The journey of a 120 days came to a close. The nerve wracking 120 days of waiting for finalization of production materials finally gave its' deserving epic conclusion - Assumption College, proudly represented by 3A1, is PANA's 1st runner up in this year's IMC competition, the year with most number of entries.
The 120 day sojourn was not easy. The road required countless extra hours, extended work, harrowing need to go overnight for production and comply with production schedules. The 3A1 2009-2010 proved that they had the mettle to stick with the fight and finish a strong race.
The story could out stage a classic. Derailed in the interblock, 3A1 slowly picked up the pieces of their ego and spirits and almost progressed to the finals in limping pace and even at some points, sputtering.
But as the block found their true soul and resurrected their drive within, the internal machinery of a once disorganized block came to their true spirit. The block entered the contest with a clear advantage - oneness. Or we should put it A1-ness.
As I sat during the lull of the festivities between the presentations and the judges' decisions, I blinked several times thinking of what results may come out.
I blinked the first time, in one second the flashback of the preparation for the submission. How we printed the sheets in comm dept and how we executed our photo finish including a last minute submission with the binding literally warm from the machine.
I remembered the trials before we got the items complete and how we toiled just to get it done. The hurdles that could have smashed the fight out of the weary souls. I remembered how we found simple happiness with the spicy chicken wings and the pizza back in Yellow Cab Makati Cinema Square as a celebration of Rina Nicolas' birthday.
Then I opened my eyes seeing the raffle ongoing and how funny that my number never got chosen.
I blinked again for the second time and the image of PANA's email came up announcing that we have just made it to the finals again. The image shifted forward to the classroom scene where the announcement was made. But before we did, the class made their pledge of good karma (which I hope they would stick to) and placed it in a box. The announcement was done, the poppers were unleashed and it started a 15 minute celebration.
For the first time, I saw the genuine happiness in their eyes, the tears that spelled how hard they worked to get them to where they are.
Suddenly the noise shook me as I see the barrage of cheers welcomed the raffle of microwave oven (which was won by Carissa Gomez) and the Samsung Phone (won by Abe Mationg), both PANA babies turned present day achiever.
I took part momentarily and slouched down as the judges were ushered in after a grueling 20 minute deliberation.
IMC4 was called and our school code revealed and we stood in front of the stage for a while. I looked at the crowd once more and remembered how the lights could have been so dark. I remembered how we, as A1, crumbled to pieces in the interblock finals. I recalled how we sat in Studio Two with shattered egos and tears trying to figure out what have gone wrong.
No pep talks could have healed our wounds that day. We knew it was for a bigger purpose but two hours was just too short for us to overcome the flagging emotions. Then I smiled seeing OshKosh there to comfort them and telling them "Change is Coming" stories like big sisters telling their younger siblings that it will all turn out fine.
We toiled for a number of days trying to pick up the shattered pieces. In one week, we are all set.
The dream machine has started to roll.
At times I would see them weeping which I thought was caused by their interblock memories. But I was wrong. John Lloyd and Robert de Niro made them cry instead with the now classic "One More Chance" and "Everybody's Fine".
Then I knew they have aptly used the crumbled pieces to build a stronger foundation.
What? They are announcing the winners already. 5th place goes to PUP. We clapped for them knowing that they have finished a tough race. 4th place goes to the Ateneo and we have already equaled last year's finish.
A sigh of relief came in and the memories of all the finals preparation. All the very late nights and despite the internal hurdles, we pushed to our limits. As we manufactured what could have been the most comprehensive presentation in Assumption's 8 PANA years, we also burned a lot of midnight oils and our share of late nights.
I remembered all the helpless faces of the girls when we could not use some of the venues and the pressured expressions when the dateline was creeping in slowly. Like the first day when you were going to have your teeth extracted, it was scary.
But as the dateline approached fast, I wrote them a letter about "Crucial Tuesday" that I hoped would ignite the fire within. I entered the room and grinned widely because the group was back.
Wait... they would be calling the next group... I closed my eyes and hope that it is not our number. I-M-C-Fifty..... WHEW!
At last, we have done it! I smiled as the vision of the final days came in. How I wept when I realized that it was already our last week together and how I would miss being with these funny kids. I would miss their grumblings about their favorite prof. How Isha would be moody and weepy, how Agot needing to isolate herself from time to time, how we joke at Athena for being so quiet and yet alcoholic, how Eriza would hide in the corner with the invisible sign that says "DON'T PRESSURE ME!", how Jamil was missing at some time, how much orders LJ have for McDo, the legends of Kat Butiong bar rumbles (almost), Miki's japanese obsession, Keigh's perky hirits and presence, Tamara's anaconda in her tummy, how Stacy would be too reluctant to go home, Leila's rants, Badz's grin, France's wisdom hirits, JV Katipunan crush stories, KOGW doctrines, editing room ghosts, major revisions, Trixie's PANA finals picture, Mr. Barles' heartrob tales, someone's german measles, Mica's artistic potentials, Joyce's charms, La's motherly presence, Kesh's bentang benta hirits about hated people, Cid's meekness, Dana's fright with crawling creatures and of course the Smigol quest for "PRECIIOOUUUSSSS".
There were more tears this year than any other year. Because I know already, from the previous batches, that I would miss this PANA moment for life. And although we would see each other in class, this moment will never come again.
As I opened my eyes, the announcer just hollered that we are 2nd place. I turned swiftly to the girls and they were hugging each other. Knowing that they have fought a fight for the ages and conquered heights no one thought they could do four months ago.
We climbed the stage and received one great congratulatory message from all the judges. As I looked at the crowd from an elevated platform, I saw all A1 and Assumption alums and students cheering loudly and proudly for Assumption. I have never seen them this proud. A program running eight years nears the goal. Top universities now see us as direct adversaries and threat to their throne.
I looked down for a while and looked at the happy faces of the newly crowned 1st runner up of 2010 PANA IMC Competition.
I remembered how Agot, Patty and Isha presented with gusto and how they defended their point against the ever critical distinguished panel of judges. I saw the fire in their eyes. Our backroom prayer. How we gave thanks for this experience and how they danced outside of the venue prior to their turn to present. I recalled how beautiful Mich Mina, Kat Butiong and Eriza Reyes managed the backroom of the presentation to make it look soooo seamless. The presentation and execution was beautiful.
It was our final moment. It was our defining moment. It was a moment that would change their lives forever. Little that they know, it was also the moment that would change Assumption history.
We went down the stage and were applauded like champions not only by Assumption students and parents, but by our opponents. The Assumption A1 family hugged as one and cried emotionally after a 120 day battle was waged and won.
As we cherish the flashes of every camera and video cams, we had the chance to pray as a block on the stage of PANA thanking the Lord for this great blessing HE has given us.
Not only that He has given us the second best finish in Assumption PANA history, but also the experience of going through this journey as a block and as a family.
I went out of the venue seeking to congratulate all the parents who have brought up such bright minds with balanced hearts. I wanted so much to thank them for bringing up such great kids.
As I walk out of the venue, one mid aged lady gently tapped me. She said, "Hi, I am from UP. I was awed by Assumption and we really feared Assumption. We thought you were the winners. ANG GALING NG ASSUMPTION! GANITO PALA ANG ASSUMPTION!"
After I told them "mam, 8 years and running na po", I congratulated their whole team for a great competition and smiled long after they were gone. I froze at the door for a while and thought....."This is what 3A1 and all of previous 3A1s have given Assumption College. We are now respected and feared by ALL schools."
I looked back at the stage and went back slowly to the still celebrating girls of 3A1. I saw colors, good diverse colors. I see diversity that fit neatly in a small box. I remember the Crayolas that I refuse to use because the color combination in the box was just too good to spoil.
I saw greatness packed in one class. Greatness in knowledge and character.
THAT IS 3A1 2010-2011. THE CHIPMUNKS.
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