Rose without thorns

By: Jerry Louise L. Huerbana

The weather was bad when I arrived at her office. The cold breeze and heavy
rainfall did not stop me from interviewing her. The day has finally arrived for me to talk
with her face to face.

The moment I heard her speak, I can say that undoubtedly, she has a pure heart.
The love she has for her family and friends can never be matched.

Everyone in school calls her Ma’am Erlinda, our former high school principal.
Ma’am Erlinda Ondayo Orpilla is the fruit of love of Mrs. Fructosa Ubat Ondayo and Mr.
Abdulla Ondayo Sr. She was born on January 31, 1950 as the first child of the eight
siblings.

However, destiny did not go well with her. Achieving what she has now did not
come easy. She needed to undergo mountains of struggles to get to where she is today.

She grew up from a poor family. She has a simple lifestyle, but it did not hinder
her from spreading and filling love and happiness in every corner of their home.

Her father raised her together with the other seven siblings through farming. The
income was not enough so she had to endure.

She felt the suffering her family needed to experience. She knew that her parents
can’t afford to send her to school anymore. But because of her strong determination to
finish school, she decided to stand on her own. She started supporting herself. She
worked as a housewife and use the income to provide her needs in school. Although
she was a scholar, she still needs financial support for other school expenses.

Later on, she fulfilled her dream and take this as an opportunity to help her
family. After getting a job, she persevered in helping her siblings finish their studies.
Years have passed, years of patience and sacrifices, she successfully made her siblings
graduate and become professionals. No one can steal that moment from her. She was
ecstatic for after everything, she finally did it.

After receiving the responsibility of being part of the faculty of our school, she
was very happy. She said that teaching is really her passion. Way back 2009, she was
assigned as our school’s new principal. Another dream come true for her.

She was very happy at that time that she will be working with the diligent
teachers of our school who will help her in giving the students the best care and quality
of education.

Our school is truly blessed to have her as our principal. She is like a rose without
thorns who gives never ending happiness to everyone in school and town. Her amazing
attitude and perception in life will continue to give inspiration to the youth. One that does
not surrender until reaching the peak of success.

She was also given the chance to have her own family. She is married with Mr.
Jose B. Orpilla, former Division Supervisor-Physical Facilities. They have children who
are Michelle O. Orpilla and Peter John O. Orpilla.

A woman of action, courage, bravery, and determination. Ma’am Erlinda proves

to everyone that nothing can hinder a person to success. You are only able to achieve
something once you believe that you can do it. Her love for her family, friends, school
and students also amazes me so much. Truly, she is a rose without thorns.