MARCH 1997 21 The GLOW A record setter Back-To-Back Champion As early as 6:30 a.m. everyday, he comes to school after dropping by the church or the Perpetual Adoration chapel to pray. Upon reaching the school, he prepares his class­room for the day's classes. After fixing his classroom, he goes out to check the cleanli­ness of the lawn and the flower garden at the side and behind his classroom, respectively. He communes with his plants as he picks up some rubbish and pulls some grasses. At the stroke of 7:00 a.m. he reports back to his classroom to start his class. Such are the routinary activities of Mr. Alejandro B. Trojillo, a Master Teacher I of the school teaching Biology. He earned the first and rare distinction of being the champion in boti, the landscape gardening and classroom structuring contests of the school. Otoy, as he is familiarly called, is a rare breed of teacher. His passion for teaching is commendable and exemplary. He teaches with gusto as manifested by his facial expression and voice. He considers teaching as more of a responsibility than a source of livelihood. He always adheres to the belief that "teachers are like candles; they consume themselves so that others will be lighted." The values and attitudes that he radiated to others have influ­enced the lives not only of his students but also of those who have come in contact with. Sir Trojillo is a great lover not only of teaching but also of art, although he believes that teaching is an art. He is gifted with a touch of art, hence he has created a lot of beautiful things. In recognition of his artistic expertise, his services are always tapped dur­ing major school and community activities. In several instances, he has been designated chairman of the committee on stage decora­tion. A native of Maasin, Iloilo, the Biology teacher with a green thumb and a discriminat­ing taste for beauty is a graduate of the Uni­versity of San Agustin where he obtained his Bachelor of Science in Education degree, ma­jor in Biology and minor in General Science. He finished his degree in 1961. Sir Otoy started his teaching career in St. James Catholic High School, a private high school in his hometown Maasin. After passing the Teachers' Examination given by the Civil Service Commission on December 29, 1965 he decided to transfer to a public school. On July 18, 1967 he became a member of the faculty of then Cabatuan High School then supervised by the late Tomas Torreblanca, the school principal. As a teacher of the school, Mr. Trojillo has consistently demonstrated his unflinching devotion to duty and his unwaver­ing commitment to the teaching profession. His efficiency and effectivity as a teacher had been recognized when he was promoted mas­ by Noel Tolentino Jr. ter teacher I on August 1, 1988. He obtained the much-deserved promotion when the posi­tion was vacated with the retirement of the late Bernardo Amboy, then occupant of the position. As a teacher working in Cabatuan, Mr. Trojillo has learned to love Cabatuan and its people. He thinks, feels, and acts like a real Cabatuananon. He has brushed elbows with townspeople coming from all walks of life. He has touched the lives of several people in town, most especially those who had been under his tutelage during their high school days. The selection of Mr. Trojillo as the cham­pion in both the landscape gardening and the classroom structuring contests was not only expected but it was well deserved. Years be­fore the contests were launched, the ever me­ticulous and artistic Mr. Trojillo has maintained a beautiful garden because he is a disciple of John Keats who said that "A thing of beauty is a joy forever." "My joy comes not from the monetary re­ward of my efforts and those of my students but from the appreciation of people of beauty," Mr. Trojillo philosophized. A close scrutiny of the classroom of Mr. Trojillo reveals his pedagogical expertise on classroom structuring. The things displayed in his classroom complement and supplement his classroom lessons. Everything seen in his classroom is in t1,9 right perspective. The back-to-back champion will be 60• years old on April 21, 1997. He had five more years to serve CNCHS if he opts to reach the age of compulsory retirement. He may retire before he becomes 65, depending upon his decision. Whenever he retires one thing is sure: Mr. Trojillo has served the teaching pro­fession and Cabatuan very well. We salute you, Mr. Alejandro Barrios Mr. Alejandro Trojillo's profound aesthetic sense, coupled by his devotion to duty, has been vital in his winning the landscape gardening contest. Classroom structuring is another forte of Mr Alejandro Trojillo. With or without a contest on classroom structuring, Mr Trojillo has consistently structured his classroom properly.