27/08/2021
The Stories about the Man in ”Maong”
“Alvin D, Angus, Principal IV-Cielito Zamora Junior & Senior High School, 28 years in the service. “
This was the only information I received from our new Principal when I requested his bio note through Messenger, a day before his first day as our school head. And this made me decide not to dig out his educational attainment because I am sure, it is more than enough to what is expected from a Principal IV like him.
I first met Dr Alvin D. Angus, two years back during our Journalism Clinique in Amparo High School. I was then a room facilitator. We were not formally introduced because the activity was intended for the trainings of the school paper writers, and there was no way of meeting with the school principal since the schedule for every activity was already set.
While waiting for the activity to start, I decided to wander around the school ; its rooms, bulletins, canteen, garden and other school’s facilities. I believe that the physical situation of one’s household reflects its inner sights. I enjoyed sitting on the rock in the midst of the landscape adjacent to the main gate of the school. It was relaxing, and pleasant to look at. After a few minutes, I got up and went to my assigned room.
It was already 12 o’clock noon when finally, we finished the morning session. Teachers were invited to eat with the principal. There was an awkward gut- feeling thinking that I’ll be alone having lunch at the office. So instead of going there directly , I curiously peered through the office window and tried to figure out who the principal was. But because there were already few teachers eating and conversing inside, I had failed at my plan.
I again felt the gut-awkward feeling, I was distracted of the idea that I’ll be joining people whom I am not even familiar with. I silently walked away from the place where I stood, but fortunately met my co-teacher and friend halfway through admin building, she urged me to get inside and eat.
While heading to the office, a man in “maong” pants and a white polo shirt , warmly greeted and invited us to come in. He offered the foods on the table. As a gesture of appreciation, I smiled, thanked him and walked into where foods were ready. I still cannot collect myself while eating, my eyes want to see the Principal and pay my respect. I ate slowly, chewed the food well (which I do not usually do), and held myself inside the office a little longer to surely meet the school head before the events end. Believing that “kapag may t’yaga, may nilaga” I succeeded with my goal, because after a few minutes, it was revealed to me by the other teachers, that the man who warmly accommodated us, and who simply portrayed himself as an ordinary teacher, is none other than,Dr Alvin D. Angus, the school head of Amparo National High School.
His appearance gives me the impression of a strong, liberating and a yes-no leader-an easy to go with person. This may be sound exaggerated but that is how I see him that day.
The second time I had the opportunity to see Dr. Angus was during the Journalism Clinique at St Joseph College of Novaliches. He was our speaker for Cartooning, he practically lectured the category, and used teaching style that leaves mark on the trainees’ mind. Though I am not good at cartooning, and sketching/drawing is a bitter pill to swallow, I understand its principles. As he went on with the discussion, he cracked jokes making us attuned and focused throughout the training. He discussed the nitty- gritty of the cartooning comprehensively. Slowly, I began to have a bigger idea about the Cartoonist- Principal.
Dr. ADA, as others preferred to call him, was known for being not only kind, but good (hindi lang mabait, kundi mabuting tao). I had a chit-chat with my friends; one his former grade 5 student, and the other was a teacher of Amparo High School- sir Omar, who gave words of respect for his former principal.
I was taken aback to discover that my former co-teacher in Kalayaan National High School, Mrs.Marie Grace Gado-Campued was his former student when he was still a classroom teacher in A. Mabini Elementary School. I messaged ma’am Grace requesting if I could ask and get some information about Dr. Angus which I’ll be needing for the article I am writing. She gladly answered my questions and wrote a memoir.
“ I met him when I was in grade 5, he was my adviser and English teacher. My first impression of him was that he is strict but he’s not, he is kind, approachable and can be funny. He is actually my favorite English teacher in the elementary because he makes learning fun. He uses songs as a motivation; one of the songs that I can still remember is “Home On The Range” by John Denver. It was my first time to hear that song during that time. Until now I can still remember its chorus part.
Another thing that I will not forget about Dr. Angus is his mannerism of playing with a pen. He has this talent of running the pen through all his fingers (ah it’s hard to describe it he he). It’s like what a majorette does with its baton, but the difference is he only do it with his fingers. He tried to teach it to us, but I never get to learn it.
My most unforgettable memory with him and this one still made me shed a tear until now, he is the only teacher who believed in my ability, he made me feel that I am a bright student, and it gave me confidence. Until now, I still have it in me. Thank you sir, for believing in me. Hope to work with you soon.”
Ma’am Grace is one of his students who remembers how Dr. ADA passionately nurtured innocent souls, and effectively affected eternity. His strategies of teaching and the way he treated them were the clear pictures of his love, devotion and care for the children.
“Magaling po yan Mam sa Amparo HS..mabait na principal ” commented by ma’am Mylene Abayan, a wife of a teacher from ANHS.
If other people who in any way not related to him speak good things about him, this only means that he has a good reputation to look up to. I may be absurd in saying this, but during our first faculty meeting with Dr. ADA, I felt the bliss, my heavy heart was eased from its load because of the concern, empathy and appreciation he had shown to us especially to me and to Mrs Teresa C. Cortez as the school paper advisers.
I am assured that our new Principal, Dr. Alvin D. Angus (ADA) will introduce us to an era of leadership that has authority and power but does not abuse; that is liberating but sets boundaries, empowers but is never based on favoritism and traditional leadership.
Our days will be more resilient and motivated because of his compelling way of leading us- not to become boss, but a servant to be obeyed.
Welcome Dr. Alvin D Angus (ADA) to your new extended family, Cielito Zamora Senior High.
Mabuhay po kayo!
