Student-Teacher Relationship

... goes beyond the confines of the school, even way after graduation..

In the photo is me and my college professor, Bong Lopez. A lawyer by profession, a teacher by calling. He teaches Philippine Constitution, Labor Law, and Media Law in both UST and Arellano University. He graduated from UST as well... and until now, he's with UST, teaching students not just their primary subjects but also about life.

Bong is amazing and surprising. The first time I met him, he looked so serious. Everyone could see then that he was a tough teacher, someone quite hard to please. Somehow, I warmed up to him when he called my name and I saw a smile on his face (my name's quite a charmer.. a round of applause to my name... :P).

Sir Bong's style is calling out a name randomly from the class cards and he will ask you a question that can be found in the book (if you read it) or sometimes, questions that will really make you think (not exactly found in the book). I love going to all his classes when I was in college and I really like it when he's the teacher teaching the subject. He shares alot of experiences and gives a lot of thought provoking ideas.. he's that good. I remember one class when he called me and I did my best to answer his question, he made a comment: "Ikaw pag graduate mo, sana maging Cum Laude ka." I was like, WOW! Talk about a high expectation! I made sure I worked hard in his subject. Unfortunately I didn't graduate with honors, but he's happy I got a Dean's Lister award during my stay at UST :)

I met up with him the other day just for coffee and bonding. He had a lot of stories to tell, how much he misses me, our classes before, the batch that he misses, and alot more. Bong hasn't changed. He's still the teacher and friend that I remembered when I was still in college. I'm not sure how we became good friends... I guess it just happened that we became friends instantly. Amazing, we've been friends for 7 years... and until now I can't help but still call him Sir (I'm respectful haha).

I had a great time with him. Catching up with an old friend and keeping each other updated on what's been happening. I actually heard alot of things that I didn't expect would happen in UST (I'm quite dissapointed with the current officers running the school...). Anyway, I like the fact that I'm very good friends with him (he can give free consultation if something happens haha.. kidding :P) and I hope to know more about my favorite teacher. To not forget what happened that day, we had our picture taken (he brought a camera) and he even gave me a Paulo Coelho book (so sweet of him). We'll be seeing each other soon again..

Mr. Reynaldo "Bong" Lopez is a good friend and an inspiring mentor at the same time. I hope everyone finds that kind of person. I keep to my heart all the memories shared with him. This is one special relationship I'm glad I'm in.