Senior High.
It marked a new era in the Philippine education system, introduced in 2012 under the K-12 program, encompassing education from kindergarten to twelfth grade.
Unlike other countries with a three-year middle school and three-year high school structure, the Philippine system extends high school to six years, covering grades 7 to 12.
However, Senior High operates independently within the high school, comprising two years—grades 11 and 12. The subjects taught during Senior High differ from those in the regular high school grades, marking a distinct educational phase.
To provide clarity, Senior High and College are distinct entities. Initially, the plan was for High School to end at grade 10, and then students could go on to College. However, a new grade level, Senior High, has been introduced. The program's expansion aims to align the country's education system with other nations.
The college typically takes four years to complete, though sometimes it may take two years, depending on the course. But let's set aside the discussion about college and focus solely on Senior High.
When comparing Senior High and College, there are some similarities. In college, where students choose courses, while in Senior High, there are options known as strands. These strands follow a similar academic process to college courses. Courses and strands both concentrate on a specific field, teaching the essential aspects needed for a particular job. Strands also cover foundational knowledge, connecting to a job, or preparing Senior High students for college. Additionally, strands have become a requirement for some college courses, with specific strands needed to enter certain programs.
In conclusion, Senior High aims to prepare students for College and beyond, or at least that's the official line. There might be speculation about the real reasons behind Senior High, but we won't delve into that. The key takeaway is that Senior High is now a crucial part of the Philippine education system. It's a prerequisite for College, and some high schools are adapting, embracing an additional two years of secondary education. It establishes a two-level structure: Lower Secondary Education, covering grades 7 to 10, and Upper Secondary Education, comprising grades 11 to 12.
Turning our attention back to secondary education, numerous schools have integrated senior high alongside the other grade levels at high school. However, there are also schools exclusively dedicated to senior high students, including the one Adrian currently enrolled in—Bonifacio High. But let's set aside discussions about the school for now and pick up where we left off.
"Hey, what are you getting?" Adrian's seatmate asked him.
It was the same day Adrian got scolded for dozing off on the first day of class. It's right after he made a quick escape to the bathroom.
He headed to the canteen with his seatmate, who was not just any seatmate but a good friend from Junior High. His name is Jose Batungbakal, and they've been classmates since grade 7. Remarkably, they've managed to end up in the same class every year since then.
How is it weird? In the Philippines, just like in other countries, there's a system where students get shuffled and distributed randomly to different sections as they move up to the next grade level. With the system in place, the chances of ending up in the same section as before are slim. The fact that Adrian and Jose were placed in the same section again was unbelievable.
Although it may seem exaggerated, considering that the student population in each grade level is not extremely high, it's also not so low as to rule out the chances of being grouped with different people. Besides, Junior High spans four years, providing sufficient opportunities to have random classmates. Yet, they persist in being classmates for more than five years, including this one.
At this point, taking it as fate would be unreasonable. It might sound like the plot of a romantic comedy, but such scenarios often only work in fiction. In reality, such occurrences are rare. Also, without belittling anyone, both Adrian and Jose are male and heterosexual.
But anyway, returning to the coincidence of being classmates for four years. Throughout those years, they only became friends in their 4th year, grade 10. They grew close with the pretense of being classmates again. Yet, even though their friendship is relatively recent, they more or less understand each other's personalities. While they might not label each other as best buddies, it's close to that. They can even tease and roast each other like it's nothing.
Enough about their friendship; let's delve back into their current activity. At this moment, they're in front of the canteen counter, their eyes fixed on the array of food items, creating a symphony of contemplative hums. Despite the repeated inquiries from the kitchen staff, they find themselves trapped in a loop of indecision. It's not the abundance of choices causing this situation, but rather the steep prices. The rapid rise of inflation has caught them off guard, impacting the affordability of the items on display.
"You two haven't decided yet? You know you guys only have 10 minutes, right?" said the kitchen staff.
"Oh, sh*t!" Jose emphasized.
Both found themselves tardy at the canteen, the delay primarily caused by Adrian's extended bathroom visit. Now, with only 10 minutes remaining, they are pressed for time.
What happened was that Adrian was absorbed in the bathroom mirror and spent an unusual amount of time examining his reflection. While engaged in this personal moment, a group of boys entered the bathroom, catching him in the act. The room fell into an awkward silence as the boys halted their conversation, attempting to discreetly navigate around Adrian without making eye contact. Eventually, Adrian, realizing the discomfort of the situation, decided to exit the bathroom.
"Okay, I'll go with this one," Adrian finally declared.
"What? We've only got 10 minutes! There's no time to eat," Jose argued.
"Oh, it's fine. We can wolf it down in time."
"Oh yeah? And where exactly are we supposed to sit?"
Scanning the area, they noticed that every table had occupants. And this was the second challenge they had to confront, aside from the ticking clock.
"What now?" Jose asked.
"..."
As Adrian ponders the situation, a spot suddenly becomes available. Fortunately, a group of girls finished their food and vacated the area.
"Look, there's an available table." Adrian marked it.
"..."
Jose gazes at Adrian in a mix of disbelief and realization. They find themselves in a situation that is both fortunate and unfortunate.
Adrian ordered his food, clutching it in his hands. Witnessing what Adrian did, Jose let out a resigned sigh and said, "Fine. I'll take this one, please."
With limited options, Jose reluctantly made his choice. There was no turning back; they had to eat swiftly.
Once their orders were in hand, they wasted no time and rushed towards the recently vacated spot left by the departing group of girls. Every second counted, and they needed to secure the spot before someone else claimed it. Despite the urgency, the dwindling time didn't deter them; they pressed on, determined to make the most of the little time they had left.
After a brisk walk, they finally reached the table left vacant by the girls. Without hesitation, they took their seats and dug into their meals. Time was of the essence, with the break rapidly drawing to a close. The canteen hummed with the lively chatter of students enjoying their meals. However, amidst the bustling crowd, a sense of urgency distinguished Adrian and Jose from others. They devoured their food at that moment, as the duo rushed against time as the break's end loomed over them.
As they ate their food relentlessly, a group of three went to their table and suddenly asked, "Excuse me, is this part occupied?"
Upon hearing the question, Adrian and Jose paused mid-bite and exchanged a glance. Without much contemplation, they simultaneously responded, "No, it's just us."
"So, can we sit here?"
The table at which Adrian and Jose are seated is lengthy. So, someone asked them if the other side was preoccupied. Since it was only the two of them, they thought it might be selfish to keep the whole table to themselves and didn't want to be rude to the others. So, they quickly offered, "Please, go ahead and sit on the other side."
After the three took their seats and began their meals, Adrian and Jose resumed theirs. A few moments elapsed since their initial interaction, and then, one of the trio on the opposite side of the table queried Adrian and Jose, "Hey, you two. Are both of you first-year students?"
Jose paused mid-bite, responding, "Yes, we are."
"Okay, can I ask what time your break was?" inquired one of the trio.
"Um… It's 12. Is there any problem?" Jose replied.
"Well, aren't you guys aware that your break time is already over?"
"We're aware, and that's why we're hurrying. But by asking that, how did you know we're first-year students?"
"Well, actually, we're in grade 12, so more or less, we know the faces around here."
"Okay. But even so, how did you conclude that we're running late based on your earlier question?"
The question about their break time seemed oddly out of place, almost as if the trio was already aware that Adrian and Jose were running late. The sudden question felt random unless they had something specific to say important.
"You two look rushed, so maybe you guys are behind time, I thought."
"That's some keen observation. Yes, we're running late."
"You two should hurry up."
"That's what we're doing right now," Jose said as he resumed eating.
"I can see that, but are you two aware it's already 20 minutes past your break?"
"Wait, what?!" Jose exclaimed after catching the upperclassman's remark. He quickly checked his phone and noticed it was already 12:50. "Hey, Adrian, let's leave quickly!"
Both of them stand from their seats and barely finish their food.
And as they were about to start walking, the upperclassman spoke again, "I kindly ask one more thing."
"Hmm? What is it? Kinda, please make it brief."
"Ah yes, it's just a simple question." The upperclassman paused briefly before continuing, "Ma'am Miranda is your class adviser, am I correct?"
"Y-yes, how did you know that?" Jose was shocked to hear Ma'am Miranda's name from them.
"Aside from being a grade 12, we're also a part of SSG."
"Okay… but how did you know she's our adviser?"
"Since we're in SSG, we have more or less an idea of who would handle the class for each section," said the upperclassman confidently.
"Al….right, that's cool. And so why mention her name right now?"
"Oh, well, I'd like to share some advice with you guys."
"What could that be?"
"..."
"Kinda hurry up, please? Cabanas and I have no time to spare."
"Then let me get straight to the point. You guys should be aware of Ma'am Miranda."
"Ha? What do you mean by that?"
"Does that confuse you? It's not what it seems. What I'm getting at is for you two to behave and pay more attention in her class," the upperclassman advised with a knowing look.
"Why? Is she that strict?"
"Yes, and don't get on her bad side."
Upon hearing the advice, Jose shot a sidelong glance at Adrian, a subtle exchange that didn't escape the notice of the upperclassman.
"Wait, has your friend already gotten on the bad side of Ma'am Miranda?"
"Yeah."
"For real?"
"For real."
After hearing the details of what happened during Ma'am Miranda's class, the upperclassman looked at Adrian with pitiful eyes.
Adrian can't take any longer with them glaring and finally talks, "Why? Am I in trouble?"
"No, not yet, I think."
"Not yet?"
"Can't tell you specifically. But one thing you should keep in mind."
"What is it?" Adrian leans in, as well as Jose, eager for more information.
"You should take a low profile." The upperclassman's mysterious advice left them both intrigued and concerned.
"Huh?"
"You have to avoid getting her attention, or else you'll have a hard time in her class."
"What do you mean by that?" Jose asked.
"..."
The upperclassman avoided his question. Instead, they began whispering to their fellow SSG members at the table. After hushed conversations and glances at Jose and Adrian, the upperclassmen finally spoke up.
"After thinking about it, I don't want to start unnecessary gossip, so I'll stop the discussion here." The air lingered with unspoken secrets, leaving Adrian and Jose even more curious about the mysteries surrounding Ma'am Miranda.
"Oh, come on, man. Don't leave us hanging."
"I want you guys to experience it firsthand. And also…."
"What?"
"Aren't you guys in a hurry?"
"Huh?" Jose looks at the time. "Holy…. Adrian, let's go!"
Both of them rush away, leaving the upperclassman behind. However, a sudden realization hits them – their plates are still in their hands. They quickly backtrack to the upperclassman.
"Um… where can we put these?" Jose asked while holding a plate.
"Oh, you can leave them here. We'll handle that for you two. And importantly, so you can return to your class immediately."
"Okay, thanks," Jose said. With Adrian beside him, they left the canteen quickly, feeling the urgency to return to their class.
Fortunately, their classroom is on the first floor, so it didn't take a long time to arrive in front of their room.
But they didn't immediately go inside; instead, they slowly peeked through the window in the door.
"!!!"
Expectedly, the class was already in the middle of a lesson. But what was unexpected was who the teacher inside was right now.
The two checked twice to confirm it, but it didn't change what they saw.
"Hey, what should we do?" Jose asked.
"I don't know, but I don't want to go inside," Adrian replied.
Fussing about not going inside, what could be the reason? It's not that they are embarrassed or anything. It's because there is someone they don't want to see. Moreover, it's a teacher.
Who could it be?
While they hesitated outside, the door suddenly swung open, and someone emerged from within.
"Well, well, well, look who it is. If it isn't Mr. Cabanas."
It was a teacher they didn't want to see, the same person they talked about in the canteen a while back. Also, it's the person who had scolded Adrian since the beginning of the class. It was Ma'am Miranda.
"Not only were you sleeping in my class, but you're also late. Wow, it's only the first day, and you're already showing your true self. Since it's the first day, I'll let it pass that for now. I won't ask why you're late; just get inside."
Adrian, showing little reaction, quietly complies with Ma'am Miranda's instructions. Behind him, Jose follows, but Ma'am Miranda soon stops him.
"So, Mr. Batungbakal, are you going to be like this as well?" she said.
"Um…" Jose can't say anything.
"Mr. Batungbakal, don't be late again. Don't be like that guy. Are we clear?"
Jose just nodded in response as he went inside the classroom.
After the exchange with the teacher, both Adrian and Jose went to their respective seats.
"Okay, class, sorry for the interruption caused by these two fine gentlemen," the teacher said as she pointed at them. "Shall we continue?"
And so, the class resumed without any issues. The matter of Adrian and Jose being late was not a significant concern—or rather, it seemed as if it wasn't a concern at all.
Ma'am Miranda said she was going to let it slide. Adrian and Jose still have doubts, especially considering the warning from the upperclassman. Even if they weren't entirely convinced about the warning concerning Ma'am Miranda, being a bit more aware now doesn't sound like a bad idea, does it? Better safe than sorry, as they say.