Tribute to Dr. Georgina Encanto on her 65th birthday

N.B. – This is my speech at the tribute to Dr. Georgina Encanto, professor of journalism and former dean of the University of the Philippines College of Mass Communication (UP CMC), last January 27 at the CMC auditorium. She celebrated her 65th birthday a day before (January 26).

(from left) Prof. Luis Teodoro, Prof. Danilo Arao and then UP CMC Dean Georgina Encanto
Representatives of the Marsman Foundation turn over the check for the Pedro Teodoro Journalism Scholarship to then Institute of Mass Communication Dean Georgina Encanto (2nd from left) and Prof. Luis Teodoro (1st from left) who was, at that time, the chair of the Journalism Department. This happened on 22 September 1988, a day after my 20th birthday.

I hope that what I’m about to say does not sound like a eulogy because I honestly can’t tell the difference between giving a speech for that morbid event and a short talk for this occasion which is a tribute. All I know is that one of them is mainly congratulatory while the other is usually obligatory.

There’s no denying that today’s mood is congratulatory, even if we could all die tomorrow from the high cholesterol consumption of my favorite meal which is being served today. And to ensure that our honoree, Dr. Georgina Encanto, will live long, we should all ensure that she won’t eat my favorite meal today. Not to worry, ma’am. I am more than willing to eat your share of lechon.

It’s common knowledge that Dr. Encanto was dean from 1985 to 1991, around the time when I studied and eventually earned an undergraduate degree in Journalism from this College. She was appointed Dean at the age of 39, and she currently holds the record of being the youngest Dean to ever serve in this College. I should interject, however, that the second youngest is the incumbent Dean who might end up holding office at Quezon Hall in March.

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Our excitement today has more to do with celebrating the achievements of a senior faculty member we all look up to, whose wisdom she so unselfishly shared to hundreds of students, many of whom have made a mark in the different fields of media and communication. I am proud to be one of the so-called Encanto babies in the late 1980s and early 1990s as she was my teacher in Feature Writing.

She may be my teacher in just one Journalism course, but she has proven to be an effective mentor outside the classroom. Knowing fully well that I came from a poor family, she encouraged me to apply for a newly offered scholarship by the Department of Journalism (whose chair then was Prof. Luis Teodoro). I eventually got the scholarship, incidentally named after Prof. Teodoro’s uncle Mr. Pete Teodoro. Because of her, I still managed to continue my education at UP despite the tuition increase and my decision NOT to apply for the newly implemented STFAP as a sign of protest. She also sent me a congratulatory letter when she learned that I became news editor of the Philippine Collegian and her words of encouragement inspired me to do well and excel.

We sort of lost touch when I graduated in 1991. Even if I became a lecturer at the department from 1995 to 2001, I seldom saw her as my classes were usually held on Saturdays, although I distinctly remember that she once asked me to speak in one of her classes regarding my experience as editor-in-chief of IBON Foundation which was my full-time job in the late 1990s. After my talk, we had lunch somewhere in Katipunan and that was the first time that I rode in her black Mercedes Benz. Yes, I felt like a multi-millionaire then as I alighted from the car for the proverbial dramatic entrance to the restaurant. The food was forgettable but our conversation was not. That was the time when she encouraged me to consider applying as a full-time faculty member, even if, in her words “the pay is terrible and the reward is mainly psychic.”

Yes, Ma’am Encanto. I do remember that conversation even if it took me a few years before I decided to leave IBON to work full-time at UP. So when I say that it was because of you that I’m here, I mean it and there’s a clear context to it.

If the year 2011 is significant to you as it marks your 65th birthday, this year also marks my 10th year as full-time faculty member of this College. The fact that I had decided to stay is mainly because of you, though the reasons are already beyond the psychic rewards you told me about. From being my teacher, you became a colleague, and eventually became my friend even if you’re old enough to be my mother (although you still look like my older sister).

Through the years, I will never, ever forget your advice, not just in the field of journalism but also when it comes to family life. As regards family or married life, that’s what we expect from someone who stood as principal sponsor or ninang to my wedding seven years ago. Your being a ninang is a role you take quite seriously, offering advice and even taking the initiative to help us at times when you think we need it.

I can never forget your words of encouragement when you heard about the ectopic pregnancy and miscarriages we suffered, as well as the death of my father-in-law. You were there when we needed advice, and this explains why you are among the first to hear whenever we have good news to share, sometimes even ahead of our own relatives.

I think I should end on this note lest this speech sound like a eulogy. I won’t say goodbye to you because I’m sure you will still be around the College in the next few years as you share your knowledge to the younger generation. Who knows, you might still end up teaching journalism to my future daughter.

You may be 65 years old, Ma’am, but I agree with the Quezon City Hall employee who processed your senior citizen card five years ago who told you that you don’t look your age. She really said that. Right, Ma’am?

Let me end with this quote from American comedian Jack Benny: Age is strictly a case of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter. This is most especially true for you, Ma’am.

Thank you for listening.

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