//
Dr. Santos, to be honest, it's hard to imagine not having you in our everyday lives. Seeing you sitting in your chair downstairs completed our days before. It's hard to imagine that we won't be hearing any wisdom you would wish to share.
Without you, I won't be here, standing in front of you. Thank you for believing in my capabilities as a student. The opportunity you gave me has opened doors to even brighter chances and I hope, a fruitful future. I'm very grateful that you have entrusted a big challenge to me. Because of that, I continue to be a better version of myself.
You had improved the way we think and see things in different perspectives. I will never forget the things you would always tell us, that "MITIS students are smart and good," and "MITIS students do not lie, cheat, steal, nor tolerate anyone among us who do so." You also taught us how to be religious and god-fearing. I remember a moment when a student asked you what book is the best to read, and you immediately responded and said, "The Bible." I hope, one way or another, we made you proud as we exhibited and will continue to exhibit those teachings.
You're the most approachable principal I'd ever known. You are there to share your knowledge with everybody by willingly answering our questions to you. You always welcomed your students even if you h at ad a busy schedule. You always made sure that students' concerns were resolved immediately.
Also, you helped us improve the way we see ourselves. You would always compliment our batch. One time, when we were in Grade 6, you used to tell us that we are one of your favorite batch. And just last month, which was also the last we saw you, you congratulated us and told us that we were really good in delivering our presentation for the United Nations General Assembly. This boosted our self-esteem and realized that a lot of people appreciated what we were doing, including you, Sir. Thank you for making us believe in ourselves, Doc.
Your life is an inspiration to all of us. You are an evidence that despite all those failures and hardships, you can still succeed as long as you do not give up. You used to tell us that we should never ever ever ever ever ever ever ever give up. And that's what we are doing.
You might not be with us physically, but we will remember all the moments you shared with all of us. We will treasure all those interviews that you entertained. We will not forget to remember all the pieces of advice you told us. We will forever remind ourselves that we should believe in ourselves because Dr. Santos did believe in us. We will continue your dream for MITIS to be one of the best educational institutions in the 21st century. And we ask you to guide us for the journey that we will take to achieve these dreams.
Meeting you is one of the priceless moments in my life. Thank you very much, Doc. You will forever be in our hearts.
//
For today's celebration of Doc's life, legacy, wisdom, and incurable optimism, I thought I wouldn't cry because during the announcement and the wake, I didn't. But things changes when Nikki talked. I remembered Dr. Santos so deeply and was moved on Nikki's speech, perhaps. It wasn't really a long tearful moment; I just got teary-eyed and an icebreaker enters and laughs. But with the succeeding speeches, I already cried a bit. DOC, YOU MADE ME CRY TODAY. HAHA Even if the teachers were already singing, I was still crying. A sign that I will cry is that before that thing happens, I get goosebumps. Hay.
I'll miss you, Doc. Your wisdom will forever be instilled in my heart. And as what Ms. Mae said, "Who is the replacement for Dr. Santos?" is one of the most stupid questions ever asked. No one can replace the greatness and kind-heartedness of Dr. Santos. You will forever remain in my heart. 💚
[A small celebration of Dr. Santos' big contributions, life, and legacy in the tribute show entitled "A Life of Incurable Optimism" held at MITIS Multipurpose Hall.
All photos from Mitis Alabang's Facebook Account]
Let us THANK the wind beneath our wings by listening to this song:
A. Thanks To You - https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=miyLBv04O5o
B. You Raise Me Up by Josh Groban - https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=q2QHLkxe7jA
C. The Leader of the Band by Dan Fogelberg - https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NzpiwKNecHc
D. Seasons of Love by Rent - https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=RJIlHuMLOkE
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