Chapter XIII: Adal, Part 2 At school, Isko dives headfirst into his studies, his enthusiasm unmatched. His teachers quickly take notice of his knack for learning, often calling on him during recitations."Mr. Villafuerte, sagot sa tanong," one of his professors says during class. Without missing a beat, Isko stands confidently."Ang sagot po ay nasa module page 34. Ayon sa nabasa ko, ang konseptong ito ay may kaugnayan sa..." He continues his explanation, earning nods of approval from both his teacher and classmates. After class, some of his peers approach him."Ang talino mo naman, Isko! Idol!" Isko scratches the back of his neck, smiling shyly."Naks naman, hindi naman po. Mahilig lang talaga akong magbasa." He also becomes active in school events, volunteering as part of committees and helping organize programs. Whether it's decorating the stage or assisting classmates with presentations, Isko throws himself into every task with gusto. When he gets home each evening, Isko eagerly shares his day with Christine and Benigno over dinner."Hi po, kanina po sa klase namin, ako ulit ang tinawag ni Ma'am! Sabi niya ang ganda daw ng explanation ko," he says, his eyes sparkling. Christine smiles proudly."Aba, hindi na lang basta estudyante, star student pa!" Benigno chuckles."Tama na 'yang puri, baka lumaki ang ulo.""Hindi po! Gusto ko lang po talaga galingan para hindi kayo magsisi na sinusuportahan niyo ako," Isko says sincerely. The couple exchange a glance, their hearts swelling with gratitude. As the weeks pass, Isko's academic performance continues to soar, like a character leveling up in a video game. His test scores climb higher, and his teachers frequently commend his participation in class."Grabe ka na, Isko! Para kang encyclopedia!" a classmate teases during a break."Naku, over ka naman. Kaya niyo rin 'to basta magsikap lang!" he replies, encouraging them. Outside academics, Isko joins the school's altar servers and choir. He finds joy in serving during masses and singing hymns with his newfound friends. One evening, he informs Christine and Benigno about his new commitments."Hi po, may sasabihin po ako," Isko begins hesitantly."Hmm? Ano 'yon, Isko?" Christine asks, pausing from her chores."Sumali po ako sa altar servers at sa choir sa school." Benigno raises an eyebrow."Kaya mo bang pagsabayin lahat 'yan? Studies, activities, tapos ngayon altar server at choir pa?" Isko nods earnestly."Kaya po. Gusto ko pong magsilbi at magpasalamat kay Lord sa lahat ng blessings." Christine smiles warmly."Napakabuti ng puso mo, Isko. Sige, basta alam mo ang priorities mo.""Opo, Ma'am. Salamat po sa tiwala," Isko says gratefully. One day, while Isko is at school, Christine and Benigno find themselves in the living room, enjoying a quiet moment."Alam mo, Benigno, napakabilis ng progreso ni Isko," Christine says, setting down a cup of coffee. Benigno nods."Oo nga. Napaka-active niya sa school. Parang lahat ng event, kasali siya.""Proud ka naman, 'di ba?" Christine asks with a playful smile."Syempre," Benigno replies, though his expression turns pensive."Pero naalala ko lang si Regie noon. Ang dami rin niyang achievements. Lahat ng tao, bilib sa kanya. Class President pa nga siya dati." Christine's smile falters slightly."Alam ko, Benigno. Pero si Isko, iba siya. Hindi mo ba napapansin? Hindi siya nagpapapansin o nagyayabang. Gusto lang niyang magsikap para hindi tayo ma-disappoint." Benigno sighs, leaning back in his chair."Tama ka. Pero minsan, hindi ko maiwasang ikumpara. Lalo na't si Regie... alam mo na." Christine reaches for his hand, squeezing it gently."Tingnan mo na lang ang bright side. Si Isko, napakabait, masipag, at mapagkumbaba. Hindi natin kailangang ikumpara. Magpasalamat na lang tayo na siya ang dumating sa buhay natin." Benigno looks at her, Christine's words sinking in. Slowly, a smile breaks across his face."Tama ka. Salamat kay Lord at binigyan tayo ng chance ulit." Christine smiles back, grateful that her husband can see the light in their situation."Tuloy natin 'to, Benigno. Sama-sama nating tulungan si Isko na maabot ang mga pangarap niya." Benigno nods firmly."Sama-sama tayo. Walang iwanan." One day at school, Isko finds himself tasked with an exciting assignment. His journalism adviser, Ms. Tejada, assigns him to write an article about Vigan, focusing on its rich culture and traditions. Isko eagerly dives into the task, determined to create a piece that captures the essence of the city he's grown to love. He spends days researching and writing, weaving vivid descriptions of Vigan's culinary heritage, religious practices, traditional songs, and timeless customs. When Isko submits his article, Ms. Tejada carefully reads through it. Her brows furrow at first, and then her expression shifts to one of astonishment."Napakagaling," she mutters to herself. Later that afternoon, Isko receives a call from Ms. Tejada."Isko, sabihin mo sa mga guardians mo na gusto ko silang makausap. Mahalaga ito." Confused yet curious, Isko immediately contacts Christine and Benigno."Hello po, pinapatawag po kayo ni Ma'am Tejada. May pag-uusapan daw po kayo." The couple quickly heads to the school, their hearts pounding with worry. When they arrive at Ms. Tejada's office, they're greeted with warm smiles and served cups of steaming tea. Christine takes a sip, trying to mask her nerves, while Benigno looks straight at the adviser."Ma'am, ano po ang tungkol dito?" Benigno asks cautiously. Ms. Tejada smiles, her tone reassuring."Huwag po kayong mag-alala. Gusto ko lang pong pag-usapan ang tungkol sa article na sinulat ni Isko." Christine and Benigno exchange a glance, their worry deepening. Ms. Tejada pauses for effect, then beams."Napakahusay po ng ginawa niyang article. It's breathtaking. Every detail is credible and beautifully written." The couple's jaws drop in surprise."Talaga po, Ma'am?" Christine asks, barely able to contain her excitement."Opo. The way he explored Vigan's culinary traditions, religious practices, songs, and customs—parang isang historian ang nagsulat," Ms. Tejada explains, her admiration evident. Benigno breathes a sigh of relief, a proud smile spreading across his face."Napakagaling naman pala ng bata." Ms. Tejada nods."Sigurado po akong maraming mararating si Isko sa larangan ng pagsusulat." After their discussion, the couple expresses their heartfelt gratitude to Ms. Tejada."Maraming salamat po sa tiwala niyo kay Isko," Christine says warmly. The couple then heads to Plaza Burgos, deciding to wait for Isko outside his school. As the bell rings, students stream out of the gate, and Isko finally appears, his face lighting up when he sees them."Isko!" Christine calls, waving him over."Bakit po kayo nandito?" he asks, his brow furrowing in curiosity. Christine grins."Surprise! Tara, may pupuntahan tayo." The trio walks to a nearby McDonald's, where they treat Isko to a special meal. As they settle into their seats, Christine and Benigno begin sharing what Ms. Tejada told them."Alam mo, Isko, sobrang proud kami sa'yo," Benigno says, his voice filled with emotion. Christine nods."Sabi ni Ma'am Tejada, 'yung article mo daw, parang gawa ng isang historian. Napakaganda raw." Isko's eyes widen, a mix of surprise and joy washing over his face."Totoo po 'yan?!""Oo, Isko. Pinahanga mo kami pati na rin ang adviser mo," Christine says, reaching across the table to hold his hand."Salamat po. Hindi ko magagawa 'to kung wala kayo," Isko replies, his voice thick with gratitude. Benigno chuckles."Huwag kang magpapakampante, ha? Tuloy-tuloy lang ang sipag.""Opo. Pangako!" Isko says, smiling brightly. The trio enjoys their meal, the atmosphere filled with pride and love, celebrating Isko's remarkable achievement.
