Rebecca Polinar
Speech during the Special Commencement Exercises At Far Eastern University on June 20, 2009
President of Far Eastern University: Dr. Lydia Echauz, Vice President for Academic Affairs: Architect Miguel Carpio, Our Commencement Speaker: Dr. Annabelle Borromeo, Administrators, Dear Parents and Relatives, Fellow Graduates, Ladies and Gentlemen, Good morning.
Today we celebrate the triumph of love.
It is our love for learning, for improving and preparing ourselves better for life that brought us to the portals of our beloved Alma Mater. We endured and hopefully enjoyed the lectures, class interactions, exams, the seemingly endless research, reports and co-curricular activities as essential parts of the whole process of learning.
Our quest would not have been realized if not for the love of our parents and relatives who unquestionably paid for our miscellaneous, tuition and other fees. Over and above these fees we still have our fare, food, load, mall and other allowances. Only true love could endure such expenses.
Our endeavours would be lacking if not for the love of our professors who patiently provided us the environment for learning to take place. Despite the discouraging results of our exams, they persevered in their commitment to be there for us hoping for miracles to happen. Indeed that miracle happens today, our graduation day.
This very day reminds me of the graduations I have had in the past. This is my third valedictory address. The first was in elementary; second, in high school. In college I took up Bachelor of Science in Chemistry at Xavier University, Ateneo de Cagayan. I graduated in 1982, taught for one semester in the Chemistry Department of the same school, got my license as Chemist the following year and worked in Agusan del Norte Integrated Feed Mill for another year. I was about to begin working in a much bigger company when this nagging feeling in my heart that God has plans for me other than the one I wanted to carve for myself became so intense that I could no longer ignore it. I sought for guidance and enlightenment and finally in 1985 I joined the Carmelite Missionaries.
My dream to become a full time science researcher was totally changed. God’s love for me won over my personal plans and ambitions. This decision brought me to different schools but in a totally different field. I underwent ecclesiastical studies. I enrolled at the Sister’s Institute of Formation at the University of Santo Tomas, Catechesis at the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine at Santa Isabel College, Discernment Course at the Loyola School of Theology, and Spirituality at the Teresian Institute in Rome. So totally different from what I really wanted. But God’s generosity could never be outdone. In exchange of my dreams was His abounding love.
We are all witnesses to the fact that the power of love can define a person’s destiny. The persevering love of Ann Sullivan transformed the hard-headed Helen Keller. The love of St. Monica converted his wayward son, the now famous St. Augustine. The love of Mrs. De La Cruz for her special child led her to take up Master of Arts in Education Major in Curriculum and Instruction with Specialization in Special Education. The love of fathers and mothers for their children strengthened them to endure the loneliness of being in a foreign land away from their love ones. These are just a few of the many stories of love and sacrifice. Some beget fulfilment and happiness, some continue to struggle.
My mission as a Carmelite Missionary includes working in the slums of Quezon City, as Campus Minister of Capitol University, Cagayan de Oro City, as broadcaster in the Heart of Mary Station, Mati, Davao Oriental, then as member of the Provincial Council of the Blessed Francisco Palau Province which includes the Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand and Indonesia. When my term as Provincial Councillor ended in 2006, I volunteered as Missionary to China. Again I have to prepare myself for this new mission. I studied Mandarin at Fu Jen University in Taipei, Taiwan, then at the Recardo Leong Center for Chinese Studies at Ateneo de Manila University. It was at this time that I met Dr. Elizabeth Melchor who paved the way for an education course at Far Eastern University. I took up Certificate of Teachers’ Education in the second semester of 2006 and in 2007 I was in China teaching English. Big thanks to Dr. Elizabeth Melchor. But my supposedly two-year contract was cut short and my Congregation would not allow me to go back alone. That gave me ample time to finish this degree while waiting for another volunteer to end her term as Novice Mistress. Now we are preparing for our new mission. But I already started my mission here at Far Eastern University with my Chinese classmates, friends and former students in China. All for the love of God who called me to serve where He wills. True love always triumphs.
The defining moment of love is the good that we do to others. Two thousand and 9 years ago Jesus showed us what authentic love is. It dignifies, not humiliates, it creates and recreates, not destroys, it vivifies, not kills, it supports the beloved, not abandons; it gives more than it takes. This love that Jesus has shown us is the kind of love that is needed today. The world needs this love, our environment waits for this love, our people deserve this love and our poor hopes for this love.
Our Alma Mater, a private university of choice in Asia, envisioned us graduates of today as principled and competent, service-oriented, endowed with the highest intellectual, moral and cultural standards seeking the advancement of the global society. Are we? If we are, then, the future lies wide open for us graduates of Far Eastern University. A world of limitless possibilities awaits us. Most of us will land good paying jobs; others will pursue higher studies and contribute to the advancement of knowledge for the wellbeing of humankind. We will be catalyst for progress, workers for peace, builders of hope and witnesses of authentic love.
As for me, I hope to be admitted in Beijing Language and Culture University to pursue serious studies of the Chinese Language, and there sow the seed of love for which God has loved me.
It is but fitting that we express our heartfelt gratitude to all who have become part of our journey: Our Administrators, Professors, Parents, loved ones and most especially to God. Thank you very much.
Special thanks to the Institute of Education who provided me a home in this University: to Dr. Violeta Jerusalem, my former Dean, Dr. Barbara Fernandez, my present Dean, Dr. Reynaldo Cruz, our graduate studies Coordinator and the staff.
Our Alma Mater has fulfilled its mission for us today. Now, it is our turn to do our mission.
Good luck and God bless. Thank you.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Masterpiece of Truth
Isn't it amazing that George Carlin - comedian of the 70's and 80's - could write something so very eloquent...and so very appropriate.
A Message by George Carlin:
The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways , but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.
We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.
We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.
We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.
We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.
These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete...
Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.
Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.
Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.
Remember, to say, 'I love you' to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.
Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.
Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.
AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.
A Message by George Carlin:
The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways , but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.
We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.
We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.
We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.
We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.
These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete...
Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.
Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.
Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.
Remember, to say, 'I love you' to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.
Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.
Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.
AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Memories
This evening, my community prayed at 5:30. We had one hour adoration of the Blessed Sacrament exposed.
During the time of silence, so many thoughts came into my mind. I look back at the almost one month of trying to get in touch with our classmates, visiting them, meeting several times and in different places. I look back at what I have done and said and there were things I regretted.
I stayed in silence with a heavy heart and it brought me back to my high school life. I was not happy during all those years. I don’t want to go back to the place much more to relive my memories about it. If not for the enthusiasm of Mac Francis, I would not have exerted so much effort.
It was with this spirit that I entered prayer. And the picture of Leandro and Kevin flashed in my mind. The caption in the picture was “Dad Boboy and Kevin”. I told Boboy that “you look like a loving Dad. I love that pic.”
But there was something more to that picture, in Boboy I saw Dr. Aguinaldo and with Dr. Aguinaldo, my experience with Papa.
You all know what happened to Papa those times of our high school years. Those were the most painful experiences that until now left a scar in my life. But there was one man in Kinoguitan who understood my pain, it was Dr. Aguinaldo.
During those times I was not allowed to see Papa. Whenever I go to Papa, I have to escaped from home or tell lies just to go and see Papa. Sarah and Tamboy would accompany me there. But when I go home Tiya Edik would scold me for several days without end.
There were times that my desires to see Papa was so intense but I could not go to see him, I would get sick. Then I would request for Dr. Aguinaldo. He would come and sit at the side of my bed and talk to me for 15 to 30 minutes. While talking he would caress my head and touch my hand. Then before leaving me he would inject something.
I often get sick and Dr. Aguinaldo will be there.
When I was in college, I was still sick but I don’t want to see Doctors in Cagayan. I went home to Kinoguitan only to find out that Dr. Aguinaldo was not there anymore. I went to Dr. Eduarte and he gave me medicine. But I told him that Dr. Aguinaldo would just give me injection. He said it was only distilled water that was injected to me. Simple fever or cough does not need injection.
Then I realized that Dr. Aguinaldo understood my need. I was longing for my Papa’s presence and that was precisely what he has given me every time he comes to visit me at home.His presence cured me.
He was not only my doctor, he was my friend. We exchange pocket books. He would lend me his books and I would tell him good books I read in the library.
This memory threw some light in the otherwise painful memories I have in Kinoguitan. The picture of Dad Boboy and Kevin reminded me of this memory.
I hope that this reunion we are planning will bring healing of wounds, joy, reconciliation, cooperation, love and thanksgiving.
See you there… in 2011.
Becks
During the time of silence, so many thoughts came into my mind. I look back at the almost one month of trying to get in touch with our classmates, visiting them, meeting several times and in different places. I look back at what I have done and said and there were things I regretted.
I stayed in silence with a heavy heart and it brought me back to my high school life. I was not happy during all those years. I don’t want to go back to the place much more to relive my memories about it. If not for the enthusiasm of Mac Francis, I would not have exerted so much effort.
It was with this spirit that I entered prayer. And the picture of Leandro and Kevin flashed in my mind. The caption in the picture was “Dad Boboy and Kevin”. I told Boboy that “you look like a loving Dad. I love that pic.”
But there was something more to that picture, in Boboy I saw Dr. Aguinaldo and with Dr. Aguinaldo, my experience with Papa.
You all know what happened to Papa those times of our high school years. Those were the most painful experiences that until now left a scar in my life. But there was one man in Kinoguitan who understood my pain, it was Dr. Aguinaldo.
During those times I was not allowed to see Papa. Whenever I go to Papa, I have to escaped from home or tell lies just to go and see Papa. Sarah and Tamboy would accompany me there. But when I go home Tiya Edik would scold me for several days without end.
There were times that my desires to see Papa was so intense but I could not go to see him, I would get sick. Then I would request for Dr. Aguinaldo. He would come and sit at the side of my bed and talk to me for 15 to 30 minutes. While talking he would caress my head and touch my hand. Then before leaving me he would inject something.
I often get sick and Dr. Aguinaldo will be there.
When I was in college, I was still sick but I don’t want to see Doctors in Cagayan. I went home to Kinoguitan only to find out that Dr. Aguinaldo was not there anymore. I went to Dr. Eduarte and he gave me medicine. But I told him that Dr. Aguinaldo would just give me injection. He said it was only distilled water that was injected to me. Simple fever or cough does not need injection.
Then I realized that Dr. Aguinaldo understood my need. I was longing for my Papa’s presence and that was precisely what he has given me every time he comes to visit me at home.His presence cured me.
He was not only my doctor, he was my friend. We exchange pocket books. He would lend me his books and I would tell him good books I read in the library.
This memory threw some light in the otherwise painful memories I have in Kinoguitan. The picture of Dad Boboy and Kevin reminded me of this memory.
I hope that this reunion we are planning will bring healing of wounds, joy, reconciliation, cooperation, love and thanksgiving.
See you there… in 2011.
Becks
Monday, May 25, 2009
Ang Saya Saya
We really had fun in the house of Rogelia. It was not easy to locate their house but finally we arrived in time for the snacks but since we were all hungry we ate immediately what was served. Then we opened the computer and Miloy and Ludy joined us through the webcam. We saw them and they saw us. We had so much fun. We got tired talking after several hours and started singing like drunks.
Take note of the picture posted before this message. Miloy and Ludy can be seen on the screen of the computer. Ryan, the handsome son of Rogelia, took our picture together with Ludy and Camilo to complete the barkada.
Ang saya saya.
Becks
Take note of the picture posted before this message. Miloy and Ludy can be seen on the screen of the computer. Ryan, the handsome son of Rogelia, took our picture together with Ludy and Camilo to complete the barkada.
Ang saya saya.
Becks
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Gathering at Rogelias House
Saba kaayo diri sa balay. Dili mi magdungog ka tanan magdungan ug estorya labina ka nag online si Pare Miloy ug Mare Ludy with webcam pa.
Edgar T.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Welcome Ludy
I want to introduce Ludy, wife of Camilo. I forgot that we were together in the boarding house before. Edgar reminded me of her but I could not remember the face, sorry. Our bodies has changed a lot. Can you imagine how many years has passed and how many memories were erased by pains and sufferings! Talaga! Sarah remembered her too.
Miloy include her in our chat this Sunday. Okay? See you in Rogelia's residence.
Becks
Miloy include her in our chat this Sunday. Okay? See you in Rogelia's residence.
Becks
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Groupmail
Classmates,
I have created a groupmail site exclusively for all of us batch '78 who are planning to have a reunion coming 2011. For those who started communicating via email, I already put your email addresses on the list of members of our group. At the moment we are the only ones who can receive emails from the members of the group. (Namely; Sis Beck, Amie Pat, Angelita, Rogelia, Susan, Frank, Edgar T, Leandro, McFrancis and myself).
Please encourage others to submit their email address so we can add them as members of our group. Remember that only members (meaning, email address that have been encoded or added as members ) are accepted by the group email address: hchsbatch78@ yahoogroups. com . They cannot send straight messages to this group address unless they become members.
I made this to encourage everybody to become more active on this project initiated by Sister Becky about the batch reunion and may wish to interact to the group spontaneously. And also to eradicate a long lists of name recipients in the future when most of have already have an email addresses. Another thing also is that for those who are using cellphone with internet may take ages scrolling down the names before he/she can read the message.
In the case of Bobong whose time is always in the middle of the sea, I just have read his email saying that the groupmail may not work in his case as his ship's email address is common to all crews of the ship. All emails sent and received are filtered by his main office and they wouldn't come straight to their own email addresses. Maybe , Bong we can try to cc your ship's email addres and maintain the groupmail. We'll see if it works.
Guys you may still keep the individual addresses for what reason--tsismis. If you don't feel sharing the shshshshshsh keep it just for the two of you. But this site is a free wheeling kind of communication to be shared for everybody but more so for our upcoming batch reunion.
YOU mind bloggers, start publishing your blogs in the blogspot created by Sis Becky.
Sa muli,
Camilo
I have created a groupmail site exclusively for all of us batch '78 who are planning to have a reunion coming 2011. For those who started communicating via email, I already put your email addresses on the list of members of our group. At the moment we are the only ones who can receive emails from the members of the group. (Namely; Sis Beck, Amie Pat, Angelita, Rogelia, Susan, Frank, Edgar T, Leandro, McFrancis and myself).
Please encourage others to submit their email address so we can add them as members of our group. Remember that only members (meaning, email address that have been encoded or added as members ) are accepted by the group email address: hchsbatch78@ yahoogroups. com . They cannot send straight messages to this group address unless they become members.
I made this to encourage everybody to become more active on this project initiated by Sister Becky about the batch reunion and may wish to interact to the group spontaneously. And also to eradicate a long lists of name recipients in the future when most of have already have an email addresses. Another thing also is that for those who are using cellphone with internet may take ages scrolling down the names before he/she can read the message.
In the case of Bobong whose time is always in the middle of the sea, I just have read his email saying that the groupmail may not work in his case as his ship's email address is common to all crews of the ship. All emails sent and received are filtered by his main office and they wouldn't come straight to their own email addresses. Maybe , Bong we can try to cc your ship's email addres and maintain the groupmail. We'll see if it works.
Guys you may still keep the individual addresses for what reason--tsismis. If you don't feel sharing the shshshshshsh keep it just for the two of you. But this site is a free wheeling kind of communication to be shared for everybody but more so for our upcoming batch reunion.
YOU mind bloggers, start publishing your blogs in the blogspot created by Sis Becky.
Sa muli,
Camilo
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