Dolly de los Reyes

Taare Zameen Par (Every Child Is Special) was a 2007 movie directed by Aamir Khan, script written by Amole Gupte, and produced by Aamir Khan Productions (Wikipedia). It's about a boy who can neither read nor write. A friend of mishaps. A teacher's nightmare. Ridiculed. Despised. Misunderstood even by his roots. I wouldn't dream of having a pupil like that. If I'm unlucky enough to have one, it surely will be a pain in the head. On second thought, it will be a pain in the heart. I never realized how a child lives in his own world until I watched this movie. There certainly are a lot of things going inside a child's mind, those that we don't understand as adults. Comprehending everything that a child does is synonymous to studying a whole new course of human behavior. What adults see as shades of gray, such a child sees as dancing luminous objects. This movie changed my perspective. Not that I don't know how to teach. It's just that sooner or later, I mig...

SEPTEMBER 21, 2012 – I woke up earlier than usual. The most awaited field trip had come, so I was excited somehow (the pupils were, I bet). Past 6:00 am, I was still in the house (departure 6:30 am), so I hastened my steps and made it to the bus on time. There, radiant smiles and smiling eyes greeted me; dimples and rosy cheeks welcomed me. Oh, how beautiful! “Good morning Titser Dolly!” they chorused, coupled with heart-warming hugs and offers for me to sit on the jump seat beside them. What a pleasant way to start the day! After a few minutes of waiting for the last pupil, off we went to our destination, Tagaytay City. Along the high way, pupils had the opportunity to take a glimpse on the different scenery. I remember one pupil utter a disgusting remark when we passed by a colony of informal settlers, contradicted by a boy who somehow understood how helpless these people are. Here comes one talking about his family’s rest house along Dasmarinas City, and the rest had their persona...

A glittering spectacle of diamonds stares at me. Fingers faintly shaking. Lips quivering in unfathomable ecstasy. What great delight! Holding my glittering fingers up high, his eyes meet mine. Lovely! I slowly opened my eyes to see reality kick in front of me. Lo! The ring vanished! Okay folks. This is actually just one of my favorite daydreams. I often visit this enchanted place, where hearts dance in pure mirth, and where lips collide in untainted bliss. Seriously speaking, I really just can’t wait. “What does that mean, Dolly?” I NEED a ring. I WANT that ring. I’m DYING to have that ring! “But what for?” It is because of him. The symbolism of that ring is so special that waiting for the right time seems forever. I just find it difficult to respect the sacrament of waiting. Gross! Why can’t I just wait? I CALLED him, and when he picked up the phone, I was at a loss for words. I ended the call. So he dialed my number, and when I answered, he told me the words that had always melte...

He was your ideal man. He was a highly paid officer in an insurance company. He was a black belter, and was a very intelligent man. These qualities won him my mother’s heart - my elegant, fair, and tender mother. He lived a great life. Vows were exchanged in front of God’s altar, and they cherished that moment dearly. Three lovely angels came into their lives, and they all lived lives showered with love and care. They were a happy family. Then one day, worldly desire crept into his heart, gradually nurturing the secret admiration he had for that fresh, young, lovely office worker; he enjoyed the sight. The family was in peril, dramatic changes were slowly felt. He had a new favorite song titled “Please Release Me.” He often went home drunk, with a lady’s shirt kept in his waist bag. Affection eluded him, and the little angels often gaped with innocent eyes. December 1990, Christmas. He asked permission to go out somewhere, said it was very important, and will soon be back. Mothe...

GREAT teachers are real, aren’t they? Do you see them everywhere? Have you been lucky to have crossed path with these individuals? Stories of teachers touching the lives of the young sprout like mushrooms on a fertile soil. Books, magazines, and the Internet spread the word, reaching out to more souls seeking inspiration from their daily life. But, could there be something more moving than personally experiencing this? Fourteen years ago (I was in Grade 6), I was given a chance to be with this teacher; on the contrary, I also was with that teacher, the opposite. This teacher brought joy to my heart and planted wisdom on my soul. Excitement filled my being; boredom I never felt. Until she taught me how to write, and write I did. The land of experiences she brought me into shaped my character, and I started to write. The trophies and medals I won in the various schools’ press conferences were just the bonuses, for I had found my gem. She did the same thing with the others that came ...

“Why are there bad people?” I asked a 3 rd grader in one of my English classes. “It is because they do bad things,” was his immediate answer. “Why do they have to do bad things?” I probed. “Maybe it is because they really want to have or do something. But for them to acquire or experience it, they have to pass through the process of being bad”. He responded with much confidence that you’ll think this 9-year-old boy already had a glimpse of what life is at present. I had been so upset before I asked him that question. I needed to vent out my frustration. I desperately wanted to say uncouth remarks to someone but I couldn’t, and I wouldn’t have done it if given a chance. What an unhealthy way to live the day, hearing with bleeding ears made-up stories against me. That was the least I wanted to hear but in my every move, it seems that speckled eyes followed me. Why did I have to ask this innocent child? It was a fraught attempt to see the world in a different view. A child lives in th...

It was barely three months when I experienced a loss, or to be more appropriate, a failure. I remember myself eagerly applying for a Master’s Degree in Creative Writing. Optimistic as I was, I faced my doubts squarely. Come examination time, my mind just turned blank. I was groping for words, desperately trying to extract the creative juice my mind could best offer. Well, it didn’t come out that way, and true enough, I flunked the written examination. Well, you must have imagined the disappointment I’ve been through. Looking back, I was used to winning and achieving what I wanted. My numerous triumphs in various areas in my life led me into believing that I was favored by God. I was a consistent honor student (#1); trophies and medals I brought to my Alma Mater for competitions won; and the beam of pride I continuously marked in my humble parents’ eyes. I continue dreaming. My friends and acquaintances look up to me. They regard me as someone atop them; someone so blessed and fortuna...