Special Issue | World Teachers' Day

WORDS FROM THE EDITOR

Four months ago, I have written an article entitled “From Chalkboards to Virtual Presentations: The Rocky Climb of teachers for School Year 2020-2021”. This is the revelation of the bumpy road which is full of challenges that teachers are not familiar with. Blood, sweat, tears – these teachers sacrificed everything just to live up to their vocation of teaching. The year may not be as flawless as what it was during the pre-pandemic time, but I could definitely say that they are doing their best to help the students get through this challenging period.

Paulo Coelho, a writer and musician, once said, “What is a teacher? I’ll tell you; it isn’t someone who teaches something but someone who inspires the student to give of her best in order to discover what she already knows.” Indeed, our ASJ teachers found a way to continuously inspire us to discover things even if there are a lot of limitations that are setting us behind. The fire within each one of the teachers became their source of wisdom and strength to thrive in these untested waters.

In the one and a half year of online distance learning, did we had the chance to thank and honor these teachers for their efforts and sacrifices? For the love that they had not just for their work but also for us, the students? Today, as we commemorate the World Teachers’ Day, it is duly right that we give our warmest thanksgiving and virtual hugs to the unsung heroes that we look up to.

This is GABAY – the special magazine dedicated to the ASJ teachers, the magnificent people behind the well-rounded students of ASJ. This magazine is our form of thanksgiving for the support, love, and compassion that these teachers gave the whole ASJ community. This special magazine will feature poems, thanksgiving messages, and art works done by the Rheims members. It is our way of reciprocating all the love and care that you provided us virtually.

To the ASJ teachers, we salute you! Your efforts and dedication proved that nothing is impossible and that we just need a little push to reach our goals. The sacrifices that you did really empowers us to continue even if this pandemic is pushing us to the corner. Through our write-ups and art works, may we be able to send our thanksgiving and love for you.

To the readers of this special magazine, may we not let this day pass without saying “thank you” to all your teachers who are always there for you. We haven’t really thanked them formally so now is the time to do so. Without them, we would not be able to reach this far.

Lastly, to the Rheims members and to our adviser, Mr. Kent Colocado, thank you for dedicating much time to make our projects for this day possible. Your collaborative efforts and passion to push through with these projects is really a wonderful sight to see. I am sure and am proud to say that we did justice to this very special day, the World Teachers’ Day. Alere Flammam Veritatis In the name of service and true journalism,

Lance Jerson C. Crisostomo Editor-in-Chief

WRITERS AND EDITORS LANCE CRISOSTOMO Editor-in-Chief

RENZ BAUTISTA Managing Editor/Layout

ANDREW DELA PLANA MARIELLE NAVARRO KYZZIA PAGUIRIGAN BEN NIVERA LEMMOR LATAZA BENEDICT YALUNG JAMES ABRIZA MARCUS BUHAIN Writers

SHAWN TEVES RINEAI VENTOSO CASEYLYN QUIMORA Artists

MR. JM MALANGIS Contributor

MR. KENT COLOCADO Adviser

MS. VICTORIA GALLARDO Vice Principal

MR. RICHARD PINEDA School Principal

MS. DAISY ROMERO School Consultant

Rheims Special Issue 2021 World Teachers’ Day

TURN TO PAGE...

by Ben Nivera

Turn to page 8 I thank you for being great, Turn to page 4 Thank you for teaching me more In me, you’ve planted a seed A seed that will grow and help me succeed Through the things that you teach You made these dreams within my reach You’re someone I look up to, You made me realize the things that I should pursue You taught me things that I did not know Things that I cannot forget as I grow Thank you, teacher, for everything you’ve done, You made school seem really fun I would thank you even during my old age Even if the time comes when we reach the last page.

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“Gratitude for You”

by Marielle Navarro

The Lord came down From the sky above Gave man a breath of life And someone to love From the first bite of knowledge And a hint at truth God knew that it was time To hand someone the roots In care for our future And all that is bright He gave us these teachers Same as His image and spite For years in history These people showed care Compassion and kindness No matter who is there They taught us of passion Uncovering dreams and careers Through tough times and good ones They were always here Only a selfless being Would give so much to all On this day we celebrate Who gives us a hand when we fall

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Guro: Tunay kang bayani sa gitna ng pandemya

by Mr. JM Malangis

Habang ang mundo ay patuloy na umiikot At ang mga tao’y malayo sa pagkabagot Nakahahawang sakit, lubhang nakatatakot Waring agam-agam na ‘di mabaon sa limot.

Agad nagsaliksik mga pantas sa larangan Bansang pinagmula’y masusing pinag-aralan “Ano ba ang dahilan?”, malaking katanungan Lumalaganap na sakit pa’no lulunasan?

Naglabas ng panuntunan ang pamahalaan Katuwang ang iba’t ibang mga kagawaran Mga doktor, nars, mapasundalo’t kapulisan Kumilos sa ngalan ng tungkuling sinumpaan.

Ngunit sa likod ng maligalig na lipunan Mayroong mga bayaning nakaliligtaan Isa rito ang magigiting na kaguruan May pandemya o wala, sila’y laging nariyan.

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Tunay na hindi normal maging sa edukasyon Epektibong pagtuturo ay malaking hamon May matututunan ba sa ganitong sitwasyon Ang mga mag-aaral ng bagong henerasyon?

Gayunpama’y patuloy na humakbang pasulong Mabigat man ang pagsubok, lahat ay sinuong Inilaan ang oras, lakas, talento’t dunong Hangad sa mag-aaral, isipa’y mapayabong.

Modyular man o online, ‘di sila natutuwa ‘Di biro ang mga paghahandang ginagawa Patung-patong na gawain sa kana’t kaliwa Mapalad kung sa maghapo’y may munting ginhawa.

Ngunit sa kabila ng matinding paghihirap Walang maririnig na gurong nakikiusap Sa halip ay dinodoble ang pagsusumikap Nang maging gabay ng bawat batang nangangarap.

Kaya para sa mga guro sa buong mundo Anuman ang inyong kulay, lahi, o estado May sakuna ma’y nananatiling determinado Sa inyong pagpupursigi, kami ay saludo.

Sa gitna ng pandemya kayo’y bayaning tunay Saksi ang sambayanan sa inyong pagsisikhay Pagkilala’t pagpupugay sa inyo ay alay Mabuhay ang mga guro! Mabuhay! Mabuhay!

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DAMOKLES

by Benedict Yalung

Behind every victorious war And every name in the stars There stands a force of determination A law of resolution Odes to justice Oaths to practice To the right of every ruler A gem on every crown Gentle as the clockwork Patient as the dawn Hands of unfired clay A mind of perpetuity When homes bide the night An odyssey for the heart A journey for the mind That is a teacher’s right

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Letters of Dedication Dear teachers, Thank you so much for lending your time and for your continuous hard work when it comes to teaching us for the last two years in the new normal period. Without you, we wouldn’t be able to continue learning about the things we need in our day-to-day lives. We also would like to thank you for your sacrifices in teaching us, especially your efforts to report to school every time the situation permits, so that you may mold our minds in the smoothest and best way possible. Even though we do not show our love that much, we truly love you from the bottom of our hearts. ~MR. B

Dear Our All Lovely Teachers, I sincerely thank you for always being there to guide us and for understanding us especially in times when we feel down especially me, who honestly sometimes gets worn out due to deadlines. Thank you for always giving your best to teach us. I deeply appreciate the wholesome efforts and sacrifices you dedicate to us. I am also sorry for being stubborn and playful at times especially when I indirectly make jokes in class.

I am also sorry for slacking at times. Lastly, I want to say, “Sensei, you have done great! Thank you for being the moon in our sky and also for giving us a lot of stars that will help us lit our night sky. I love you <3.” ~Marwzane 11

To all the teachers of ASJ, You have sacrificed a lot for the sake of teaching and showing us your passions. Thank you for the never-ending support and love that you continue to give us. We want to thank you for every ounce of effort that you give in every lesson, activity, and quiz. We hope that we, as students, somehow bring you joy and fuel your passion for teaching. Happy teachers’ day to you all !!!

Sincerely, User_Batumbakal

Teachers and staff, On behalf of all the students, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

The past year has been filled with sorrow and hardships but on top of that we experienced joy. Happiness that was brought by you teachers and staffs that made many things possible. Fun lessons, webinars, and events are all things that couldn’t be possible without the you teachers and staff, and so, for making our years in the academy fun and unforgettable, I am grateful to you all.

Sincerely, Mitski

Good day ASJ teachers! This is the perfect time to tell you how much grateful we are for your dedication and passion in teaching. We know that this school year has been tough for everyone, but still, you never failed on educating our young minds and on transforming our rough lives.

MABUHAY SA INYO MGA GURO! You are doing a great job at making us grow into an ideal citizen. Once again, thank you for the endless love and support you give to us students, MABUHAY AND KEEP YOUR LASALLIAN SPIRITS ALIVE! ~Helix 12

To all teachers, You all took a journey and faced a lot of challenges during the past few years. You all have continued to show your passion of educating the youth and sharing your knowledge despite all the hardships and pressures. I would like to give my heartfelt gratitude for transforming us students to the best possible people we can be. I commend every teacher and educator for their undying support and every sacrifice they make just to perform their duty to exercise education to all people. We all thank you teachers, and staff for making us your second children in ASJ. We all greatly appreciate your every ounce of hard work and sacrifice just to report in school and all you dedication to provide support to all your students. There is nothing more enjoyable to see all your students become successful and happy in their lives. Happy teachers’ day to all teachers and educators out there! ~Nino To every teacher out there, we, students, would like to thank you for everything you’ve done for us. Thank you for all the sacrifices you’ve done. We appreciate all the love you’ve given us. We are grateful for all the time that you’ve spent with us, teaching us the values in life, helping us to build the right character, for us to be ready with the challenges that awaits in future. I would like to go back to the time I was first taught. It was really unusual at first, but the times we’ve spent with you made us used to it. I remember those times when we were still little, times when we still don’t know what we’re doing. I would like to thank the teachers for being our second parents, who correct our mistake, so that we would learn from it, and take it as an inspiration to change. We are sincerely thankful for bearing with us despite our attitudes. I admit that even me, myself is a very naughty kid. And I thank all the teachers that bear with me and didn’t give up on me. The school is our second home, the teachers are our second parents. Though we are not related by blood, you treat us like family, like your own children. Since we were kids, teachers were already there to guide us and to teach us what’s the right thing to do. Thanks to your knowledge and love, that you’ve inserted through our hearts, and minds; We are now who we are today.

We love you all, and we appreciate everything you’ve done for us. We thank you po and we love you po.

Love, Amethyst 13

To all the teachers of ASJ, Happy World Teachers Day! On behalf of the students, we wish you a merry teaching experience for many more years to come!

Thank you for your great love for teaching, with which you are willing to go out of the safety of your homes, just to teach us students.

Thank you for your great patience, especially in reprimanding students who are stubborn. We know that you only do this for our own good. We also thank you for answering our questions, though they may be sometimes “Out of the World”.

Thank you for not hesitating to impart to us everything that you know. We know that this knowledge will help us in the shaping of our future.

Thank you for making us feel that the school is our second home.

We apologize if sometimes we cannot do the simple things that you ask of us, like being punctual with our assessments. We also apologize if we sometimes do not follow your instructions. And, if we are hard-headed and stubborn, we sincerely apologize. We will try our best to make up for our shortcomings.

In the meantime, we hope that you will enjoy your day, and we also hope that God will bless you, and give you your heart’s content. Again, Happy Teacher’s Day! From: Alfreddy

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RINEAI VENTOSO

SHAWN TEVES