Gabay Guro #TeacherFest2016: Goodness Galore

Teachers around the world are receiving heartwarming messages and overwhelming tributes as the educators celebrate World Teachers Month. As a teacher for more almost two years, I feel happy and sentimental every time I receive tokens, gifts and messages from students and people who believe in my existence and purpose. I am also happy to see business enterprises and non- profit organizations/ foundations who do arduous efforts just to make edifiers joyous in our special month. Gabay Guro is one of the notable programs of PLDT Smart Foundation that uplifts the morale of the unsung heroes in the country. Last September 25, the foundation gave tribute to approximately 20,000 teachers who attended the Gabay Guro TeacherFest 2016 at SM MOA Arena. I am proud to say that I was there in that momentous event of teachers who came from different parts of the Philippines.


 
It was my second time to attend TeacherFest. When I learned that I had another chance to step my feet on the venue, my excitement escalated day by day. Weeks before the festivity for teachers, I checked the Facebook page of Gabay Guro for updates not only for the prizes but for the stars who will perform there. I was hoping that in this year’s gathering, Maine Mendoza and Alden Richards known as AlDub will be present. Last year, the two sent their messages via video. As the special day got nearer, I did not see any post about their attendance. Even that there was no assurance on their appearance, I was in a high spirit that my favorite on- screen couple will surprise the crowd.

I and other participants in our town gathered in our meeting place late Saturday night, September 24^th. We needed to leave 1:30 AM of Sunday to become early birds in the affair. We expected to take six hours of trip from Anda, Pangasinan to Pasay where SM MOA Arena is located. While waiting for the departure, we were sharing thoughts on what we are going to do for the prizes if those will be bestowed in our hands this time. Last year, our fellow participant of our municipality was the fortunate teacher to drive home a Foton van. My other co- teachers won phones and other prizes.

This year, my target is to at least bring home any minor prize. But, who has the nerve to reject a Foton van or a house and lot? I’m dreaming also to bring home one of the major prizes. However, if God says it’s not for me, maybe there is someone who direly needs it.  After all, we are all winners because being part of the event is already a valuable prize.
Few minutes before the bus rev on, we took camera shots. Well, events like this deserves to be documented through photos. Our journey started through a prayer not only for us but also for the LET test takers who are just few steps away from their dream to possess the most coveted license to teach. My sister had their exam the same day.

I tried to sleep on my seat but the thrill became dominant than drowsiness. I kept my eyes active on observing the things we passed by. When our delegation reached Valenzuela City, my eyes became wide open. I miss life in the metro that seeing tall skyscrapers is a tour goal for me. We passed by cities like Quezon and Makati City before reaching Pasay. Finally, we reached the SMX Complex for six hours.

Our group prodded immediately in an open fast food chain for breakfast. As our stomachs are stating their complaints, we did not resist to look on the cameras and smile. Selfie pa more. We waited for the food for almost ten minutes due to the immense number of customers they needed to serve at that moment. Kulitan moments were there even our mouths are busy chewing food. We uploaded pictures of us using many hashtags in our social media accounts. However, I took a peek on social media accounts of Gabay Guro on what hashtag needed to be included in a post. I needed to be meticulous in posting pictures because last year, the best posts were shown on the screen and some received prizes. So, I posted this on my Twitter account. Teachers also need to follow instructions.

After eating, we drew lots on our tickets. We went in the queue of participants outside the venue 8:30 AM. We received our token which included white T-shirt with One Teacher, One Nation statement printed in green, notebook and pen with the logo of the education program of PLDT Smart, bag and other stuff from the minor sponsors. As we waited for the opening of the portals toward the arena, all of us wore the white t- shirts. To remove ennui, we took a lot of selfies and groufies. We also waved hands while the camera of Gabay Guro rolled in our place.

We were able to go to the lobby of the arena at 11 in the morning. We rushed on the stalls of the sponsors to win prizes. I went on the booth of Gabay Guro to draw a prize by showing the uploaded photo with #TeacherFest2016. I got Bic ballpen and marker and Enchanted Kingdom notebook. For more than an hour, we were able to go to all booths.

One- thirty in the afternoon, we entered the arena. Coldness and excitement mixed up as we went on our spots. The seats are slowly filled by other teachers. The place became an ocean of white as teachers wore the shirt proudly. IC Mendoza and MJ Marfori graced the pre- program by hosting a game and announcing the first set of lucky teachers who won minor prizes. The first prize was five passes given by Enchanted Kingdom. When I saw the post of mine on the big screen, at first, I thought it was just only showing of tweets or posts about the event. But, my co- teacher guaranteed that I won five passes. My feeling was inexplicable. I did not expect that I won a prize. I clapped and uttered words of happiness.

After my winning, three of my co- teachers won also other prizes. We left our seats for few minutes to redeem our prizes. My winning was verified at the redemption booth. As the staff handed the prize to me, my irresolute feeling on my winning faded away. I really won!
The program started around three in the afternoon. The hosts of the main program were Pops Fernandez, beauty queen MJ Lastimosa and Rugby player Andrew Wolff. There were spectacular numbers given by UPeepz, singers like Vina Morales, Michael Pangilinan, Sam Concepcion, Gary Valenciano and Martin Nievera. Ogie Alcasid and other local singers sang the new theme song of Gabay Guro. For the second time, I saw and listened on how the Asia’s Songbird, Regine Velasquez effortlessly belting out the high notes of her song “Dadalhin” and her rendition “On The Wings of Love.” Watching her is like I am drifted in the sky. The Songbird is a great performer.

I have seen also multi- awarded news icon Mike Enriquez on stage. Before I pursued my studies in the field of education, I dreamed to become a news reporter. Sir Mike is one of my inspirations when I was still dreaming to become a news personality. That night, I felt that my dream came true as the Imbestigador ng Bayan gave salute to us. Anyway, journalists and teachers agree on one thing that is serving all Filipinos. I am happy on my profession because in teaching, I am a journalist in my own ways.

The program ended as 2016 Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach and Filipino pride Lea Salonga lead the teachers in reciting “A Teacher’s Promise.” The big winners at that event were Angelica Marie Zamoa who won the Foton Van and Chita Mejia, the winner of house and lot.
Speaking of the artists that I wish to see in the event, I had the strong feeling that either Maine or Alden will perform on the stage. Our group was in the lower box so we can see the performers waiting for their turn to occupy the stage. I saw some familiar ladies near the stage. Even that the place they stood was partly dim, in my mind, I knew those were EB Babes. Then, there are also three men with them and they were also familiar. I knew they were That’s my Baes members.

My hypotheses were proven true as the hosts exclaimed Eat Bulaga Dabarkadz. They were EB Babes and That’s My Baes. My exhilaration ascended after hearing the names of child stars Baste and Ryzza Mae Dizon. Then, the next name made me scream that I almost forgot that I am a teacher. It was Maine Mendoza.

My co- teacher saw me how I behaved on my spot. I felt like I was in Cloud 9. I immediately opened my camera and my fanboying level was in the wild level. My wish was granted. I have seen Maine who is now called the Phenomenal Star. She danced the latest craze Jumpshot gorgeously that made me danced on my place that I almost forgot that I am carrying a camera in my one hand. Thank you, Gabay Guro for making Maine perform in the event. My YOLO list is now moving again. Seeing her is an advanced gift to me as I celebrate my birthday on the 13^th of this month. I am hoping that someday I can let her sign my purchased magazines with her and Alden’s face on the covers.

We went home at seven in the evening with smiles flashed like the disco ball used in the celebration. I am happy to be part of the ninth year of Gabay Guro. I am hoping that for the third time, I can join again especially that that will be the tenth year of the program of PLDT Smart. I am also hoping that AlDub well be together in the fest.

Continue your generosity people behind Gabay Guro. Together, we can have a great nation. To all fellow teachers, Happy Teachers’ Month. Let’s keep the torch of education burning.