Class Prophecy: Batch 2001
by Melanie Joy Alba
It was late. The very little light from dusk had gone dim and the clouds hovered around the starless night that seemed to have swallowed up the entire sky. The cool breeze from the afternoon rain made me shiver sending chills to my arms. The very thought of me, walking home, alone on a quiet street where no sounds could be heard except the ones I made, sent jitters running up and down my spine. The little light illuminating from the few poles cast shadows upon the trees. Suddenly, I stopped. I stopped to listen if there was a sound, if someone was stalking me. I waited for a few seconds to pass. Standing there, waiting. When suddenly, twigs tweaked and I heard the sound of withered leaves being stepped on. My heart started pounding, my whole body filled with fright, my face all white. What if someone was out there to kidnap me? Or, even kill me? I felt so scared just thinking of that horrifying thought. A million possibilities rushed up to my mind at that moment. I stood there, unable to move, my heart beating faster and faster until I couldn't bear it. So I ran. I ran as fast as I could. My bag fell off of my shoulder but I didn't dare go back and get it. I ran until I had to stop and catch my breath, so I bent to the ground as I steadied myself with long breaths. I looked far ahead and noticed that I've been running for miles and yet I didn't seem to get any nearer to where I was going. Suddenly, a bright light was shown upon an area of land just a couple of meters from where I was standing. The light it cast was shining so bright, I had to squint my eyes to see where it was coming from. Apparently, it came from a flying saucer, one which had a diameter of a thousand meters. As it opened, I heard a sound which irritated my ears! And out of the blue, I saw someone - or something - come out and stepping down. It was green and looked all slimy. "An alien?" I asked myself in disbelief. Aliens actually exist? Well, this one seemed to be different from what I've seen on television. As it descended down to where I was, it was swaying its arms and moving its whole body. I held my breath as it continued its way down from the flying saucer. As it came closer, I noticed something. At first, it looked vaguely familiar. But then, on second thought, it had a striking resemblance to classmate of mine. Wait a minute! This was no alien. It was just Xavier, the short guy who they said stopped growing at age 12. The Xavier who gets us all irritated by his annoying questions. But why was he all green and slimy? He came close to me and I stepped back a bit as he uttered a single sentence that pretty much answered all my questions and swept away all my doubts.
"I'm Xavier the Martian. I know, over the years I've evolved a lot." You see, back when I was still in fourth grade, when I told everybody that someday, someone from my race would come fetch me and bring me home to Mars, that was all true! I wasn't lying and neither was I just making stories. Don't worry, he said. Although I've changed much on the outside, I'm still the same on the inside. Then he asked me "Hey, how come you haven't changed a bit for almost twenty years now?" "Twenty years?!?" "Yes! Twenty years, duh, it's the year 2021." "But, but…" Realizing I didn't know what to say, I stopped talking. After a few lines of conversing with Xavier the Martian, all fears of me being kidnapped or getting killed slowly wielded its was out of my mind. In fact, the poor Martian offered to take me on a trip all over the world aboard the flying saucer. While we were on the flying saucer, he showed me how to work some of the complex devices which were all silver-coated. All the stuff found there were full of intricacy as it looked all the same but had a million different functions. Meanwhile, as I was walking around, I saw engineers working and improving the whole spaceship and I saw the exact same people I got to laugh at jokes with, people I go to school with. Except now, they're twenty years older. All of them were working on different departments. The ones in charge of the whole spaceship were Engrs. Bernard Locsin, Peter Joshua Adanza, Paul Mark Valenzuela, Alaine Therese Uy, Chona Villalon, Shyldon Banua, Joven Estrada, Nashvelle Ombi-on, Ruthel Tolentino, Suzette Abellon, Dely Morados, Karl Tuting and Rudolf Ragay. The ones who handled the electrical department were Engrs. Hansel Somosa and Erlan Mark Tero. While Engrs. Riche Madridano, Aaron Geronimo Rebollos and Edward Uy were head of the department handling all the computer works. I was so amazed at what the combined efforts had made! They must have really worked hard to come up with this flying saucer.
Our first stop was in Geneva, Switzerland where the new 10,000 floor building for the World Health Organization has been made. President of WHO, Pres. Loraine Kay M. Yan has been in office for nearly 5 years and is now on a meeting with the president of Pharmaceutical Empire of the world, Pres. Joy Myrn Gitamondoc. The architecture of the skyscraper was of course made by Architects Romel Bucol, Joanne Marie Valencia, Jeffrey Carlo Paculba, Rose Engreso, Darlynsha Lasconia and Ismael Japin. Such architecture was renowned as by far the tallest and strongest building ever made in the history of mankind.
Meanwhile, as we continued to tour the world, I felt a little nauseated from all the wonders of my batchmates had made and accomplished with pride. Fatigue covered all parts of my body from head to toe. I was just taking a stroll inside the flying saucer when suddenly all things were blurry and everything around me was spinning. The next thing I knew, I saw nothing but blackness as I fainted and fell to the floor. I was awakened by the gentle massage of Nurses Jecille Consing, Kristine Michelle Sarte, Edcynt Solita, Colleen Belle Torreon, Maricel Gay Patrocinio, Fretchie Gabas, Tiffany Tornandizo, Lynneth Mae Abordo, Twila Cañete and Physical Therapist Karen Rachel Degamo. Nurse Gelene Enrera, Ma. Roselyn Jamora and Lynneth Abordo took my temperature. Nurses Florabel Udjaji, Geraldine Cañares and Jeana Jandog checked if my vision was still blurry. Nurses Sheil Rio Marchan and Quincy Tornandizo rushed to my side bringing a basket of fresh fruits and a pitcher of water for my fast recovery.
After spending a day lying in the clinic bed, I got bored to death so I turned sideward to see if there was a book to read. Unfortunately, there was none. Seeing the remote control instead, I reached out with full effort and took it with my left hand. On BBC World, Reporter Ronald Bangalando was doing a special issue on the Impeachment of the President of the Philippines, Pres. Paul Albina. The said president was accused of innumerable crimes. Meanwhile, Chief Justice Kent Dasig, the presiding judge of the trial gave out a 30-minute recess for personal necessities. The news report paused for a break and would soon return after some reminders. Feeling that the whole Impeachment report was kind of dragging, I switched channels to RPN where the music Awards Night was featured. They gave out awards, to outstanding, brilliant and talented artists. They were performing artists Brian Dorado, Granvicfel Euraoba, Sybil Zyra Manfredo, Reinallyn Alana, Wilfredo Dy, and Julaizza Alegria. More awards were given to award winning artist Jade Dawn Marie Amor, and award winning artist Reggie Calumpang both for having sold a million copies of their recently launched albums in less than a week. Having seen many artist receive various awards and heard and seen them perform, I decided to check out what was on next channel. On the Discovery Channel, I easily recognized the serious faces of biologists Tyron Alvarico, Pete Paulette Maata, Jermain Lugatiman, Fema Vallejera & Diony Bairoy. Gee! I didn't know they liked Mr. Sandy Hurtado's Biology in 2nd year that much that they actually persuade a lifetime career in the same field. The team of Biologists actually found ways to match different chromosomes so the next generation would look a lot like Tom Cruise & Nicole Kidman. Wow! I wish the generation before mine made that discovery! Switching to a different channel where I saw multimillionaire businesswoman Gerchelle Lyn Yam, Lovelle Inoferio, Maria Carla Lucero, Rhea Romero, April Monding, Odyssey Aday, Cherryl Magallanes, Kimberly Co, Ivy Villalon, Kareen Mary Malaga and Liana Basmayor married to George Ramp Model. Charlemagne Glodove. On the other hand, world business tycoons Alaine Sutter, Kevin Paez, Mark Laser Paraoan, Ronald Espina, Geroge Pete Aranas, and Jairus Duran who is happily married to company owner Mrs. Riza Gonzales Duran. The top business competitors are surely finding ways to rise above the others in their respective businesses. Having heard enough of wealthy people, I switched to another channel seeing world-famous astronauts Ivn Ryzl Sarno, Melody Borromeo, Jun Rey Tenido and Charlie Agunod. The four astronauts have just landed from a journey far more distant than anyone could imagine. A report was given that the four were the first humans to travel to all galaxies and back. They have left for space 10 years ago and are happy and way grateful for their safe return after almost a decade of life in space. All four are anxious to go home to their respective families. Having contributed something to mankind, they are ecstatic to finally live a normal life here on earth. Then next channel was featuring the top-paid lawyers all over the world. They were Atty. Mitzi Emilia, Atty. Jan Luna Ladero, Atty. Aileen Elmido, Atty. Stacy Geli Pino, Atty. Cherry Kay Hortelano, Atty. Bona Mae Tubog, Atty. Celeste Quipit, Atty. Rhodal Calibo, Atty. Lindey Mae Tindoc, Atty. Faye Martha Bargamento, Atty. Veziah Rafal, Corporate Lawyer Atty. Lean Ledesma, Atty. Frederick Tuble, and Atty. Vanrey Valero. The said lawyers are contented earning 10 million a year. These lawyers have been noted to have never lost a single case, which explains the reason for their high fees. TV reporter Mary Jude Abol and Caroline Costillas covered the whole story. When I switched to a different channel, I came upon Pope Venerando de la Peña & Bishop Kent Elumir who are in Rome giving out a message of world peace and order for all the people all over the world. With Fr. Jay Duhaylungsod to lead all priests and Sister Ara Mina Sanchez to lead the nuns regardless of congregations, the Catholic Family is sure to surpass & overcome worldly trials and difficulties. Meanwhile, I was distracted by three nurses who entered the room, since they were not allowed to watch television on duty hours, they begged me to let them watch their favorite talk show hosted by Queen of talk show Jonah Alar & Jesucles Amores. Both have contrasting ideas, points of views and thoughts on many things leading them to an endless argumentation during the 60-minute show. This happens almost every show, making the audience love them for their strategy in capturing the attention of many viewers. Their show has been on air for 3 years and up to now it still receives a high rating on the people's choice for favorite talk show.
My eyes got tired from watching so much television that I decided to take a short nap. I closed my eyes and smoothly drifted to sleep. Two hours later, I woke up and got up from the clinic bed and walked to the couch just a few feet across my bed. I saw a newspaper dated Wednesday, November 21st, 2021. The lead article on the discovery of cure for AIDS was all over the papers. Doctors Pearly Queen Badon, Khrismaeh Dicci Bana-ay, Raquesa Batomalaque, OG Lois Marie Cueco, Nikki Claire Flores, Sheryl Marie Dales, Luisa Gasalao, Mary Anne Uy, Juvenal Pinero, and Erma Faye Pabatang have found a cure for AIDS which kills 19% of the total world population.
The other article was on world-famous computer programmers who had programmed machines such as robot pets, butlers, robot nannies, and many more. It earned them billions when they brought their inventions to the market. Such computer programmers were Michael Gonzalez who is married to Loren Tañac, Val Caro, Dwight Arnaiz, Jon Vinson Chua who is married to surgeon Fiona Marie Diao Chua, and computer programmer Deo Olasiman recently married UN Secretary- General Chrystal Anne Centeno.
Earlier, upon hearing the nurses conversation on the latest hit blockbuster film Top Gun part II, I turned to the entertainment page and saw the names & faces of pilot Amiel Duke Legaspi, Andrew Nalam, Wilfrid Ian Tan, Frederic Chiong, Jose Rodel Lesh, Lady Danielle Patrocinio with flight attendants Ms. Gloellyn Sollamillo and Ms. Jemara Queen Radones and lastly captain Mark Domingo who is engaged to Psychiatrist Julietta Ferraren.
Meanwhile, on the news all over the world, 2 soldiers were promoted & given the rank of Captain Generals for their selfless display of bravery and courage. They were General Christian Diaz and General Louie Ocampo. Jee-Ar Rufiño, Michael Jandog, Muriel Jude Adante & Erik Edward Jainga from the navy were also given awars by ex-Navy official turned Politician Anton Alexis Ylagan.
On the next page was a report which featured the misnavigation of the unsinkable ship, Titanic 2, owned by billionaire John Vincent Edrial. It was last seen in the Cuban Harbor before it was reported lost. A search team was set out to find Titanic 2 which is worth 9.8 billion dollars.
Someone came inside the room & interrupted my reading on Ambassador to France Woodrow Maquiling Jr. holding a meeting with 8 other ambassadors of the world regarding the Clean Water Act. Having spent a day in the spaceship with just television and newspaper to entertain me, I excitedly went down the flying saucer and started roaming the streets of Paris. On their Central Park, I saw supermodel Bethsie Moliño and Joanne Yap Alpha, now engaged to world-known designers Irene Price, Mardio Loreto and Teodoro Tugaoen. The 2 top paid supermodels continued posing at the camera for the next month's issue of Vogue magazine with editor-in-chief (former Miss Universe) Ms. Monette Kleine Koerkamp (now engaged to Rich and Famous Soccer Player Angelo Ho) while assistant editor in chief Carrolyn Dolar was recently married to famous soccer player Criselle John Pinli.
The people went on around their own business as both models had their make- up retouched and their wardrobe prepared while Siony Morano, posing as a special bodyguard – a policewoman – was sure to maintain the peace and order in the surrounding area.
I had so much fun in Paris. Shopping was great, the food was remarkably delicious and the Eiffel Tower was certainly a beauty. It was time to get on so I went inside the flying saucer & 3 hours later we were in New York where the World Bank was recently finished with top accountants working in different departments. They were Joseph Nodado, Jhon Garde Ng, Karen June Punay, Paulo Gadia , John Peter Paul Anqui, Mary Rose Tinguha, Nashvelle Ombi-on and Roneric Cariño.
My next stop was to watch world-famous Dancer Sherry Ann Ragay who was to dance on Broadway with 5,000 tickets sold and Ericjohn Tia as her manager and biggest fan at the same time. I was amazed at how Ms. Ragay could show so much gracefulness in dancing. I truly enjoyed watching her show.
When suddenly a ringing sound was made, I got up, scratched my eyes and clapped my hands. The whole class staring at me in confusion. They must be thinking "Now, what is up with her?" OG Louis Marie Cueco, my seatmate then forcefully tugged at my right hand and pulled me down to my seat. That was when she told me that I had slept for two periods of physics because Mdme. Maquiling was not around and was not able to rise to greet the next subject teacher because all the while I was dreaming. So I asked myself: That was all a dream? And with a smile on my face I thought, "Boy I sure couldn't wait to have another one!"