By Atty. Antonio P. Pekas
The day was planned. First destination was the Baguio City Justice Hall for court clearances. It would just be going up and down the stairs from one office to another. Then to the NBI for a clearance. Every stop was attended by a lot of cursing on my part. ”Why does our government make everything so difficult?”
When I got to the NBI my clearance was ready. It was 10:30. Called up some of our fraternity brods where our lunch would be. Fortune Hotel. So be it.
That Thursday lunch is something I always look forward to. Joking, Recalling the good old days. Revisiting the stupid things we did or went through. Such never fail to keep us laughing until lunch is over. We would part ways just before 2:00 p.m. renewed or refreshed. Real good for mental health.
Next stop was supposed to be at the DOST at KM6, La Trinidad to interview officials there on the award they recently received. That is, if there was no traffic. Then I would walk over to BSU for our UP Los Banos alumni group’s courtesy call with the newly installed president.
Early that morning, however, I received an emailed invitation for the launching of a DOST program at the Golden Pine Hotel on Dec. 10. So I might as well interview them there. Thus, the DOST stop was cancelled.
With the traffic, I was just on time for the BSU 3:00 p.m. meeting. Dr. Lita Colting then arrived, asking, “Tayo lang ba?” I said, “ket uray no dwa ta laeng a. We should be enough.”
Then came a number of very much younger ladies who are connected with BSU. Dr. Danny Padua also arrived.
It was great to see very much younger alumnae with promising career advancements before them. The field is wide open.
Actually, I expected a lot more younger people. Those who are still establishing or cementing connections for their future. The number of those who came, however, was good enough.
When we sat down, obviously, I and Drs. Colting and Padua were the oldest. So, according to age, we talked the most.
What was the courtesy call about?
Aside from the usual “getting to know you”, it was also to contribute our two-cents worth, if any, for the success of the president’s administration. After all, some suggested ideas might turn out to be relevant.
I think we were successful about that. From admission to possible new offerings, we presented quite a number. On a personal note it was a way of giving back. It must have been the same with everybody who was there. We all went to graduate school in the State University and the benefits we received cannot be ignored.
Not having the sense to somehow give back would surely result in bad karma. Sadly, we only think about that when we or our loved ones encounter some misfortune. But, of course, in our unique circumstances and ways, I guess, we are all compensating or giving back in various ways.
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