Recently, members of the world’s noblest profession suddenly came out and created a whole new world of their own in a carefree but still professional way at last Saturday’s Association of Filipino Teachers in America, Inc.’s (AFTA) grand Christmas Masquerade Ball held at the Loving Life Learning Center in Manhattan, New York City.
Guests were provided with a mask of their choice upon entry where they were ushered in to the venue enveloped with festive mood and festooned with Christmassy atmosphere. Behind a majority of every masked guest was unmistakably a classroom educator who took advantage of the rare bash to come out of their comfort zones, to break free of their shells, and declare a socializing spree in unison. Changing from school attire to some stylish wardrobes and fashionable cocktail gowns, AFTA officers and members gamely embraced the self-declared freedom to reveal their alter ego and unleashed a bit of temerity.
Far from the stereotyped classroom figures and typical educators who are bespectacled, strict, and almost unapproachable, teachers were warm and on the peak of celebration mood. AFTA’s Christmas Masquerade Ball was undoubtedly a big break for them from their monotonous daily grind. But despite dancing to the beat of bouncy music with such gay abandon, one could easily tell that there’s still the presence of constrained “wildness” in them, primarily because of their inherent modesty and innate reservation.
Ably hosted by beauteous Ria Serrano, AFTA’s masquerade party was an event worth attending if only for its gracious and amiable president Lumen Castañeda and very accommodating officers. Dr. Marietta Geraldino introduced Hon. Deputy Consul General Zaldy Patron, the evening’s guest speaker, who spoke highly of the association’s noble deeds and community service.
Entertainment was provided by the refreshingly beautiful Kay Habana, whose soprano voice soulfully rendered signature ditties while Guy Serino unexpectedly impressed the crowd not only with his high-octave voice but with his fluency in singing Tagalog numbers, which definitely was a foreign tongue for him.
Taking from the revered teachers of the Golden Era of Knowledge like Confucius, Aristotle, Comenius,
Einstein, Froebel, Thoreau, and Webster, just to name a few, AFTA teachers also had their peculiar talents to brag that wouldn’t allow them to be left behind. They, too, believe that they can make a difference and change the world in their own way.
That night, we discovered that Ernesto Pamolarco, Jr. possesses a singing voice perfect for recording and could give any established artist a run for his money. Lumen Castañeda, ever exuberant and jolly that she is, tirelessly exhibited her terpsichorean prowess made even more graceful by her professional ballet background. Artsy and crafty Luz Dara Valconcha unfurled her passion for photography while hopping from table to table taking snapshots of all guests. Obviously fashionable, Raul Cajigan proved her mettle in the catwalk parading like a pro in a fuchsia and black body-hugging serpentine gown.
At the event, the AFTA Officers were formally introduced before a responsive crowd. They were Lumen Castañeda, President; Ronie L. Mataquel, Executive Vice-President; Raul Cajigas, VP for Operations; Kathleen M. Golden, VP for Development; Rowena Adalla, Secretary; Luz Dara Valconcha, Asst. Secretary; Ernesto Pamolarco, Jr., Membership Secretary; Bella Estanislao, Treasurer; Rose Villanueva, Asst. Treasurer; Orlean Osorio, Auditor; and Miliza Romero and Celia Morales, PROs. AFTA Board Members are: Lino Arca, Josey Dimaliwat, Virginia Pablo, Rowena Garana, Adele Bernardo, Mercy Dungog, Rena Pedaria, and Rodrigo Lipon while the association’s advisers are: Pennie Badana, Ricky Mendoza, Chit Ros, and Lilia Juele.
The event tagged as “Uniting Filipinos for the natural calamity victims,” offered diverse possibilities for fundraising during the entire duration of the four-hour party: crowning of the King & Queen of the Night, voting for the Best in Gown of the Ball, choosing the Best Couple Dancers of the Party, and selling raffle tickets that was justifiably complimented with an array of exciting prizes and surprises.
The evening’s total funds raised benefited Inopacan in Leyte, Borongan in Samar, and Camotes Island in Cebu.
Incidentally, AFTA wishes to inform interested parties that the Search for “Ulirang Guro” of 2014 is now open. In AFTA’s wish to bestow honor to the teaching profession by recognizing the meritorious achievements of the Filipino teachers working in America, the association spearheads this prestigious project which was founded by Lumen Castañeda. To avail of the nomination / application forms, please call 917.538.1702 or email at [email protected]. Deadline for submission of entries is on December 30. Awarding ceremonies is slated on April, 2014.
Addendum to the noblest profession:
A professional organization of dedicated educators like AFTA promotes education through academic development, propagates advancement of knowledge on various aspects, encourages leadership training, promotes personal and career development, prepares the youth for a lifetime plan, and creates a world with responsible citizenry.
The teaching profession is a true calling. Just like priesthood, many are called but only few are qualified and chosen. It may be true that this profession isn’t something for the money but more as a vocation for only those who are naturally dedicated and genuinely service-oriented could comprehend the very essence of selfless sacrifice.
It’s always said that teaching is one profession that creates all other professions. A teacher has that innate capability to mold and develop young minds into a dynamic person with multi-faceted personality and talent. As a catalyst for social changes and an instrument for physical growth a teacher never ceases to accumulate all sorts of knowledge to be able to relentlessly impart what she has learned. Just like a lamp that can never light another unless it continues to burn its own flame.
A teacher tackles a wide variety of roles and characterizations in and out of the school perimeters. She’s a parent, a sibling, a friend, a confessor, a guardian, an adviser, and many more just so to effectively discharge her duties and responsibilities. Her grasp and mastery of the art of teaching make it less of a gargantuan job.
But sadly, oftentimes because of their extreme dedication to a daily arduous task and the tight demand of the job they do and enjoy, they unknowingly neglect their personal interest. The almost lifetime routine keeps them occupied and hooked until they are literally married to their careers. For those who stayed single all their life, here’s what they have to say, “We’re still lucky despite unmarried but we have children who could be the future leaders of the world!”
In the course of modern civilization where there’s always something new in the offing, a well-educated mind is always ready to comprehend. A teacher is always innovative armed with strategic techniques for effective dissemination of knowledge.
Allow me to close this week’s column with a quotation that challenges a teacher from Alice Wellington Rollins: “The test of a good teacher is not how many questions he can ask his pupils that they will answer readily, but how many questions he inspires them to ask which he finds hard to answer.”
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