A VacAtion DAY to Remember

Teachers' Day today in Xavier. 

My second. 

I do not know why I am affected more by this event than last year's. 

There was this celebratory mood in the school. It started with the plane-ride-welcome-to-your-dream-vacation theme of the whole affair this morning and it continued into the overwhelmingly full of talents program in the afternoon.

AM and noontime showcased a touching and heartwarming welcome at the "airport," leis, a special bonding time between mentors and students in the classroom, a delightful program of the students at the gym, and a luncheon with Chinese and Filipino looking "Italians" in striped suits serving us delicious food that allows for second servings and bottomless iced tea.

Wonderful add ons to the package were being serenaded with soothing acoustic and classical music and singing during lunch and surprise dessert in the form of notes from the students attached to a personalized clipboard (Diego handed mine to me).

The images that I would carry in mind are the singing of the Glee Club at the "airport" (I had "Somewhere Over the Rainbow"), the fun games in the classroom where contrary to the usual set up, our students led the activities (my team lost in the games but we fought hard!), Noah's ang sakit sa tiyan hosting, Dance X's performance (shark! shark!), Francis Apostol dancing (in bloody red and with roses in hand) and Jan Lambert Ney emceeing (this guy's not only good in writing in Filipino), and the greetings from former students albeit given in general.  I particularly remember Jake's at his flat, Tong-fu's before the merlion, Pierre's in UP (I think), CY's at the Ateneo Caf (parang), Evan and Gino's at Times Square. I was amazed by how far my students had gone to in so short a time.

Personal greetings from former students were also given by Stanly through text, Rod through a note, and Kenn through the multiply.  Co-teachers Andrew also sent a text message and Kevin and Toshi through the multiply.

Verbal greetings were given by so many people.
 
Thank you Xavier.