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AKI Year-end meeting, December 15, 2016 at Diamond hotel

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Your strength sees us through the extra mile. Your wisdom guides our choices. Your faith in each one of us gives our work meaning. Thank you, Dr. Tess, for all that you do and all that you are.

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Thank you for saying YES when you were asked to serve as Dean. Not everybody would be as willing and brave :-)! Leading SOE to where it is now is no mean feat.

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Thank you very much for your strong and resilient leadership during the difficult times of the pandemic as well as your personal care and concern for each member of the SOE.  Your sacrifice is greatly appreciated and I wish you more happiness, success, better health and a longer life.  Thank you for the moral support and words of encouragement  you gave me during my covid experience.  You will always be remembered as one of the best administrators of the SOE. You have always shown and displayed a genuine concern for both faculty and staff at the SOE and you are one of the best role models of what a leader in an organization should be.

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It has been an honor to work with you at SOE. I'm grateful for the opportunity to co-advise THSECO students with you. I learned a lot from the experience. I still do hope we can co-publish a health econ paper with you. Thank you so much and see you soon!

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Tatlong bagay ang hinangaan ko kay Tess. Una, mapagkumbaba si Tess. Saan ka nakakita ng isang Dekana na sumusunod sa utos ng kanyang sinasakupan. Hindi niya inilalagay sa kanyang utak at kalooban ang kapangyarihan. Dahil dito, madaling kausap si Tess. Ikalawa, napaka cool ni Tess. Tumaas na ang presyon ko sa aming diskusyon sa DLSUBER, ni hindi man lang tumaas ang kanyang boses. Parang hindi marunong magalit si Tess. Ikatlo, mapagmahal sa kanyang pamilya. Wala pa akong nakitang tao na papantay sa pagmamahal ni Tess sa kanyang yumaong kabiyak ng pusong si Reggie. Ang kanilang pagmamahalan ay larawan kung papaano tayo minamahal ng Panginoong Diyos.  Saludo ako sa iyo Tess, makapangyarihan ngunit mapagkumbaba; marunong ngunit tahimik; mayaman ngunit mapagmahal sa kapwa at lalo na sa kanyang pamilya.

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My encounters with Dr. Tess were few and far in between. Dr. Tess, however, never failed to offer encouragement and support during each occasion--be it for an idea for the SOE Recognition Rites, or the PRCECON MOA signings, or the Honors Degree Program OUR requirements. In her company, anything is possible...everything is within reach.

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Dr. Tess, I will never forget our one-on-one session in ALDP last December 2020. I had so many worries and concerns back then about my teaching, PhD, and research. But you listened, reassured, and supported me in a very motherly way-- and that meant a lot to me. Thank you very much. :)

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 Philippine Economic Society Conference!

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 Philippine Economic Society Conference!

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Maraming maraming salamat Tess sa lahat ng tulong mo upang makamit ng DLSU Business and Economic Review ang rangko nito sa Asia Pacific region. Dean ka na nga ng SOE ay may nailalaan ka pang oras para sa DLSUBER.

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Dear Ma'am Tess,

Only God knows your ATT, but we are sure it was not heterogenous💚.

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Sitting quietly beside, enduring four-hour AC meetings, na laging high-carb ang handa😵‍💫.

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Always check to see if colleagues might be related to music legends you listened to as a kid.

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Dear Dr. Tess,

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the honor and privileges you have accorded me during your term as Dean of DLSU School of Economics (SOE).  These are my appointments as SOE Affiliate Professor, Scientist-in-Residence, and Advisory Board Member as well as DLSU Business & Economics Review Advisory Editorial Board Member.

When I first joined SOE in 2014 as Visiting Distinguished Professor when Dr. Dacuycuy was Dean, I thought my appointment was just for one term.  But I was re-appointed the following term and seven years since I came I am still around. And most of my time in SOE has been during your term as Dean for which I am most grateful to you for making me feel intellectually at home in an environment that nurtured my academic inclinations.  If I have fallen short of expectations they are my own failings and I hold no one in SOE accountable.

Dr. Tess, you have been a most gracious Dean to me and time will not diminish my gratitude to you.

Thank you very much!

With my highest esteem,

Jess

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Dr. Tess’s faith in others—the students, faculty, and staff—is tangible and unshakable. With it she inspires, empowers, and makes our part of the world a joyful and compassionate place. I am learning from Dr. Tess that lessons in faith are best "taught" through practice--trusting our students, standing up for our colleagues and members of our staff, carrying out the instructions of our administrators, willingness to lead (knowing that our fellow Lasallians will follow) and to follow (believing that another is in the best position to show the way)...wisdom that lasts a lifetime.

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LAWRENCE

Dear Ma'am Tess,

What you're going to read next is assuredly backed-up by incontrovertible evidence.

I am grateful for your transformative leadership in ensuring SOE's excellent trajectory. Your genuine and kind approach to managing the affairs of the School is worthy of emulation and respect. Undoubtedly, it will serve as a beacon for SOE in the years to come.

Thank you Ma'am Tess for everything.

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Thank you Dr. Tess for creating and maintaining a welcoming space for young academics like myself. I hope that our generation will be able to raise and build new milestones for SOE, following the ones you've built for us. Salamat! --Jason

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Thank you Dr. Tess for creating and maintaining a welcoming space for young academics like myself. I hope that our generation will be able to raise and build new milestones for SOE, following the ones you've built for us. Salamat! --Jason

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Last photo apparently was May 2015 pa! :)

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PES Annual Conference 2019

Pao shared with me our group picture 2 years ago. Thank you Ma'am Tess for your tireless fund-raising efforts.

Lawrence

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Dear Dr. Tess,

Thank you so much for your leadership and service as Dean to the SOE. You have helped me grow during my time as a graduate student, but also as a professor. Thank you for the guidance and kindness. :)

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At first I was nervous to approach you to be one of my panelists for my thesis defense but as I was doing my thesis, you provided inputs and feedback that helped me with my thesis. You helping me with my thesis is very memorable for me! :)

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Always be compassionate and kind; being calm and strong in the face of adversity

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Dear Ma'am Tess,

Thank you for giving us some words of encouragement and full support, even if it is not related to our work. Thanks for everything!!! You are the BEST Bossmomshie! :)

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Dear Dr. Tess,

Thank you for being the rock you have been for SOE. We have learned so much under your guidance. I also want to say thank you personally for the heartfelt advise and the nice little k-drama recommendations from our chats <3

Wishing you a restorative sabbatical :)

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Keeping calm in the face of adversity.

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I subscribe to this, and miss, you are one of probably three people I consider exemplars that has lived this: life is not about choosing one and letting go of the other, but rather a balance of everything (as in true economic fashion).

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Thank you, Ma’am Tess, for patiently leading and serving us through the years. You found ways to make things happen. Indeed, your sacrifices led to significant milestones in SOE. I am grateful for the opportunities you’ve given me and for trusting me even when I’m in doubt. Salamat, Boss Mamshie, sa oras na binigay mo sa amin kahit marami kang ginagawa. Isang PM lang, nandiyan ka agad. ;-)

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Field Work in Cebu :)

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Kapag nagsasayaw si Dean :P

Ma'am Tess is very down-to-earth and humble. It's amazing how you can easily relate to other people, especially during field work. Kaya with you, there are no awkward moments. You are a gentle servant.

I also remember a time when you showed support and still attended my presentation even if you were in the hospital.  <3

Pre-pandemic, your office was always open, whether for kwentong-buhay o usapang-trabaho (bonus pa kapag may snacks :P).

Ang dami pang significant moments with you that I will remember for a lifetime. Let's keep making more. :)

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Dear Dr. Tess,

I know when we had our first talk, it was not about the most optimal situation (especially on my part). While others chose to be dismissive, you chose to listen and give me a chance. You did not let what had transpired to cloud your judgment towards me and instead gave comforting and reassuring words, and for that I am truly grateful. Instead of making me doubt my decision, you lowered yourself to my level and assured me that what happened can happen to anybody. Thank you for always being fair and just. Next time that there'd be an opportunity for me to work with you, (if you will let me) I will surely grab it. Thank you so much Dr. Tess. God Bless po always!

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Dear Dr Tess,

Thank you for being our thoughtful leader who not only inspired us to do good in our roles in our community, but also encouraged us to chase after our individual and collective goals with gusto. I learnt that no problems are ever too big when hard work meets vision, compassion and a deep sense of purpose. Maraming, maraming salamat sa patuloy ninyo pong pagsuporta sa aking pag-aaral at pagtuturo sa ating kolehiyo. Thank you for all the opportunities you opened for us, especially those that entailed working closely with you.

Enjoy your well-deserved break, ma'am!

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Marami. Isa na dito ang aming virtual shoot kasama ni Dean Tess. Dito inaral namin together kung paano mag-pose sa camera para hindi flat ang register. <3 That was a fun weekend afternoon with you, Dean Tess! <3

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Thank you for guiding SOE. Thank you for all those last minute major help needed whenever there are big events.

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Hi, miss!

Thank you po for everything! You are part of the reason why I am on the path I am taking, and for that I am eternally grateful. I look up to you and all you've accomplished as an economist, teacher, researcher, administrator, mother, wife, and friend. Thank you for supporting me in my endeavours, for being part of my panel, and for always listening to my concerns. It was always a pleasure to work with you.

Pahinga ka muna, miss. But know that you inspire me, and you fuel my passion for the discipline, because seeing as how life decided to throw everything at you, you have stood strong, remained calm, and radiated kindness. I can only imagine how tough it has been, but I hope you could rest easy. And I hope I can make you proud as I prove myself worthy to become one of your successors.

Pahinga ka muna, miss. Kasi pag balik mo, tingin ko madami pa tayong maisusulat!

Cheers!
Chris (gwapo) Cabuay

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I remembered the time when you fondly talked about cross stitching when you were in grad school.

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Dear Ma'am Tess,

As mentioned during the SOE 10th Closing Ceremonies, you are one of those whom I really admire for your leadership and most especially for your dedication and passion for research that matters to society. I personally thank you for the trust you have given me since I joined SOE. God bless.

Alellie

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Dear Dr. Tess,

Thank you for your years of steadfast leadership, and for being a constant source of strength and inspiration for me and for so many professors in the department. Thank you for being one of my undergraduate thesis mentor/panelists -- you sparked my curiosity in the field of sustainability - a path of study I aim to tread in the years to come.

Take care always, Dr. Tess, and please know you have a solid support system with us.

Best,
Marie

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Flying to Cebu for the Baked Goods Industry Project! It was the first time I ever took a work-related flight. I still carry the memories and insights from that trip and from the project overall with me po

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Dear Tess,

Thank you for leading SOE to where it is now. The milestones SOE has accomplished during your term speak of the kind of leadership you had.  You work quietly but with great determination to accomplish the goals.

Rest and enjoy your sabbatical.

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Hi Tess. I truly admire your inner strength in the midst of your personal challenges.

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I am sure that if there are only 5 people that I will meet in heaven (Mitch Albom), one would be you because you have made a great impact on me more than you know.

Maraming salamat! Mahal na mahal ka namin!

Ella

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To our dearest #BossMomshie,

We're genuinely proud to be led by such a great boss. Thank you for everything, Ma'am Tess! May God bless you & keep you safe.

We love you and we are always here for you!

Les

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Dear Ma’am Tess,

Thank you very much for always supporting and encouraging us to learn new even outside our job description.

Enjoy your sabbatical leave. God Bless you Boss Momshie!

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Di ko mahanap yong tayong tatlong ni Beng nag celebrate ng birthdays natin. Sana maka-celebrate uli tayo.

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Sayang di ko rin mahanap yong Dinagat natin ;-).

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I surely have a lot of lessons learned from you.   But I think the greatest is learning to say YES to life and not showing any signs that you are afraid of drowning because you can't swim :-)!  For someone who is afraid of the water, you may have hesitated at first but you mustered the courage to swim with friends and just trusted.

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I would like to express my gratitude to you for being such a role model and an inspiration. Thank you for all the support and guidance that you provided. Wishing you luck in your future endeavors.

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Thank you Dr. Tess for being supportive in all our endeavors. Your encouragement throughout the years is a source of strength for us to achieve more. May you continue to inspire us. God bless!

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I have learned so much from you, working with her in SOE and other projects. I really admire the passion that you have for the work that we do, the compassion that you have for others and believing that we can achieve anything together.

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I have so many wonderful memories of Dr. Tess but the one that really struck me was when I emailed SOE admin about a student in Cagayan, who was affected Typhoon Ulysses. She lent the student her own laptop and loaded his study materials on it. I continue to be amazed by her kindness and generosity.

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Dear Dr. Tess,

Words are not enough to express how grateful I am for having you as our Dean for the past years. Thank you for all that you have done for SOE. You have modelled compassion and care for the needy: for faculty members, staff and even students. I admire you for that.

I am most especially grateful for giving me the breakthrough in my research and dissertation when I realized that doing impact evaluation was one of the things that could bring policy recommendation into fruition.  You have mentored me in so many ways you don't know.  I will be forever grateful to the Lord for the blessing of knowing you, Dr. Tess.

I pray for all the best in your sabbatical leave.

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There are so many memorable moments with you, Dr. Tess. One of them would be our trips together, whether for research or conferences. I will never forget our field trips to Bagac, Bataan when we were doing our research on 4Ps.  That was when I learned how to conduct FGDs and KIIs. Those were such memorable moments.

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Who will never forget this group picture we had?! This was taken in 2019 in Bicol University during the Bicol Economics Congress

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Wow, there are so many lessons I learned from you, Dr. Tess. More than the technical aspect of learning impact evaluation from you, you were intentional in showing compassion to the people around you. I learned from you that being in a position should be used in good way to inspire and help people in need. No matter how much or little you had, you were always willing to share it to others. Your generosity speaks volumes of your golden heart. Praise God for people like you!

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Thank you for being a part of SOE and AKI, Dr. Tiongco.  We are so blessed po na makatrabaho po namin kayo. Isa po sa ipinagpapasalamat ko po ay…. the way you treat us (the staff), because, despite your hectic schedules you always find time to hang out/bonding with us (memorable po yung sa Sofitel).  Thank you for being you, Dr. Tiongco!  Mag iingat po lagi kayo.

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Dear Dean (Mom 2.0, Boss Mamshie),

Thanks for always being the best mentor for any and all aspects of life (academic or non-academic). We were all made better because of you. Thank you for being part of the pool of people that brought us forward.

Best,

Justin

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Dear Ma'am Tess,
Thanks always for the support especially to everyone in the department. Your leadership paved the way to what SOE is right now: definitely world-class. Enjoy your sabbatical po!

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Dear Tess, thanks so much for all the support I received from you through these years as dean.. you're awesome!

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Thank you dean for all the opportunities that you have given me. You are always a pleasure to work with! Maraming salamat din po for the guidance throughout the years!- hofi

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Dear Dr. Tess,

Thank you for all your hard work and dedication to SOE through the years. You have always led by example, thereby serving as a stellar guide and inspiration to everyone around you in work and even personal matters.

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Despite our brief interactions, you have taught me that compassion and kindness is always an option; and strength and brilliance best serves society through consistent practical application.

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Dearest Dr. Tess,

Thank you so much for all you have done for SOE. Thank you so much for leading the SAC, for being patient with me and for being very understanding. I am so grateful to have worked with you for the past (how many?! :)) years. I learned a lot from you and you made me think about we can do better and how to be better. You have always managed to stay patient and to lead quietly and with focus. I hope I can learn to be as chill as you :) SOE has grown so much under your leadership. We hope we will be able to continue along this path.

I pray that you will have a wonderful sabbatical leave and be able to do all you wish to do.

Take care, Ma'am Tess!

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My favorite memories with Dr. Tess are (1) attending WEAI in San Diego, and (2) having lunch with Prof Lee Hye Min when we participated in the AACSB Conference.

In San Diego, na-realize ko Maam Tess na napaka hardworking mo talaga. Kasi tuwing gusto ko lumabas para kumain sa kung saan-saan, lagi ka lang nasa laptop kaya binibilhan na lang kita ng sandwich. :) Naalala ko din yung nag trip tayo sa mga outlet store hehe Sa Korea, naalala ko yung lunch na yon kasi ang ganda ng restaurant, ang sarap ng food, at kasama din natin si Clare. :)

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Lovely day spent at Tagaytay with the Williamsons...

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Lovely day spent at Tagaytay with the Williamsons...

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First social engagement activity in Legazpi City

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First social engagement activity in Legazpi City

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marunong din pala tayo mag wacky picture pa minsan-minsan :P

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Ang pinaka naalala ko dito yung naglakad tayo Ma'am Tess ng sobrang layo mula sa hotel papunta sa conference venue at last time ko na ginamit yung formal shoes na yon hehe

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Ma'am Tess is one of the most patient persons I know. Even if there are urgent things to handle or if things are not going as expected, Ma'am Tess is able to just stay calm and approach things with a clear mind. There is nothing to be gained from worrying and stressing over matters we cannot control - Ma'am Tess does this so well. Every time I would see Dr. Tess handle things very calmly, it reminds me to try and be the same. In addition to this, she has everyone's best interests at heart and wants to see all of us be the best versions of ourselves. It also reminds me to try to see the best in everyone. Thank you, Dr. Tess, for being such a wonderful person!

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Hi, Dr. Tess! It's been my greatest privilege to have worked with you. Thank you so much for your hard work for SOE; we'd honestly be very hard-pressed to find another like you. You left such great shoes to fill. 🥲 Thank you for your mentorship, your guidance and wisdom, and for always being so patient and understanding (!!!). Your care for the faculty and students knows no bounds. I will always remember you as my nanay-nanayan in SOE, as will the students, alumni, and the rest of the staff.

Most of all, thank you for your strength. It's what pulled the entire SOE family through, despite the challenges. It's why I look up to you, hoping to be you and to follow in your footsteps. You'll always be my inspiration.

Salamat, Dr. Tess. Mag-iingat kayo palagi. 🥰

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Ang dami kong fave memories with you, Dr. Tess!! sksksksk 😭 Noong kinailangan ko ng tulong when i was vacillating between two grad schools, kayo yung una kong nilapitan along with Dr. Arlene. Even though pandemic na by that time, you never hesitated to respond promptly and reassuringly. You're the best, Dr. Tess! 😭 💕

Also, the countless AC meetings, SOE Recognition Rites meetings, faculty retreat outings, and for showing up to support me (and also as a guest of honor) when I graduated from ALDP. Plus, I remember the time when Dr. U and I needed help brainstorming when we hit a roadblock during the write-up of our DLSU B&E paper. That was just after our 2019 Christmas party. We approached you for ideas and you never hesitated to make time for us and share your inputs. Sobrang helpful because we did end up following the advice you imparted... and voila, the paper was accepted for publication not long thereafter! 😍

There are so many other small yet striking moments. From time to time, I would need advice on something Vice Chair-related or grad school-related, so I would knock on your office and clear things up with you, hoping that I wasn't interrupting anything important. I remember always leaving your office feeling lighter and more resolute than I did before. Or minsan, we would pass by each other sa CR lang, exchange pleasantries and you'd ask me about my day. Those small moments showed how much you really cared. :)

Thank you so much, Dr. Tess, dahil sobrang motherly niyo and for being so maalaga. I am proud to have been part of SOE under your leadership and guidance. ☺️

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Without a doubt, the greatest lesson I've learned from you is to always be strong and to take things in stride. Ang tibay niyo, Dr. Tess, sobrang nakaka-amaze! No matter how dire the situation seems, nakangiti pa rin kayo, ready to lift everyone's spirits. You were exactly the kind of mother and mentor everyone in SOE needed. You were our rock and our pillar. :)

Oh, and you also taught me to follow my heart. :) I don't know if you remember this, but we had a conversation where I was telling you na my ambitions to work in the academe and my familial responsibilities don't match. Pero you told me (not in verbatim) na "parents always know best. In the end, kahit saan ka pumunta and anong gawin mo, SOE won't hold it against you if you don't return. Basta masaya ka sa pipiliin mong gagawin mo." The wisdom and sentiment behind those words, I will always bring with me wherever I go, Dr. Tess. :)

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love you, Dr. Tess hehehehehe :)

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You will always have a special in my 💚,Boss Mamshie. Never forget that. Nandito lang kami. 🤗