Rey Anthony: AN Enigma

This is about another student I have come to know this year. I guess I am going to start a compilation of student personalities. I especially find students like the two I have written about in here to be more fascinating than others. I have been eyeing this contestant ever since I first heard him speak in an impromptu competition almost a year ago. I am already familiar with the kid since he was my sisters classmate back in elementary. When I heard him speak back then, I was almost astounded. I told myself, Kanugon. This child has so much potential. And I thought, if I would be given the chance to handle the kid, I might be able to teach him a thing or two. This school year, our head teacher assigned me as co-adviser of our debating club here in school. One of the ten core and senior members of the club was Rey Anthony. Now, I thought when I found him sitting with the rest of the members during the Commitment Test Meeting that June 2008, I would be able to really measure this walking potential and see what all the fuss is about. Last school year, when Rey lost over my charge, Vanessa Jane., the special science class students of our school went a bit mad. They had not counted on Vanessa Jane winning since she is not an SSC student. Besides, fluency wise, Vanessa is not as good as Rey. However, during that contest, Vanessa was the clear winner. Vanessa might not have Rey’s extensive vocabulary and speaking prowess as well as the debonair stage flair that would have clearly pinpointed him as No 1 guy, but Vanessa’s logical and critical thinking skills were fully operational. Whatever the case, I know that persistence would never let her down. Vanessa’s sharp logic pierced the empty hot air bubble that was Rey’s attempt at impromptu speaking. Vanessa’s mental tenacity has proved her a worthy contender…which is not really surprising. When Rey started speaking (I can recall the moment until now because I was so really into Vanessa back then), I grew quite cold. I almost despaired. But, when I heard what he had come up with, I was actually a bit shocked. Such a great speaker…and what happened to him. He could have won, I knew it.He could have defeated Vanessa so easily. He had it in him. I found out why, eventually. Rey is the most laid-back type of guy I had ever met. He always seems to want to have fun, enjoy the world and reach out to whatever appeals to him. I know there is a depth in the guy that he seems to conceal with his brash smile and swaggering maneuvers. I also sense a certain vulnerability in him which makes me wonder why he has to hide such sensitivity and soul. And why he felt that sense of lack of security in himself at times. The fact that he surrounds himself with friends like Katrina and Jayrick proves that he is like them in a way. I mean, what would attract him to Jayrick except for a similarity of spirit? The way they almost seem to sense what is on the others mind. The way they seem to communicate in a silent manner. The way they end each others sentences… Their kind of friendship has often made me wonder. He and Katrina are so alike in many ways, too. I often wonder at how attuned they are with each other mentally, and to think that they came from two opposing end of the sexual spectrum. (I listened to them talk one entire L300 trip from Iloilo to Passi). It sometimes spooks me, hearing them talk about things I only learned when I was already in college. I guess, it must be the environment. They are Special Science Class Students. This school year though, Rey bagged the award for the impromptu speech contest in the School Level Cultural Contest. He had Vanessa as one of the contenders again. Although I know he could have done better than he did (Vanessa could have done better herself…she is usually a very keen thinker, I do not know what happened). I guess Rey was in his element during the contest. He was also more humble than he was in the City Level. During the City Level, Rey simply swaggered up stage (If you get a hold of this kid, peace. I am just telling the truth…with a little bit of exaggeration, hehe). He was a bit too full of himself, which, I guess, clouded my judgment. He gave his answers well, yes, since he speaks well anyway. Unfortunately, he did not live up to his potential. He could have done better, I know. And I wanted to tell him so though I know it was not my place to do so. I was not able to resist giving him a piece of my mind after the contest. I mean, if he wanted to win the Congressional, he should not relax. He should make an effort to exploit his God-given gift and make use of his powers of self-possession. He should over train, over read and over practice. In competitions like the one he had to go through, there is no such thing as over practicing. What happened? I was not there so I could not form a valid opinion as to his performance. I would not say he did not win (technically speaking, he did not) because according to the boy, he was the biggest winner in that contest (he told me he met someone who could be the epitome of his dream girl, well, those were not his words exactly but, pareho lang da ). Rey is one smooth and suave operator. In fact, he has surprised me several times with the cool way he approaches new faces. Compared to my reserved approach towards strangers, seeing someone like him so open and so friendly has made me wonder (I am getting fond of the word wonder here). I could not help but be amused with the subtle and sometimes not so subtle way he introduces himself to others. Such a darling. I refused to think that he would end up like most of the seafarers I know. I mean, I do feel he would be wasted in such a career choice, but the seafaring option he had outlined for himself suits him. Rey is not the type who would want to be tied to stationary immovable things. But neither would he prefer to hold on to air or cloud-like matters that would unceremoniously float to nowhere. He would prefer riding on something that would take him places but would keep him anchored to something massive, stable and secure. I am happy that I was given the chance to observe this kid work his way out into the world. I have learned a lot from you, student. And someday, I might be able to follow your advice. Yes, would it not be great if I could just follow my heart and damn them all?