The second noblest profession is being a teacher. The first is being a parent.

Last September 9, a gathering of around 14,000 teachers from all over the Philippines filled the Araneta Coliseum. It was their day, a fitting tribute to educators from Bato Balani Foundation of Diwa Learning Systems.

From Inq7.net

Now on its third year, “A Tribute to Teachers” was conceptualized by the Bato Balani Foundation “to pay homage to teachers through relevant talks, sharing, entertainment and, more importantly, through the presentation of exemplary educators.”

This year’s honored educators are spiritual mentor and teacher Fr. Joseph Roche from the Ateneo de Manila University; Father of Filipino Philosophy Dr. Florentino Timbreza from De La Salle University; social catalyst and teacher Dr. Feny de los Angeles-Bautista of the University of the Philippines’ Child Development Center and the School of Children for Community of Learners, and Dr. Queena Lee-Chua, mathematics professor at Ateneo and columnist of the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

As Dulce led the singing of the national anthem, I had goose bumps all over. Here, the real patriots and nationalists were singing as they have always sung Lupang Hinirang before – from their hearts. In unison, in harmony, in camaraderie, these teachers live the lines “ang mamatay ng dahil sa iyo” by the vocation they have chosen; molding minds, shaping hearts and holding hands.

The line up of speakers were impressive, each one successful in their own fields. But one thing binds them: there were teachers who taught them.

Sandy Prieto of the Philippine Daily Inquirer started with a tribute to her teachers. She spoke of her “tormentor mentor”, something that many of the teachers could relate with,e judging from the reaction that she got. These type were those who do not settle, who push you to the limit. In the end, you end up thanking them for being hard on you. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have known what you are really capable of. They also build up your spirit. She highlighted her gratitude with a quote from John Maxwell “Talent is a gift; Character is a choice.”

With his commencement addresses doing the email rounds all over the world, Butch Jimenez of PLDT and SMART emphasized hope. He related that Lance Armstrong only had a 3% chance of surviving his cancer. When first asked his doctor replied “There is hope.” That was all the youngest-ever Tour de France champion needed. And he went on to win 7 more Tour de France titles.

Of special note is the formula that Mr. Jimenez believes we need to survive and succeed, taking his cue from Lee Kwan Yew: Education and the Internet. As his tribute to the teachers who were present, he made a generous offer for broadband internet subscription. (Details here).

To be continued