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REVIEW: "The Visitation of the God's" by Gilda Cordero-Fernando

In the story “The Visitation of the God’s” by Gilda Cordero-Fernando, the school of Pugal Lawin High School received a letter that the school will be having a yearly visitation of inspection and evaluation. Every teacher, staffs and students are responsible for the preparations for the inspections and evaluations checked by the superintendent, and district supervisor. The story reflects about idealism of Filipino in giving ratings of inspection and evaluations in the school. During the preparations, the teachers, staffs and students was divided into four groups. They’re divided by assigning different task wherein the last group has the most difficult task led by Ms. Noel and the rest are in the most “not-liked” task. The first group was assigned to the kitchen to prepare the menu. And, the second group was assigned for the preparations for the table to be use for the supper. Structuring the rooms was assigned to the third group.

During the preparations the teachers, staffs and students had a conflict in arranging the task. When the superintendent’s car arrived, everyone is entitled in welcoming the visitors. Male instructor was attire in barrong and the woman wore red, white and blue dress. And, some instructors are assigned in presenting sampaguita garlands. Ms. Noel and Mr. Sawit had a conversation where Mr. Sawit told Ms. Noel that the visitation is all a farce. Then, a student named Leon had a conversation to Ms. Noel made her realizing that she decided to stay in order to guide the students like leon, who dream to become a lawyer. The story ended after the breakfast when the visitors, principal, staffs and teachers/instructors had a group photo for souvenir and they arranged according to their position in power. And Ms. Noel took her place to lowest position with pride and humility.

I was expecting the story to be about gods and goddesses. But, when I read the first few sentences, I was shocked because the story was started about visitations of superintendent and supervisors. The climax made me feel realized that what happened during visitations is truly defined what kind of systems we have in school. Wherein, there is a competition. That during evaluation and inspection, everything is rehearsed. The story was all about being true to yourself and believe for what is right and for what is great for everyone. This is a story that accurately shows the nature of the school system in the Philippines.

My favorite part in the story was the conversation between Ms. Noel and the student named Leon where it made Ms. Noel realized that she has a purpose why she is a teacher. While reading the whole story, I didn’t like the part when the superintendents, supervisors, principal and teachers had a group photo where it arranged according to their position in power. All in all, what I wanted to happen is that people should not underestimate the capability of one person or what kind of status and position you have. People should always have an understanding and valuing someone’s effort for them to give value on a small things. And, realizing that small things becomes effortless it is because of someone’s pride and humility. By that, the essence of what they did would be rewarded and made everyone to feel that we need to do is to have a companionship and tolerance. The beautiful message of the story is the reason why this story deserved a five star.

Ralph john Dalogdog, Ba307. 2:30-3:30