I went to high school at the Saint Peter’s College (SPC) of Ormoc (Leyte), where I learned the values of hardwork coupled with fervent prayer. That’s Ora et Labora in Latin.
- ORA ET LABORA. Nothing is impossible if you pray and work. From www.catholicdadsonline.org
In SPC, I had the chance to be one of the students of Mr. Chito Antonio Rallos. He was our substitute Chemistry teacher when our original instructor, Mrs. Aura Ruby Caliwan, was on maternity leave. I remember Mr. Rallos being strict and tough. I can’t remember how I fared in his class. But it was difficult. Introduction to Chemistry was partly about memorizing the Periodic Table of Elements and knowing their atomic numbers. I had no problem with memorization but balancing chemical equations was my Achilles’ heel.
- WHAT’S SODIUM. Go ahead! Check out the periodic table of elements. From splintercomics.blogspot.com
Back then, I knew Mr. Rallos owned a school but it was only in the past two years that we have became Facebook friends that I learned about Ormoc Kinderland, a school that he started with wife, Susanne Joy. It began as a tutorial center in 1998 and was later turned into a school in 2001. The school accepts pupils from pre-Kindergarten to Grade 6.
Mr. Rallos, a native of Bato, Leyte, was a chemical engineer by profession and worked for the Philippine Associated Smelting and Refining Corporation (PASAR) in Isabel Leyte. His wife, originally from Tagbilaran City in Bohol, was teaching at the Saint Paul’s School in Ormoc. He later resigned from PASAR, got married and together with his wife, started a tutorial center (now Ormoc Kinderland Inc.).
Mr. Rallos has three daughters – his Tres Marias – namely Paola (15), Roella (13) and Jasmine (11). I remember Paola being a little girl, who tagged along Mr. Rallos in one school activity. That was the first and last time I saw her. Of course, I long since graduated from high school (in 2003), began and finished college at the University of the Philippines and moved on with my life.
- RALLOS FAMILY. (Standing from left) Fifteen-year-old Paola, wife Susanne Joy and 13-year old Roella. (Seated) Chito Antonio Rallos and youngest daughter, 11-year old Jasmine. Photo from Chito Rallos’ Facebook account.
I get updates from Mr. Rallos on Facebook specifically about his everyday life – jogging, work, food they eat in the house. The ephemeral nature of his mundane existence, so to speak.
He was just another Facebook friend appearing in my Newsfeed until Typhoon Haiyan (local name: Yolanda) hit the province of Leyte in November 8. While the capital city of Tacloban was devastated and heavily reported in the news, the City of Ormoc was by no means spared. He posted anecdotes of how Ormocanons live their lives post-Haiyan. He mentioned how thankful he is that their house had very little damage and the school was left unscathed. Other villages suffered worse.
- DEVASTATION. One of the photos he took while going around barangay Sherwood in Ormoc City. Photo from Chito Rallos’ Facebook account
During humid nights, he realized that electricity is a luxury when all he can do is imagine the comfort provided by an airconditioning unit. His daughters have to answer assignments using a gas lamp. But he is not complaining, life goes on and he is thankful for what they have.
- DILIGENCE. Because not even a brownout can stop the Rallos’ siblings from studying. Photo from Chito Rallos’ Facebook account
Seeing the havoc caused by Haiyan was not all inspiring but seeing people slowly getting back on their feet – rebuilding homes and going back to school to name a few – gives so much promise that there is a great future that awaits those who rise after a major catastrophe.
So it was very heartwarming when Mr. Rallos posted a photo of his Tres Marias reading in what looked like as the family’s living room. Each girl was holding a book, looking lost and trapped in the world they have entered and found themselves involved in.
I asked Mr. Rallos if reading has always been a habit of the family. He said, “Yes. Paola (the eldest) grew up with books as pasalubong. I give her books every time I return from my travels . It became a norm and the younger siblings adopted that.”
- READING RALLOSES. Paola, Roella and Jasmine grew up in a culture where their father Chito gives books as gifts every time he comes from a business trip. Photo from Chito Rallos’ Facebook account
Books as presents or homecoming gifts! Brilliant!
Paula (fourth year high school) and Roella (Grade 8) belong to the Science and Technology Class of New Ormoc City National High School. Jasmine (Grade 5) studies at Ormoc Kinderland. The three girls are honor students.
- ACHIEVEMENT. Jasmine and her straight As bring so much joy to the Rallos’ couple. So are Paola and Roella’s academic performance. Both are part of the honor rolls in their respective classes. Photo from Chito Rallos’ Facebook account
Mr. Rallos, who is currently taking up his Master’s degree in Educational Management, said there is a huge difference between children whose parents are involve in the learning process and those children whose parents are totally uninvolved.
Does he think books play a significant role in their academic and social development?
“Definitely, yes. Books make you go places and (make you gain) unlimited friends,” shared Mr. Rallos.
