BEING A MOTHER AND PROVIDER

by: Norberto Betita

SNNHS '69er Florpina Aragon-Paredes

At eventide during holidays or even in ordinary days when the moon stretches its dazzling light, we usually go to her parent’s home and invite her for a stroll at the pier to feel the gentle sea breeze. Sitting by the edge of the dock or on reclined concrete debris we would chat together with friends and classmates while gazing at the beauty of the full moon. She is very friendly and accommodating. We enjoyed her treats, especially during Barrio fiestas and birthdays. 

SNNHS ‘69er FLORPINA ARAGON was very close to her high school friends even the boys. She had that aura that shines and attracts from within. She was no match to the outward beauty of many, yet the charm of her smile; the simplicity and modesty of her looks; the humility and meekness of her expressions created a unique charisma and attraction to those around her. There was in her a kind of magnetism that pulled friendship into her circle. She was small, but had a big heart. She was one of those studious students in our elite class. Late in high school she expressed a desire to be a Doctor someday, an ambition she carried through graduation.

With sister, son, daughter-in-law & friend
during graduation

For no expressed reason, she set aside her ambition for a medical course and instead enrolled at the Southwestern University in Cebu City in a program leading to a degree in Zoology. That was a shift which most of her classmates and friends were caught in surprise. Yet she proceeded with gusto. It was never known whether she was eventually fascinated by the study of animals along the path of her four-year schooling. Conceivably she found enjoyment all along the length of the course and finally graduated with a degree of Bachelor of Science in Zoology. As she returned home to Surigao City, she was kind of confused as to the career path to pursue. Puzzled where to find an employment that will match her interest on animals, she decided to just share her theoretical knowledge and so landed in a teaching job at the then Surigao del Norte School of Arts and Trades (now Surigao State College of Technology).

Subsequently she married a policeman who gave her the family name of Paredes. The marital union was blessed with a daughter and a son. There was colossal happiness and joy as she and her husband joined hand in hand in shared parental responsibilities. Her motherhood ability and capacity to handle odds shine even as she leaves the confines of home for her teaching career. The children to her were such very cherished and precious pearls which no worldly fortune can equate. Each child is preeminent and is of paramount priority. However, while the children were yet in their tender years a discomfiting misfortune strikes its dread and terror resulting to family disarray and eventual unwanted separation and estrangement.

With grandchildren

The once shimmering horizon of her life was covered with darkened clouds of increased uncertainties. The beautiful fertile field she trailed was then occupied with thorns and thistles and a mire to cross. The family resources were reduced by half while her responsibilities were multiplied twice as much. Nowhere could she run for help but to herself. Extended families offered their generous hands, but the real bulk of family accountability and obligation remained in her gentle and weary hands. In the agony and pain of being a mother and father; a homemaker and provider of the family she seemed to feel that "Working mothers are guinea pigs in a scientific experiment to show that sleep is not necessary to human life." (Anonymous). Yet she failed not in her duty to care, to teach, to nurse, to foster, to nurture her two angels which she considers to be a heavenly trust. "At work, [she] think[s] of the children [she] have left at home. At home, [she] think[s] of the work [she'd] left unfinished. Such a struggle is unleashed within [herself]. [Her] heart is rent." (Golda Meir).

With high school classmates during a reunion

However, before her vision are beautifully and excellently painted the picture of the future of her son and daughter. She looked at it with gist and confidence. Such striking panorama conceived and viewed in the telescopic lens of her mind became a continuing motivation to endure well her life’s race. Like an eagle to her eaglets up in the sky, she guided her children to look beyond the present and behold the beautiful landscape that the future holds. She had all her available time utilized to teach the children correct principles and the value of education in their lives. She set aside plans for professional growth and concentrated on building the future of her children instead. She enjoyed their little accomplishments and loved their frailties. She toiled, she struggled, she mothered, she fathered, she loved, and so spawned bones of steel and a heart of gold. 

Sometimes in the course of raising and rearing her children she felt like hearing the words of James Baldwin: "Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them." The children had since grown into righteous adolescents and later as responsible adults. Her daughter Tara May graduated from the University of the Philippines---Diliman. She is now gainfully employed and has a family of her own. Her son Francis who became a concern for marrying at a very young age eventually graduated from college under her untiring guiding hands. He is now a teacher and recently earned a master’s degree in education. He is now a writer and a member of the Philippine Linguistics Society. Perhaps there is no greater accomplishment of being a mother and provider than to see her children trudged a much better road than her own and to know that all that she has done as a single mother has never been wasted.

She may not have been endowed with material boons, but her consecrated and indefatigable efforts imbued in her children a parental paragon worthy of emulation. The love and respect of her children had been multiplied ten times or more. Her sacrifices had been reciprocated and recompensed many times over. The clouds of uncertainties dissipated as she now walks the isles of her twilight on feeble knees and sometimes on faltering feet yet full of hope for her children and posterity. Such is a legacy of success that cannot be exhibited on a cinematic screen, nor counted by weights and measures. It stays in quiet silence in the chamber of the heart and in muted undertones of the memory.

She will probably be retiring in three years, and will be best prepared to attend our SNNHS ‘69ers golden jubilee reunion comes 2019.

TRACKING A LIFE OF APPARENT AFFLUENCE

By: Norberto Betita

By the measure of her parents’ financial standing in the community during our times, she is one of those few students who enjoyed a life of affluence and prominence. Her father was Provincial Treasurer for the Office of the Treasurer of the Philippines. Her mother was a teacher. Her parents were also in apartment business and were known to own agricultural lands in the different parts of the province. Basically, she is one of those students who had nothing to worry about except studying.

However, SNNHS ‘69er AMELIA ROMERO had her own early challenges. Yet it never deters her from doing her best in meeting the demands of being a top student. She is among those who had the opportunity of tracking a life of apparent affluence, but she never allowed such to spoil herself as many students among those in prominent families did. She was just that modest and unpretentious young woman. Her down-to-earth desire to achieve granted for her the honors of graduating salutatorian in our class.

A medical course at the Velez College was somehow a very affordable pursuit. As in high school her only realistic concern is to burn her midnight candles. Meeting the demands of her studies was not even strenuous because of her inbuilt intelligence. College therefore was just an ordinary daily routine with a few hurdles toward a desired graduation. Following her high school dream she made it fast to enroll in the Cebu Institute of Medicine for another four years of study. This no longer was an easy brainteaser. Although well supported with necessary material needs, the conundrums and perplexities associated with every medical related subject and physical projects were extremely consuming. Yet she determined to traverse and cross the chasm and soon became a licensed physician. While in medical practice she trained for specialization in pediatrics. Her pediatrics clinic then became a popular destination of mothers for the therapeutic needs of children.

She should have easily followed a life of ease, but she instead chose to live a life of charitable service, where she seemed to find real joy and gladness. She served as a Medical Ambassador for her Church affiliation, serving people in need. Her love of service for others, by some means, made her forget herself. She probably had captured the words of Mother Theresa: “Love is service. The first fruit of service is peace.” Her benevolent and charitable service, however, became the key that opened the windows of heaven for blessings to flow freely. At an early age she was already tracking a life of apparent affluence no longer as an heir, but by her own and for her personal future. She should have remained a maiden, but God in His infinite wisdom inspired her to navigate life’s thoroughfare.

One day, while I and my very good friend and fellow employee at PNB were in a very emotional discussion about some failures in life, Amelia came. She was one of our VIP clients. Without her knowing it, I suggested for my friend to court her. I guaranteed to him that she is such a very good woman. It was only kind of a joke. However, their roads crossed and at the intersection of the paths they trudged a friend and client introduced them to each other. Then her life’s star reached into an avenue of no retraction---a most desirable marriage to a man of her dreams. My best friend Marlo gave her the name Nambatac. I was privileged to be at their wedding and be one of the speakers. I repented that my silly tongue said something that is somehow unworthy for the ear to hear, an exact repetition of what I said when I first introduced her under condition when he was heartbroken. I am grateful though that the crowd seemed not to recognize my mistake. Yet I know from the heart that she was his best choice of a wife and he was her best choice of a husband.

More than the joy of service to others and the seeming affluence she enjoyed, she was blessed with two priceless gems, a daughter and a son. Alongside family and self, she continued to extend her generosity and benevolence in service to the weary and the distressed. She is building memories to carry into eternity and surely her name will be called blessed by the Lord.

However, life is not all comfort. As in the words of Terry Goodkind, “If the road is easy, you’re likely going the wrong way.” Her son was diagnosed early for a non-verbal type of autism. She had known it herself as a Pediatrician. The saddest and most poignant part, however, is that she can do nothing about it. While still very young, the boy had been the focus of the family’s deepest love and attention. All possible avenues and chances for development, even just for the boy to be able to talk, were given preferential attention and budgetary priority. She employed every available modern therapy and medical remedy, but in vain. As the boy grew in size it had become difficult for her to handle tantrums. Eventually she decided to have her husband resigned and start a business to have times of his own and make sure that he is available when needed. She was defeated and her only resolve together with the family was to accept her son as he is and extend her deepest and undying love, care and devotion to him. Her remaining motivation might have come from the words of Elisabeth Kubler-Ross:

“The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.”

The children are now grown. Her daughter is now pursuing a course leading to Doctor of Medicine following her footsteps, and tracking a life of apparent affluence. Her son remained to be a challenge, yet unruffled and relaxed by the grasp of abundant love and heartfelt affection. Her career remained to be a source of an abundant and charitable life. She was one of the incorporators of the Surigao Health Specialists, Inc. and the Surigao Doctors College. At this moment, she must have thought: “Never to suffer would never have been blessed.” (Edgar Allan Poe).

Her tracking a life of apparent affluence afforded her the comforts of life and the ability to overcome all material requirements and demands. But the nostalgic and emotional pains resulting from nurturing and caring for a son with special needs which even she as a Pediatrician could do nothing about, give her the privilege to understand better the meaning and purpose of life and the preeminence of family life.

She will surely be attending our golden jubilee reunion for SNNHS ‘69ers comes 2019.

WHEN MY RUBBER SLIPPER BROKE

by: Norberto Betita

Adversity is the lot I am wont to swim. From infancy to seniority fate consigned me into the consistent waves of hard times and misfortunes. Twice my life was almost claimed by afflictions of enormity and terrible nature. My childhood and youthful journey was encircled by valleys of despairs and deep rivers of sorrows to cross, and high mountains to climb. But the providential hand of God and the majesty of His mercy and love allowed me to see the conceptual beautiful rainbow after the summer rain that bridged through the valleys and rivers, and crafted a handrail to the mountains’ summit, whereupon I saw the magnificent view of life and its attendant beauty and splendour.

I entered high school under conditions of great difficulty after our home was totally destroyed by typhoon Louise. I should not have enrolled at the Surigao High School should I have given in to the consistent invitation of a priest for me to enter Catholic Seminary. He’s been our commencement speaker during elementary graduation and must have been attracted at my oratory as I performed my lead role of young graduate in our graduation pageant. But for three times I declined for reasons I could not even comprehend as a young boy.

As an SNNHS ‘69er I am devoid of popularity. I am just a young boy from a rural town where only two old Jeepneys are available for transportation. The 9th of the thirteen children in the family of a carpenter father and fish vendor/dressmaker mother, I am bereft of school gears as to be ready for the intellectual battle. Yet I was reported on top of the mental ability test conducted to all first year students of which I was given a professional size basketball as an award from my elder brother proud of my initial accomplishment. However, prevailing undesirable circumstances had in no way allowed me to compete, but I am grateful that I had maintained a pew in the elite group of students. I am accepted as a friend by my prominent classmates because of my sober characteristic and temperate personality. Notebooks are far from being affordable. At school I carried stapled scratch bond papers as substitute notepad. On my third year in high school I contracted typhoid fever. For one and a half months I was off from school, and just at home daily suffering the debilitating and head breaking affliction without the benefit of hospitalization. Once while alone weak and very pale I collapsed, for how many hours I was uncertain but I was awakened and surprised to be lying on top of our dining table. I was kind of resurrected. Such incapacitating illness was feared to damage the brain yet I was very fortunate that only my hairs were lost but my brain was preserved. I was lucky to have been accepted back to school after recovery.

Proms which most of my classmates are so excited about were never a delight for me. I was in the hall as a waiter for snacks instead of a participant. I was happy I was on the list of the graduating students but never have the elation and the thrill of joining a graduation march. I passed the qualifying examinations conducted by the Mindanao State University and was awarded a full scholarship for its first batch of an Agricultural Engineering course in the university. But my parents could hardly even afford a trip with two of my elder sister in college and one younger brother in high school plus the fact that they were discouraged by my cousin who is in the military assigned in Iligan and Marawi Area where there was a continuing cultural conflict.

Therefore, I carried the same weight of deprivations from high school through college. My personal ambition to become a civil engineer was shifted to a course in commerce. However, despite the depressing and miserable verity and mediocrity of a college student going to school with rubber slippers and with only one blue jean to wear for the whole week, I made good in all my subjects. But adversity did find its way to cross and drag me out of my lonely trail. While joining the throng of students after school my rubber slipper broke. Admittedly, I felt ashamed as I walked limping toward home. I seemed to have lost my self-worth, dignity and honor as a young man. It became my crossroad and decision point. I swore no longer to go back to college and surrender my academic race. I did not even bother to officially drop my subjects, which until now remained a part of my official transcript of records. 

I was nineteen then and not yet employable. Yet I tried and was eventually employed as a security guard. My English proficiency got me easily promoted as security investigator with a salary higher than the prevailing wages of public school teachers. I became very satisfied. College was no longer in my mind. I married at an early age of 21. With a beautiful and very endearing wife and a glowing two year old daughter I felt exquisite joy. However, as I envisioned the future of my lovely daughter and my future children, I was reawakened by the memory of that broken rubber slipper. In my mind came the many “what ifs”. My first thought was what if I remained a security guard and my future income will no longer be sufficient to provide for the needs of a growing family? Should I ever allow my children to go to school without the necessary gears, without shoes, without clothes for proms and graduations? Should I ever allow my children to go to college with a rubber slipper and a single blue jean? And, so repeat all the deprivations that I experienced during my childhood and youthful life.

Then the same disheartening and dismal incident of the broken rubber slipper which dragged me down and out of college became a remarkable and stimulating influence which hauled and tugged me back into the path of my academic journey. I found a security job in a government entity with a salary very much lower than my previous employment. I went back to college as a working student at the Northeastern Mindanao Colleges. With the most able backing and help of my wife I eventually graduated with a degree in Banking and Finance in 1979, exactly ten years from high school graduation. Together with my college diploma I also earned two civil service eligibilities which qualified me for a secured permanent government position and job promotion. But before this could have been implemented a grueling test of my integrity was placed before the hallowed table of moral agency. I was made to sign a reimbursement voucher which I am certain the expenses were not utilized for official government purposes. I vehemently declined and my stand for honesty eventually cost me my job and caused sufferings to my family.

As I reflect today of that experience, I felt like the youthful ‘Ling’ who feared to show his empty pot afraid of being killed by the Emperor. But his honesty of not substituting a boiled seed gave him the honor to be the next emperor (story, The Emperor’s Seed). I also felt like General Maximus, the Gladiator, who simply wants to get home from the war and resume life with his family on his farm. His integrity cost him his family. But by request of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius he saved and restored power to the people from the tyrant Commodius. Maximus cried to his troops, “What we do in this life leaves echoes in eternity. “ (Gladiator, the movie).

I thanked God that I have not given in, but the cost was so awful as to have me burn my skin under the heat of the summer sun from sunrise to sunset cultivating a vegetable garden in a two hundred square meter lot if only to be able to provide milk for my nursing children and scanty meals for the family. Providence gave way to the Lord’s timing; I was eventually employed by the Philippine National Bank (PNB) at the very moment when I was on the verge of disqualification from age requirement of 30 years old. This humble employment made me sure all my family’s needs will be provided. I tried to dream for advancement and desired to study law, but opportunity did not give place when the planned law school was postponed. With a goal demanded by the PNB management I set off for a graduate course and eventually earned a Master in Business Administration. My goals did become a link that connects my work with my accomplishment. I was appointed as an officer of the bank.

Gone were the anxieties about not being able to provide for my children’s needs. Forgotten were the earlier effects of the broken rubber slipper in my life, yet the wisdom and inspiration that it provided long remained written in the tablet of the heart. My children wore no rubber slippers at school but affordable shoes. They have complete gears for their intellectual battles so medals and ribbons hang on their necks and uniforms. They were at their best in proms and graduations. Four of them have tasted being schooled in the premiere university---The University of the Philippines, although two of them resigned for a very reasonable priority. Of the two that endured, the youngest graduated Cum Laude. All five graduated with college degrees. What can I ask for?

Along my wonderful career path, however, there lies in permanent company my common lot---adversity. It followed me until my retirement and even until this end. I tried to engage in business at retirement, but I was betrayed and was resigned back to my foreordained fate. Thus, I plead, as David did, “Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast. (Psalm 57:1)

Through the years I have come to understand that God did not provide us with an easy mine of gold and silver or a comfortable imperial avenue along our journey’s thoroughfare. Instead he planted thorns and thistles to decorate our way and make our walk more enjoyable and fascinating. Then he designed a beautiful rainbow to remind us that in whatever calamities we might be in He is just bended knees away. In time I have come to understand why I declined to be a Priest. I was foreordained to hold the Holy Priesthood of a living God.

I should have written my story last for our golden book of remembrance. But I found that others of our friends and classmates are hesitant to share their inspiring stories. No matter how great our failures; no matter how insignificant our accomplishments; we have a story to tell that will inspire the coming generations of youth who may come and find shelter under the academic shades of our dear Alma Mater---the Surigao del Norte National High School and even more for our posterity.

CHOOSING THE ULTIMATE CAREER---MOTHERHOOD

by: Norberto Betita

If we will have to search all the Year Books of high school graduations, there never could be found even one young woman graduate who have a written ambition to be a mother or a full time mother for that matter. All dreams and visions for the future are focused towards a professional career touchdown and staying aground for added career growth and development. Only when one catches the paramount import and significance of the greatest potential influence of a mother in raising, rearing and nurturing children that she becomes willing to disembark and shift to the holy and consecrated calling of motherhood.

To be a career woman was simply the high school ambition of SNNHS ‘69er JOCELYN BALUTAN. That’s everybody’s childhood dream. Never did she ever have the feeling that she would one day be a full-time wife and mother. She’s remembered to be a chatty and talky type of a girl. That’s her advantage for winning more friends at school. Every girl and boy in high school needs a friend or group wherein to associate. And, Jocelyn has that ability of a cluster planner and organizer. This was an apparent virtue in her.

As she disembarked from high school, little was known about her academic journey. She is so private and reserved about it. However, it was known that while enroute to finding career possibilities in Manila, she met a man who offered to exchange vows with her in a sacred bond of matrimony, and each promised to live together for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, and perhaps for time and eternity. Such a handsome man gave her the name of Jocelyn Balutan Dedumo. To him she is preeminent and to her he is worth her boundless love. Together they pledge to provide their children the same preeminence and paramount attention. Their marital dreams are far from being extraordinary. Their plans were simple. He promised to perform the duty of a husband and provider. She covenanted to be a wife, mother and homemaker. They understood that the Lord’s command to “multiply and replenish the earth” was not only intended for them. So they planned to only have two children making sure that they will be provided of their needs and will have enough best times from both the father and mother in their growing years.


What a joy it was for both spouses to learn that she conceived and was to bear a twin. So much care and considerable attention was provided to make certain her conception is safe. However, all their early wonderful and overpowering anticipations of happiness were thwarted and crossed by a harrowing and untimely tragedy. Her pregnancy underwent a threatened abortion and eventually the twins were delivered prematurely, one was stillborn while the other was struggling between life and death. To both spouses the loss was truly a devastating experience and was even more painful to the mother. But she had to be ever strong to care for her little daughter who was under a life threatening condition. The child must have felt the awakening spirit of a very loving mother as to be sustained and finally survived. Joy and happiness once again bloomed and blossomed as the very precious daughter was saved and was given an extended gleaming life. Such throbbing moments of heartrending tragedy made her more resilient to face the battles against adversity.

When they went on board the realms of family life they both committed to be true to their promise to do their specific parental responsibilities. Her husband has to go abroad as an overseas contract worker to be able to earn more in preparation for the coming responsibilities to provide. At first it was easy with one child, but as another child was born  and the two started to enjoy their childhood, she begun to realize the weight of her responsibility as a parent, especially as she performed both the role of a mother and part of the father. In her daily experiences of witnessing her two children clashing and arguing, she must have felt like Winnie Dally who wrote:

“.....Nearby in the kitchen, a mound of dirty dishes waits for me in the sink. The laundry is not done, …the bathroom not scrubbed. Toys are strewn haphazardly all over the living room and kitchen floor. A pile of unpaid bills sits arrogantly on top of the bookcase, exerting silent authority. All of a sudden, the negative aspects of the moment seem to outweigh the positive.

“But it is really not so. I remind myself that I need to look beyond the temporal mists and regain my eternal vision of clarity. A house does not have to be perfect to be a home of joy, a child does not have to behave perfectly to love and be loved, and every moment of life does not have to be perfect to be of value. Too often, I realize, we fail to see the glorious reality of the simple joy that abounds in the seemingly mundane routine of day-to-day living.

“There is perhaps nothing more delightful than the sound of a little child's laugh, nothing more earnest than a little child's inquiry for knowledge, nothing more genuine than a little child's hug, nothing more pure than a little child's love, and nothing more sacred than a little child's trust. “Motherhood is not a burden to be borne; it is a privilege to be enjoyed. It is not a trial of endurance; it is a time of celebration!” (Seize the Joy, Ensign March 1998).

Life in the Metropolis is quiet difficult, and with her son's asthmatic tendencies she decided to go back home in Surigao City for a better and more satisfying environment for her children. Here she finds her best opportunities to perform her divinely appointed role. She conditioned herself to be ever ready and prepared to occupy the grand and glorious station of “homemaker” which C. S. Lewis described as “the ultimate career” upon which “all other careers exist for one purpose only---to support the ultimate career.” She took the humble roles of a nurse; a teacher; a driver and school guide; a cook; a nurturer; a counselor; a motivator; a church guide; a laundry woman; a reprover; a lover; etc. Then in all these she envisioned to hear from her children the same endearing words of George Washington as regards her mother: "My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw. All I am I owe to my mother. I attribute all my success in life to the moral, intellectual and physical education I received from her." Hence, she is determined to rear and raise righteous children and a happy family.

When her husband comes home she makes it a point to be always by his side as a wife supplementing the long lost time of being away from each other. While he also made sure that his vacation times are well spent to complement and fill out the emptiness borne by his children during those austere and lonely months of his absence. These moments of joy are broken each time the father leaves home for another cruise. However, these sacrifices allowed them to build a humble shelter and a secure vault for their priceless treasures---their children---away from the dangers of worldly influences. 

Enduring such an everlasting trust, she eventually found the joy and gladness that attends with motherhood. Her children had grown righteous and with best perspective. Her greatest achievement as a woman in the home which provided her with ecstasy and exultation was when her daughter, who once was drifting between threats of life and death,
graduated Cum Laude from a university in Manila. Then she kind of heard her daughter say, "In all my efforts to learn to read, my mother shared fully my ambition and sympathized with me and aided me in every way she could. If I have done anything in life worth attention, I feel sure that I inherited the disposition from my mother." (Booker T. Washington).

Now that the children are grown, she finds time for her own. Yet instead of just wasting her hours in luxurious vacations she desired to utilize her earlier high school abilities of a cluster planner and organizer for service in the community. She ran for an elective barangay position of a councilor and won. She is now serving her second term. She understood that service is a crowning principle.
               
And when all is said and done, she goes back to her earlier choice of his ultimate career and continues to be motivated by the words of David O. McKay: "The noblest calling in the world is that of mother. True motherhood is the most beautiful of all arts, the greatest of all professions. She who can paint a masterpiece or who can write a book that will influence millions deserves the plaudits and admiration of mankind; but she who rears successfully a family of healthy, beautiful sons and daughters whose immortal souls will be exerting an influence throughout the ages long after paintings shall have faded, and books and statues shall have been destroyed, deserves the highest honor that man can give."

She now resides at their family home in Surigao City. She’s been a regular participant in high school reunions. She is sure to be in our SNNHS ‘69ers golden jubilee reunions in 2019.

REMEMBERING OUR MOST NOBLE TEACHERS

by: Norberto Betita

Old Photo with teachers Ms. Glorina Tremedal, Ms. Alma Lugo and Ms. Elsa Eviota

At least the SNNHS ‘69ers have given a special and distinctive treat and recognition to two of our living teachers during one of our high school reunions. But it is very sad to note that in many of our reunions and reunion feasts, we seldom talk or even remember our most noble teachers as we enjoy the memories of high school life and reminisce the wonderful experiences that we shared together during those youthful years. Sometimes we are choked by the excitement to relive and revive the happy days---singing the old songs, dancing the old hops, eating sumptuous cuisines, glugging expensive wines, partying with the rest of the alumni--- and so forget about the men and women who built the foundations of the bridge which allowed us to safely cross the “chasm, vast, and deep and wide” into our journey to success. But remember we should as an expression of our deepest gratitude for the great and perhaps just little things that they did which brought us into the glory that we now enjoy. 

When I think of those old teachers---Mr. Benjamin Quinto, Mr. Zoilo Rodriguez, Mr. Rodrigo Doblas, Sr., Mr. Edilberto Behagan, Mr. Secilliano, Ms. Carmen Silay, Ms. Raganas--- during our four-year high school term at the Surigao del Norte National High school, I am reminded of the old man in a popular poem written by an acclaimed poet Will Allen Dromgoole entitled “The Bridge Builder.” I quote:

"An old man going a lone highway,
Came at the evening, cold and gray,
To a chasm, vast, and deep and wide,
Through which was flowing a sullen tide.

"The old man crossed in the twilight dim;
The sullen stream had no fear for him;
But he turned, when safe on the other side,
And built a bridge to span the tide.

""Old man," said a fellow pilgrim, near,
"You are wasting strength with building here;
Your journey will end with the ending day;
You never again will pass this way;
You've crossed the chasm, deep and wide-
Why build you this bridge at the evening tide?"

"The builder lifted his old gray head:
"Good friend, in the path I have come," he said,
"There followeth after me today,
A youth, whose feet must pass this way.

"This chasm, that has been naught to me,
To that fair-haired youth may a pitfall be.
He, too, must cross in the twilight dim;
Good friend, I am building this bridge for him.""
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Bridge_Builder


Whether young or old all our most noble teachers in high school ought to be remembered with heartfelt gratitude for they are the builders of our bridges to the future. My battle with college algebra and accounting subjects, which my classmates thought to be the toughest, was easy for me because the foundational knowledge was strongly built from the teachings of Mr. Zoilo Rodriguez. History was even interesting as I remembered our old History teacher---Mr. Benjamin Quinto---who can read our history textbook almost from first chapter to the last with covers closed. Sociology was easier for me because of the competent teaching performed by our social studies teacher Ms. Irennita Creencia Montinola. My good performances in English grammar and composition, Argumentation and Debate, and winning an Oratorical contest, reminded me of my English teachers in high school---Ms. Silay, Ms. Elsa Eviota, Ms. Lugo, Ms. Victoria Andanar. My finance and business subjects brought to memory my dear little cute teacher Ms. Raganas. My general education subject in Pilipino reminds me of Ms. Norma Ereño Rodriguez and Mauricio Uy, and my Spanish subject brought to memory Mr. Secilliano, our 4th year Spanish teacher.

Batch 1969 Reunion 2012

We have no subjects in my course related to science, but I will always remember the best teachers of Science I know: Ms. Lina Durero, and Ms. Glorina Tremedal, our Physics and Chemistry teacher. We neither have subjects related to industrial arts and agriculture, but memory is always fresh for Mr. Constancio Sarte, Mr. Leovegildo Fortaliza and Mr. Rustom Rodriguez. I acknowledge some limits to my memory, but I still remember Ms. Asteria Go, Ms. Silverio, our Guidance Counselor, and Mr. Mora our Principal. Whomsoever I may have forgotten I am forever grateful that they have all given me the opportunity to cross the bridge on the highway of life’s voyage.

I am sure SNNHS ‘69ers have their own wonderful unwritten memories of these bridge builders---noble teachers---which may have been safely and silently kept in the secret libraries of their hearts, in which are inaudibly expressed their heartfelt thanks and deepest appreciations.

“The story is told of a group of men who were talking about people who had influenced their lives and for whom they were grateful. One man thought of a high school teacher who had introduced him to Tennyson. He decided to write and thank her. In time, written in a feeble scrawl, came the teacher’s reply:

““My Dear Willie:

““I can’t tell you how much your note meant to me. I am in my 80s, living alone in a small room, cooking my own meals, lonely and like the last leaf lingering behind. You will be interested to know that I taught school for 50 years, and yours is the first note of appreciation I have ever received. It came on a blue, cold morning, and it cheered me as nothing has for years.”” (Thomas S. Monson, the Profound Power of Gratitude, https://www.lds.org/ensign/2005/09/the-profound-power-of-gratitude?lang=eng)

O, I wish I were a Warren Buffet who can easily release billions of dollars in charity. I wish I could build a building and create a monument as a memorial for these great bridge builders---the noblest teachers---and carve their humble names and inscribe the two most important words in the English language “THANK YOU” in a golden colored brass plate. I wish that many of them will see beyond the veil; and those who are living will be able to personally witness the unveiling of the monument in their honor. But I am just a nobody whose resources are limited for the needs of my own. I felt like C.S. Lewis as he said: “All these toys were never intended to possess my heart. My true good is in another world, and my only real treasure is Christ.”

Yet I know that there are many among the SNNHS ‘69ers or any batches of alumni for that matter which represent the one among the ten lepers healed by Jesus who returned to thank the Lord for the miraculous healing and His tender mercies, while the nine left. (See Luke:11-19). To them I extend my invitation to join hands and sponsor a plan and design of a memorial and share surplus resources in expressions of thankfulness. I share these words of wisdom which for years I read inscribed on the cornerstone of the gate of Surigao City Pilot School from Etienne de Grellet: “I shall pass this way but once; any good that I can do or any kindness I can show to any human being; let me do it now. Let me not defer nor neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.”

"We will meet again my friend,
A hundred years from today
Far away from where we lived
And where we used to play.

"We will know each others' eyes
And wonder where we met
Your laugh will sound familiar
Your heart, I won't forget.

"We will meet, I'm sure of this,
But let's not wait till then...
Let's take a walk beneath the stars
And share 'this' world again."

"Let's Not Wait"
by Ron Atchison http://www.inspirationpeak.com

As we again gather in our high school reunions, I pray that our hearts will be filled with feelings of gratitude to our most noble teachers who built the bridge for us to be able to cross the wide gulf along the path to the delightful shorelines of our lives. For my dear teachers these thoughts I penned:

I wish this message reach to heaven
For those beyond to read with tears
May also the living, their doors be opened
Expressions of love and gratitude to share.

It's been almost fifty years since our graduation from SNNHS in 1969. As I checked and write a few of the achievements of the students of long ago, I marvel at the humility and love, and the great sacrifice that these teachers made to prepare for us the foundations of our future. As we savor the glory of our attainments, I wonder if we ever take time remembering our most noble teachers and the great good that they have done in our lives. In my deepest reflections of the memories of their guiding hands extended during our high school life, my heart overflows with profound gratitude.

OUR CLASSROOMS ARE WORSE THAN COWS’ STABLE

By: Norberto Betita

We started our high school life six months after Super Typhoon Louise (Ining) devastated Surigao City and the Province of Surigao del Norte, and the rest of the country from November 15 to 20 of 1964. It had a wind speed of 310 kilometers per hour (190 mph) at its peak, almost as strong as typhoon Yolanda. The destructions caused by its fury were truly enormous. Our entire house collapsed leaving us no room to sleep. So many dwellings, schools and other buildings were destroyed. Surigao High School (the original name of Surigao del Norte National High School) was not spared. Many of its old classrooms were flattened and only the front building was able to sustain the strongest winds.

Perhaps with no immediate government funds available provisional classrooms were constructed from salvaged materials. Outside walls were open with only three or four used lumbers as fences and only the inner partitions were enclosed and walled with used plywood retrieved from destroyed buildings to avoid confusion and limit disruptions from the activity of each class. These temporary classrooms stood on the original floors of destroyed buildings. Roofing was also salvaged from the old GI sheet roofs. The environment was truly not conducive to learning. Yet many among the prominent still enrolled for their learning experiences. In our first year class there is the son of the Provincial Treasurer of Surigao; the daughter of the Provincial Treasurer under the Office of the Treasurer of the Philippines; the son of the Provincial Auditor; the son of a judge and Division Supervisor of the Department of Education; the daughter of another Division Supervisor; not to mention those in other classes. This was probably because of the parents’ trust on the teaching capabilities of the faculty. But the greatest majority of students are those from poor families it being the only cheapest high school in the City.

In our school were two American Peace Corps---Mr. and Mrs. Bachman. In one of our Science class where the assigned teacher was Mrs. Bachman, she found only a very small table enough to accommodate her bag, books and other things. She had with her a flip chart which perhaps was one best teaching tool during that time. Since it could no longer be positioned on the table, she just sat on the chair and put the flip chart on her lap. While flipping and discussing each page she forgot about her sitting position and just allowed her mini-skirt covered thigh to open every now and then exposing body parts which were left to the imaginations of the young boys’ minds. Perhaps realizing the unwanted display of her treasured virtue of chastity she immediately stood and ostensibly shifted our discussions. Then she said these words which I had never forgotten: “Your classrooms are worse than our cows’ stables in America.” After which she expressed that she’d been inspired by our willingness to be educated in such a very pitiable and lowly learning atmosphere. She kind of said that “You’re too good to be schooled in this worst kind of learning environment.” There had been several other inspired motivations that she impressed upon us which perhaps prompted many to move on.

Originally Surigao High School was under the budgetary obligations of the Provincial government of Surigao del Norte. It was later converted to become the Surigao del Norte National High School (SNNHS) to give place for more funds to be poured out for its immediate rehabilitation. During our four years stretch at SNNHS the classroom atmosphere remained and we are only given a taste of a new two-storey school building funded by the National government shortly before our graduation.

As I generate the recollections and memories of our youthful and friendly past and pondered on the rich experiences gained from the undesirable circumstances of high school life there emerged imprints and inscriptions on the mirrors of days gone by the footsteps which many had left along the steep and rugged path of their uphill journey to success. Then the words of Mrs. Bachman ring back into my ears “your classrooms are worse than the cows’ stables in America.” I wish she lives to see and rejoice for the achievements of her “too good” little students as they moved away from the “worst kind of learning environment” with courage strong and faith undaunted to the hopeful shores of triumph and victory. To paraphrase the words of the Emperor of China in the movie Mulan, they became “The flower[s] that blooms in adversity…the most rare and beautiful of all.”

Gone are the worst classrooms; perhaps forgotten and ignored are the worst kind of learning environment, yet the memories of those harsh conditions will live on in each of our lifetimes and renewed during reunions and reflections of the happy and youthful long ago.

THE UNDEFEATED STATESMAN

By: Norberto Betita

He stood taller than his own stature by his manly deportment. He is one of those we call as “Golden Award” (a popular brand during our time) models as he sports high-collared pastel colored shirts. His masculine bearing adds to his attractiveness to women. He is a refined young man, which by his curly hair and macho physique gave him the looks of the young popular action star in our time---Eddie Fernandez. 

SNNHS ‘69er PHILIP M. ADLAO is far from being scholarly, but his sociability and good looks together with his ability to easily connect and relate with others made him popular in school. He is an ordinary and humble boy from a remote barrio. He has no background whatsoever of prominence or affluence, but he shines by the way he deals with his life as a young man. His objective attitude and gracious character gave the impression of him becoming a good manager. 

Although somehow limited by financial resources he took the guts to study at San Nicolas College (now St. Paul University-Surigao), a popular and expensive local sectarian college. Meeting the challenges of both study and financial requirements was to him kind of easier said than done. But he persevered with diligence and with competent parental support and motivation.

Upon graduation he worked as a clerk in a government copra buying station. His earlier youthful manifestations of managerial ability became clearly evident as he started a career. In a short time he was promoted to become the manager of the local branch of the company. Probably because of his appeal and charisma to women he was married early. As he realized the weight of his paternal responsibility to provide, he found that his employment could never sustain a comfortable life for his family. To him that was a defining moment---a crossroad. A decision to retire and start his own business was crucial, yet he found it to be an imperative choice. While in business and comfortably providing for his family’s needs his natural ability to easily associate and relate with people stirred in him a desire to try the field of politics. 

His first run into the political arena was for the elective position of a Municipal Councilor in his local Municipality of Placer. Surprisingly as a neophyte politician he won by a landslide. After three years of diligent service and cordial dealings with his constituents, he again tried his luck for another term. He was humbled by the inestimable support of the people. His political service became a career as he again was given a treasured backing from his constituents for a third and final term. Top political figures in his hometown and in the Province were amazingly fascinated of his political journey. Then he was offered to compete for the position of a Vice-Mayor. He might have hesitated to take the offer but the call of the people seemed to echo as to give him the stimulus to finally run the race. The trust of the populace afforded him the authority to preside over the Municipal Council as Vice-Mayor---the next highest political position. His political dignity and sincerity in service to the people provided him the honor to complete the three terms---nine-year service available for the position of a Vice-Mayor.

Such should have been the end of his political career as he is short of the necessary monetary resources to compete for the highest elective position in town. However, political figures and his avid supporters called back for him to continue his political race and humbly take a new term for a Municipal Councilor. His kind of sociability and ability to connect and relate with people long exhibited in high school, coupled with his willingness to serve prompted him to take another challenge. He again won the position by landslide vote of support from the people. Through his long and uninterrupted political career he became popular among the local politicians. Immediately after the last national elections, an election for the officers of the organization of Municipal Councilors was conducted and he was elected President. By virtue of his authority as President of the League of Municipal Councilors, he was eventually brought into the corridor and hall of the Provincial Board as he took an oath being an appointed member of the Provincial Board.

Now he remains standing tall bearing with humility the title of “The Undefeated Statesman.” Yet he did not glory on the laurels of his political career. In his uninterrupted service to the community he takes with him the simple philosophy by Mahatma Gandhi: “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” Perhaps in his personal and individual service to his constituents he always keeps this thought in mind, "Though my work may be menial, though my contribution may be small, I can perform it with dignity and offer it with unselfishness. My talents may not be great, but I can use them to bless the lives of others.... The goodness of the world in which we live is the accumulated goodness of many small and seemingly inconsequential acts.” (Gordon B. Hinckley). This probably gives him an edge in his political contests.

In contemplation of the Legacies bequeathed by those very able faculty and administrative staff of his Alma Mater during those four years of high school; the influences of dear friends and classmates; and above all the blessings bestowed by a loving God made him bow in humble reverence and genuine gratitude.

He is always at the reunion feast enjoying the camaraderie of dear old friends and classmates. He is sure to attend the SNNHS ‘59ers golden jubilee reunion comes 2019.

BREAKING THE CHAIN OF POVERTY

By: Norberto Betita

She hails from Carrascal, Surigao del Sur, a small coastal town characterized by tranquility coupled with cold and relaxing gentle breeze from the Pacific sea. In the opposite side trailed by the National Highway are shown mountainous landscapes of brown and green. Distinctly displayed above and hidden beneath the rolling hills are the abundant riches long buried by Divine hands bestowing the providential promise of temporal prosperity. The bounteous mineral deposits of nickel and iron ores upon the land propounded the fitting description of a “rich man’s land”. Yet such abounding material prospect requires a long way and time of anxious and indeterminate waiting by the town’s folks.

Among those who are yearning for the realization of the promised bountiful harvests was a poor woman in the rich man’s land SNNHS ‘69er ANAME ARREZA. Motivated by an unrelenting and inexorable desire to be educated she took the pains of crossing the very rough, dusty and muddy highway each weekend from Carrascal to Surigao City and vice versa. The depressing encounter with penury did not deter her to press on and keep going. Her provincial upbringing rendered her reluctant and withdrawn. However, she is loved by friends and classmates. The firm determination she carried through the four years of difficult high school life built for her an even greater commitment to succeed notwithstanding all odds.

After high school graduation and with positive vision reaching the extreme panoramic view of a bright potential she packed all her optimistic dreams and started her journey into a higher dimension of life’s thoroughfare. She knew that there is no royal road to success and her only chance to cross the roaring seas of challenges is to unyieldingly persevere towards victory. Her first single step was to enroll at the Southwestern University for a two-year pre-nursing course. After graduation she again enrolled at the CCC-Chonghua Hospital School of Nursing for another three years to complete her nursing course. She graduated, took the board and thus became a Registered Nurse. Nursing during her time was a five-year course to qualify to become a Registered Nurse. After her four months community work at her hometown, she returned to Cebu City and worked at the Cebu TB Pavillion while at the same time taking another two years of scholastic training to eventually earn the coveted degree of Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

In her heart remained the unwavering and resolute allegiance to break the chain of poverty in her family. She knew beforehand that it would be difficult to lift her family from the murky lake of poverty without her standing higher ashore. Her struggle to obtain the necessary academic preparations became for her a redeeming cord to save her family. Then a kind of pre-destined blessing came as her former classmate and friend invited her to work in Vienna, Austria in 1976. She had no money, but all her financial requirements were provided. In 1980 she married giving her the name of Aname Arreza Gines and was blessed with two children, and now with two grandchildren. 

While working at Vienna with sustainable income, she started breaking the chain of poverty in the family by inviting her brother and then five of her nephews and nieces to join the Filipino Diaspora and work in Vienna. As of now there are already thirty five (35) of her direct and extended families including children now living in the City of Vienna ranked always in the Top 10 cities of the world. In mercer’s quality of living survey the city of Vienna is No. 1 in 2014; EIU’s livability ranking and overview no. 2 in 2013; and Monocle’s quality of life survey No. 6 in 2014. Through her determined and spirited effort the chain of poverty in the family had been slowly broken as they moved ashore into a more realistic land of the rich.

The once tranquil and lowly fishing town of Carrascal where Aname was given birth and had grown in poverty is now starting its way to move in prosperity. But together with its unrestrained feverish desire for the acquisition of material wealth that the mines offered the town is now on the verge of possible destruction. The once clear sea water now turns brown and the corals where fishes live and breed are now filled with mud siltation.

The poor woman who once lived in a prospective “rich man’s land” has been so richly blessed together with her family as to be able to live a life of slight luxury comfortably relieved from the pangs of abject poverty and distressing stings of penury. She retired from her nursing job in 2009 and now lives at Haslau An Der Donau Niederosterreich, Austria.

She looks back with deepest expressions of gratitude and heartfelt appreciation for the rich experiences provided by the chain of poverty and the motivation gained from her high school Alma Mater, the Surigao del Norte National High School, which moved her positively forward to her ultimate victory, rising to the top and breaking the chain of poverty in her family.

She will come to join with the SNNHS ‘69ers during the coming joyful golden jubilee celebration comes 2019.

A GRACIOUS AND CHARITABLE MAIDEN

by: Norberto Betita

It is of no coincidence that her name has its origin from the Latin term “virgo” which meant “maiden”---single girl or woman. Perhaps it’s just that she has chosen to remain single in favor of a more important humanitarian priority.

SNNHS ‘69er VIRGINIA PERALTA was known as the fair complexioned good natured young woman. She was made peculiar by the fact that while she has a whiter skin texture, she sports a very kinky hair which is very common to the natives. Yet she looks refined and beautiful with her hair braided or bound. Her pleasantness and affability gained for her more friends and respect from young men. Her joviality and sociability made her always popular in a crowd. These attributes are distinctive in her person even after high school. Her high school outlooks and views gave the impression of an early inclination for some humanitarian interests, especially for her extended family who are in distress.

Her enrolment at the Philippine Women’s University (PWU), an exclusive school for women, in Manila never meant that she is trying herself to distance from men. In fact, early in college she was attracted to a former classmate and a very close friend. When this young man paid her a friendly visit during one summer vacation, she personally confessed that she is attracted to a young man. She was asked to reveal the name, but she wouldn’t. After some real convincing effort, she agreed to just write the name on a small piece of paper with the instruction that he would open the note back home. Arriving home, the young man forgot about the note, until he realized that there was something on his shirt pocket. The note reads, “If you know yourself you know him.” The young man was somewhat touched by the sincerity of the admission, yet he felt very concern about her previous declarations and commitment of doing good in her studies to be able to help her struggling family. He did not want to take advantage, neither to have her most noble plans and visions for her family be affected. He started to keep distance and just forgot about the note.

For long and perhaps due to dedication in her studies, she seldom visited Surigao City. It was never known how that sincere admission on a note affected her, especially after the young man temporarily detached himself from a very close friendship. Yet her eventual graduation from college proved that she had remained strong and very determined in her conviction to succeed for the benefit of her family. She might have experienced some frustrations and little despondency most common to all but she never allowed life’s vexations to frustrate her journey. Her cheerful persona and jubilant disposition continued to provide radiance to the woman in her.

Graduating from an exclusive school, the PWU, which was very popular during the time, was an advantage for her as she plodded the competitive field of career women. She easily obtained a position at the Regional Trial Court of Manila. As she started to pluck the fruits of her earnest labor, she also began the condescending act of charity---the pure love of Christ. She willingly extended her charitable hands to fill the empty tables and drained purses of loved ones. She diligently followed her most noble high school dream by sending some of her nephews and nieces through college to the limits of what her financial bucket could accommodate. By such gracious and charitable manifestations of love, she was continually blessed. Enjoying the loving and gratifying embraces from the beneficiaries of her generosity and benevolence she seemed to somehow forget her personal obligation for herself. Her selfless service shaped and fashioned a wonderful panorama all along her path which in effect obscured the view of a possible joyful family life for herself.

Time flies and the emptiness of living a single life roams in frequency into the vacant chamber of her heart. Motivated by the kind of work she had been exposed to and trying to supplement the vacuums of her love life, she tried to enroll in a law school. Then she realized that all along in her maturity that would no longer be needed. She was overwhelmingly filled with the satisfaction that comes from the Lord’s promise: “In as much as ye have done it unto one of the least of these…ye have done it unto me (Matthew 25:40).” Perhaps she consoled herself with the words from Emily H. Woodmansee’s hymn:

The errand of angels is given to women;
And this is a gift that, as sisters, we claim:
To do whatsoever is gentle and human,
To cheer and to bless in humanity’s name.

Indeed, she remained that gracious and charitable maiden, but this has nothing to do with the meaning of her most popular name Virginia. She probably believed and adopted the philosophy: “When fretted by this single life, which seems to be my lot, I think of all the many men whose wife I’m glad I’m not.” (Quoted by James E. Faust). She still sports a bound kinky hair which even with a few lines of wrinkles makes her cute round face more refined and beautiful.

For her and all other “maidens” is given a glorious promise: “You young women advancing in years who have not yet accepted a proposal of marriage, if you make yourselves worthy and ready…and have faith in this sacred principle of … marriage…, even though the privilege of marriage does not come to you now in mortality, the Lord will reward you in due time and no blessing will be denied you.” (Harold B. Lee said Ye Are the Light of the World [1974], 308).

On occasions she served sumptuous treats for friends and batch mates in acts of amity and goodwill during our reunions. We will be missing her for she was short of the opportunity to attend our SNNHS ‘69ers Golden Jubilee grand reunion because on this day, October 31, 2017, the heavy portals of death was gaped open for her to enter into the eternal realms. Yet our memories of her will ever remain.

BETWEEN CORRUPTION AND INTEGRITY

By: Norberto Betita

Rolando Biado as a student at the
University of the Philippines

By his character, he was known to be inherently honest and upright. He had been trained and taught by humble parents, who themselves were respected for their integrity. He is the eldest in the family and so was expected to assist in the poultry farm of his parents. Physically he is a small and skinny young man but with firm muscles. He loves sports, especially boxing. He is usually with our classmate Epifanio at the library to read news of the results of championship boxing. He loved the popular music of The Beatles. He sings and plays a guitar. And he is intelligent.

SNNHS ‘69er ROLANDO BIADO is attractive to young women because of his noble character. Two of our classmates were so captivated of him that one had to drop a pen just to have his attention. But he is kind of aloof on matters of infatuation. On many occasions he would invite us to their rented apartment where her mother also operates a retail store, for fried chicken treats from meats of old non-laying hens from their poultry. While in high school there never had been any mention of him about where he should go for college. We only knew when he was already at the University of the Philippines in Los Baños, Laguna, taking up Bachelor of Science in Forestry. Qualifying for the University of the Philippines College Admission Test (UPCAT) is very tough and extremely challenging. Not many dared to take it, especially like us who are graduates of a public school in a small Province. But he had long fostered the nerve and audacity to face life’s encounters and with his inherent intellectual ability and competency he made it to this premiere university.

With beloved wife---Editha

His college education at the University of the Philippines (UP) was highly subsidized by the government being an “Iskolar Ng Bayan”. The government spends so much for these scholars to provide the best educational trainings and highly exacting learning experiences as they are groomed and prepared to be the best replacements in the constant renewal of leadership in our national life. They are trained and mentored to be the builders of the nation. All other educational and personal expenses may have been sufficiently provided by able and highly supportive parents. However, as it is, studying at the UP is one very demanding experience, and in itself a trial of endurance. But Rolly as he is fondly called has a youthful dream to pursue and a journey to tramp and track. He knew and learned from an American proverb that, “success is a ladder that cannot be climb with your hands in your pocket.” He wrestled and wriggled against the tough and unbending educational environment at UP and eventually graduated with a degree in Forestry. He would have wanted to behold the glory which is reserved for UP graduates. In his quest for growth, however, he found himself trapped in a very difficult and discomfited choice---between fraud and honesty and between corruption and integrity.

With high school friends and classmates during a prom

After graduation from the UP College of Forestry, Rolly intended to be a bigwig in the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Bureau of Forestry. However, the dreadful influences and provocations of government corruptions and administrative manipulations made him think twice, eventually ending his bright opportunities and prospective developmental contributions in the Philippines. He traded his highest career possibilities in favor of his inborn virtue of honesty and integrity which like Sir Thomas Moore in the movie “A Man for All Seasons,” he never intend to waste even if it would cost his life. He should have remained to take the post of a possible most opportune role of a DENR Regional Director or even higher and serve and contribute honestly in the government service. But virtue summoned him to choose a most humble career in the land of milk and honey---the USA, where his wife works as a nurse. Two children were born in their marital union.

With the family

The choice was very difficult for him because his degree in Forestry even from the University of the Philippines was never given much credit in the USA. He was forced to take odd jobs. Later he was advised to take a government examination for postal services which he easily qualified. Such became his lifetime career. He was grateful that by such sacrifice of a bright career future in the Philippines in favor of a humble employment in the postal services in the USA, his character had remained unblemished and his person untarnished. He said he is not rich, but he usually spent his vacations in different parts of the world.

His talents, abilities, developmental capabilities, and above all his virtue of honesty and integrity had been a great loss for the Filipino people who even at present are distressed by continued and uninterrupted succession of government corruptions. He should have been one kind of a man that we need in the government, but virtue will always keep at bay and restrain an atmosphere of fraud and deceit in the same manner that clear water will always separate from polluted spilled oil.

We missed him for a long time in reunions, but we are hopeful that he will find time to attend our SNNHS ‘69ers Golden Jubilee.

STURDY AND STRONG AS AN OAK

by: Norberto G. Betita

Dr. Celia F. Silverio-Santos, M.D.

She’s got the looks, the brilliance of the mind, the blessings of prominence, and the lush of a luxuriant life. Her mother is our high school Guidance Counselor and her father a Department of Education District Supervisor. That’s great big deal during those times. Her family’s prominence even adds to her campus popularity. Yet she’s simply known as an unassertive self-effacing beautiful young woman carrying her books and notebooks with hands over her bosom as ordinary female students do.

SNNHS ‘69er CELIA F. SILVERIO is a beauty that is worthy of every young man’s admiration and respect. Her youthful radiance and prettiness, and sharp mind provide a constant fitting choice of a muse, which for many of us is just an ordinary title given to a beauty which we elected as part of our class organization. A muse, however, is not much about beauty; it is meant “any of the nine sister goddesses of the Greek mythology presiding over song and poetry, and the arts and sciences; a source of inspiration; a guiding genius.” Such description perhaps had given her an exceptional love for the academe. She’s one of those who received the highest graduation honors and recognitions. Her high school academic achievements were carried on in advancing cadence through college.

Heaving and lugging her love of academics in her journey’s haversack to the most challenging field of higher education, she had herself enrolled in a University in Manila to take up a four-year course in Medical Technology. Upon graduation she took and passed the Licensure Examinations for Medical Technologists. That should have been adequately enough for her to start a career. However, the achievement seemed not to satiate her continuing love for studies therefore leaving rooms in her brain to contain the learnings for another academic field. Hence, she took a nursing course and eventually became a Registered Nurse. With two professional licenses on her academic bag she should have gone abroad and become part of the Filipino diaspora. But she seemed to feel that her gift of intelligence is still leaving empty spaces for more brainwaves to lodge. Consequently, she was driven into the superior vista of the medical field and took the most demanding Medical Course later to become a duly licensed Physician, eventually specializing in OB-gynecology

Among the best of the SNNHS 69ers, she probably has the highest number of academic accomplishments and professional authority. Becoming a licensed Medical Technologist, a Registered Nurse, and a Licensed Physician specializing in OB-gynecology is no joke. Indeed, she never allowed every single chance to fade away. Even perhaps with sufficient provisions, her journey towards such exemplary achievements had been physically tough and mentally demanding. Yet, she stood like an oak, sturdy and strong soaring high above, building strong root foundations beneath, holding on against every wind of trials and adversities along the way. With three professional authorities on hand, she moved her way forward and upward into the limelight of career women. She was married to another Physician who gave her the name of Celia F. Silverio Santos which marital union was blessed with two children.

From the morning of her life, where she once gleam in beauty and dignity amongst the group of SNNHS 69ers; that self-effacing and unassertive student carrying her notebooks and books on hand over her bosom, now blooms and prospers towards life’s twilight filled with pride and increased temporal bounties reserved for days of grey. On vacations to Canada, Texas and other parts of the world, she filled herself with memories, that perhaps she “…may have June roses in the December of [her life] (James Barrie.)” She is presently connected in a nonstock-nonprofit foundation hospital where her professional capabilities are most needed.

“SANDRA”

By: Norberto Betita

Before I started to write this story, I listened to the music video of Barry Manilow’s song of the same title. I could not hold back my tears that I even have a runny nose. It reminds me of my own mother who is willing to give her all for her thirteen (13) children and her family. The lyrics seemed to speak for itself:

She's a great little housewife
Though sometimes she talks like a fool
But she helps at the store in the holiday rush
And she picks up the kids after school

And she puts down the phone when her husband comes home
And she changes from mother to wife
'Til she feels the words hanging between them
And she hangs by her words to her life

(Refrain)
She says, I swear I love my husband, I love my kids
I wanted to be like my mother
But if I hadn't done it as soon as I did
Oh, there might have been time to be me for myself, for myself

There's so many things that she wishes
She don't even know what she's missin'
And that's how she knows that she missed

And she's a sweetheart, except when she's moody
It's hard to get through to her then
Depressed for a while when the youngest was born
Oh, but that happens now and again

She might take a drink with the housework
Or when Michael's kept late at the shop
A martini or two before dinner
But she always knows when to stop

(Refrain II)
She says, God I love my husband, I love my kids
I wanted to be like my mother
But if I hadn't done it as soon as I did
Oh, there might have been time to be me for myself, for myself

There's so many things that she wishes
She don't even know what she's missin'
And that's how she knows that she missed

Oh, they used to hold hands at the movies
Now it's seldom if ever they go
Once you've paid for the sitter and parkin' the car
There's no money left for the show

She was doing the dishes
When a glass fell and broke on the tile
And she cut her wrist quite by mistake
It was real touch and go for a while

(Repeat  refrain II)
(Enoch Anderson/Barry Manilow)

However, I am not writing about “Sandra” the song, I am putting in e-pen the story of a living Sandra---SNNHS ‘69er SANDRA REVECHO, whose true to life story as a mother and homemaker appeared to exactly correspond to the message of the song. Her story comes as a fitting account that gives meaning to the mother portrayed in such an inspired musical composition. Sandra is that one beautiful young woman in high school adored by so many young men but of whom none seemed to catch her eyes. She possesses the combination of beauty and brains. Her potential for a vibrant future gleams in luster from each spark of her loveliness. The prospect of a very promising career was obviously evident even during those teenaged days. No one doubted that she would one day be in the limelight of career women. 

Soon after graduation from the Surigao del Norte National High School she enrolled at San Nicolas College (now St. Paul University-Surigao) and eventually graduated with a degree of Bachelor of Science in Commerce major in Management. She had her first exciting job as assistant secretary in an Engineering Department of the Department of the Highways in Surigao City. After two years of experience, she tried to find a promising future in Manila and worked in a Real Estate Housing. While thus working in the accounting section of the Company, she tied her knot with the man---Paul Frias whose personality and music had long since touched her heart. In her six (6) years stint in the Real Estate Housing, she had successfully given birth to three children and established a house of their own. She never thought that within such period she would be offered an early retirement. Perhaps when the offer did come she might have exclaimed in prayer, O, “God, I love my husband and I love my kids. And though I wanted to be like my mother, but if I hadn't done it as soon as I did…” please give me that honor. And, a loving Heavenly Father did give her the honor. 

After only eight years as a career woman, the young Sandra closed the worldly limelight of her life to take the divine role of motherhood. Each day she would take the noblest role of mother and wife and carry the load of multiple tasks as primary teacher, school guide, treasurer, nurse, event planner, vacation guide, cook, housekeeper, counselor, etc. Gone were her youthful fantasies as her vision shifted to a more paramount aspirations for a happy and contented family life. She never desired to look for her own needs and wants, but finds comfort to satisfy the longings and demands of children and husband. In her divine role as a mother and homemaker she finds deeper meaning on the words of Daniel Webster: “If we work upon marble, it will perish; if we work upon brass, time will efface it; but if we work upon immortal minds, if we imbue them with principles and the just fear of God and love of our fellowman, we engrave upon those tablets something that will brighten through all eternity.” (The Teachings of Harold B. Lee, ed. Clyde J. Williams (1996), 461.)

Even more difficult to her was when she had to take the role of both father and mother as her husband works abroad to fill the financial voids and increasing needs of a growing family. Mutual and abiding trust in each other as husband and wife made their marital bonds even stronger despite the distance divided by islands and seas. She understood well that married life is not a bed of roses. It always had the thorns that are attached to the stem. She learned the many ups and downs of family life, and she understood very well the overriding significance of rising up every time she falls. All her struggles and challenges she laid before God with complete trust that He would help lift her burdens. She takes the Lord at the center of her family as she continually expressed gratitude for the blessings and gift of life. 

She did raise her three children in love, righteousness and virtue, a noble and remarkable contribution to society. Her family has grown with the joyful addition of two grandchildren. The joy and happiness she enjoyed in her matriarchy are manifestly exhibited in the mirror of her countenance. Surely her influence will leave for her family a legacy that will forever remain from generation to generation.

She may not have the luxuries which are part of the world’s idea of happiness. However, she had established a kingdom where she keeps her priceless treasures which worldly wealth can’t match---her children, her husband and her home.

Comes 2019 SNNHS ‘69ers Golden Jubilee, Sandra will probably receive the best actress award in the role she played in this gigantic stage of the play entitled mortality.