for a truly memorable bash. Christmas parties had themes like a barrio fiesta or a cowboy-style barn dance. To congratulate board examination topnotchers and passers, he had bonfires and rallies at the school grounds and testimonial dinners in restaurants. Lunches at the administration office were held for birthday celebrators from the faculty and staff wherein the celebrators were asked to stand up from their seats and say a few words, a most enjoyable experience for some, but a most horrifying one for others. Papa felt it was important for everyone to learn how to speak well before an audience; it was part of personality development. Papa taught me commitment. Once when TIP was in a tight financial squeeze, it was suggested that the scholarship budget be reduced to ease the situation a bit. Papa would not hear of it and perorated about never rescinding TIP’s social contract with its scholars who were poor but deserving students from all over the Philippines. Forty-three years ago, Papa made a com- mitment to Rosa Rosal to fully support the blood-donation campaign of the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC). The entire TIP community took Papa’s commitment as its own and earned for TIP’s Reserved Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) cadets the distinct honor from the PNRC of being named “Bloodiest ROTC Unit” for many years. Papa taught me when to keep my cards close to my chest and when to lay them on the table; to never say too much in negotiations; to always go for what I want, without fear of re- percussions. He taught me to “never try to solve the problems of the world,” to do it just right and to be practical, and not have to go overboard to help each and every employee beyond the school’s capability at any one time. But the biggest lesson Papa taught me, despite the warnings about not overdoing things, was to genuinely care for people and their welfare, particularly
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