Contributors: Rowei Narvacan, Andrea Semodio, Quinoa Castillo, Czarina Morcilla & Jhared Licudan
Beyond the hum of fluorescent lights and the familiar scrawl on whiteboards, an empty chair stands as a testament to a typical classroom setting. When we enter the classroom, how do we remember our teachers? Many recall them as figures of authority, bearers of knowledge. But a deeper narrative of dedication, sacrifice, and unseen influence reveals a profound truth: a teacher’s greatest lesson isn’t confined to a subject but to the person.
At Nova Schola’s Senior High School Department, teachers are far more than instructors; they are architects of ambition, silent guardians of dreams, and vital lifelines who empower students to flourish both academically and personally. This Teacher’s Day, we step beyond the classroom door to recognize these remarkable individuals—the guiding lights, empathetic listeners, and unwavering motivators—who nurture the upcoming high school graduates in profound, often unrecognized ways.
A faint echo of a shadow’s footsteps climbs the worn stairs, the soft scrape of shoes against concrete blending with distant school murmurs. The shadow enters a room briefly, then ascends two more flights, each step creaking softly. At last, the door opens gently to reveal—oh look—it’s Miss Milca Mae Cantos. Warmth fills the air, a sense of familiarity that transcends the typical teacher-student dynamic—she’s more than that; she’s a friend and sister, ready with humor and patience. Her relatable explanations make even the most complex ideas click into place, helping students grasp life’s deeper meanings and purpose, making her classroom a haven where every question is heard and every answer guides the way. Just not math—she has an inside joke: “Ay math? Huwag ako tanungin, si Miss Kat na lang.”
Dun, dun, dun… Introducing Miss Katrina Angela Platero! The savior of Miss Milca when it comes to math problems—a friendship we all wish for. Her classroom is filled with laughter and a friendly atmosphere, often making pranks like “Guys, recitation tayo today.” She takes the complex equation of youthful confusion and breaks it into simple, understandable parts, finding purpose in every variable. As a mentor and companion, she doesn’t just solve for X; she helps students find the deeper meaning of the question, showing them that every problem, both in and out of the textbook, has a solution. If life is a multi-step word problem, then Miss Kat is the one who patiently helps you find the answer key, ensuring that 7x+4y = your future. Like math, a covered court has its own measurements and dimensions; here you’ll see Sir Luis Jonathan Sorian smashing with his P.E. lessons.
Walk into a classroom where Sir Luis Jonathan Soriano, also known as Sir LJ, teaches P.E., and you’re not just entering a gym; you’re stepping onto a vibrant stage where energy and learning collide. He is known for his 15-Day Fitness Program. “Last year, nagawa na rin ‘yan ng Grade 12 students na ngayon,” he says. During the Battle of the Bands, a dance competition for the 11th anniversary of the school, Sir LJ’s students were touched by his generosity in extending the deadline for the participants. The air thrums with a pulsating beat, and before the traditional lesson even begins, Sir Luis, with a commanding yet playful gesture, brings the room to life. His pre-class energizers, often dynamic and unexpected, ensure that students are not only physically active but also mentally present and engaged for the day ahead. He’s not just teaching P.E.; he’s cultivating a love for movement, a foundation for well-being, and a lifelong passion for an active and healthy lifestyle. Did you know he also dances? “Sir, sample!” Ready to sway? Let’s sway to get to know Miss Jhai.
As Sir Luis leaves, an aura envelops every student present—a warmth of sorts. “Hello, students!” It’s Ms. Jhewena! Often referred to as “Miss Jhai,” her voice, posture, and even her entrance are those of an elegant monarch. As students stand to greet her, the room often blares with chatter—a mistake almost every section makes. Ms. Jhai is a person you would have to think twice about each time she enters the room. One moment she’s laughing and joking with everyone; the next, she’s dead serious—a trait many love that also introduces some thrill when the day seems boring. Not a day passes without Ms. Jhai surprising us: “Surprise quiz tayo for today, everybody!” or “Surprise! Walang gagawin muna for today, basta walang magce-cellphone,” and many more that we couldn’t even count. Despite her hot-and-cold nature, her passion and love for teaching are evident in her work—handling the Oral Communication subject. Her ways of speaking and communicating resonate with students and co-teachers alike. Her skills, poise, and charismatic personality have touched many hearts and minds all over campus; her voice has become the foundation for students to use theirs as well! Did you know that Ms. Jhai is great with speeches? “Sample nga ng isa d’yan, Ms!” Get ready to voice your heart out with Ms. Reggine!
When Miss Reggine enters the room, a warm smile greets everyone’s faces. “Magandang umaga, Binibining Reggine!” a playful tune clings to the students as they say this in unison. Handling the KomPan subject, Ms. Reggine, or more commonly known as Ms. Reg (pronounced “redj”), amazes everyone with her vast Tagalog vocabulary, often helping students who find it difficult to use this medium—just ask, “Ma’am, ano po ang Tagalog nito?” and she already has an answer; if not, she finds something that suits your sentence better: “Mas mabuti kung ganito, anak.” “Anak?” Yes, you heard that right—Ms. Reggine refers to her students as “anak,” showing how deeply she cares about her pupils. A warm and welcoming atmosphere is always ensured when it’s time for Miss Reggine to take the board, always giving performance tasks that are more enjoyable than stressful—often putting us in groups to teach teamwork but also giving time for independent learning. Speaking of groups and teamwork, Practical Research is next! Sir Alexis takes the board to teach us what it takes to be a researcher.
Miss Reggine’s dignified yet warm demeanor contrasts with the nature of research studies. Research studies are concise, formal, and poised, conducted to collect broader and factual information on specific topics. Student researchers achieve fruitful outcomes with the help of a research instructor—the mind that eases every student researcher’s queries and the voice that guides through every step. But what hides beneath the professional and calculated character of research instructors? Sir Alexis Zaraga, a research instructor at Nova Schola Tanauan’s Senior High School Department, carries understanding, knowledge, and style in his classes. More than just a teacher, Sir Alexis is like an understanding friend—the one who’ll hear you out and offer helpful advice. Sir Alexis makes you feel understood as he listens and aids your concerns. Astonishingly, Sir Alexis is an absolute fashionista! Alongside knowledge, expertise, and compassion are style and swag resonating in his every stride. Hidden beneath unmatched poise and professionalism is a friendly presence dedicated to developing and enhancing our understanding of complex research procedures. But if we’re talking about understanding and development, Sir Alexis knows just the perfect guy—Sir Bryan, our personal development teacher!
Sir Bryan brings light to the unseen parts of our personality through unmatched humor and friendly demeanor. Every classroom he walks into ignites with smiles and laughter, brought about by a profound sense of inclusion and self-identity. Like a warm hug, his bubbly approach to teaching assures students that they are seen and understood. Beyond textbook teachings regarding personal development, Sir Bryan helps you achieve greatness in his own way. He is the friend who helps you grow and stay afloat amidst life’s traffic, the friend whose snap of attitude makes you laugh when you’re sad, and the friend who cracks the best jokes. Sir Bryan’s unique and special way of imparting knowledge pushes those around him to conquer hardships, learn from mistakes, and reach their best selves. While Sir Bryan imparts the science behind personal development, an earthly body just around the corner explores the fascinating sciences of the Earth.
A laugh that matches Sir Bryan’s and a star just as bright—here’s Ms. Rachelle! Pulling up in her car and walking elegantly toward the faculty, every student can’t help but notice her amazing aura. Her smile, warm and inviting, whispers of a gentle kindness that resides within her heart. Rocking stylish outfits like a true trendsetter, Ms. Rachelle Balahadia comes to school every day, ready to slay. But it’s not just her fashion that stays on point—it’s also her lessons and discussions that you will never forget. The way she teaches multiple subjects effortlessly radiates her passion for education. Within the faculty, where our dedicated teachers come together, they call her “Ma,” a title that speaks volumes about her reliability, excellence, and the remarkable woman she is. Indeed, she rocks teaching with effortless coolness! And speaking of coolness and fun, Ms. Rachelle has a partner in crime for this side of school life: our ever-awesome Ms. M!
As the music plays amid the dancing crowd, she is noticeable. With every step, sway, and pose, she is recognizable. Whether gliding smoothly across the floor or striking a powerful pose, Ms. M can slay it all. But one thing about her—she is more than that. Ms. Mariah Angela Llarena does not only conquer a stage with her dance moves; she also handles the classroom with passion and dedication. She choreographs every lesson with fun, teaches with graceful moves, and rocks every subject discussion effortlessly. And another thing about her? She can dance along with everyone—students, teachers, or friends. Ms. M treats everyone with kindness and warmth. Truly, she’s a partner you would like to pair up with in this dance of life. As Ms. M brings lightness to make every lesson simple, she’s much like Ms. Almira, who brings ease even to the most difficult subjects..
Mathematics and Research—subjects that feel like mazes with no clear exits and foreign artifacts waiting to be discovered. For students, these subjects are less about learning and more about surviving—a battlefield of numbers, citations, and late-night confusion and anxiety. But just when it feels like all hope is lost, a door opens, and inside, one teacher awaits: Ms. Almira Reyes! Her way of teaching complicated topics and concepts with quiet confidence and brilliance is one reason her students get through every test and quiz. Calm, kind, and nonchalant, as one student described her, she carries an air of quiet authority that can be intimidating at first glance. But beneath that polished, professional exterior is someone subtly funny—her wit and unexpected humor slip into lectures like inside jokes between old friends. Under her guidance, equations begin to make sense, research becomes a story waiting to be told, and fear slowly gives way to understanding—making her students love her more. And just a few blocks down, transitioning from a world full of formulas and data to the business world, another door opens and another teacher awaits—Sir Mhicko Ortiz, Senior High School faculty and teacher of Nova Schola Tanauan, their very own entrepreneur and business guru!
Known as “Sir Pogi” to many, Sir Mhicko is more than charismatic and good-looking; he is sharp-witted and brilliant when it comes to business and handling money. But to call him just a teacher would be an understatement. As one student put it, he’s more than that—he is a man full of wisdom who doesn’t just teach entrepreneurship but lives and breathes it, pushing students to see money not just as currency, but as potential and opportunity for success. He balances an intriguing mix of qualities: silent but deadly with his sharp insights, confident and unwavering when he speaks, yet surprisingly relatable—“mataray” and “mabilis mainis” for reasons, but also “easy to get along with,” as some Grade 11 students described. Moreover, his presence commands attention not through noise, but through clarity and conviction. Students admire how he never wastes a word, always direct and deliberate in his teaching—never sugarcoating or beating around the bush. With Sir Mhicko, business isn’t just a subject; it’s a mindset. Throughout every lesson, he’s not just preparing students to enter the business world—he’s preparing them to dominate it.
And while business requires the wits and frugality to maneuver through economic changes, it also calls for the skills of an effective speaker rich in persuasion, entertainment, and communication. Well, Sir Mhicko knows just the right person for the job! Ms. Rose Ann Pangyarihan is an Oral Communication teacher at Nova Schola Tanauan. She flourishes with discipline and consistency in every lesson she tackles. Her poised demeanor and confidence are always evident; her words and knowledge are filled with clarity and conciseness. As effective as she is as a speaker, she is equally competent as a teacher. “Na ta-tackle niya ng ayos yung lessons,” one student said in an interview. “Strict” but “mabait,” as described by a student in her class. The combination of quiet authority she holds while teaching and the heart she gives during break times defines her not just as a teacher but as a person. Although her rules are firm and her standards uncompromising, beneath that strict exterior lies someone whose kindness is felt not in leniency, but in the way she pushes students to rise above what they thought possible. Like a mother who disciplines her child because of love, Ms. Rose Ann leaves a mark not just through rules, but through the quiet care behind them. Her students may remember the discipline, but they will carry with them the kindness that shaped their growth—the lessons taught and the kindness Ms. Rose Ann showed.
Teacher’s Day offers us a moment not just to say “thank you,” but to get to know our teachers for who they truly are—individuals with stories, struggles, and sacrifices. They are the silent architects of our futures, shaping character and critical thinking just as much as academic knowledge. Perhaps the greatest tribute we can pay is not to limit our appreciation to a single day, but to value their presence and contribution every day: listening to their stories, understanding their challenges, and supporting their well-being as they support ours. Let us honor these tireless mentors by walking alongside them—not only today but every day—with understanding, respect, and steadfast support. After all, “Sa huli, sila ang sumasama sa paghatid sa bagong yugto ng ating buhay.”