A Long Winded Thank-You Note

You want to pass out from all those exams they give. They suddenly call on you to answer some question about Marshall McLuhan’s ideology on communications. They make you do piles and piles of paperwork. But, they also inspire you with their passion to impart, not just knowledge, but wisdom. They guide you through the tumultuous world awaiting for you after school. Sometimes, they even lend their listening ear as you pour out your soul to them.

And today, we celebrate these noble individuals we call teachers. Yes, it’s Teachers’ Day, a chance to appreciate these souls who have moulded us to be who we are today.
Like any individual on this planet, I’ve had my fair share of mentors who have left an indelible mark in my persona. Who I am can be partially attributed to they who’ve spent some time in the classroom, imparting wisdom to their students (myself, included).

So in honour of Teachers’ Day, here are a bunch of educators who hold special places in my heart. Oh, and if you detect an English/Literature/Writing teacher bias, well, you’re not the only one. Haha! Blame my interest for these subjects, I suppose.

Ms. Josie Flora (5th grade English)
We can call her the woman who started it all. By “it”, I mean this insatiable, arduous, fervid love for literature and language that I still carry in me now. This fine educator made grammar rules (Shock!) fun with her with her quirky way of delivery full of games and other tricks. The spark to ignite my literary flame, she is.


Ms. Aurora Rufo (1st year high English)

A foundation needs reinforcements, and Ms. Rufo was just that to my developing love for words. How could you forget a woman who, for example, came to class in full Spanish-era costume to explain a short story? Or how could you forget someone who presented the debate between Jose Garcia Villa’s “Art for Art’s Sake” movement and Salvador Lopez’ “Art for Society” mantra as a sort of literary catfight? She made the world of words oh so tantalizing to a high school freshman like me.

Oh, and the fact that she never spoke a single negative word to her students? That must indeed be commended.

Mr. Kiko Vega (2nd year high English)

If the first two mentors started creating a love for words in my heart, this man cemented it there and put it in some impenetrable, bullet-proof titanium box so nobody can conquer or destroy the passion. I can not find where to start on how he pretty much encouraged me to further dive into my passion.

He always believed that there is great potential lying inside his students, so he always pushed us to try our best – whether in public speaking, writing short stories or in the cheering competition (as team manager for the sophomores). Oh, and that encouragement for someone like me who was, well, way outside the box, greatly impacted me. How great? Part of the reason I completely changed sides from La Salle to Ateneo (where he graduated) was because of this guy’s teaching! I thought if the university can produce a teacher of this caliber, it must be a wonderful place to study in. Haha!

Mr. Roel Elardo (3rd and 4th year high history)
…Not to mention, one of the most kick-bum class advisers on the face of the earth! He won’t take c**p from his students, but he was always there to listen to everyone who just needs someone to be there. Yes, he was a father figure to us. He was sort of embodiment of the saying “A teacher is your second parent”.

As a history teacher, I loved how he always asked “why”. Every event in history indeed has a reason --- rational or not. And I suppose it showed the humanity in these historical figures….and how we, ourselves, can be history makers.

I think this entry is getting a little too verbose. I suppose I’ll just have to continue on another entry.