a place you would never want to live

Jay-Rald Yague

"Goout of your way to make an outstanding impression”—an American motivational speaker once said, makes sense to me every time I hear people say that my beloved municipality Sirawai is being criticized for its existence.

When something out of control occurs, people outside our hometown would gradually claim that we are being ambushed, terrorized, or that we, Sirawainons, have mercilessly killed each other. This pains every Sirawainon, especially because we live in the safest way possible.

On my way home one afternoon, I noticed a group of children happily playing in front of our municipal building. There were creatures who seemed to think nothing but about the game they were playing. I stopped until I found myself caught and mesmerized by their actions—this made me realize that we are not what they thought we were. These children were unable to leave their homes or attend school if our place is sailing close to the wind. What outsiders think of us is not something other people should believe.

Let me take you on a quick tour of our town. Known as Zamboanga del Norte's fruit basket municipality, Sirawai is one of the municipalities in Zamboanga that deserves to be recognized for the beautiful tourist attractions it offers. We have breathtaking green mountains and nearly perfect beaches. Our municipality, like other municipalities, has breathtaking views of the sea if you happen to visit our boulevard, where vendors sell balot match with a delicious and spicy sauce that people from our neighboring municipality used to like to eat during weekends, if not every afternoon after work.

The Sirawai Boulevard is also suitable for families. People frequently come here during the day to picnic with their fam-

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ilies. The cool ocean breezes instill a sense of calm and peace. Our boulevard has everything you need for a memorable and wonderful experience, whether you want to have an undisturbed date with a loved one. In addition, its stunning sunset is something you should see. Every afternoon, people would gather and take photos to upload on social media.

Recently, former Sirawai Mayor Hon. Gamar Janihim was named "Asia's Outstanding Public Servant and Elected Tribal Chieftain of the Year" by Asia's Royalty. Sirawai was also recognized for its exemplary efforts in carrying out its duties in support of the national government's anti-illegal drug campaign during the ADAC Performance Audit conducted by the DILG regional team. These truly demonstrate that our municipality is a secure place to live. We Sirawainons are also friendly and helpful. Our smiles on our faces are the greatest treasure we could offer in illuminating positivity around us. Composed of various tribes such as Kolibugan, Tausog, and Bisaya, we never underestimate the importance of fostering camaraderie and upholding the tradition of fostering respect despite our differences. We may have different points of view and beliefs, but we are still people who value the fear of God in everything we do. All of these can be found in the heart of a single chaotic municipality, but the reality is no.

Sirawai is meaningful to me because this is where I grew up and it is part of my childhood. That is to say, if given the chance to trade my dear municipality for other wonderful places, I would never sacrifice the memories I built here, which have lingered in my mind and soul until now.

Forever in my heart, I will withstand the reality that behind painful hearsay deviates a peace-loving municipality.

Ialways believe that teaching is a noble profession and a vocation. A teacher, in teaching, shall touch hearts, build characters, and inspire students to be the best versions of themselves.

Now that I had already bid goodbye to my beloved vocation after 38 years, the teachings and experiences will remain with me forever. However, for the last time, let me first reiterate in your ears what I experienced during my first years in the fields of teaching and journalism.

I am an English teacher, but I have also taught other subjects besides Math. This I found challenging, but because I was called to teach, I had to do it with a pure heart. I never doubted myself enough to take it as a learning experience for me to grow, despite my mind’s thoughts of not being able to do it after all.

To reminisce, journalism has also become one of the thorns in my career as a teacher, especially since I was still a newbie in the said field. But because no one had to dare, I did take the risks. For me, it became an additional puzzle, though quite stressful, and I was beyond grateful because I somehow contributed knowledge in writing aside from teaching it in the four corners of a classroom.

In my journey in competing, which started in school-based conferences, time had never become a chilly factor in me until one of my writers qualified for the National Schools Press Conference (NSPC) not so long ago. It was Amina Maing, a sports writer on our team. Amina is now a teach- er in our school and was also one of my colleagues in the academe before I retired early last month.

Life is indeed not about being afraid to try new heights but rather about being positive and dedicated to reaching greater heights. I really was unaware of what was in store for me in the future, but I believed in myself and made my dreams come true. Truly, everything I learned from my col- leagues, leaders, and students as well is what actually made my teaching experience even more memorable and fun.

I will forever cherish those times of hardship that made me cry, stumble, and fall in so many aspects of my life. Now at the age of 63 and finally landing on my retirement after the long and winding 38 years, remember to always be friendly and kind to others—a mantra that once upon a time made me live a stress-free life amidst a chaotic world.