IN the theater of life, every act has its own script, and sometimes, the curtain falls before we are ready. I thought I had written my final lines in the world of mentoring, moving on to other pursuits that never quite filled the void. But as the nights grew long, dreams began to haunt me—dreams of resurrection, of a life once thought dormant coming back to life. These dreams, at first cryptic, slowly unraveled to reveal a truth I could no longer ignore: I was being called back to where I truly belonged.
Dreams of Resurrection: A Divine Intervention
It wasn’t just an inkling—it was divine. Each night, I dreamt of being resurrected, my soul lifted from the ashes of past failures. It was as though God Himself was whispering, “Your journey is not over.” But what did it mean? As I pondered, I began to understand that these dreams were not about my past—they were about my future. They were telling me that it was time to return to the path of purpose and meaning.
For years, I had wandered, seeking God’s will, hoping to find my next steps in writing, consulting—anything that would give my life a new sense of direction. But every turn led to a dead end, and I began to doubt whether I would ever find my way back. It was only after countless prayers, after twisting and turning through the maze of life, that I found myself facing an unexpected opportunity: teaching.
A Fateful Call: The Return to Academia
Just when I had given up on the idea, the phone rang. It was Carmen Municipal College, then Bohol Island State University, both offering positions. But it was Tagbilaran City College (TCC) that captured my heart. The call came at just the right moment—like destiny itself had dialed my number.
During my final interview with Dr. Delmar Cagatin, the College Administrator, I was asked a question that would define my return to education: “If a student has a failing status and goes to the mayor to pass the subject under you, and the mayor tells you to give a passing mark, what would you do?”
Without hesitation, I responded, “If the mayor tells me that, I would insist on separating politics from professionalism. I don’t believe the mayor would destroy the reputation of the college she wants to build.” Dr. Cagatin’s approving nod told me everything I needed to know—I had found my place once again.
The Renaissance: Building a New Legacy at TCC
As I stepped into the halls of TCC, I was met with a sense of excitement and anticipation. The college, though still in its infancy, had already shown tremendous growth since its inception in 2019. Now, it stands tall with three four-story buildings, each boasting impressive architecture that signals its ambition to rise above the ordinary. But beyond the physical structures, there is a deeper potential waiting to be unlocked—a potential that aligns perfectly with my own experience and vision.
With 20 years of mentoring experience, including 17 years of full-time teaching at Central Philippine University and part-time roles at Holy Name University, I bring a wealth of knowledge to TCC. My journey has been decorated with three professorial chair awards and recognition in research, including eleven sole-authored studies funded by university grants and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. These studies cover a wide range of topics, from employee innovativeness and academia-industry collaboration to the lives of fine artists in local communities. Five of these studies have been published in international and local peer-reviewed journals.
In fine arts, I earned two finalist awards in the International Artists Grand Prize Championship in Taiwan and mounted eight solo exhibitions in galleries and museums across Manila, Iloilo City, Cebu, and Bacolod. Before being elected chairman of the Committee on Visual Arts of the Bohol Art and Cultural Heritage Council (BACH), I had already curated and organized art training and exhibits that left a lasting impact on the cultural landscape.
Elevating TCC: A Vision for Growth
At TCC, I see an opportunity to build something greater than just a classroom. The college is on the cusp of significant transformation, and I believe that its growth does not have to depend solely on monetary resources. With a dedicated human resource team, we can elevate TCC to the next level, particularly in the areas of research and outreach.
One of my immediate goals is to establish a robust faculty research program. Currently, TCC is still in the early stages of developing its research capabilities, but I am confident that we can build a strong foundation. I am advocating for the subscription to EBSCOHOST, an essential online research platform that will provide our faculty with access to reliable, up-to-date academic journals and industry publications. Without this resource, our research efforts will remain limited, and we cannot compete on the same level as other institutions.
Moreover, as someone adept in social science research, I am particularly equipped to conduct and guide research on tourism-related topics, which aligns with the thrust of the city and the province of Bohol. This expertise is vital as we continue to develop Bohol’s reputation as a prime tourist destination, ensuring that our research supports and enhances the local tourism industry.
But research is only one part of the equation. I also see potential in expanding our outreach programs, particularly by partnering with BACH to bring cultural and educational initiatives to the community. I envision seminar workshops on topics such as business plan writing, where I can draw on my experience as a columnist, copywriter, and resource person for the Department of Education in Bohol. These initiatives will not only benefit our students but also position TCC as a leader in community engagement.
The Final Act: A Legacy in the Making
As I stand at the threshold of this new chapter, I am filled with gratitude—for the dreams that guided me, for the doors that opened at just the right time, and for the opportunity to shape the future of TCC. This is more than just a job; it’s a calling, a resurrection of purpose. I believe in the God of new beginnings, and I know that with His guidance, the best is yet to come.
In the trilogy of academia—instruction, research, and outreach—I am committed to leaving a legacy that will endure long after the final curtain falls. The future of TCC is bright, and I am honored to be part of the journey that will take it to new heights.
