Life has no certainty. Yet we build our dreams as though we are here to stay forever. That was the first thought that came to my mind after watching A Beautiful Nightmare, a Netflix movie starring Kim Molina and Gerard Napoles.
It’s PTA meeting season again—a reminder that parents are partners in their children’s education. In our family, I have always been the one to attend these meetings despite my busy schedule.
That day, I had just finished leading a lively Nutrition Month celebration, followed by a PTA meeting and a teachers’ meeting in my own school, before heading to Iloilo National High School for my daughter’s classroom meeting. By 2:00 PM, I was completely drained. After washing my face to freshen up, I drove the 42 kilometers from Miagao.
The school discussed the policies, expectations, and safety measures for the coming school year. Then, as expected, came the election.
I was elected Vice President. Sitting in my seat, I couldn’t help but grin because, honestly, I wasn’t sure whether it had been an election or an appointment. It was my first time receiving only two votes yet automatically becoming Vice President as the second-highest vote-getter. It was also the first time candidates were not formally introduced before the voting—a practice that usually allows parents to know who is willing and capable of serving.
Serving as a PTA officer is nothing new to me. Through the years, I have accepted leadership roles in the schools where my children studied. For the past two years, I served as President of the Special Program for Business and Entrepreneurship at INHS because I believe parents should not simply witness their children’s education from the sidelines—they should help shape it.
On the way to school, I found myself asking, “Do you really want another position after declining one last year? What if you end up becoming President?” I simply smiled and whispered, “Bahala na si God.” Perhaps this was His answer.
Maybe I wasn’t meant to become President because He knew exactly how much I was already carrying. Sometimes, I barely have enough time to sit down before moving on to the next responsibility.
One statement from the meeting stayed with me. Several parents casually said, “I’m busy.” It made me wonder whether “busy” has become our default response whenever opportunities to participate arise. Have we become too occupied to remain part of the community that helps shape our children’s second home?
Every time I hear that word, I feel a little saddened. We work tirelessly to provide our children with a good education, yet sometimes we unintentionally distance ourselves from the very journey we hope they will succeed in. Our presence matters just as much as our provision.
When someone asked whether I lived in the city and if I could be available whenever needed, I answered without hesitation, “I’m willing to drive anytime.” My response wasn’t about proving anything—it was simply my way of saying, I can help.
So yes, I am grateful to serve as Vice President, even if it means squeezing one more responsibility into an already full schedule. It reminded me of Kim Molina’s character in A Beautiful Nightmare, desperately asking God for more time because so many people depended on her. That scene made me reflect: if tomorrow were uncertain, would I be spending today where I matter most?
For me, the answer is clear.
I exist first for my children. If I can devote myself to serving hundreds of students across our twelve educational centers, then I should always find time for my own daughter.
To me, being “busy” should never become an excuse. I will gladly set aside my work whenever my child needs me because being present is one of the greatest responsibilities—and privileges—of parenthood.
After all, if not for our children, then for whom are all our hard work, our sacrifices, and most especially, our time truly meant?
