Mrs. Ester B. Esguerra's 90th birthday

Mrs. Ester B. Esguerra on her 90th birthday with TUMCS faculty and staff

My mentor

She hired me

caused me pain

made me see my flaws,

made me discern the right from the wrong,

and brought out the best in me.

She has turned 90

And I, 40.

I see her glow  as she embraced me

Her radiance and inner beauty reflected

As I recalled all of her deeds

Realization came upon me

Then, I vowed to walk as how she did.

Mrs. Ester B. Esguerra

When I’m alone, I...

remember the day

you interviewed me.

your bearing,

your cordiality

established your magnanimity.

think of my terrifying first days,

my very first reprimand

for my being remiss

on certain tasks.

ponder on my faults

after realizing your reproof.

Remorse struck me

then, negligence left me.

muse over your criticisms.

And the thought-to-be-scathing remarks

posed me a challenge _

your hard-to-earn approval.

meditate on your sacrifices.

You have worked hard,

you have survived

Ddspite the excrutiating pain.

Then, I...

reflect about your diligent care,

your genuine concern,

your enduring spirit,

your productive life’s message.

And today, I...

finally comprehend:

God is truly great

for He accorded me

a superior like you

not only to be obeyed

but, above all, to be EMULATED.

Because you don’t merely lead

But reflect what you speak.

Thus, I...

wholeheartedly say

THANK YOU for the lessons

You have been my inspiration.

For MRS. ESTER B. ESGUERRA, our beloved principal, on her 86th birthday-July 15, 2009