Star Teacher

Overcoming obstacles is easy when you look good and think positive!

Photos by Patrick Martires
Text by Angel Constantino
Styling by Katrina Dy
Hair and makeup by Letty Lacambra and Fe Cuanan of Salon Paradisus
Clothes from The Flower Collection, She, and SM Department Store
Accessories from Benjie Angeles and Anagon Collection

Before she became a teacher, Imelda Ebarle Galleon, or “Mel” as she likes to be called, studied Midwifery. Her first challenge was looking for work. “When I got married, I wanted to be employed but the government wouldn’t accept me if I didn’t graduate from a four-year course,” she says. “So I decided to study Elementary Education. When I passed the board exam, I was hired.”

Teacher Mel is from the town of Tagoloan in Misamis Oriental. Her first job was in a private school, teaching nursery and grade two. After that, she was hired in a public school, Sta. Cruz Elementary School, where she handled grade five students.

After several years, she switched to grade two because she wanted to experience teaching the primary levels. “I wanted to focus on my own pupils, since I’m teaching all subjects in grade two,” she says.

Mel believes teaching grade two students is challenging yet enjoyable as she encounters pupils with different behaviors and family backgrounds. “I come from a barrio school and most of my grade two students did not experience nursery, kinder, and grade one. Those who go directly to grade two can’t even read yet. I have pupils from ages nine to 13 years old. Some of their parents are very busy, while others are very poor.”

Despite the challenges, Mel gives one hundred percent when it comes to her students. What she loves most about her job is how she can influence and touch their lives. “I’m satisfied because they learn the way I teach them.” She also knows that a good teacher cannot do everything alone. That’s why she enlists the help of their parents as well as her honor students.

At the time of the makeover, it was Mel’s first time to visit Manila to attend a SAS workshop. She says, “It’s such a privilege to come to Manila and get a makeover. I never dreamt of coming here since I have four kids to take care of but God let it happen.”

With her strong faith and passion for work, Mel assures other teachers that they too can overcome any challenge. Though she may not be financially rich, she says, “What makes me rich are the children whose lives I touch through teaching. They will take those lessons with them as they grow up.”

The Outfit: Mel came to the shoot dressed in a black top and dark jeans. Though her ensemble was safe, Mel needed something to spice up her look. We decided to introduce her to bright hues and flattering prints for a more feminine style.
The Hair: Mel’s hair is thick and unruly. To make it more manageable, Letty Lacambra, senior stylist at Salon Paradisus, added face-framing layers that lessened the unwanted volume of her locks.
The Look: For acidic skin like Mel’s, Letty recommends using a yellow-based foundation to even skin tone and conceal freckles and other blemishes.