Like Everyone Does: A Tribute to Blue Ribbon.

As the Responsorial Psalm of our First Friday Mass began, my world suddenly went to a stop. Everyone became stone. As the lyrics goes: In him alone is our hope, in him alone is our strength, in him alone are we justified; I suddenly gasped the reality. Yes, I am a Senior High School student – wearing a blue ID, 5′10 and a half, and currently single. As my eyes played within the sudden stop of events, I stared at hundreds of Elementary students singing their lungs out. Throaty, but who cares.

Then, I saw her sitting right next to her students.

Back at 4th Grade, she never smiled. A scary adviser for me. The naughtiest boy in class met the lion of his life. She was taller than any other teacher, and obviously, taller than me. She was only at her 20’s. Her words are so sharp, it could pierce everything in view. She would wait for me at the doorstep and when I came in late (until now, I always do) – I’d receive sanctimonious sermons. She was my Hekasi (Heograpiya, Kasaysayan at Sibika) and Filipino teacher. Two major subjects intertwined, then grasped in her hands until all juices came out. Sounds like hell for me.
She was my greatest fan. She would notice everything from me; my hairstyle, my constant tardiness, my lovable writing, and would laugh at me or insult me. ‘Nako, Kevin. Ang dami mong gel sa buhok. Tanggalin mo yan kasi nakakakalbo yan o kaya mamumuti ang buhok mo balang araw’.

Like every child does, dabbing a handful of gel seemed inadequate for their hair. But then, I followed her advice since she is a concrete example of it. She used to wear gel back then (her hairstyle is actually boyish), not until thin stripes of gray and white hair appeared in her crowning glory.

I remember back then, I brought two slices of cake for my recess. Like every child does, I asked her if she want some. Despite of my bad feelings for the lion, I still had the guts to give her some food. The irresistible chocolate cake would soon be the reason of our friendship.

Anong tatak nyan?
But then, like every child would do – I’d take this as an opportunity to give her some prank.
Blue Ribbon po.
She smirked. Siguraduhin mo lang ha. Kapag wala kang dalang Blue Ribbon cake bukas, lagot ka sa akin. Hindi kita papapasukin sa classroom. Tandaan mo yan ha!

My prank turns out to prank me. I just can’t win over her. Like every child does, I thought she wasn’t joking. So I went home and begged at my sister to bake a cake for her that would gladly shout – BLUE RIBBON. My ate was displeased. Like every sister would do, she condemned me for my naughtiness and told me to go to school without that fucking Blue Ribbon. Brave enough, I came in late and went straight to my seat. My teacher then growled at me.

Asan na yung Blue Ribbon ko?
Nakalimutan ko eh.
Diba, sabi ko – ipagdala mo ako ng Blue Ribbon cake ngayon? Labas!
Ano pa bang magagawa ko? Nakalimutan ko nga.

She was, and everyone – was laughing.
Her cellphone number back then is 09177906185; a 3310 unit of Nokia. Ms. Regina M. Cruz became my favorite teacher, though scary at times – I somehow uncovered her wackiness within. I enjoyed my Fourth Grade with her since I’m her favorite. I even had my project posted at the class bulletin board!

-

As the Responsorial Psalm ended, everyone came back to life. I am a Fourth Year Student, with a blue ID; 5′10 and a half and currently single. A graduating student. Yes, I am a lot taller than her. But I’d dare not to do any form of revenge. I’d love to embrace her and somehow tell her that I missed those days.

~ by utakgago on October 6, 2006.