Ramblings, rants, ruminations and more

THIS WEEK’S WINNER

MANILA, Philippines - Marivic C. Faicol handles reading classes in the Grade School Department of San Beda College Alabang where she has been employed for the past 23 years , serving in various capacities as reading and language coordinator and as grade school vice principal. She graduated from UP Diliman and us now finishing her thesis at DLSU Manila, leading to a graduate degree in Educational Leadership and Management.

For the longest time, I had yearned to share my innermost thoughts on some of the noteworthy books I have had the Fortune of reading via “My Favorite Book” and yet for one reason or another, stopped short of mailing an entry. Call it a stroke of luck but little did I know that one book would invariably cross my path — one that embodies the principles and ideals that I hold dear to my heart and one that would be most worthy of writing about.

Given as a Christmas present by my sister-in-law, I eagerly scanned the book (a collection of essays) penned by Earnest Tan, whose earlier works like Through a Dark Tunnel : Midlife Chronicles and Of Angels, Butterflies and Clowns: Rediscovering Faith I thoroughly enjoyed for their wit, honesty and depth. This particular book marks his return to inspirational writing after continuously churning out “scholarly” resource materials. What makes it a most interesting read is the author’s poignant and realistic take on the many facets of life such as finding one’s center and spirituality and also of commitment, abuse, forgiveness and reconciliation. All these just so the reader is able to “shine like light in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation” as he strives to find life’s meaning and his role in it.

As an educator for more than two decades, how could I not be moved by his personal account of how two of his teachers in the elementary grades made a significant impact on his transition from a reclusive loser to the successful speaker that he is now. All because these teachers cared enough to see the real Earnest that was painfully hiding beneath that lonely boy’s demeanor—a boy who shunned all overtures of friendship and who would be by his lonesome self even during break time when kids would boisterously run out of the classroom.

And while I may not be the most outstanding teacher in terms of visual aids and lesson plan preparation, I take heart in knowing that just like Earnest’s two teachers, I expend efforts in touching the lives of my students, even more those who are ostracized, bullied and unrecognized. It does not really take that much — a sincere smile, an encouraging comment, a tap on the shoulder, a kind word—any of these can create optimism and joy in a child’s heart.

Tan also poses an interesting insight on reconciling our polarities as we enter midlife. He recalls a reversal of roles for an adviser, one whom he remembers as having a penchant for enjoying the luxuries and pleasures of life and yet, as their paths crossed many years later for a reunion, surprisingly preferred the more “serious” faith sharing rather than a rowdy get-together. As we approach midlife, we become aware of the invitation to come to terms with the polarities within ourselves. If we had been too reckless and fun-loving in our younger years, then life asks us to assume a deeper look into our essence and purpose. On the other hand, if we had been overly rigid and one-track minded as we were entering adulthood, then it would be good to loosen up and enjoy the simple thrills that make life much more colorful and exciting. What is essential in the mind of the author is that we take cognizance of how life draws us to the other end of the spectrum to ensure our sense of balance and wholeness.

So many of the topics covered certainly struck a raw nerve in me. I could go on and on as I could say a mouthful on the other stark realities he presents in his essays. Earnest’s book will definitely be one of those that I will keep within arm’s reach and not relegated to the dusty insides of my book shelves. And on occasions when I feel spent and burnt out, a walk amongst its pages shall bring me right back on track as I strive to carry out my multiple roles as wife, mother, teacher and friend and where my rants and grumblings will magically transform into nuggets of learning.