COMMUNITIES

HS Faculty Facelift
Tong-fu Lin (H3F) ad Marc Wu (H3F), Stallion News Writers

Edited by: Alexander Ang (H4H), Stallion Managing Editor and Associate Editor for English Photos courtesy of the Stallion Photographers

Posted Monday, 07-Aug-2006 10:13 AM

      Aside from the more complex curriculum and new facilities, there are other additions to the growing XS family: the arrival of our new shotis from the grade school and, of course, fresh teachers to meet and greet. For those with teacher blues, here’s a look at the new faces of the XS Faculty.

      Politically-conscious and a graduate from PATTS College of Aeronautics in BS Aircraft Technology, Mr. Dindo Abadilla Munsayac, 34, is a science teacher with a thirst for life. Before teaching in Xavier, Mr. Munsayac has worked as manager of Duty Free Philippines and Greenwich Pizza. Moreover, he is a gym-junkie who loves to read and travel, and takes pleasure in favorite Asian Fusion and Japanese dishes. An individual who prioritizes equality among other things, he intends to “make sure everyone is attended [to] and treated well.”

      At the tender age of 24, Ms. Helen Xu, the new Chinese Computer teacher, is currently pursuing her Masters in Economics at the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU). She epitomizes simplicity in her personality and actions. Considerate and empathetic, she hopes to help Xaverians with their Chinese skills and alleviate the Philippine society with its problem of poverty.

      One of the youngest in the faculty happens to be a Xavier Alumnus: Mr. Kenneth O’Neal Gan. Mr. Gan, a CLE teacher, graduated with a degree in Business Management from ADMU. An artistic person who loves badminton, he believes that his strengths in life are his communication and teaching skills. Approachable and affable, he is also an organized individual who sincerely holds on to his strong convictions. Mr. Gan, fondly called KOG, comes to class with a heartfelt smile that truly makes him a lovable big bro.

      Majoring in Religion from Holy Spirit College, Ms. Mary Chris Tugadi, 21, enjoys reading and conversing with friends about anything under the sun. With a craving for Chinese dishes, Ms. Tugadi, a simple person, intends to give her time to anyone who might need a quick pep talk. Proudly, Ms. Tugadi divulged that her greatest inspiration to continually live life to the fullest is her students.

      An avid fan of the horror genre, Ms. Daisy Zhou, 27, is a graduate from the De La Salle University with a degree in Management. Kind and compassionate, Ms. Zhou, who also wishes to rid the world of poverty, notes that her mother is her greatest inspiration to rise to the top. A fan of Chinese, Filipino and Korean cuisine, she wishes to help Xaverians with their Chinese proficiency skills.

      Chic, patriotic, and passionate about her work, Ms. Catherine Ching, who graduated from ADMU, AB Psychology, expects everyone in XS to love what they do because “everything becomes meaningful when one includes one’s heart in everything one does.” She prefers the simple life to a life of material wealth. Warm and poised, this is one teacher who truly personifies the adage, “Live simply so that others may simply live."

      Another Xavier alumnus and a proud graduate of ADMU, majoring in Philosophy, Bro. Terrence Christopher Ang of the Chinese Department, has had previous experience in teaching before going back to his alma mater . A badminton, swimming, photography, and literature enthusiast, Bro. Ang, a.k.a. “Teddy Bear,” believes that education is a long-term investment and that simplicity is efficient. With a great singing voice, Bro. Ang is a crowd favorite with a unique mix of traits that just seems to brighten everyone’s day. He is truly, an ahia in and outside of the classroom.

      An English major from Fujian Normal University, Ms. Amanda Lu, 22, began with part-time jobs like home tutoring before teaching in Xavier. Ms. Lu is peace loving and a firm believer of the Chinese proverb, “The simple life is the real life.” True to her culture, Ms. Lu enjoys healthy Chinese cuisine. She is currently teaching the high school classes of 2A, 2H, and 3B.

      A fresh graduate with a degree in the Social Sciences from the Philippine Normal University, Ms. Maria Kristina Martinez, 20, is a perfectionist who is in truth a pleasant individual. An optimist and an advocate of teaching real life lessons such as discipline, justice, and unity, Ms. Martinez believes “Simple is bountiful in its own way.” Diverse in her food choices, Ms. Martinez is a fun person with a heart as pure as gold.

      A 23-year-old thespian, Ms. Jenalyn Yambao-Lai graduated from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, under an AB Filipino, Minor in Education degree. A role model for the youth and the country in general, Ms. Yambao-Lai, who values education more than militarization, is health-conscious and hopes “to touch the lives of her students personally.” Furthermore, Ms. Yambao-Lai desires the uncomplicated life of little responsibilities and concerns.

      Functional and practical, Mr. Brian Maraña of the CLE Department is 24 years old and is adored by many because of his brilliant insights and distinct accent. A graduate of the Loyola College of Maryland, majoring in Psychology, Mr. Maraña believes that an open mind is something worth treasuring. Cuisine-wise, he prefers specialty dishes such as the Beijing Roast Duck, Salmon with Spinach, pasta, Paella, and sushi. His leisure pursuits include photography, writing and Taekwondo. Finally, he points out that minor change can lead to more drastic changes that could help a nation.

      The Xavier High School Faculty has added more individuals who will certainly brighten up the year. With their uniqueness and diversity, these teachers will surely make Xavier’s 50th Anniversary a year worth remembering! Luceat Lux!

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