Teachers look back and thank their own teachers

On World Teachers’ Day, which is Oct. 5, the world will beam its spotlight on teachers and allow them that rare pleasure of basking in the attention from  their students past and present. For this issue, we thought we’d give our Inquirer in Education’s partner teachers the chance to honor their own teachers.

Fr. Vester Casaclang, SDB, my former dean and professor, whose way of teaching was out of the box. His rapport with his students made us feel that learning was fun. He is one of the few persons who inspired me to be a teacher. His examples made me a better classroom teacher. He is not only a professor but a mentor in life, too.

Fr. Joel Camaya, SDB, my professor in creative writing, who motivated me to bring out the best in me. He was not just a professor but a father, a friend and a role model.  His examples inspired me to work for young people, especially the street children.

— Ryan Lorenzo Singson, Tuloy sa Don Bosco

Ellen Merlin Tolang of Dominican College in San Juan City who helped me believe in myself in grade school.  I’ll never forget your efforts to meet me during recess so I could catch up with the lessons in Ingklitik and do well in the final test. You  taught me to spot unpolished gems among my students and push them outside their comfort zones to learn new things.

Ruth Gutierrez, for making my post-graduate studies at Philippine Normal University (PNU) a worthwhile experience, for helping me refine my skills as a teacher and for keeping in touch long after I have earned my master’s degree.

— Marnelli Bautista, Kabayanan Elementary School

Maria Victoria A. Meniano, my Mapeh  (Music, Arts, Physical Education and Health) teacher in grade school. I was so shy back then. She pushed me to try out for the choir she headed. She also told me that I could be more than what I am if I just believed in myself. She gave me confidence every time she involved me in school activities and gave me responsibilities in organizations. Now, every time I see her, she is sincerely happy and proud that I am a teacher just like her!

— Leora Ferry, J. Zamora Elementary School

Febrelinda Estole, thank you for your motherly care and guidance and for inspiring me to be a teacher like you.

— Manolo Barles, Sisters of Mary Girlstown

Corazon de Leon, my teacher in Nicanor Garcia Elementary School in Makati City, who developed my interest in Mathematics and made me realize that it is the easiest subject!

— Irene G. Aquino, Ft. Bonifacio High School

Hyde Magno Serrano, my teacher at Hernani National High School in Hernani (Eastern Samar) who every day planted the seed of curiosity in me and who became my role model. I just want to say, as a teacher, you’re number one!

— Mae Heide S. Fabian, Cembo Elementary School

Leonor Satuito of Bicol University, who told me, “You’ll be famous (in the college), you’ll see.” I became literary editor of the college paper, then managing editor of the university paper and even a cast member in a play.

Odilia C. Espinas, who taught literature. She opened her home to us saying, “We don’t have much but we have a lot of books.”

My Sociology professor, Leticia Aballa Mata, who was very smart, and Ms Moll, Psychology teacher.

Dr. Ceciliano-Jose Cruz of PNU who taught us journalism and strengthened my love for it.

Dr. Dina Ocampo, my thesis adviser at the University of the Philippines where I earned a  Master of Arts degree in Reading, who is intelligent and accomplished and a beautiful person inside and out.

My other teachers in UP, Drs. Nemah Hermosa, Lina Diaz de Rivera and Natividad Santos.

My English Proficiency teacher in De La Salle University, Alain Padilla, who had wit and expertise.

Conchitina Cruz, my Filipinas Heritage Library teacher on Creative Writing who nurtured people like me and encouraged us to pursue writing.

— Imelda Caravaca Ferrer, Hen. Pio del Pilar Elementary School

Adela L. Caday, who was my teacher in English and Mathematics in Grade 5 at San Jose Elementary School in Makati City. She did not just teach us, she was also our mother in school.

— Maria Noemi J. Bagayaua, Cembo Elementary School

My teachers in Grades 5 and 6, Josefa Panes and Alma Villanueva, for their kindness and understanding, and for inspiring me to do well in my studies.

— Nilda V. Legario, Old Balara Elementary School

The late Professor Joel S. Platon of Pamantasan ng Makati (now UMak) who told us, “Continue touching other people’s lives.” He was not only a great teacher but also a best friend, a father and a brother.

— Ayla Bergado-Urrea, Doña Teodora Alonzo High School

Minerva Javier and Concepcion Soriano, my History teachers in second year and fourth year, respectively, at Pedro Guevarra Memorial National High School who influenced my decision to take up Education and major in History. They are both gone now, but I’m still at PGMNHS paying them back.

— Erasto Arinuelo, PGMNHS

Ms Galvez, my Grade 2 teacher, for teaching and showing me that a teacher is truly the students’ second mother.

—Carolina Eligion, Sisters of Mary Boystown

My Grade 3 teacher at Rioeng Elementary School in Laoag City, Ms Paulino … I might not have said these words before but I want you to know how grateful I am for all your love, teachings and encouragement that helped me get where I am now. Dios ti agngina, Ma’am.

— Delia V. Sahagun, New Cabalan Elementary School

Consuelo Samulde, my Grade 6 teacher, who inspired me to be a teacher, and Ms Aldover, my fourth year adviser, who was very motherly.

— Elvira Canilao, Isaac Lopez Integrated School

Zenaida Asiatico, Amor A. Maliwat, Florencia B. Borromeo, Mia Balingit, Mariquita Resurrecion, Erlinda Matorre and Lila Nolasco, my elementary school teachers who have been my inspiration and are the reasons I chose this profession. I admire their dedication, perseverance and love—all of which I still see in them now that they are my coteachers.

— Erma Guerrero, E. Rodriguez Integrated School

Dr. Buenavida A. Pareja, my English teacher, college dean and idol, especially for her style of teaching and handling of students. Thanks for the insights and values you inculcated in me.  May you rest in peace.

— Oliver Quiba, Nellie E. Brown Elementary School

My grade one teacher, Dolores Aquino Caritativo.  I  learned to read in just two months of attending her class. I became an independent reader quickly because she started her class very early and seldom went out of her room to talk to her colleagues. I was in section 11 that year at Juan Sumulong Elementary School in Antipolo City but jumped 10 sections the following year.

Dr. Melchor Tatlonghari, my professor at PNU  when I was trying to earn units for my master’s degree.  He did not accept second-rate work.  I learned to write good lesson plans because he would edit them, teach us strategies and ask us to demonstrate and try to find solutions to identified loopholes.

— Marlyn Gerio, Cataning Elementary School (Balanga City)

My college professor, Isabel Saplala, an excellent Reading teacher who had faith in me and inspired me to always give my best. She taught me that teaching is a lifetime commitment and is not constricted to the four walls of a classroom.

— Analyn Mendoza, Sienna College of Taytay