![](http://l3.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/d7mZ1djqWv5DFFuOVqUa1A--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7cT04NTt3PTYzMA--/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/ap_webfeeds/3c57c883d875e514f80e6a7067006538.jpg "Filipino teacher Rizalina Nabua using a hands-free microphone talks to students as she prepares her lesson on a sheet of paper Friday, Sept. 16, 2011 in a public high school in suburban Quezon City, north of Manila, Philippines. Some public school teachers declared a "Chalk Holiday," or teaching without using chalks, to dramatize their demands for a higher education budget for teaching materials and to urge the government to improve learning facilities in public schools to cope with the advancement of technology. (AP Photo/Pat Roque)")
Filipino teacher Rizalina Nabua using a hands-free microphone talks to students as she prepares her lesson on a …October 5 has been celebrated as World Teachers' Day since 1994, and it is a day for us to honor the men and women who have shaped our views and influenced our lives as our "second parents" in school.
Just how big of an impact do teachers make on the lives of their students? In the case of this an 82-year-old publishing company executive, her gratitude was so boundless that she sought the help of the Department of Education to find her high school teacher.
"My regret is that I did not really exert that much effort to get in touch with her when I was younger and not at this time when my search is limited by my own age. Hindi naman ako umalis sa Manila pero ni hindi ko siya nagawang kumustahin man lang (I did not leave Manila and yet I still wasn't able to at least find out how she was)," Teresa Alvina, who graduated in 1948 from V. Mapa High School, told Education Secretary Armin Luistro in her letter.
Though she described herself as an "ordinary student" and her former Home Economics instructor Carmen Geronimo-Pascual as an "ordinary teacher," Alvina said she wanted to find "closure" and personally convey her thanks.
Thankfully, her long search has a happy ending, as with the help of the Education Department, the 82-year-old executive was reunited with her now 91-year-old former teacher.
Not only is Geronimo, who retired in 1980, still leading an active life in spite of her advanced age, but she vividly remembered her former Home Economics student. The two were reunited over lunch hosted at Geronimo's home.
"I am so happy, I searched and I found. Now I have more happy memories to get me through the years ahead," Alvina told DepEd.
Indeed, this heartwarming bond between student and teacher was one that remained unbroken even over decades of separation. This should serve as a reminder for us to be grateful to our own teachers and the difference they made in our lives.
Perhaps, as in my case, it was the high school English teacher who instilled in me a love of writing.
I also have friends who decided to teach at the University of the Philippines. Some of them are still teaching there, while others gave back first to UP before pursuing careers in private companies. Surely, it was the example of our teachers there that inspired them to follow in their footsteps, and kindled a passion for sharing their knowledge with others.
How about you, is there a teacher who has made a difference in your life? How did he or she influence you? Have you thanked your teacher?
Today, as we celebrate World Teachers' Day, make your voice heard by posting your comments. Let's express our gratitude, and let our teachers know that we'll always remember them and the lessons they shared.
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Joey Alarilla is the Southeast Asia Head of Social and Community of Yahoo! Southeast Asia. Visit his personal blog at JoeyAlarilla.com and follow him on Twitter: @joeyalarilla
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