Clyde Was Here.

Twenty-two years ago, a little munchkin bugged her mother when the clock struck ten, past the town's bed time. She's so eager to see the world, not bothering to wait for her father's arrival from Manila, even the ride to the hospital can't make her wait. Yes, she came out in this world without proper acknowledgement, declared as a boy and not otherwise. I remember, my mother told me that she's overjoyed with the news, having two girls before me, finally having a boy is a big blessing. She even exclaimed, “Hallelujah, Praise the Lord!” and named me after Clyde Drexler, a well-known NBA player.

And so, here I am, living and always reminded with that wonderful tale every time my birthday comes. And yes, I turned out to be a girl, much with the macho name.

So, my name is Clyde and I am now twenty-two. I would like to thank everyone who greeted me on this special day, including the ones who did in advance and those who still have it in their plans. Thank you and I truly appreciate all the greetings, messages, surprises, and the prayers. It's a touching one, having people greet you on your special day. It makes you feel like the world somehow is indeed, not having any second thoughts of having you as one of its inhabitants. Haha. Kidding aside, I pray that may the Lord bless you, grant you a wonderful day, and make you as channel of blessings to others, too.

I would also like to take this time to thank the people around me. My family, friends (in all degrees – school friend, church friend, childhood friend, FaceBook friend, and the like), all my Ananias in life, mentors, and all of those I met with a purpose of either to stay in my life or to teach me a lesson. Indeed, I wouldn't be the person I am right now if not with all the things you've all made me see, realize, feel, understand, know, etc. I feel really grateful for having everyone of you around. I mean it from the bottom of my heart. I wouldn't dare pick a different set of people for you, guys. I love you and I treasure you all with all my heart.

Truly, it is a living proof of God's faithfulness not just on my life but also in my family's. The past year's been filled with challenges and surprises that there are times where all I could do is be silent, pray, and admit that I'm failing. I'm still undergoing the process of learning, unlearning, and relearning, which I admit is also draining. So, I thank you, My Father God for being patient with me. For all the blessings, challenges, the ups and downs, for standing beside me in every storm, for holding my hand up to holding me in the palm of your hands, I know that words will definitely fail me just by addressing my gratitude to you plus all the other emotions, expressions, most of all, my love for you. And I offer to you this another year you've given to me. Here's to more moments together with you. Here's another year of my life to be used by you. All for your glory, all for your glory, alone.

From Architect DanDan

To a certain Potato, thank you sooooo much for this. Family thinks I've gone bonkers upon seeing this. Haha. Cheerio!

It's been two years since I graduated and I will always be thankful with all the memories and lessons I learned from our university. College sure is not a walk in the park. It may be one but with more challenges than that of what you've imagined, with all the projects, deadlines and requirements that needs to be met. But I won't be able to make it if not with the support of God, my family, and friends. Most of all, without the professors who spent most of their time in a day to stand in front of the classroom to share the knowledge that they've acquired through the years and to share their lives with us, too.

The morning of August 12, I checked Facebook for notifications on that day, wondering what my friends are up to on my page. It's the anniversary of the day I was born. But my excitement was changed with shock upon reading a post of my classmate in College.

Rest in peace, to the only professor who's worth my Saturday mornings of class and who kept my passion for films alive -- Dr. Cesar Orsal.

Uncertain, I checked the Fan Page of our College to confirm the news and with the final words of "Yep, this is true" from one of our professors in Advertising, the news is confirmed- Dr. Cesar Orsal has finally joined our Father. I just couldn't believe it.

I would like to take this time to go back to how I've come across the man I admire with his passion for Film, take the time to honor him.

The first time I met him, I was given the task to see him to get the score sheets of the annual film festival for the senior Communication Arts students as a final requirement. I was a sophomore then. I signed up for the Film club of our college and he is the adviser and I admit that the first time I saw him, I already felt at ease. He has this aura which makes you feel warm and welcome. He asked for my name and treated me like we've known each other for quite a while and not for five minutes.

We've worked on more things since he's our Adviser, we consult him for the scores, the name of the judges, advise for the program, he even joins us when we ask if we could treat him to lunch after an awarding session. I even got excited, learning that he will be our Film professor when I got to my Senior years. And indeed he and my excitement never failed for he imparted every single thing that he knew about Film and its history.

To Sir Orsal, our tatay Cesar in CASA Reel, thank you. Thank you for everything. Thank you for showing us the beauty of the filming industry and its history. I will never regret to admit that my eyes are sparkling just like a child in an ice cream store whenever you bring out films of classics and whenever you talk about Film Production. I will never forget the way you call our names for recitation, for teasingly calling my name when it comes to film production processes. Thank you, Sir for believing in us, for believing in me and the script you asked us to make. I will never forget your words, that day you're proud like a father, returning my script and giving it a go signal to be created into a film. I will always remember that day you're smiling at me, those words you've given when you handed me my script. Just like a proud father to his child, just like a professor to his student, Sir, ikaw ang naging inspirasyon ko sa kung bakit pangarap ko pa din maging script writer balang araw ng mga pelikula na aantig sa maraming puso. Tumatak sa akin yung panahon na iyon sa Beato Auditorium, salamat ng marami sa paniniwala sa bawat talento ng bawat estudyante na naging parte ng buhay mo. Salamat po kasi dahil sa naniwala kayo sa amin, mas malakas ang loob naming humarap sa marami at subukang mas galingan sa bawat larangang pinili naming tahakin. Sir! :(

Thank you, Sir for allowing us to learn, to love Film, to enjoy making one, and to sing and dance with all the Musical Adaptations that you've allowed us to experience. I will always remember singing and dancing as Magenta in your class. I will always remember you smiling and writing on the white board with all the facts that I considered as gems. I will always treasure having the opportunity to have you as my professor and our adviser.

Thank you, Dr. Cesar Orsal for everything. You will surely be, greatly missed.

Dr. Cesar Orsal

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