Extra Curricular Activities

My life in CLSU was not confined in the classroom and field work studies. I decided early on to get involved with extra curricular activities.  Such participation helped in my growth and personal development and in honing some skills.  Little did I know that my involvement outside of the academe would be instrumental in training for the profession that God would eventually call me to do-become a pastor.

I had only been at CLSU for two months and my schedule became full and hectic. I grabbed every opportunity presented to me.  I wasn’t afraid to take any risks or challenges.

In celebration of the Linggo ng Wika (National Language Week), during the month of August, the Pilipino Department of College of Arts and Sciences launched a freshmen-wide talent contest.   The contest categories included: on-the-spot writing, on-the spot speech, poem recitation and solo singing in the Pilipino language.  I competed in all four categories and I bagged first place in all of them!  I received trophies and cash prizes.  I was so excited about winning that I treated my entire class–Block 12 with Magnolia twin popsicles.  And the rest of the prize money, I purchased some much needed school supplies.

Winning those contests opened many doors for me.  Mike Isidro, the editor-in-chief of the CLSU Collegian,  interviewed me and wrote news and feature articles about me.   “I am asking your permission for your article to be published on this semester’s maiden issue of the CLSU Collegian,”  Mike said.  “Also, I’d like to invite you to be a staff writer in the Pilipino section”.

I was quite elated to see  my name in the tabloid student newspaper.  It felt surreal to be called by my first name and waved at by my fellow students who I did not personally know. (I will share memories of my student journalism journey in future blog.)

My biggest break  came when I was approached by the ROTC through Dr. Tumangan-the Head of the Pilipino Department at College of Arts and Sciences.  After hearing and reading about me,  I was asked to represent the entire Region III in a national oratorical contest in Cebu City.  Dr. Tumangan wrote my speech and he also coached me.

Days before the scheduled national contest, I was summoned by the ROTC office to meet with a high ranking army officer visiting from Fort Magsaysay, Lt. Colonel Servando Lara.  He wanted to brief the contestants about the forth-coming event.  I was told to report on my ROTC uniform.

In order to present myself in the best way I could,  I ironed my uniform, dyed and shined my military boots and had a fresh haircut.

I noticed a surprised look on his face when we met.  I don’t know if he was disappointed to see  a small-built, thin and short ROTC Cadet represent the whole of region III or maybe he noticed my over sized boots and faded military uniform. It’s one or the other or both, I thought.  The contrast between my uniform and the other ROTC Cadet officers in the room was glaringly obvious.  Mine was old and faded and theirs were new and in a striking bright fatigue color.  I was almost sure he noticed that, although he did not say anything about it.

“So you are Gil Valenzuela?”  He asked.

“Yes Sir!” I replied enthusiastically.

“How old are you and what year are you in?”

“Sir, I am seventeen years old and I’m a freshman.”

“I want to hear at least a portion of your prepared speech.  Are you ready for the national contest?”

“Yes sir, I’ve been preparing for the contest.”

I stood at the back of the room facing the desk where he was seated.  The Cadet officers stood on either side of the room.  I paused and imagined that I was addressing a huge audience in an auditorium.

This is my moment and my chance.

I brushed away all my fear and anxiety.  

I need to prove myself and make a good impression.

Mustering all courage, I started my Tagalog speech with passion.  I addressed the Colonel and my ROTC comrades while delivering my speech.   Then, I stopped when I thought that I had shown enough.  Everyone including the Colonel gently clapped their hands.  He stood from his chair and said with a big grin: “Very good Valenzuela. Very impressive.  You are small but terrible”.  It felt very good to have gained the approval of the official.

We traveled and stayed overnight at Fort Bonifacio in Manila before heading to Cebu City the following day. The CLSU delegation included myself, WATC Cadette Susan Apostol and WATC Corp Commander Teresita Galamay.

Our delegation including representatives from other regions were treated with a special dinner. We were taken to a banquet hall.  I knew it was special because the tables were all covered in white linen set with plates and utensils and a beautiful flower center pieces.  We were first served with soup, then some salad and bread.  I was already full just by eating the soup and the bread, when a huge platter with a big portion of beef steak,  and a big scoop of mash potato was served before me!    This is a lot, enough to feed my whole family. I told myself.  Before I started my meal I looked around and observed how to attack the big meal.  I particularly observed the Colonel who was also talking to us while eating.  I followed his lead on how to cut the meat with his knife and fork.  I learned quickly.

While working on that big meal,  I realized that my stomach was trained to hold very little. A fist full of food would fill me up. After asking if I was done eating and I said Yes, the server took away my plate. I could only sigh: SAYANG! (What a waste!) I knew they will just throw the food away.   I wish I could take it home. I thought.  No sooner than he took my unfinished dishes when another server came with a plate of dessert. How can I eat more?  I could hardly breathe because I was already very full.  I took few scoops of the wonderful dessert. That was my first experience of luxurious fine dining!.

In the sleeping quarters, I unpacked my luggage so that I could unfold my uniform.  Mother made sure my uniform was washed and ironed. I remember her saying: O hayan, inalmirolan ko yan para magmukhang bago.  “Here”, she said as she handed me my uniform.  “I starched them so they would look new”.  I had my military boots fixed also.  I took them to a shoe repair shop to put new soles and dye them black and they were also shined professionally.  They looked neat and shiny but the traces of them being old and beaten up still showed. While hanging my uniform, I noticed that it was extra-firm and hard to the touch. “Mother overdid it with starch.”  I thought.  I wondered how it would feel on my skin wearing those hardened uniform.

I was getting ready to go to bed that night in the military quarter when I heard someone looking for me and summoning me to the hallway.  It was military man holding a big package. “ROTC Cadet Private Gil Valenzuela?”He inquired.  “Yes sir”. I answered.   “This package is from the Lt. Colonel Lara.  He handed me the package and left”.

I immediately opened the package on top of my bed.  It had two boxes.  I opened the bigger box.  I cannot believe my eyes—a new set of fatigue military uniform complete with my name on it and a set of underwear–a white under shirt (sando,) brief and socks.

Socks?!!!! Does it mean I also a have a new military boots?   I quickly opened the smaller box.  And lo and behold, there— the most handsome shoes I had ever laid my eyes on!  Brand new military boots……. very shiny…. very clean,………very new………. very MINE!!!!

I was careful as not to disturb the other cadets in the room. I didn’t want to draw attention to myself.  And so my excitement were all expressed under my breath. I was celebrating silently!

The kindhearted army officer Lt. Col. Servando Lara pulled some strings.  I believed that was a God-thing.  He was specially touched by God to bless and encourage me on that critical phase of my life.  In my prayers I thanked God for the Colonel.

I slept that night clutching my new pair of shoes under my blanket….just like what I used to do when I was a little boy whenever mother bought me new a new pair.

I was so encouraged, I felt I was energized and ready for the competition. I was ready to “fight”.

(The next blog “The Underdog Fights” deals with the national oratorical contest in Cebu City, Philippines.  Find out how did the ROTC Private fare in the contest.)

I would appreciate your comments.