DOWNPOUR

They say that there is always a rainbow after the rain. They say that despite all the hardships and obstacles that are poured down on you, the sun will always find a way to shine again. 2021 marks the end of an unprecedented year—the end of a year filled with turmoil and tribulations. After all that had happened, many thought there was nowhere else to go but up. 2021 was supposed to be the beginning of that journey towards the sky. But do you know what else they say? When it rains, it pours. Just a few weeks ago, we were struck with the news of the loss of two souls, Sir Choy and Doc Francis, who battled against the very same virus that shifted the whole paradigm of the world. Sir Choy and Doc Francis were both professors who dedicated their lives to guiding and nurturing the youth. The news of their death came as a shock to all of us, like a sudden downpour. It was as if the sun was nowhere to be found.

However, amidst the torrents of rain, let us take this opportunity to dance in the raging storm. Let us not remember this as a crestfallen moment in our lives, and let us not let this quash our Titan spirits. Although they are no longer with us, it is undeniable to say that Sir Choy Arnaldo and Doc Francis were people who managed to bring out the best in all of us. Their dedication and sincerity to instill good values and impart remarkable lessons in their students, fellow faculty members, and family members were truly admirable. Truly, they will never be forgotten in the hearts of those they have touched.

The following sentiments are proof that their sincerity and generosity were not futile:

SIR CHOY

A man of wisdom, full of cheer
Speaks out his heart without any fear
Embraces life, knows no border
A boss, a friend and a mentor.

A guru in French, Literature and Rizal
Questions you ask, his answer is final.
Quick to conform, quick to learn
An amazing man we now all mourn

Sir Choy, now that you’re gone beyond our vision
we leave a prayer for your eternal salvation
May your ethereal travel be a pleasant one
While your memory remains in the heart of Enderun.

– Mhyles Oliva

Choy enjoyed teaching and being around students, and was driven to help them succeed. His presence was a powerful reminder that our sense of independence, resilience and mental toughness can tackle challenges that life forces us into. I will miss his upbeat personality and genuine optimism, not to mention his penchant for capturing memories with his handy camera.

– Dhiya Mansukhani

Someone who enjoyed life to the fullest. He knew how to truly enjoy life as it should be lived. He was also very generous with his time and talent. A rare gem of a person. He knew how to value each and every member of his team. He genuinely cared for his students and the teachers in the General Education department. Sir Choy was always ready to share his knowledge and was always there to commend others on different teaching methods and styles that would help our students be better and achieve more. A True Educator.

– Marissa Felix

Sir Choy was not only a teacher to me but also a friend. He will always be supportive of me and other fellow Enderun students especially when we have a game or a performance. He always gives joy and laughter every day in school and he always gives the best support to each student. He loves to take pictures of everyone and post them on Ink when something is interesting. I remember a very important day that he told me to go after my dream after college no matter what and for that I’m thankful for you for pushing me to be my best. Sir Choy you will be truly remembered by Enderun Students for being one of the best joyful and the best supportive professors.

– Ameena Athab

Sir Choy would always greet his students with a warm smile. He made learning fun, by sharing his life experiences and relating it to the topic. He was also a friend to most of his students as he would always give us excellent pieces of advice and would always remind us that we could count on him when life becomes challenging. His joyful heart will surely be missed.

– Kayla Mendoza

Sir Choy was one of the professors whom I look up to in Enderun. He always has been patient to his students and was very considerate. He was super thoughtful and very welcoming. I would know if he’s in the campus because he would always shout “BATAANG MATAMIS” whenever he sees me around. He would always greet me and everybody with his big genuine smile. I remember when my lolo passed away, he messaged me and asked how am I doing and that he will be around the campus and wants to say hello. We had a little chit-chat and I told him that I can see my lolo in him because they are almost the same build. Sir Choy told me that I can call him lolo sometimes if I missed my lolo. You and your genuine heart and smile will surely be missed, Sir Choy! For sure you have met my lolo up there and u guys are having a great bond. Thank you for all the learnings you have provided us. We all love you!

– Sam Bataan

DOC FRANCIS

Doc Francis is a people person, he is a friend to all. The Registrar team will remember him as the colleague who spares his precious time to check how we are doing. Oh, we love how he would take us all out for dinner for chitchats. He is indeed a friend to the team.

– Berna Eslava

Doc Francis has always been available to help our program. Our first 2 years he was very committed to our young program watching our basketball games live and organizing film sessions to break down the psychology of athletes building self-confidence. He personally helped me deal with anxiety and grew my Leadership as a young coach. My players and I will always remember him as the “Muscle memory Guy” because he always talked about “Repetition Repetition of drills to build muscle memory”

RIP Doc on behalf of our program. You will be missed 🙏🏿

– Coach Pipo

He was not only a professor who never stops in sharing his knowledge to his students but also a person who generously guided us to achieving the life that we aspire.

I am very happy and proud to share that many of us are working and if not have already achieved those dreams in our thoughts from Doc’s wisdom, encouragement and unending support even after we left school.

His gift of knowledge, wisdom, music, leadership and support will always be in our hearts. Rest in Peace Doc Francis.

– Pitchez Walder