Visions by Ariel Cruz

Visions

            Dr. Remedios T. Habacon, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, TUMCSI, Ms. Ma. Florentina E. De Leon, President-TUMCS Incorporated, Ms. Lizabeth Rebecca P. Perez, Head, Pre-School Department, Ms. Mae Geraldine S. Ocampo, Principal, Elementary Department, Ms. Angeline D. Cayetano, our beloved principal, High-School Department, Rev. Allan T. Asuncion, Administrative Pastor, TUMC, Ms. Katherine “Kata” L. Inocencio, our guest speaker, distinguished guests, pastors, parents, teachers and fellow graduates, Good evening.

Year 2025, I am now a mechanical engineer working in the Philippines. I was sitting in my office while drinking a hot coffee. I was startled when I heard four knocks at my door. I said “It’s my free time, how come?” Despite that, I opened the big, brown door. “I’m sorry sir, but this people needs to get to you as soon as possible”, my co-worker said hastily as he handed a blue envelop which I opened afterwards. So it was an invitation to a grand show by a fashion line owned by one of the best models herself, Ms. Helen Sanchez. Without thinking twice, I prepared for the occasion. I found myself being curious and ecstatic about what’s going to happen next.
“How come this day seems so nostalgic?”

            Before leaving, I watched the news on television and found out that, Paula Villanueva had become a multi-awarded news anchor and a successor of the legendary Mel Tiangco. Reporting more detailed information on what will happen in the 2025 elections were Gianna Geronimo and Jeremiah Rayos Del Sol. For the sports news, Aljohn Lucas reported about the PBA semifinals. Gaidel De Leon, the big-time highflyer of the Petron Boosters played against B-meg Llamados’ new “Big Game” Miguel Axel Alberto in the first game. For the main event, it was the dynamic duo of Talk n’ Text, Marc Torzar and Daryll San Agustin vs. the crowd favorite Brgy. Ginebra and its batman-robin tandem, the Dwayne Wade possessed Dale Cruz and Derrick Rose’s duplicate Filbert Espinola. An epic game it was, as Aljohn showed some photos of Marc Torzar splitting Ginebra’s Defense. I turned the t.v off and thought of my date with my long-time girlfriend, Angel Castor set after Helen’s fashion show.
            And so, I went to Carizza Villanueva’s world famous bank to withdraw P100, 000 in preparation for that romantic night of my wedding proposal. Twila Basas, the bank’s most trustworthy CPA willingly gave me my desired amount of cash. So, I drove my solar-powered Mercedez Benz created by the witty engineers Riyo Eustaquio, Jeff Francisco and Aaron Marcelo. Its features include the softest cushion you could never imagine, a built-in mini television and a small studio invented by engineers Jc Mallari, Jean Red Malabanan, Renzel Tamayo and Albert Revilla who has been whitened by the miraculous Kojic soap.

Trees, villages and heavy traffic were all I saw as I traveled through the main road. Finally, I got to the Dunamis Crisostomo Bridge, named after my batch mate DonDon Crisostomo and is famous for its great flexibility and sturdy structure. Thank God it wasn’t dancing!  In the middle of my journey, a trend setting holographic billboard innovated by Miguel Santos hung by the bridge. Gaping, I looked at it and found out that Ariana Diaz and Josephine Cruz are the newest endorsers of San Marino Tuna.
            As I was approaching my destination, a huge building, bearing the label “Alferez and Associates” which later I was informed that Ms. Dinia Alferez was the owner and in that building was the office of the business tycoon, Alvin Calderon.

            I arrived at the Golden Palace, the venue of the show. I was ushered to the presidential seat next to Helen and there I comfortably witness the most impressive fashion show ever. Then I bade Helen farewell. I went back home to change my clothes for the date. As I opened its door I was reminded of architects Bernard Miranda, Patricia Cruz, and Rachel De Leon who designed the whole of it. The interior was decorated by designers Mary Jean Edles and Chrisna Naval, the foundation and materials were carefully inspected and chosen by the top notcher of their college, Nicanor Abalos. I instantly left as I was done changing my clothes.

            The next day, I planned to go out of town, asking myself where should I be spending my vacation. Faster than a speeding bullet, an idea popped up. I surfed the web quickly and searched a site that would solve my problem and accidentally got to the webpage designed by Jean Jeanette. There! I found a lot of places to go.
            Then an idea of going to England came to me. I would be watching a grand concerto wherein Mr. John David Jalac would be conducting a piano recital. Ah yes! John David Jalac is now a conductor and a famous composer of musical pieces. Guess who would be playing the magnificent compositions. It’s none other than Ms. Hydie Layco who was known for her Beethoven-like musical skills.           

            At last! My dream of riding a plane would be fulfilled. I woke up early for my flight. At the airport, I met Capts. Now taller! Anicia Dela Cruz and now kinder! Rahli Delos Reyes who gestured me to enter her solar-powered, transparently walled flying vehicle. Inside it, I was welcomed by now curvaceous Jahaziel Cruz and Biritera Look-a-like! Nina Gabica. The beauteous dancing flight attendants Illy Nicholle Zara and Andrea Zapanta entertained the passengers as I took my seat. They gave me a news paper to read and I busied myself with the reading material. As I flipped through the pages, my eyes set on the article about the highest paid lawyer in America, Cj Delgado, who won another case against a brainy prosecutor. I browsed through the reading material once more and…paused! I couldn’t believe my eyes! I thought the person in the photo I saw was alive. I read the caption and found out that the photographer was Micah Pielago.
            The plane landed smoothly along the airport of Gatwick England. I immediately craved for food. I went to a nearby five star restaurant which later I found out owned by the masterchef Hadassa Okanoue. The restaurant catered mouth watering dishes innovated and cooked by food technologists Junnette Cerdena and Chelsea Del Rosario. I wonder if Chelsea still bakes cookies and cakes with cute icing decorations. The kitchen was managed by the honest to goodness “Chocoman”, the head Chef! Joshua Miguel Cruz, alongside with his associates Tin-Tin Marty, whose expertise includes desserts, Caryl Uy, whose specialty is making a juicy lobster with soy sauce as condiment, Grace Villones, a quiet hardworking lady and Richard Marcelo, whose job is to cook and at the same time attract customers through winking at them. After eating, I proceeded to the concert, Ma. Trisialyn Evora caught my eyes as she waved at me beside the graden of her own Orphanage.

            After the concert, I felt overwhelmed to hear these great musicians play; I stayed in a hotel for the night, I couldn’t sleep so I watched a movie. As credits showed as the movie ended, Sophia Villanueva’s name appeared on the screen. She became the Pixar’s 3D  graphic artist and contributed a lot to the fame of each movie released by the company. On the other hand, Michael Psalm Quiambao was responsible for its smooth animations. I nearly fell asleep when the phone rang,”Hello Ariel, si Lucille to, buksan mo yung t.v nasa news ako”, “All right”, I said. I switched the t.v on and found out that Lucille “the astronaut” Buenavista now an astronomer, has achieved another lifetime goal. She was the first Filipina to set foot on the moon, on Mercury and on Venus. Was it hinting me that there would be another planet to be disregarded? Or another star to be named after a Filipina astronomer. I slept with that naughty thought.

            The next day, I was not feeling well, “Maybe it was the result of the restlessness”. I went to the nearest hospital for my check-up. I found out that the Head Doctor is none other than our “Boss” Dr. Emman Valencia now taller minus his braces. Dr. Chen Cruz and Dr. Poula Marcelo now slimmer, are also working as his assistants. After the check-up, Dr. Valencia recommended me his medicines. At the hospital wing was a Dental Clinic owned by Ara Mae Sanorjo. Roanne Glynn Gatapia became a dentist and worked with Ms. Sanorjo. I could still remember how they smile with their braces showed off when we were High-School. Through the sliding door of the hospital, I saw Dr. Anne De Jesus assisting a handicapped patient.” Go Anne”. I cheered her up.

            At the drugstore, I was buying medicine when I found out that it was Norbelyn Labite and Nelly Mar Pestano working as Pharmacists. They asked me what I needed and had to buy. I bade them goodbye after they handed me the medicines. By 12 pm, I got back at the hotel. I took the medicines and immediately felt better. Out of curiosity, I scanned the box of the latter and discovered that chemical engineer Pearl Cacayuran formulated it. I felt so proud for them.

            Ten minutes had passed by before I started day dreaming. A violent storm hit my town and the next thing I knew, I was in an evacuation center. Eventually, goods came to help us survive the day. When it was my turn to receive a ration, I found out that billionaires Gian Sanvictores, Yran Tuballes, Kate Marcelo and Denise Marundan donated parts of their wealth to the destitutes. It’s always been a great feeling to see somebody give a helping hand. For the next batch of goods, it was headed by another set of billionaires namely Jaevy Anne Villarosa, Joanne San Agustin and the “successful” James Cainag, I remember James telling me he wants to be a billionaire so freaking bad and there he was! Great  Job.
            I had another day dream wherein I was riding a cruise. Beside me were three kids listening music through their latest iPhones while on my other side, I saw Grace Linzo and Elnna Ganotisi being there as Psychologists for the children. As we continue the conversation, we saw Noemi Lontayao now a Psychiatrist, with her husband Genriel Supriano, now a pro-biker and yes, they were still wearing the beautiful ring with their name etched on it from High-School. Capt. Hannah Reysha Cabanillas greeted us in our seats after she had finished talking with I.T specialists Joshua Asuncion, the inventor of the latest PS5, Samuel Villaruel, he developed brain-twisting games that made gamers gave up playing computer games and last but not the least, Yzabel Joaquin, the best of the best! and the torchbearer of Steve Jobs.
            Suddenly, I heard my brother’s crying. I woke up and found out that I was in my room. So…all of it was just a dream. A dream that each of us, Graduates must pursue as college life commences before us.
            As this memorable event ends, there will be mixed emotions for this will end our High-School life but will start a new chapter of our journey. Furthermore, may these Visions be our inspiration for us to continue the race. My Dear Batch Mates, Good evening and Congratulations! God bless us all.