Mister Education
A first ever in the history of Star Teacher makeovers, we give a male teacher the VIP treatment!
Photos by Monica Barretto
Styling by Marla Miniano
Grooming by Letty Lacambra and Fe Cuanan of Salon Paradisus
Outfits from Solo and Anagon Collection
Rodel Fabian Alfonso is a native of Pampanga. He studied Elementary Education at Holy Angel University in Angeles City and completed his MAED Educational Management in Pampanga Agricultural College. “Bunso ako, kaya naging kahiligan ko ang mga bata,” shares Rodel, who wanted to become a teacher ever since he was a child.
After graduation, he taught for a while in a private school. Then, he tried working as a call center agent in Clark. “I wanted to explore other options,” he says. “Working there was a good experience, but it became boring after a while.” After a few months, Rodel realized that his heart was in teaching. “I can express myself better through teaching. It’s stressful, but enjoyable.”
Today, he teaches science to grade five and six students at Pampanga Elementary School, where he has been teaching for the past seven years. He is also the district coordinator for Physical Education. His task is to organize games, such as athletics, volleyball, badminton, chess, and table tennis, for the Palarong Pambansa in the elementary level.
Apart from all his tasks in school, Rodel is also a loving husband and dad to four-year old Borris and one-year-old Rohan. His wife Rhoda is also a teacher and they’re expecting another baby soon!
Rodel says taking care of his students in school and kids at home are quite similar. “The love I give to my kids is the same as the love I give my students,” he shares. “When I was a new teacher, the kids were afraid of me. Hindi kasi ako palangiti kaya tingin nila sa akin masungit na matapang.” But now, he has learned to loosen up a little as he believes that student-teacher interaction is very important. “There are times when I have to discipline the kids and other times when I’m just like a kuya to them.”
The Outfit: Rodel arrived from Pampanga wearing a dark blue t-shirt, blue jeans, and gray sneakers. We wanted to give this hard-working dad a look that was younger and more fun.
The Hair: Rodel’s hair was flat and limp—he didn’t know how to fix it because school policy prohibits teachers from putting too much styling product in their hair and looking “punk.” Miss Letty gave him a shorter, edgier cut that still looks neat and decent. “I made his hair easier to manage,” she says. “After taking a shower, he just needs to apply wax and he’s good to go.”
