Deciding to take a break after a bimonthly meeting with my company’s board of
directors, I asked my secretary for a cup of coffee. Conducting meetings, attending conventions,
reviewing proposals, developing projects, improving blueprints, signing contracts have been the
cycle of my life for the past years. Suddenly, the door of my office opened and it revealed my
husband holding my cup of latte. He also handed me a pair of concert tickets of the famous band
in the Philippines. The date caught my attention – May 10, 2029. It has been 10 years since I
graduated from high school. Every time I reminisce all the things that had happened all these
years, I cannot help but smile.
I remember last month when I had to sign a contract abroad with Engr. Marinelle
Fernandez and Engr. Marivic Soriano. During our stay in New Jersey, we were surprised when
we saw the familiar faces of the successful nurses, Quiziahlyn Gail Aquino, Maryjoy Martinez,
Marie Angela Vinluan, and Cherry De Vera who were having their dinner in the same restaurant
with us.
Boarding on a plane designed by Engr. Joey Mari Rubia on a first class trip for our
journey back to the Philippines, I heard the voices of Capt. William Aidan Aquino and Capt.
Sophia Lopez who welcomed us. I unexpectedly saw medical technologist Thea Anrysa
Sangalang who was also bound to go home from her work. The flight attendant offered me a
magazine for me to be entertained. I was about to refuse when I spotted the names Rosario, Dela
Cruz, and Balangui. I turned it on the next page and there I read the story featuring the online
streamers, Gian Mark Rosario and Marc Andrej Dela Cruz. On the next page was an article of
the new computer system developed by information technologist John Lloyd Balangui.
I was taken aback when my husband kissed me goodbye for his next meeting with Engr.
Angelica TJ Velasco, Engr. Emerson Fernandez, and Arch. Girlie Lagatao for the construction of
the new hospital of Dr. Francis Cagaoan, Jr. As my husband departed from my office, I decided
to check my account to message someone. As I opened it, I have seen a newly uploaded group
photo of the inspiring teachers, Ma’am Jessica Joy Parro, Ma’am Angel Louise Doria, Ma’am
Elizabeth Cruz, and Ma’am Erica Libatique who are now teaching at a prestigious university. I
also saw the trending advertisement of the real estate company owned by Ms. Erica Untalan with
her business partner Ms. Thalia Valelo. A message from my best friend popped on my screen
confirming that she will be able to come to the concert.
On the day of the concert, my husband and I decided to take an early out and to eat first
before going to the venue. We have our lunch in a cruise ship-inspired hotel owned by Mr.
Angelo Vinluan. We joined the table of my former classmate and now police captain Michelle
Dadacay who was also having her lunch in the hotel. While waiting for the food, we turned our
attention to the large flat screen television where we catch sight of the news about the basketball
players, Lendon Jacinto and Leonardo Dela Cruz, representing the country for a world
tournament.
As we reached our destination, I’ve learned that the venue was designed and analyzed by
Engr. James Carl Alexander Domantay, Engr. Jie-ann Soriano, and Engr. Kyla Austria. I was so
happy to see the smile of the hardworking nurses, Jezzamae Zarah Arenas, Leslie Anne De Vera,
Dyan Ezel Sinlao, Frances Stephanie Deseles, and Jonathan Bautista. Also present in the event
was Dr. Stevien Cristobal and Ms. Desiree Anne Vinluan, a pharmacist who now owns a
drugstore. Among the other persons who arrived were obstetrician-gynecologist Dr. Ivan
Bautista, psychologist Arjhuan Gutierrez, world-known theater artist Ms. Tania Rose Gonzalo,
Engr. Junnel Soriano, Engr. Joshua Torio, and other successful people creating a name in their
chosen industry.
Someone hugged me from behind. I turned around and realized it was Ayessa Missi
Austria, my best friend and now a math professor on her own school. The concert of Banda ni
Joey composed of Engr. Janzen Alipio, Engr. Roy Jerome Gonzalo, Engr. Justin Hermogino,
Engr. Jimwell Soriano, and Dr. Kenneth Steven Salazar became a reunion for the whole class.
All eyes turned into the entrance of the arena, when our guide and our inspiration, our class
adviser, Mr. Michael John E. De Guzman arrived.
I was woken up by the loud knocking of the door. I opened my eyes and realized I was in
slumber. But for me, my dream is not only a dream. It is a dream that needs fulfillment. If only
all of us will be determined to reach these dreams, nothing would be impossible. This prophecy
serves as a challenge to the STEM – Counsel of my batch. May all our dreams come true.
Jameel P. Mercado
12 STEM - Counsel
