LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Eastern La Trinidad National High School (ELTNHS) Beckel teachers and administration headed by Mr. Alfonso Doriano spearheaded a pre-valentine concert and a dinner for a cause evening of February 10 at the ELTNHS grounds for their colleague Mrs. Esther Omanio – Pistola entitled Soyosoy ni Semek III.
“Soyosoy ni Semek” is a local term for “Breeze of Love and Care”, a theme which was coined by Dusty Pablo. This theme has been always used for the charitable projects of the school whose beneficiaries are cancer patients.
Pistola, a mother of four and a bread winner of the family is presently battling her Stage 4 Lympnode cancer diagnosed last January 2016. She is a resident of Sabkil, Loacan Itogon Benguet and an ELTNHS MAPEH and English teacher since 2007.
During the concert, the organizers were surprised by the support from the community. Rackson, Esther’s eldest son and an alumnus of the school, read her mother’s letter acknowledging the support poured in for her. On the other hand, in his closing remarks, school head Mr. Alfonso Doriano reiterated that the event is a concrete example of what is called the “Laboratory of Life” where student learn in reality what is taught inside the classroom.
“The event was a reunion for most of those who were present, but on top of that, every presence and ticket bought are a big help for our co-teacher Ma’am Esther for her chemotherapy. To all performers who extended help, may more blessings come to you. Thank you very much for your presence” ELTNHS teachers said.
The concert featured The Singing Priests, XY Band, Drop Side Band, Camille Maranes-Copliting, Labilab AG Band, Tollibeng Boys, former co-teacher Mr. Andy Villamor and Doriano.
A second part of the event will be A Raffle for a Cause. Prizes were solicited by the ELTNHS Alumni from stakeholders, agencies, and private individuals. The tickets are not yet available since the organizers are still processing the permit.
Soyosoy ni Semek III was organized by Vivian E. Butz and Renita Dusty Q. Pablo and sponsored by FEA, PTA, students and alumni of ELTNHS.
BY VIVIAN E. EDDIO-BUTZ