Hues After The Rivalry (Achievers Series #1)

Kabanata 24

Hues After The Rivalry

Kabanata 24

Nagagamay ko na sa pangalawang araw ang pinapapraktis namin sa Regional Cuisines. Medyo nalulungkot nga lang ako dahil kami lang dalawa ni Eris ang palaging magkasama.

"Remember, the taste should be just right. Not too salty, not too sweet, not too spicy, and not bitter."

Every practice session in the kitchen takes place right after class, at late kami umuuwi sa iba. Nagko-commute lang kami ni Eris pauwi ng Mandaluyong at Pasig. Hinahatid niya pa ako dahil magpasahanggang ngayon, hindi pa rin tuluyang magaling ang injury ko.

"Hindi ko matanggap na sa dalawang grupong nanalong may labin-dalawang estudyante, anim lang kayong nakikita ko ngayon."

Nagkatinginan kami ni Eris.

"Mr. Giralzo and his friend can afford the practice fees. I understand the situation of Ms. Floresmo, Ms. Vicente, and others. But, this is a good opportunity and privilege for you."

"E, Sir, gipit daw po ngayon sina Angelo pati 'yung iba e. Nagpasa sila ng promissory note sa CA office, pero hindi raw po tinanggap 'yung request," sabi ng isa naming kaklase. "Kaya no choice po talaga kasi mahal din po 'yung fees."

Hindi lahat mayaman ang nag-aaral sa unibersidad na 'to. Most of the students are privileged, but there are those who struggle with finances. Even if you're a scholar, expenses are still difficult, especially in a private institution. Of course, every student dreams of studying at a prestigious university.

Pilipinas. Mataas ang posibilidad na makahanap ka ng trabaho kapag graduate ka sa prestihiyosing paaralan. And if you have connections. That's the unfair life.

"Alright, I'll find a way for this. Makasali lang kayong lahat." Deklara ni Sir na siyang nagpatili kay Jam nang sabihin namin ni Eris sa kanila ang ginagawa nitong paraan.

To have a professor who is considerate and makes an effort for their students is a blessing. This is often what we, as students, pray for. To have a professor who understands our collective situation.

Because sometimes, we worry more about the professor than the subject they teach. Having a good environment at school inside a classroom with your classmates and professors is a significant factor. Nakakabawas ng stress at malaking tulong. And because of that, we grow and improve all together.

Hindi nangako si Sir, pero nagawan niya ng paraan 'yon. Halos yakapin siya ng buong klase dahil doon. Ang mga hindi naman nakasali, tuwing-tuwa pa rin para sa aming labin-dalawang kaklase nila.

"Itunuturing ko kayong anak kaya handa akong gumawa ng paraan para sainyo. You won't spend any money on this, I've got you all covered. Just do your best in the tournament. Nagtitiwala ako sainyo." Sir Benedicto Santiago said.

We were all motivated because of him. Gustong-gusto naming manalo, kaya naman tuwing araw ng practice, mas ginagalingan namin ang pagluluto sa mahirap na mga putahe. We got improvements day by day.

On the final day of the tournament, we all gathered at our university's gymnasium, along with officials from other universities.

We wore our sky-blue chef uniforms and toque hats. There were many audiences, with many parents in attendance. My parents, Mama and Papa, wouldn't miss this competition for anything.

"Team, remember, it's all about dedication. Cook with your hearts. Mape-pressure, pero hindi mawawala. Stay focused on your table, don't glance at others. Keep your eyes on your hands and tools. Use your hearts and minds."