CLASS PROPHECY HCEC- BATCH 2009

What momentous mysteries lie hidden in the depth of a simple pool of water! What celestial marvels lie beyond the flight of a falling star! These two things, a pool of water and a falling star, are, in distance, so separated, so far apart that the human mind cannot encompass readily the two. Yet an intricate association exists between them. The star--a life-giving sun--nourishes the growth of these minute creatures that inhabit a pool of water, and without it they die. And somewhere in the vastness of these mysteries of heaven and earth the human mind seeks a purpose, a destiny.

 Year 2019, ten years after I have graduated from HCEC . My mom and I are about to move to Manila and so we decided to have a 5s. As I was rummaging through my things in a quaint treasure box I made when I was in highschool, I came across my old weatherbeaten diary. There was a particular entry there which I wrote the night before our graduation day that caught my attention. Unmindful of the dust, I sat on the floor and began to read…..

 

April 2025

Dear Diary,

It’s the year 2025. After a particularly draining coverage of the Global Village proposition at the UN Headquarters in New York, I finally was given the much needed vacation as an ABS CBN Correspondent. Getting tired of the congested traffic in the city, I decided to take my newly acquired red BMW for a spin at the countryside. I miss Bicol so much. It has been ages since I’ve been there.

Thank God, I started early. It only took me less than an hour to maneuver myself out of the city’s lanes. Finally, I’m speeding at the freeway. Soon enough, dotted trees and the cornucopia of lush greeneries started to appear from view. Relaxing! Out of habit, my fingers started to touch the control for some music, but I decided against it, preferring the soothing hum of the car. It was probably a blessing in disguise because, a few minutes after, I began to sense that something has just gone terribly wrong. My car started to belch, sputter and finally whined to a stop. Ugh! I forgot to charge my car battery again.

The gentle, warm, tropical wind hit my face as I scrambled out of the offending vehicle. Reprimanding myself for such an oversight, I decided to check if I brought a spare car battery or my solar charger. Checking the boot of the car told me what I dreaded to know. Arrrgggh! Empty!

Sighing in exasperation, I looked around and found myself along a deserted highway. There were no signs of habitation. The thick foliage of trees blocking the otherwise sweltering sun gave a deceptive air of gloom. I think it was approaching noontime and my stomach grumbled in agreement. My training as a journalist took over as I decided to take action. Grabbing the compact knapsack I always bring in my investigatory reports and taking a last longing look at the gleaming car, telling myself it was insured anyway, I braced myself for what will probably be a long hike.

Mentally reminding myself to stay alongside the highway and praying for help to arrive, I trekked, stopping from time to time to flag a passing vehicle. After four motorcycles, three cars , two trucks and one Cadbury chocolate, I slumped exhaustively on a flattened rock, checking my watch as I did so. Half past three! Which means I have been walking for almost three hours!

Knowing that it will be dark soon pushed me on my feet. That was when I noticed that I was facing two roads. Mystified, I decided to take the wider road, softly humming the HCEC hymn to myself. The sound of my own voice blending with the rhythmic chirps of the crickets somewhat calmed me. Convincing myself that this was another adventure, I egged on forward, until I noticed that the road seemed to be getting narrower. I must have taken a wrong turn. It’s getting darker by the minute.

Digging through the contents of my knapsack, I found my penlight and decided to go back. After about an hour of winding my way through the darkened road, I admitted: I was lost. Surviving through two civil wars and one volcanic eruption as a correspondent truly prepared me for this, I wryly said to myself. I will not give up. Reciting the mantra, I determinedly trudged the graveled path.

And then, I saw the flickering light through the trees. Careful not to lose that beam of light, I walked, unmindful of the brambles that at times brushed my cheeks. Finally I arrived at a clearing . A solitary hut invitingly stood in the middle. Tired , hungry and dirty, I quickened my pace in anticipation of a long cold drink and a good night sleep.

I raised my hand to knock, but suddenly the door opened with that eerie sound of doors which badly need oiling.

“Come in, my dear” Assured by this gentle welcome, I stepped inside and my jaw dropped. The hut was only a façade. Inside was a studio set up that even ABS-CBN or CNN would envy. Ultra modern cameras are strewn everywhere, all focused on the set with a huge flat screen monitor at the background. The crew of about seven people seem not to notice me as they were busily attending to their duties

“Come, you’ll have to change”, I turned in confusion towards my host , about to ask her, only to find out that she was already weaving her way to a door that slid open as she approached. Curious, I decided to follow her purposeful steps which struck me as oddly familiar. Finally, she turned but I can only make out her outline because of the glaring light behind her.

“This is your dressing room. You have fifty minutes.” I looked at the door which flashed in gold letters: ANCHORS, and turned to ask my host but she was already heading back to the studio. The dressing room was a dream of every star. An Armani suit with my name clipped on it was hung conspicuously across the room just beside a huge dresser.

I picked up a newspaper lying on the coffee table and almost dropped it when I saw the headlines: FJ BERNALES, NEW UN SECRETARY GENERAL. Perplexed, I scanned the page for the date and gasped . February 20, 2035! Skimming through the newspaper confirmed that my eyes were not playing tricks on me. But I forgot the date soon enough when more familiar faces leaped from the pages:

JUDGE LOUIE ANDREW BARBA appointed chief justice of the Supreme court oil magnate

ALLAN JOSHUA AGUILA strikes another billion

ENGR MESHACH CATORCE completes the glass palace with the help of glass tycoon KEVIN CAMPOSANO

DR. KENJI MIYAMOTO AND ENGR JOHNYOSHI TSUKADA win the nobel peace prize with their controversial virtual wormhole

famous author KIM ALEXIS ARROYO wins her second palanca award on her children’s book illustrated by NELSITO BALDOVINO. rumor that her book will be syndicated by C. BALUYOT films with animator JETHRO JOHN PILI and Director MARTIN MENESES to supervise the cartoon movie

CAPT. AARON AGRADO and CAPT JOHNJOSEPH NAZARREA receive the congressional medal of honor for saving their passengers from the terrorists during the hijack incident of the airplane owned by JP AGNAS airlines. inset is their picture with the brave stewardesses who helped them, MARY KATHLEEN SAMILLANO, WELHMA GONZALES and chief steward KHARL KLEIN AMPARADO

ENGR MATT SAN JUAN and DR. KAISSER DE LIMA perfect the solar flying car. renowned car racer JOESANT BAGACINA will endorse the ultimate vehicle which the two scientists named phoenix 2090

MS GLADYS BANTAYAN wins a grammy in her self-titled debut album. her carrier single composed by CAMILLE ORBITA launched her to stardom last year .

DR. CLEO MAC ARTHUR PRIELA launched the anti-aging pill which eclipsed Vicky Belo’s . celebrated tennis player DIANA MAE TOLOP will endorse his product.

famous chef FEDES FRANCES AZUR to hold her cookbook launching at the London branch of hotel OLIVEROS managed by MR DANIEL RIVERA

My astonishment escalated when I saw the page that highlights the convention of the international association of medical practitioners held at the new ultra modern DAVE ONATE Plaza Hotel which was designed by famous engineer LAWRENCE IBARRIENTOS. The gathering was held at the revolving ballroom constructed by the famous inventors CARL JOSEPH GORGONIA and KENT OIDA .

The collage of society pictures showed DR. LARA MAE PASCUAL with her fellow gynecologist, DR. RHEA BACHILLER flanked by four beautiful nurses: NURSE BERNICE LORRAINE ROY and SHARMANE SALENGA at one side ; nurse LIZA ISABELLE BAAY and JUDY ANN DILLA on the other.

The all too-familiar smile of famous ophthalmologist DR. JOSSAH MADELINE BALATAN is focused on DR. EDWARD SAULON, now a successful optometrist , while the nurses at the background LOISE NADAL , NOEMI DILLA and SHAULA AYONG appear to be enjoying the light banter between the two.

The multi-awarded pediatrician DR. JOSHUA LIM, anesthesiologist DR. JIEGO BRINAS and world famous surgeons DR. JOAN CABRERA , DR. JILLIAN ORANTE and DR. KATHLEEN DOCTOLERO talked on child-care and development.

One snapshot caught the naughty nurses in action: JOHN MICHAEL ESTEBAN and PETER KLYDE BAGALACSA play a trick on the unsuspecting fellow nurse JANNIE MARMOL

The president of the association, DR ANGELICA PONTILLAS made a toast for the upcoming wedding of DR MA ELOISA PORNILLOS to ENGR. JANELO AGUILAR.

Speaking of weddings, a whole page of the newspaper heralds the forthcoming nuptial of NBA star Skydancer ED GARYL MONAY to LIZA MARIE SO. They will hold the wedding aboard the luxurious MV C. HERMOSO where Liza works as a stewardess. Their main celebrant will be MSGR BENJIE FORTUNO.

Leafing yet through the entertainment page, another article caught my eye: ENTREPRENEURS OF THE YEAR! I was ecstatic to see the faces of Businesswoman JENSEEN NACARIO with VERONICA SERRANO, MONICA HERMOSURA now Certified Public accountants.

I can’t help but feel the pang of envy . I have always wanted to be an accountant, but my natural nose for news channeled my course, and I have never regretted my decision since.

Which reminded me that I have a job to do. An ANCHOR! I have been eyeing this job since I applied as a newscaster several years ago. And now, out of the blue, I am given this chance. A quick glance at the digital wall clock told me that I still have twenty minutes to spare.

A muted beep caught my attention. It was a 3D organizer, outlining that I will be interviewing some famous personalities… well the MEN and WOMEN of the YEAR to be exact. I stared in another wave of shock at the names scrolling down the screen:

Multi awarded Veterinarian SHEENA ANDALIS on the breakthrough about Bird Flu Virus

LT GEN CRAIG CARUMBA on crime prevention in the metropolis

ATTY FAME TIARA MARIE MORAN on fighting for children’s rights E

Engr. ANTHONY LOUIS MENDEZ on the merits of virtual technology

PROF. GREGORYVAL BESINIO on model parenthood D

R. LLORD RAY DANNIEL on noble medical practices Discjockey and commentary announcer

JAYVEE ABECIA on responsible journalism Famous microbiologist and Harvard professor,

DR AJ FIGURACION on modern day diseases

And highlighting the program will be the first Filipino Astronaut who just successfully returned from his journey to Alpha Centauri, CAPT. SEAN AUSTIN ZAGADA.

A knock on the door startled me out of my stupor. It’s my call. I never really knew how I finally dragged myself to the newsroom. As I scanned the unfamiliar faces of the crew, it made me realize how much I truly miss my friends. I’ve been around the world and I have been too busy pursuing this dream to keep in touch. Now that I am really living my dream, all I feel is emptiness.

But wait, there’s that familiar back of the woman who invited me unceremoniously in this house! As the countdown to my cue began, she slowly turned. Her face finally revealed, I gaped at my own haunting reflection.

The room spinned and whirled uncontrollably. I was sucked into space by an intense and blinding light… The light still keeps on blinding me. BEEEEEEEEEEPPPPP! Instinctively shading my eyes, I was jolted awake by a huge ten wheeler truck speeding past. Looking around made me realize that I have never left my car, after all. It must have all been a dream! But what a dream?!

A glance at my rearview mirror confirmed an approaching police mobile. Some help at last! Too excited to miss the opportunity of rescue, I clambered out of the car. I needn’t have worried because the mobile pulled off in front of my car anyway.

“Anything wrong , miss?” my, he’s gorgeous!

“ My car won’t start,” I mumbled, hoping silently that my voice sounds normal.

“Well, let me give it a try.” He offered. “Let me check first the engine” I nodded dumbly. For someone who has been around five continents, I still get occasionally tongue-tied whenever I encounter a guy who remarkably resembles my elementary grade crush.

“Hmmm, nothing wrong here”. Even his voice is great! “Why don’t you start the engine again?” I did . And the familiar thrum of the car’s engine made me want the ground to open up and swallow me.

Face red as a beet, I murmured, “Thanks officer”

To my utter consternation, he winked: “No problem,” he smiled and two dimples played on his cheeks. He tapped the roof of my BMW. “ Great car!” But it was his parting shot which flabbergasted me. “GREAT SUIT!.” And he made a mock salute before he turned away. Just like that.

Suit? What suit? I am not wearing a suit! Exasperated, I was about to admonish that cop when I caught a glimpse of myself at the mirror.

He’s right. I’m wearing a suit. The white ARMANI SUIT IN MY DREAM!!!

I believe that every creature that lives, everything that occupies space, the most infinite cell of life has a definite reason in life’s mysteries, a divine purpose, created and molded by Almighty God. Each one of us here tonight has a goal in life. God created us with a purpose. He made each one of us as a small leaf upon a great tree, the tree that bears the fruit of destiny. But do we realize our function in this complex growth called living?

Perhaps it is too soon for us to have determined our objectives in life. Of this we may be certain--the man without a purpose becomes the wanderer, straying through life, aimless, seeking no goal, seeking no destiny. The result of this life is disillusion, discontent, and unhappiness. But the fruits of a life which has found a purpose are success, happiness, and the satisfaction of accomplishment. My dear schoolmates… may we all truly find what we seek in life .

 

mgrj 2/14/2009