Mae Claire “Miss Claire” Jabines would laugh at the word “cheerleader” in this entry’s title.
“Ilisi na Evert uy!” she would say.
The first time I told Miss Claire that I consider her as my cheerleader she said she does not fit the description because she does not do flips and cartwheels.
Miss Claire was my History professor at the University of the Philippines Cebu. She was a top fan and cheerleader (never getting rid of this word!) of the Reading Ruffolos. She was crazy about the twins first and then JJ. She would always kindly demand more photos of them.
I first met Miss Claire in 2003.
I was 17 years old. Fresh from a Catholic high school, a bit stiff, and was reading the works of a historian that she did not approve of.
As my teacher, she was strict but very generous with praises. She taught me to think critically and creatively. She introduced me to the works of Teodoro Agoncillo, Renato Constantino, and Ambeth Ocampo. Years after I graduated from the University of the Philippines, she told me I was one of her favorite students. I was extremely flattered.
We were always in touch. She followed my personal and professional milestones. When I decided to become a journalist after college, she cheered me on but quickly reminded me not to die.
In 2014, seven years after I graduated from UP Cebu, she invited me to a final production of her class. “You will be our special guest,” she said.
Sitting there transported me back to 2003 when I was a doe-eyed, 17-year-old freshie who was so mesmerized by her stories. I especially loved how she pronounced “Borobudur,” the Buddhist temple located in Indonesia that she once visited. It is a UNESCO heritage site and I remember her sharing how soul-changing it was to be standing before a miracle. I have always wondered since then if I would be able to visit the Borobudur Temple Compounds.
I went to Indonesia in 2017 to visit my former Humanities professor, Madame Silvana Hermosa. Miss Claire was ecstatic. She asked if I was planning on seeing Borobudur. I replied I am not going because I have limited time. She said we will go back together and dedicate the trip to Miss Po (Portia Dacalos), a wonderful person from UP Cebu who passed away in a motorcycle accident in 2015. She was vacationing in Brazil when the tragedy happened. Miss Claire and I shared a particular fondness for Miss Po. We would giggle just thinking of Miss Po’s mannerisms and words.
In 2018, we met in a book launching event at the Cebu City Public Library. She insisted on having a picture taken together with Prof. Lilia Tio. “I am so proud of your reading and literacy advocacy,” she told me.
Some time last year, she urged me to teach in UP emphasizing that it is my social responsibility to go back to my roots. I contemplated about it and I consulted Madame Mayette Tabada, my journalism professor, about it too. I made the decision to check if there are any vacancies.
My recent conversation with Miss Claire involved UP sablay-inspired face masks. She asked if she can have three of them. I told her I might have some in our little store. I said I will send her an update.
On a Sunday night (February 6), I learned that Miss Claire passed away. I am heartbroken. I broke down in tears when I learned about it. Antoinette was with me. Miss Claire once told me that Antoinette is my clone as she is headstrong, intelligent, and focused. Antoinette saw me crying. I told her that Miss Claire died. My girl hugged me then said that she will take care of washing dishes and putting away leftover food. When everything was done, she approached me and said, “Nay, death comes to all of us. It’s only a matter of time so we live our life in a way that we are really happy and love those around you.”
I could literally see Miss Claire smiling after Antoinette uttered those words. “Ingon bitaw ko nimo,” she would have said. I told you so.
Hay, Miss Claire. I guess I would have to visit Borobudur alone. I will dedicate the trip to Miss Po and… to you.
I love you.
Vaya con Dios.
