Author: Russel Martin & Jahzarra Fernandez
School Year: 2023 – 2024

The crowd was thrilled even before the event started, as Taylor Swift’s song “Style” played. “Excited na ang mga bata, intro[duction] palang, tugtog palang ng song nagco-concert na sila,” Mrs. Angeles commented.

The audience had no clue of the events that would soon unfold; Mrs. Angeles said that the program flow was a surprise. Kap. Glenn Evangelista of Baranggay San Jose also surprised the teachers with 50 sacks of rice to be given in a raffle, in which the winning teachers happily posed for photos along with giveaways from the school.

The teachers arrived after a photo opportunity in the senior high school building and proceeded to the middle row, a spotlight where their students sit in the rows beside them, much like how the students are always beside them every day to learn new things.

There are noticeable new faces in this crowd of teachers. For the first time, the newly hired offshore teachers joined the event and were introduced by Mrs. Angeles to the FEURR students. They waved to the audience, and they greeted each other with applause.

“Ito ay hindi lang surprise para sa faculty, ito rin ay relaxing time para sa faculty para makita nila ang talents nila, malabas din nila ‘yung mga talents nila na oftentimes they’re not able to show kasi nagtuturo sila.” Mrs. Angeles said.

All the teachers from different departments were introduced on stage, and their students were energetic to cheer them on. Students from Grade 7 – Sunflower even wrote messages on paper to grab their teacher’s attention. Students also wrote their messages on sticky notes on the freedom board beside the stage.  

The FEURR 2nd floor women’s faculty prepared a Zumba dance that captured attention due to accompanying TikTok mashups and simple dance steps.

This event is as thrilling as the poems that remind every one of the teachers’ important roles in their lives and how thankful they are for their hard work and dedication. Anika Banaag shared her poem titled “Kandila.”

The poem shows teachers as guiding lights in tough times. Students start their day tired and unsure, yet teachers act as beacons to give them hope. Despite their own struggles, teachers stay dedicated to helping their students, even if sometimes they have little left.

The heartfelt “Salamat” at the end conveys deep gratitude, recognizing teachers as beacons of light and knowledge. Despite their sacrifices, teachers remain a constant “Kandila” that never fades.

Meanwhile, the second poem from Drex Xavier Lamanilao is simple and poetic, Xavier expressed that teachers are the architects of futures as they nurture and guide students.  

He emphasized the appreciation for our dear teachers. He says, “You’ve molded our character, helping us to renew,” implying how teachers educate students to be good citizens.

He concluded his poem with the words, “The world is a brighter place, we all can agree, because of the teachers who helped us to see.”

As the poems resonated with the audiences, so did the music that came after it. Especially when the FEURR student council’s treasurer Miguel Harina serenades the audience through his violin with the song “Superman” by Five for Fighting.

The party was not yet over as the FEURR Male faculty formed a band that sang OPM Hits, mostly love songs that courted the audiences.

This event reminded me of Ms. Myla Ranjo who told me in class, “It’s good to have a mentor in life” and I am incredibly lucky to have many teachers to be my mentor.

“Ang mga teachers ang aim natin as always whether it’s on regular classrooms and virtual spaces let us make ourselves better every day,” Mrs. Angeles concluded her speech.

Teachers play a significant role in a student’s life. They instruct the students and guide them on life’s journey. They motivate them to pursue their dreams. They also impart crucial skills, such as problem-solving and effective communication, which boost the students’ confidence in interacting with others.  

At times, they provide a friendly shoulder to lean on when we are feeling down, and they are excellent listeners. They generously share their life stories and wisdom, enriching our education. Teachers have shaped me into the person I am today.  

Happy Teacher’s Day to all our beloved teachers. Thank you for inspiring us, teaching us, and loving us students.