Jurydel Rama

IN THE ZONE

He always wanted to be invisible, take the backstage, and hide from the limelight. But Jurydel Rama could no longer escape from getting noticed. This 18-year old third year IT student had taken the centerstage again when he topped the honor roll for his department. Our interview with him rightfully earns him his title: Scholar of the Month.

CITE: You have been consistent in the director’s list. Are you planning to get the Academic Excellence award during your graduation?

Jurydel: I think it’s not more on my personal intention. There are things that you just don’t give up not because you love (doing it), but because you love those people who are expecting from you.

CITE: You commented before in a Blink! issue about CITE teachers who give you hard time during the summer training? Or was it “teachers don’t give in-depth discussion”?

Jurydel: (laughs) Here we go again. When I said that, it was not meant to offend the teachers. I just realize now that teachers may not be aware that by giving their students a hard time, they are teaching the students to do their best.

CITE: So far, are we meeting your expectations?

Jurydel: Yes.

CITE: You were the class valedictorian in Busay National High School. Is that the reason why CITE just became a piece of cake to you?

Jurydel: No. It is hard to maintain grades here. It’s like everyday you gamble your life. You don’t know what to expect.

CITE: How do you measure up?

Jurydel: By giving my best always. I don’t give my best just to satisfy myself but also for the teachers who require me.

CITE: You said you were relatively nobody during high school. What are the changes now?

Jurydel: I have become more active in CITE. I mean, if I continue to be timid, I wouldn’t be able to grow. I’ve done things I am afraid to do before like emceeing, oration, being a class officer.

CITE: Is that all?

Jurydel: I have strengthened my foundation not just in academics but as a Christian…as a human being.

CITE: You are the scholar of the month. You must be the best.

Jurydel: No, sir. There are other students who are better. They just need inspiration and the right motivation.

CITE: What do you advise them?

Jurydel: Focus. They must not learn to do things because they want to, but do things because they like to.

CITE: By the way. So far, you have a perfect attendance and no record of offenses. Are you eyeing on another award?

Jurydel: No, I don’t know what lies ahead.

CITE: You are now having your in-plant training at Lexmark Research and Development Corporation (LRDC) as a trainee Infrastructure Support Department. Tell us about your job.

Jurydel: I create user accounts for LRDC employees. It’s a simple job and I get to face other people because I also troubleshoot their computers.

CITE: Any unforgettable experience so far?

Jurydel: I was scolded over the phone by a client. All I had to do was to explain and explain until I was about to cry.

CITE: Any valuable lesson?

Jurydel: I have improved my communication skills…and be more responsible in my job. We always see to it that our job will not interrupt the work of others.

CITE: How do you see yourself down the road?

Jurydel: (Pause) No idea. But my passion is singing. I want to form my own band.

CITE: How about your course?

Jurydel: Well, I can do both. (laugh)

CITE: That’s revealing. How about for your family?

Jurydel: I want both of my parents not to work in the farm anymore. I see both of them in our veranda, watching the sunset.

Rex Dingding

FOR BREAD AND BETTER

Rosquillos, galletas de Cebu, huevos, and special otap—these are just among the finest products donning the shelves of Masterline Bakeshop. And every time a customer indulges in its delicacies, he is definitely in for a masterful treat.

A master of his fate himself, Rex Dingding or “Ricky Heart” considers his job in Masterline like manna from heaven.

Rex is the ninth son of ten children born to a utility worker and a housewife in Alcoy. He spent his high school at Sisters of Mary Boystown where he got to see his parents only once a year.

When his father died of liver cancer, his life began to change. “...It (was) the only moment when my family (was) complete,” he recalled. The death of his father made him stronger to continue his life and get him closer to God.

He came to Cebu City to pursue his college and fortunately got a scholarship from PESFA but he turned it down since he had no place to stay in the city. In 2006, he tried his luck in CITE but he did not continue for the same reason.

He found his way through his aunt who owns Masterline Bakeshop. For a year, Rex worked there as a baker and a delivery boy.

After a year of saving money, he decided to pursue his studies again at CITE. This time he wanted to do it for good. Rex is now on his first year taking up Information Technology. “It's very hard for me to study while working,” he revealed.

But with time management, this IT enthusiast was able to pull out all the stops. Rex works after school hours and during weekends. He is also able to serve God in his spare time as an altar boy. With good grades tucked under his belt, this young man has just proved that anything is possible with hardwork and determination.

Rhudel Glenn Osigan

A TRAINEE'S JOURNEY

He just made up his mind that day: he doesn't want to become a habal-habal (hired motorcycle) driver anymore. He sold all his fighting cocks, broke his piggy bank, and packed up his suit. Today, he is ready to turn a new leaf and leave an aimless life back home.

Rhudel Glenn Osigan wanted just that. After graduating from high school in La Paz, Agusan del Sur, this soon-to-be-23-years-old is taking a detour from the usual road traveled by his peers. But who said the road was paved with roses?

It was a rainy Sunday when he left for Cebu. He just learned that he passed the entrance exam at CITE for a 3-year scholarship in a technician program and he was catching up on a five-day summer training which was slated on Tuesday. Rhudel, his mother and a friend named Joey got only P4,000 in their pocket, three bags of rice, and some stewed lambo-o (lobsters). They headed for Nasipit port in Butuan City to get a ferry ride to Cebu, only to get bad news: travels cancelled due to bad weather. The heavy downpour left them hapless. The bags of rice were damp and no way were they turning back to La Paz. They had to find shelter under a small eatery to spend the night. The next day, Monday, the advisory came out for the stranded passengers: the ferry boat is under repair. The delay had prolonged the agony and they were running out of budget. Running out of hope to make it before Tuesday.

Rhudel arrived in Cebu Tuesday afternoon. Falling two days behind the training, he had to pull some strings to get accommodated. The summer training is the crucial part of the screening. Students were given battery of tests to single out the best. Rhudel did not give it a rest. “This is my only chance to study. If I blow this up, I would disappoint my family." Being the eldest of four, he has a dream for them. "I want my brothers and sisters to finish their studies. I am willing to support them." Of course, it's still a long way to get there but for the meantime, this swimming and hardcourt athlete is willing to swim the tide.

He is staying in Cebu until April 28 for the announcement and to celebrate his birthday on the same day whatever the result is. "It's my birthday wish. I just prayed I get accepted."

Rhudel is signing up for Mechanical Technology and hopes to get his wish come true just like the rest of 500 young aspirants who took the road to CITE in the hope of finding a journey.

Romnick Revalde

THE BOY WITH TEN FAMILIES

The death of a mother came unexpected to the Revalde family. The father was left alone to take care of his six children with his meager income from farming in Badian. Plucking up her courage, the eldest daughter decided to work in Consolacion as a housemaid with her little brother Romnick in tow. Then 12-year-old Romnick ran errands for the family and went to a nearby public high school at the same time. When her sister decided to find another job in Cebu City, Romnick was left in the care of his sister's friend where he was forced to stop his schooling to do babysitting.

A year after, Romnick's sister took him to a new employer in Cabancalan. There, he worked as a video rental attendant while starting his second year in Pit-os. During a hometown vacation, Romnick's sister decided to stay in Badian for good leaving Romnick in mid-air. It was then that Romnick decided to return to the city on his own to continue his schooling.

When the video rental shop was suddenly closed, a certain Nanay Edith opened her doors for Romnick. He worked as a houseboy and continued his high school in Talamban. Caught in the middle of warring siblings, Romnick had to leave the house. His Nanay Edith passed him on to the Almeda family where he worked as a helper in a small carenderia.

Wanting to help Romnick secure his future, the Almedas sent him to the Napoles family who owned a shellcraft business. Romnick thought that was the end of his nomadic life. He found a caring parent in his Nanay Celine who treated him like he was her own son. It was with this family that the best memories of his youth were treasured. In the same year, he also graduated from high school.

When an opportunity came to get a college scholarship through Enfants du Mekong, a French organization which helps deprived youth to get education, it was painful for Romnick to part ways with the Napoleses. Romnick had to stay with the sisters in the Living the Gospel Community, a donee of Enfants du Mekong, where he and three other live-in scholars helped raise poultry and livestock. After a while, Romnick was transferred to the main center of Enfants du Mekong in Banawa where he and other scholars were given all the provisions to pay more attention to their studies.

Now at 17, Romnick is on his first year taking up Information Technology at CITE which he considers his “second home.” He feels comfortable with his classmates and teachers and positively thinks that God has more beautiful things in store for him at the end of his journey. Looking back, this Marian devotee exclaimed, “I'm just thankful to God that I still survive until now and thankful to all people who helped me.” While he considers each family he has lived with as an inspiration to see the bright side of life, he particularly shares one thing that keeps him stronger against the odds. “It's just prayer,” he said, “Grabe nga prayer.”

Gail Despi

FROM FISHING TO SHIP DESIGNING

At close range, Gail doesn't look like a lad who knows hardships. His fair complexion would give one an impression that he leads a comfortable life. But this 20-year-old "promdi" practically grew up in the sea of Bantayan Island where fishing was his family's only means to eke out a living.

Being the eldest of three, Gail knew hardwork like the back of his hands. Despite the financial support which came few and far between, Gail sees to it that he continues his education in CITE whatever it takes. Now, he is a graduating student in Mechanical Technology and recently absorbed by Dash Engineering** as assistant to the leader engineer.

Gail is assigned in the shipbuilding department, particularly in the outfitting section, where he is able to design sludge tanks, lifeboats, and other life-saving and fire protection devices for a ship. Dash Engineering has been a dream company for him since he set his foot in. "I love to draw ever since and my job here during DTS (dual training system or in-plant training) exposed me to a lot of challenges particularly in (computer-aided) designing," he proudly avered.

One noticeable character Gail would like to build up is self-confidence. "I'm always shy, sir. One employee at Dash got even irritated of me because of this attitude but my boss Melvin is trying his best to expose me a lot of people," Gail confessed as he blushes (which he also pointed as his weakness).

Although designing seemed a solitary work, Gail is slowly coming out of his shell or cubicle so to speak. His latest exposure was a video conferencing with his boss in Japan on a successful project he collaborated with his immediate supervisor.

"At Dash, we were not treated as if we were just trainees. We were given with real tasks. We received frequent lectures and orientation and we were included in the meetings," he proudly said.

Good attendance may not just be the reason why Dash decides to take in Gail and three other trainees for employment even before graduation.

"They think we are dependable," exclaimed Gail. And with great benefits at stake at Dash Engineering, no one can turn down the offer.

Of course, his education at CITE played a big factor too. "CITE molded me to prepare for a job. At CITE, it is always important to have a quality output (in everything you do)."

**Dash Engineering Philippines, Inc. is a subsidiary of Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co. in Japan. Its business includes Petrochemical Plant, Machinery, Crane, Diesel Engine and Shipbuilding Design.

Jobane Barral

HIS LIFE ON THE ROAD

by Clint P. Gomez

He believes in chasing dreams and the only way to catch up on them: a better education to uplift one's living condition.

Jobane Barral, 17, saw the harsh times at high speed. The loss of his father led him to many odd jobs to make both ends meet for his family. He became a household helper, a trisikad driver, and a gardener. His two elder stepsisters also got married early leaving him with two younger siblings and his mother under his watch.

He had seen life’s difficulties like anything but he kept his faith and finished his high school in San Francisco, Camotes where he came from. The fear of becoming just like his parents motivated this young man to pursue his college by all means. With a little help from a relative in Cebu City, Jobane was able to get by and stay in the city to seek for opportunities where he could finish even a tech-voc course. It was then that he found his way to CITE.

Jobane is now a first year student in Electromechanics Technology. But it was not easy for him either. After school, he had to stay up late at night to drive a trisikad for his baon the next day. He combs his way through the busy streets of Mandaue until he could earn at least P30.00 before he retires at night.

When his case was referred to CITE Charity Fund Drive, Jobane was given assistance with his meal and transportation needs. Given enough time for studying, Jobane now only spares his weekend for driving his trisikad. He also receives scholarship grant from Congresswoman Nerissa Soon-Ruiz through Financial Assistance Under Priority Development Assistance Fund. Despite being a working student, Jobane always sees to it to that he’s not giving up on his studies. With good grades to boot and a cheerful disposition at times, he is admired by many of his classmates and teachers. "Things may be difficult, but we have to pursue, " he asserted.

Jobane is thankful to CITE for the assistance. His tutor, Mr. Mars Hamoy, always encourages him to persevere and his second family, his adoptive parents, remind him to never lose sight of his dreams. Amidst the hardships, he remains optimistic because he believes that the ride to success will not be always be bumpy as it is today. "Even if you are poor, if you only work hard and pray harder, you will reach your goals," he concluded.

Enuario Tesio

MY LIFE EQUATION

This 17-year-old freshman seems to love numbers very much that he finds Math as his first love. A graduate from Samboan National High School, Tesio, as he is fondly called, is taking up Electromechanics Technology in CITE where a good deal of Mathematics is needed.

Going to CITE was a plan of his parents after his elder brother, Jose Willard, graduated from Electronics Technology five years ago. "I wanted to become a teacher at first but my parents forced me to study at CITE," he confessed. The strict implementation of rules and rigid training intimidated him once but now, he realized, "I've never felt more like a student than in CITE." He learned to value his studies and exert efforts to meet the demands of the academic preparation. As a result, he got good grades that put him on the highest spot on the director's roll last semester. "Patience+Hardwork+Prayer," he mathematically reveals as a formula to get to the top. He also advises, "CITE students should be serious with their studies and follow the rules and regulations. In that way, we are disciplining ourselves and strengthening our values."

Tesio is under the advisory of Mr. Julieto Ardiente whom he gives credits for showing him how to adapt to the environment of the school. His tutor, Mr. Roy Zapata, always reminds him on how to improve himself. But his favorite Math teacher, Mr. Roland Flores, shows him that there's more to life than just equations. "Mr. Flores is an inspiration...the subject...the way he talks. He's fast!" said he. "I do reading in advance and focus on my studies, " he revealed as his secret to excel in Math.

When asked about his life equations, this Math whiz quips, "I believe that life has no limitations. You can do anything. You can be anyone you want."

Tesio is now a scholar of Mr. Junee Mar Aguilar who supported his meal and board allowance. He will soon receive another scholarship from Cebu Mitsumi Inc. With blessings coming to him in multitude, Tesio remains to take a grip on his hope to help his eight siblings in Samboan. His personal mantra: "Work + Continue learning." Now, do your Math.

Eric Formentera

OF BREAD AND LIFE

Question: If you were some bread, what kind would you rather be? He squinted his right eye seemed afraid to get a whammy and burst into a crusty laugh. "Pandesal, sir!" he answered straight from the shoulder.

"Pandesal is ordinary looking but it always draws special attention from people," he intoned. Coming from a family of bakers, Eric Formentera knows when to chew the fat when it comes to bread. His family owns a small bakery in Mandaue and it has been the source of income of his parents to support their six children. Since it's the only bakeshop present in their community, most neighbors buy from them and yes, it's keeping the customers happy even now.

How much of this special attention are you getting? "I represented the school to quiz bowls in high school. I had a very competitive high school. I always wanted to excel...but in a quiet way," he coyly said. Eric graduated salutatorian from Cabancalan National High School. He took up Industrial Electronics Technology at CITE though he claimed that his first choice is Information Technology. "I was molded here. At first I don't know (stuff) like electronics...electricity, but I (became) a better technician," he admits after three years of getting the hang of it.

Eric is a scholar of Mandaue City Government, an able class chairman, a pioneering leader of Ecotone club, a consistent director's lister, and an active rotaractor rolled into one. Was it difficult for a "pandesal" like him to be formed into its desirable shape just good enough for the palate? "It's hard. It's just easy to think (about it) but definitely it's hard. (Figuratively,) it's difficult to find the right mix that is consistent for a bread. Just climbing the hill here everyday is already difficult (thing to do)."

Most of his classmates look up to him as someone intelligent and always in control but this impression does not make any sense to him. "Honestly, I'm not bright. I just study. I told them that. I even ask some nonsense questions to myself like 'what if I were an ant?' and stuff like that. Sometimes I wonder if I am autistic," he said as he burst into laughter.

Now that he's graduating in May, what is life after CITE look like? "Lexmark Research and Development Corporation wanted me to sign up as a contractual employee. I said yes. I just wanted to return the gestures to them for taking me in during my DTS and for listening to my complaints." Eric once felt shortchanged of his in-plant training in the Color EE laboratory, but he raised his concerns and Lexmark was able to address it promptly with the help of his immediate head, Tyrone Manoñgas, a CITE graduate.

"I wanted to come up with my own business---piggery or something to do with food. I wanted to pursue Business Administration or Accounting. The story of Caktiong family (owner of Jollibee) inspired me." he beamed when asked of his master plan.

What if it doesn't happen? "I believe that life should be lived according to God's plan. Accept the failures and learn to stand confidently."

Does it hold true with making a dough? "We are always told by my father not to frown when making the bread. If you are grumpy, your bread will become salty or will not have the same size. Life's like that," Eric ended.