pay respect to his remains.

Five years after his death, I chanced on to read former students' messages. I suddenly realized that while still alive he had the vision that he will not meet his classmates again. No matter how, it won't happen to him for he has passed AWAY.

May the soul of Michael Olivo have everlasting peace. May his killers get their just punishment in their next life.

Because of You

Amalia Arafol from I-Sampaguita (Batch 2007-2008) handed me an oslo paper last Feb. 29(2008) containing a poem. I did not expect such an act because I have scolded her a few times for not taking her studies seriously. I have seen that she has potential but she is not exerting any effort to maximize such potential.

Do you know who made me change?
Do you know when I hit the range?
It's the very moment we met
And let me discover things I cannot forget.

You are different above them all
You are the answer upon all call
You can appreciate things undone
You can make two different things one.

It is you who I share my knowledge
And I will not let you stand on the edge
All alone and feel sorry
I will be here, don't worry.

I will be there for bleed and shed
Through my glimpse turns me dead
I will not feel guilt nor repent
I will not and I just can't.

Will you please appreciate
This little poem which I devour my faith
For the very time that you raise me strong
And grasp me from the path of wrong.

Here then, accept my gratitude
And I do, thank your aptitude
Now that I know what to do,
I had changed because of you.

Karen Joy, Salutaturian