The future is creative

This is the reason why teaching is something I'm passionate about. It's always great to see how young creative minds work, and how they approach creative challenges.

Today was my Copywriting class' final presentation, and they did campaigns for the school's hotel.

Seeing how creative their work is - both in strategic thinking and creative execution - it's easy to see that the future of creativity is in capable hands.

Back in the box

Or, "midterms, but make it yummy."

That pretty much sums up my midterm exam for my copywriting class.

Instead of just a piece of paper, they got this:

And to inspire them to write, they got this:

Yup, they actually get to touch and taste the products they're making advertising copy for.

Who says exams should be daunting or boring?

Model class

On this edition of "random things that pop out of your feed."

Can't believe this photo is already 13 years old! This was taken during my stint as adviser of the batch yearbook in school. Maica, our EIC, is the one standing in this photo.

This was a proud moment because we were able to release the yearbook even before the graduation. It was very rare that this happened, but we pulled it off.

Maybe it's time for the editorial team to have a reunion and recreate this photo. That's going to be fun!

Sweet students

Today's class fell on a Valentine's Day. So, it started with a quote from my UP Professor: "Valentine's Day is just a social & consumerist construct."

But of course, that didn't stop us from exchanging some Valentine's Day treats.

Two of my students handed me these heart-shaped and sweet treats.

Yes, it might be a social & consumerist construct," but it shouldn't stop us from being sweet.

One of the best surprises

It began with a message from Vanie. She asked if I've been told about my nomination as Best Lecturer in the school's institutional awards for faculty. My reply was" "No, this is the first time I'm hearing this."

Cut to the next day. This happened.

Apparently, I'm the Best Lecturer! This is such a cool and awesome surprise!

Too bad I wasn't able to receive the award since there was a work meeting at that same time.

Actually, teaching and interacting with students, school faculty and our school administration is reward enough. So this award is icing on the cake.

Cat Calling

Here's one of the reasons why going to school on Saturdays is a lot of fun.

These 2 cute cattaters - sometimes more - are always hanging outside the faculty area. They're usually there, just looking cute. 

Seeing them is a great way to start the day.

Delightful Decades

During yesterday's GA for the CommSoc, they asked the students to come in outfits from different decades.

Most of the students came in 80s garbs, followed by the 90s and 00s. Some came in as far as the 20s, and 60s, but the most popular decade was probably the 80s. 

One student came as Cyndi Lauper and she got the look down pat.

The funny thing was the fact that the students called them "fashion flashbacks," while in my case, these are outfits I've seen and lived through. 

Yup, I'm old.

Papa don't Prichy

Referencing Madonna is so irresistible. Hahaha.

Was walking through the school corridor and chanced upon this:

Prichy is actually the reason why I'm teaching in SSC. 

Back when she was the Department Chair of the Mass Comm Department and my office was in P. Ocampo St., she visited me and told me if I'd be interested in taking a part-time teaching job. Since SSC was less than 5 minutes away from the office, and the fact that it was Prichy who asked, the answer was a big, resounding "YES!"

And I"m still here!

But more than that school interaction, Prichy and I have been BFFs since our college years. Our favourite analogy is that if our friendship was a person, he'd be 35 years old now! Gosh!

This makes me feel so lucky because we've known each other not just for many years, but in many roles and iterations - friend, kumpare, co-teacher, co-traveler - and so an and so fort. So, you can say that we practice what we Prichy.

College cats

There are several "house cats" within the SSC Manila campus. 

They're usually to greet me or "meow" at me on Saturdays. They usually hang-out in front of the facutly area, and it's always a joy to watch them.

Was lucky enough to catch 2 of them last Saturday as they were lazing around. It was a scene that's nicely captured in this shot:

They bring cuteness to a different degree.

A college degree.

Fam-iliar

While my student was reporting, this particular slide immediately caught my eye:

It's Toni.

Yup, she's using my niece as part of her Communication Plan. And it's fun and surreal when you see your family as part of your students' project.

They're definitely her target audience.

20/20 Vision

It feels just like yesterday when it happened.

Was working at Dentsu, Young & Rubicam - Alcantara, and our office was in Vito Cruz. A few blocks away was St. Scholastia's College. Prichy dropped by the office one time and asked if I'm interested in teaching a subject there.

Because Prichy is one of my closest friends - and at that time, the Chair of the Mass Comm Department - my answer was a resounding "yes!"

Fast forward to 20 years, and I'm still here!

The adage goes: "Love what you do and you'll never have to work a day in your life." With that, I haven't been working for SSC in the past 20 years.

Teaching is definitely one of the best decisions I've made.

Deco-room

I've been to St. Cecilia's Hall countless times, but it was only last Friday when I appreciated the beauty of the art deco lobby.

Amazing how time can make you see familiar things in a different way.

Partying day to night

That pretty much sums up today.

In the morning, we had our institutional Christmas Party at SSC. It was great to see the whole Scholastican community together. I'm always amazed at how big we are, and despite the size, it feels like an intimate family.

It was great to catch-up with co-faculty who I haven't seen in a while.

Then, it was off to Richard's house for our annual Thanksgiving toast.

Gosh! The parties just go on and on. (And I'm all for it!)

From "in the classroom" to "In the industry"

There's a brimming feeling of pride whenever my former students succeed in the advertising industry.

It's the same feeling of pride that I felt last Thursday after running into Therease.

She's one of my former students in SSC. Even back then, it was easy to see that she'd succeed in the industry. She's very articulate, organised, strategic and decisive. These are qualities that you need as an ad agency person, and these are the qualities why she's continuing to succeed in the industry.

Moments like these make teaching much more rewarding.

Full SSCircle

On today's GA for the Mass Comm department, we had a pleasantly surprising realisation.

Five of the newer faculty members of the department are our former students.

The five young ladies in the middle - Iya, Josche, Vanie, Jaimee and Dani - are all graduates of the Mass Comm program of SSC. And they all chose to go back to pay it forward by teaching the next generation of SSC students.

It was a proud moment for Chally, Becky and me.

It was also a "gosh, I'm old!" moment.

Getting schooled

And just like that, summer vacay is over!

Call me a nerd, but I'm super psyched to go back to school. 

Then again, I'm the teacher and not the student. So, I'm just hoping that my students will feel the same.

Gospel truth

Last week, we shot a commercial at this building called the Communication Foundation for Asia.

It's a super rustic and beautiful brown shone building with that strong medieval feel. During breaks, I'd roam around and check out the building. At least the parts that were open to the public.

While reading about the history of the building, a factoid presented itself. It was a factoid that got me so giddy and excited! It turns out that this building used to house the printing press where they would print Gospel Komiks.

(Found this photo on the internet. Wish I kept my old copies, too.)

Yes! The same comic book that was a required reading material for us when we were in grade school and high school! Par to four tuition went to the subscription of this magazine, and I'd look forward to - and enjoy reading - my copy.

Oh the joys of discovery!

Bad Romance

Nope, this isn't a Lady Gaga post.

It's about how a simple, inadvertent switch of a letter, a word changes completely.

Observe:

Proofreader, please!

Comfy Cat

Because I got to school early yesterday, was able to catch this cute scene.

It’s one of the school cats, still enjoying his sleep.

Hope he won’t be late for his class.

School. Mates.

It was super random if you think about it.

Out of the blue, Prichy contacted me and asked if I’d be interested in teaching Copywriting at St. Scholastica’s College. They were in urgent need of a teacher, and she thought my credentials merited me to teach.

First, my advertising career started as a copywriter. Second, my office was just a stone throw’s away from SSC. Third, my academic background fulfilled all their requirements.

Needless to say, my answer was “yes.”

Almost 2 decades later, I’m still teaching.

Because teaching has given me so much more in return. I’ve learned from my students as much as they learn from me. I’ve been inspired by the next generation of advertising practitioners as much as i’ve Inspired them. Teaching has helped me continuously fuel my passion for advertising.

And of course, i’ve made wonderful friends of long standing. From co-teachers, we’ve become great mates. Just like the 3 of us.

This is just 3 of many. And 3 of the many reasons why I discovered school.