THE VISITATION OF THE GODS

By: Gilda Cordero-Fernando

Author’s Background: Gilda Cordero-Fernando is a writer and publisher from the Philippines. She was born on June 4, 1932 in Manila. Cordero-Fernando has two collections of short stories: The Butcher, The Baker and The Candlestick Maker (1962) and A Wilderness of Sweets (1973). These books have been compiled and reissued as the Story Collection (1994).

Vocabulary:

Ravish - seize and carry off (someone) by force.

Gorge - a narrow valley between hills or mountains, typically with steep rocky walls and a stream running through it.

Jagged - with rough, sharp points protruding.
Tangible - perceptible by touch.

Rigmarole - a lengthy and complicated procedure.

Characters:

Mr. Olbes - School's principal

Mrs. Olbes - Principal's wife

Mr. Alava - Superintendent

Mr. Del Rosario - Military tactics

Ms. Santos – P.E Instructor

Mr. Baz - National language Instructor

Mr. de dios - Physics Instructor

Mr. Buenaflor - Industrial Arts Instructor

Mrs. Divinagracia – H.E Instructor

Ms. Noel - English Instructor

Mr. Sawit - English supervisor

Leon - Student

Setting:

School - an organization that provides instruction: Such as an institution for the teaching of children.

Summary

A letter was sent across all the schools announcing that the officials will arrive after a month for the purpose of inspection and evaluation. Right after the first period, classes were dismissed to hold a meeting with all the school officials. They held a general cleaning throughout the whole school. Afterwards, the teaching a staff and student body was divided into four working groups. The first group consisting of Mrs. Divinagracia, and some of the less attractive teachers were banished to the kitchen to prepare the menu for the upcoming visitors. The second group had been assigned to arrange the utensils to be used for supper. The third group’s duty was to structure the rooms in accordance to the classroom decorations. Finally, the fourth group’s task was to remove all unsightly objects from the landscape. The rest of the staff were given tasks of their own as well. The day of the inspection came, at around 1:30pm the superintendent’s car drove through town, heading towards Pugad Lawin. All the officials prepared to welcome their arrival. Dressed elegantly with barong for males while the females wore red, white, or blue dresses in obedience to the principal’s circular. Ms. Noel met up with the new English instructor. He told her about how Mr. Ampil passed away. The celebration began with a concert from the schoolboys playing an animated rendition of “Merry Widow” Afterwards, the principal pushed a dance party between the guests and instructors where he made use of pretty faces to encourage the guests. The visitation turns out well and the guests left to join a fiesta along with the lovely female teachers. Mr. Sawit follows Ms. Noel to the kitchen to ask her about what she thinks of the visitation. She was blunt and honest, and asked what the point was if it was all scripted. She said, if the visitation was announced a month in advance, it defeats the purpose of the activity and gives the school an opportunity to cover up their mistakes. Mr. Sawit says that it can’t be helped and that it is just how things works, even if it may be unfair. Ms. Noel chooses not to give up and stays determined to teach students because she knows that their future depends on it. In the end, they took a group picture as a memoir, Ms. Noel though late but ran to take her place with pride and humility on the lowest part of the school’s hierarchy.

Symbolism:

Gods are to be treated well and welcomed with everything pleasurable; it is shown in this story how they portrayed the guests as Gods since “99% of the results comes from impression” It’s as if this activity was only made to give out sacrifices to the Gods. Everything should be treated fairly and without being biased.

Theme:

School Inspection

Lesson:

Even when life is unfair, keep your mentality strong to achieve your dreams. No matter what anyone says, at the end of the day, it is all about you. Stay true to what you feel and pursue your passion.