Through Your Eyes

Eight: Lights. Camera. Eye Contact (?)

[At the airport, somewhere in Manila]

“Here’s an assignment for ‘ya.  Harris University is holding its 25th Foundation Day tomorrow. Limelight [magazine] needs photos and an article about it, make sure to include some background of the school and the occasion” Charlie buzzes on the phone as I wait for my luggage.

“Sure, anything else?” I ask as I sling my backpack over my shoulder and pick up my suitcase.

“Take a month off while you’re over there, you’re being too submerged in your work. Remember, you’re too young to be too serious.” He says before hanging up.

The moment I arrived at my hotel suite, I pulled my laptop out of my bag and did my homework- research on H.U., after hours of googling, scribbling, and perhaps a few cups of coffee, here’s what I have concluded.

Harris University in an International, multi-branch school. The first branch, located in Boston, Massachusetts, was established by a teacher named Gregory Harris in the early 1900s, it was previously named Golden Minds College. As this pioneer branch gained rapid progress, Harris decided to establish more and more branches across the country, and across the east coast. More years went by, and he passed away, there were branches in Europe, Australia, and even Africa. To honor the fallen hero, the people have decided to change its name into Harris University. The branch in Manila is the first and only branch in Asia, as of this time. Victor, one of Gregory’s latest descendants, grew up in the Philippines, which is why he decided to set up the school. His wife is a Filipina who had a passion for teaching people with disabilities. The result? A unique feature- special classes for disabled students, sign language and Braille classes were given to the able-bodied and disabled alike,  therefore eliminating the communication barrier. Eventually, the other branches adapted the feature, as well.

By the time the celebration began, the campus was LOADED with people of all ages and levels. Blind, deaf, mute-you name it.

The whole thing was an array of contests and exhibits, I had to grab a list just to keep myself updated.

From wheelchair races to fashion shows, everyone had something to do. As for yours truly, I had to keep myself busy, taking shots, recording interviews, keeping an eye out for the VIPs, as always.

Every now and then, there would be an announcement about who wins this and what they get, but after each of those, there’s this countdown for the fireworks display.

“Two hours before the fireworks display, stay tuned for more announcements.”

Then there’s the special number from the glee club, a medley of some sorts. People crowded up near the stage. Luckily, I’ve squeezed my way near the front row. They’ve decided to start off with “Defying Gravity”, from that Broadway hit with the green-skinned witch. There were no fancy platforms, just the bang of a drum set, some acoustic  guitars, a grand piano, and a quintet. The best part- the musicians are the students themselves.

The choir falls in, single file, and then, into a formation.

That’s when I see her, again.

Brielle,  singing the second verse, her solo.

“I’m through accepting limits ‘cause someone says they’re so.

Some things I cannot change, but ‘til I try I’ll never know.

Too long, I’ve been afraid of losing love I guess I’ve lost.

Well, if that’s love, it comes at much too high a cost.”

Though the performance was spot on, I couldn’t help but notice how she doesn’t seem to be blind when she’s singing, especially when she sang “Don’t Rain On My Parade” for the grand finale.