On June 21, 2024 I received the Gawad Tsanselor para sa Natatanging Guro (Chancellor's Award for Most Outstanding Teacher) from the University of the Philippines. Citation reads: "Gawad Tsanselor is UP Diliman's highest accolade awarded annually to the most outstanding members of the UP Diliman community."
The award was received in the midst of my changing gear-- putting my beloved workaholic lifestyle on pause, in favour of health by cancelling all my remaining projects for the year, closing of the semester, turnover of administrative tasks (since I gave this all up too), and a manageable but undeniably taxing mental health struggle. As always though, the Universe has its own way of communicating balance-- or at least a hint that order will eventually be restored.
The award is not something I have just become entitled to, nor something I planned, nor manifested. It is a "byproduct" of a 24 years labour (no disrespect intended for using the word). My whole life, I have only wanted to be two things-- a teacher and a lawyer. One, I had to give up early on for filial obedience. The other, I have tried to do my best just because there is no other way to be a teacher.
Sharing my teaching philosophy (one I have lived by) and some scenes from the awarding ceremony. Ps. I am so happy that my siblings were on stage with me.
Grateful.
Manila
June 2024
