Just Before Summer

by Roger B Rueda

The 2nd Ritz Literary and Journalism Colloquiums is very successful indeed. Two schools took part: the Balasan National High School and the Iloilo King of Glory Christian Academy. Well along the Northern Iloilo State University at Estancia sent their two publication editors to attend my newswriting and editorial writing and as well as my poetry writing and short story writing. GMA 6 in Iloilo City graced the Colloquiums: sent Ms Fabienne Paderes to speak about newscasting for TV. The Colloquiums was shown on Ratsada, a local TV news programme of GMA 6.

The Balasan National High School and the Iloilo King of Glory Christian Academy are the two famous schools in Northern Iloilo in terms of writing and literary activities.  A lot of their students are talented and have won awards regionally and nationally. Some of their teachers were also present.

Mr Jimmy Garcia Bedano, a well-known host is now with Ritz English Institute after his talk and workshop on effective emceeing. He has an exciting voice. He has taught ESL in Malaysia.

Many thanks to Mr Rosie Garcia, my friend who is very good at emceeing and dramatics. He talked about declamation and oration at the Colloquiums. I know how busy he is as he has obligations in Iloilo City and the Office of the Congressman.

Ms Ruth Tuvilleja, an ex-DJ of StarFM, was also there: had won the regional extemporaneous speech of the DepEd. Her expertise is beyond compare.

Mr Angelo Tejada and Mr Raymund Cabrera were also speakers at the Colloquiums. They are both famous ESL teachers in Iloilo City. Angelo discussed some topics on intermediate grammar; Raymund, advanced grammar. Raymund used to teach ESL in Malaysia.

Mr Rene Sausa and his family are the reason why the Colloquiums is possible, and will be. I'm happy that there is this family who thinks of service first more than business. So despite the impracticality and hassle, the Sausas support all my proposals and projects. Mr Sausa is a visionary and I thank him for not giving up on me and the Ritz English Institute.

All the logistics and everything - from sending of the communication to the cars used to bring me to different schools in north Iloilo and Capiz to the food of the participants - were possible because of the Sausas and their hands, who are kind and cooperative despite their mechanical peculiarity.  The two secretaries are very nice and talented. They are very serene and hardworking.

Ms Edsel Salarda was also there despite her busy schedule. Her expertise in giving ice-breakers is very noteworthy. Mr Tim Lynes, too, our British teacher and now our marketing head, was very helpful, having noticed how difficult it was to accommodate participants while the other staff were doing something like fixing the speakers and projector.

So after the six day Colloquiums, Mr Jimmy Garcia Bedano and I are ready to fire up the summer programmes, which start on the 31st of March.