Yesterday, Abi and I went for a small adventure. Something I'd rather not talk about. Hehe. Anyway, we also planned to go to school to visit Dean Arcilla and personally greet him for his birthday. Yes! Naalala namin!
Now let me reminisce.
A year ago, our class organized a surprise birthday party for him. However, we celebrated it not exactly on his birthday but a day before. It was actually the same day that we took the bloody Midterm Exam he prepared for us. If I could remember it right, it was Gladys who talked to Dean Arcilla and made a little story that something was going on at Room 245 and he has to go there personally. That's how the party started! We ate, we played games, Dean sang (My Way), we watched hilarious dance videos, we laughed and we laughed.
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| August 28, 2012 |
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| Please excuse my handwriting. Hahaha. |
Anyway, yesterday Franz asked me to write something for Dean Arcilla. And though I'm not so happy with my output here it is. :)
**
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| During the time-capsule ceremony :) |
I braved the Oratorical Contest when
I was in second year. I didn't win, yet such event came to be a truly memorable
one. That was the day when I first had an encounter with Dean Arcilla. He was
there, and I could still recall how his mere presence intensified the mood in
the room. Moreover, I could also easily bring to mind how he managed to keep
his reassuring smile until the last contestant has finished his speech. That is
the kind of Dean the College of International Relations has - strict yet
sincere and very encouraging.
If I am to make a list of all the remarkable things he has taught us, I probably wouldn't be able to finish. He imparted not just his knowledge on Philippine Foreign Policy. He shared not just his meaningful experiences as an Ambassador of this country. He prepared his students not just for the Foreign Service Officer Exam. Dean Arcilla gave more than what he ought to.
I wouldn't forget how our
conversations would jump from one topic to another. From voicing out his views
over political happenings, to giving tips about voice modulation, up to
narrating how his grandchild Sabrina would demand a dollar per kiss on her
underarm. He loves telling stories (and jokes), and we love listening to him.
Yet of all the words I heard from
him, there's this particular phrase that would always stand out. I heard it
while I was about to receive my last medal for being part of the Dean's list.
He mouthed the words "Uy, anak ko to ha!" upon seeing me on
the stage. I was completely overwhelmed that I hugged him disregardful of the
crowd before us.
Lastly, during Graduation day, all was surprised to see him walking toward the graduates' area holding his camera. No one requested him to do so but he did. With a proud and happy face, he poses for everyone who wants to take a picture with him, and even went all the way to the end of the (long) line. Such act of sweetness made him truly one of a kind.
Lastly, during Graduation day, all was surprised to see him walking toward the graduates' area holding his camera. No one requested him to do so but he did. With a proud and happy face, he poses for everyone who wants to take a picture with him, and even went all the way to the end of the (long) line. Such act of sweetness made him truly one of a kind.
To the best and most good-looking Dean the college could ever have,
Happy Happy Birthday!
And may your "freaking noisy faucet" at home stop sounding iiiiiihhhhhh. Hehehe.
Cheers, Dean!
Desh Afan
IR-456,
Batch 2013
