Saint Christina 2012-2013
This class is probably one of the most memorable non-advisory classes I had, if not the most memorable one. Somehow, I was instantly drawn into them although it did not really show at the onset. I don't know why. There is just something in them that makes me feel welcome.
Christmas Party 2012 with Fr. Jay Miranda, O.P. (Regent, UST High School)
Our "relationship" pretty much started out just like any other section a teacher and a class should be. So it was not very special if you want to call it that way. I come at 1:00-2:20 in the afternoon; I do my thing and they do theirs. Nothing out of the ordinary really. Until they began their first taste of junior competition: the bulletin board making.
Intrams Day 2
Most of them, if not all of them, were pumped up with the contest. For me, I felt that they had a "class spirit" at the start of the year. Well they did not win but it got them united.
Christmas Party 2012 with Fr. Jay
Then came several more contests, one after another. Their biggest heart break came when the Aliwan Festival contest was held during the Filipino week celebration. They came prepared, fully armored with all the heavy guns and tanks with them. But I guess it wasn't enough as the others came with heavier guns and armories. And so disheartening as it may seem, somehow I had to remind them that they have to do better the next time and motivate themselves to rise up to the occasion. And I'm glad that they did.
Aliwan Festival at their classroom
Their biggest triumph though was wining almost all the major awards during the Benavidez Film Festival (I hope I got the contest right.). Saan ka pa makakakita ng klase na pumunta pa ng napakalayong lugar para magshoot? Para talagang mga artista eh.
Link to Choral Recitation where they won 2nd place:
And after all those defeats and accolades, it was still pretty much the same for all of us. Except for one boy who kept on following me whenever the opportunity arises. His name is John Victor Lopez, or JV for short. His reason? He was frequently out of the class as he is a member of the Glee Club. They were preparing for a contest that they will be joining. And because of that, I called him "New Student" as I don't get to see him frequently.
JV (wearing red shirt), with Denzel, Johann, Liam, James and Gabriel with the author
And so he would be asking me on what did we do inside the class and I would kiddingly say: "Sino ka?" or "Yes new student?" In his defense however, I was also frequently out of the class as well as I had to attend to some coordinator duties. And thus I was labelled as "New Teacher." It did not offend me really. In fact I was amused with it. And this routine of ours actually continued all the way until December. I tagged him with my "concert" at the HS auditorium because he wanted to hear me sing. And that was it. It's the "Start of Something New" as the lyrics of High School Musical 1 would put it.
However I distinctly remember that I did not really start warming up to them until one boy was so much affected with a failed relationship with his ex-girlfriend. Rodolfo Alfonso III, Nuj as he was called by his friends, did not really hold back his emotions. I would see him crying before the start of my class with them. And so this would lead me to bring him three times to the guidance office. It wasn't really my business to ask what was wrong, but I did anyway, to which he did not hesitate to share his story. The rest, just as they say, was history.
The author (left) with Nuj (in the middle) and Jasper (right)
During the 3rd quarter completion day, JV stayed with me in the laboratory where I was checking papers. He asked me if I wanted a copy of the movie "Pitch Perfect." And being the movie buff that I was, I gladly accepted his offer. Instantly, I fell in love with the chick flick. The story wasn't really sophisticated. It was the music that I was really engaged into. I was so into it that I bought the original soundtrack.
Pitch Perfect Original Soundtrack at PhP 650.00
This probably picked up the momentum for me. And so in preparation for my come back as the dancing lord of UST High School (modesty aside, I do dance quite well I should say), I wanted St. Christina to be part of the dance as well. Instinctively, I really wanted them to join me because it would be a lot easier for me to gather just one section rather than asking the others to join the performance. And so without batting an eyelash, I asked their adviser, Sir Danny Balance, they could be part of the routine. He gave me his blessing and so immediately I posted at their FB group page about it.
JS Prom (from left to right): Hillary, Angela, yours truly, Mrs. Ramos, Glee (crowned Prom Princess), Mrs. Torres and Merry Rose
One person actually volunteered upon posting it. Ron, was the very first among the students who said yes. Then JM was forced into it followed by Echo and JV. Echo asked if a friend of his, Rovi from St. Clement, could join us. Thinking that I only had four dancers at the time, I said yes since many did not respond to my announcement. I was kinda specific though. I wanted "great" dancers and not just someone who could dance. Then the others slowly came into the picture: James, Gab, Gabriel, Denzel, Adrian and the only rose among the thorns, Nina. Little did I realize that it was only Ron and JM who were the "great" dancers and the rest wanted to join for the fun of it. Hehe.
Tina Fellas / Manuboyz (The crew from St. Christina plus one guest from St. Clement)
(in front from left to right: JM, Denzel, Echo, Nina, Adrian, JV, Ron, Rovi and yours truly,
at the back from left to right: Gab, James, Gabriel)
And so with in a little over 3 hours combined (We had breaks of course!), we were able to complete the medley The Sign and Please Don't Stop The Music from Pitch Perfect. But it did not stop there. Ron asked if we could extend it a wee bit more so that we'll get more air time. And being the welcoming teacher that I was, I said ok. So the original 3 plus minutes routine was extended to 9:45 upon the inclusion of the Universal Motion Dancers and Streetboys Medley. Whew! Talk about energetic dancing.
We were able to pull this off. It was tiring, sweatful and literally breath taking, but it was all worth it. I got them to perform. That was it. My relationship with the class started to build up with them as the catalyst.
First performance during the High School Week
And we got to do this again during the Family Day 2013. It was hot because the sun was so up in the morning. The stage was hot because it was painted black. Everything was just hot literally. And so with some minor adjustments to the routine, it was made longer because it now became 10:30 minutes. Now I could truly say that I came into a complete circle. I had the best performance of my life. So did they.
Second performance during Family Day 2013
Link to High School Dance Performance:
Ending the school year was bitter-sweet. My only regret was I had 8 months to have had a wonderful relationship with them. But it was only in the last two moths that I got to know them well. I never played favorites with any of my students. But I can say that this is my favorite class. No! I dare say that they are my favorite class for this school year!
Dinner at Mang Inasal's after the Dance
Every time I come into their class, I am always at my best. I look forward everyday to see them and share my knowledge of chemistry. I always feel pleasantly happy to interact with them. I know that I am in a home away from home at Room 204 from 1:00 to 2:20 pm. Truly I will miss them. But I must let them go so that I can meet new students and they can meet new teachers.
Intrams Day 1
However as I said to them, the door of me being a teacher has closed but a new door as their friend, brother or father has opened for them to choose. And this would be one door that would remain open for all of them.
Intrams Day 2
So it has truly been a Pitch Perfect year for me with them. Undeniably the most memorable one that I have. Thank you dear St. Christina. It has truly been a pleasure and an honor to be part of your class.
Tina Fellas / Manuboyz
This is Mr. Frederick Roy A. Manubay, your ex-chemistry teacher, now signing off...
