Not All About Me

But, for now, it is as I still need to interview people...

So, a little bit more about your mother.

I first went to formal schooling at the age of 6, for kindergarten at the Our Lady of Grace Academy in 11th Avenue, Grace Park, Caloocan City. The 2-story wooden building that comprise the school sits behind the church of the same name. It was a Catholic school run by nuns. I wore a uniform, a white baby-collar blouse, adorned by a string-tie bow, underneath a royal blue jumper with box pleated skirt. From pictures taken, the skirt ended above the knee, the nuns did not seem to mind it then. Then, white socks and black patent or leather shoes. Oh, and you have to have your ID card pinned to your chest and carry a handkerchief inside your skirt "secret" pocket.

After kindergarten is Grade 1. I was in the first section, Gr. I- Lily under Miss Carodan. The section consisted of about 40 kids and the smartest of the whole grade level populatin are segregated into the first section. I think, there were 3 sections of Grade 1.

Then Grade 2 was with Mrs. Diamzon, Gr. 2 -Champaca. Grades 1 and 2 were designated flower names for the sections, Grades 3-6 were fruit names. What I remember most about Grade 2 was how good I was jump-roping, getting to over 100 with missing a step. I had this really nice jump-rope made up of rubber bands strung together. I also would compete with other great players from the other sections during recess and lunch break.

Grade 3 - Macopa under Miss Cruz. Two memories stand out, singing Paul McCatrney's "My Love" in front of the class as part of our Christmas party program and then, beating out fourth graders in Math contest.

Grade 4 - Pineapple under Mrs. Barros. I remember being envious of the kids that get to be Most Well-Groomed Girl of the Week. I never got to be one while this girl Ma. Asuncion Zuniga seems to always have her picture up. Again, I sang during our Christmas party, this time it was Elton John's "Skyline Pigeon."

Grade 5- Atis under Miss Maat. Miss Isabelita Maat, if one is allowed to have a crush on a teacher, I had one on her. She was the nicest teacher ever, kind, approachable, young and pretty to boot. Everybody liked her.

Grade 6- Mabolo. The 5th and 6th graders were housed in the High School building, 12th Avenue, Grace Park. We were on the old wing, 4th floor during Grade 6. I loved this classroom because it had this map of the world that covered the whole back wall. I was chosen to represent the school, along with 2 other girls, on a prestihious Math competition. I remember coming back from a 2-week absence (I had acute pharyngitis and measles) to be told that I would be turoed extra by this nun, after school to get ready for this contest. I wish I can remember the name of this nun, she was dour and strict as nuns go but very smart and very endearing underneath her gruff exterior. I also liked that she recognized my math talents.