Xerxes Alain Hibanada, fondly called Zirk by his classmates, started his schooling as a toddler at The Learning Place. He was an adorable tiny tot whose piercing bawls bounced from wall to wall every time his aunt left him by the classroom doorstep. As he slowly attuned himself to what school was, the yelling mellowed to soft whimpers and in days, he was laughing with other toddlers in the room. He breezed through Elementary and graduated from HS Batch 2014 as Class Salutatorian. It seems baffling how he has grown from the aloof and timid 15-year-old who always had cold feet during Filipino recitations to the strong-willed, unyielding and principled young man that he is now.
Follow us as we retrace his journey after STEFTI to the real world and of how he struggled to keep his optimism alive even in the face of grim desolation and uncertainty.
Taking Baby Steps Forward
As early as in third grade, he already knew he couldn’t be a doctor or a nurse given that he sucked at Science and Math. Despite that, he still managed to be a consistent academic achiever all through high school, but his last year in STEFTI was briefly interrupted when horrible Yolanda struck the place. Gathering the broken bits and pieces of the days before, he and his batchmates stood determined to learn as much as they could in the remaining quarter of the school year. No trauma stopped him from finishing the year with honors that he well-deserved.
Sixth grade graduation. Sana always clear skin
Fourth Year Romans with Adviser Ma’am Chessa Olitan Second Year Isaiah with Adviser Ma’am Mae Bacareza The Herald Tribune’s post-competition smiles in the DSSPC 2013 The Herald Tribune 2013-2014 feat. Really tall bamboo! The Supreme Student Council paying it forward Third Year David with Adviser Mr. Kris Noveda Quick pic before we get all sweaty High school graduation rehearsals 2014 Trying hard to hide tourney jitters in the Division Secondary Schools Press Conference 2013 Graduation rites with Ma’am Narnette Batayola and Ma’am Bernadette Palami, my trusted first nannies/teachers who made me feel secure in a “big school”.
After high school, he continued to pursue his love for history, literature, and the arts. Treading further into this path, he took up Bachelor of Arts in Humanities at the University of Asia and the Pacific as a full scholar.
It was along this road that I discovered a fondness for research. Looking back at high school, I remember how much I dreaded doing investigatory requirements, let alone finishing the horror that is Chapter 2: Review of Related Literature. But as fate would have it, college helped me realize my untapped potential for research. Even as an undergraduate student, I immersed myself in various research projects. My first experience was my internship with a development agency called Finnish Consulting Group, Ltd. in Singapore. I was also under the employ of the Center for Research and Communication as a Research Assistant. Briefly, I was Senior Research Associate for the University of the Philippines Center for Integrative and Development Studies.
Xerxes as an intern in Singapore. It’s really hot. Climate change is real. Xerxes and his co-intern with directors of Finnish Consulting Group, Ltd
At the university, he was a member of the Agora: The UA&P Debate Society and University Student Government where he served as Internal Vice President.
Debate exercise in class 2017 UA&P delegates in 2017 United Asian Debating Championship in Cambodia UA&P delegates in the 2017 Philippine Inter Collegiate Debate Championship Xerxes in the Community Engagement for Development with his co-delegates from Indonesia, Taiwan, and Malaysia, held in Indonesia in 2019 Xerxes with his fellow Filipino delegates to the Community Engagement for Development 2019 held in Indonesia
Conquering the Uphill Battle
The years that followed his graduation in STEFTI presented him with plenty of opportunities to do what he does best. But among all the achievements he made so far, the one that is most compelling is slowly overcoming depression and anxiety.
I was diagnosed with clinical depression and anxiety in December 2020. Needless to say, the path to recovery was not without difficulty–add to the fact that a pandemic limited everyone’s mobility. To those who may not grasp what it’s like to be in my shoes, I’ve been through sleepless nights and days when I struggle to get out of bed; episodes of prolonged hopelessness and sudden bouts of happiness; occasions of being overly emotional and absolutely numb; loss of appetite and a seemingly insatiable craving for food, just to cite a few.
The journey is tough and the willingness to go on is often frail. But I pledged to myself I won’t succumb to the sickness. I will recover come hell or high water. Fast forward to today, I’m still here and I couldn’t be prouder.
Just a quick photo op amidst the student council stress Happy birthday to Dr. Alviar, Dean of the School of Law and Governance
Equatorial Rites 2016 Graduation Rites 2018
Coming Full Circle
Currently, he works as a Program Assistant for a 12-month research project in the University of the Philippines Manila – Disaster Risk Reduction and Management in Health Center and a part- time Senior High School instructor at STEFTI.
As PA, I delved into the factors associated with COVID-19 infection among healthcare workers in hospitals across the country. I also completed a full-blown research into the perception of Tacloban beneficiaries on the delivery of the Yolanda Permanent Housing Program. I partook in a community engagement program in Indonesia where I helped rebuild a library for grade school students. My most fulfilling venture, however, is coming full circle as a teacher in STEFTI. Teaching wasn’t something I saw myself doing. I always knew I’d be lending my voice in pursuit of upholding the law in court. To my surprise, I found happiness in touching the lives of 16 students and leaving a lasting impact in my trail.
While working full time, he is also finishing a Master’s Degree in Political Economy with Specialization in International Relations and Development at the University of Asia and the Pacific.
Learning from the Best
Academically, STEFTI challenged me to not just communicate, but to communicate well. Joining the STEFTI Debaters Guild and The Herald Tribune sharpened my wits and honed my skill in writing and public speaking. I owe this through the trainings handled by our debate mentors.
I learned to sift through irrelevant information to obtain data that matters; use my voice to uphold what is right; and most relevantly, fact check what I see on social media.
More importantly, however, STEFTI gave me a strong support system I can always rely on when I feel like it’s me against the world. I have teachers who continue to light my path and I’ve forged friendships with people who I now consider to be family. I realized that even after years of shaping my destiny out in the world, a part of me still longs for the comfort of home. Thankfully, I have STEFTI.
To this day, he is still a basket case in sporting events and is still awkward on stage. But what emerged from his old self is the unyielding spirit to fight for what is just: to speak truth to power and to speak for those without a voice.
Recitations in the classroom taught me the value of speaking up amidst the ridicule and criticism. Debate training showed me the importance of looking at issues from all possible angles. Student council meetings made me a leader that puts a premium to the common good over personal interests. In a society that caters to the rich and powerful, there was no longer any room for timidity. I had to do something. So, I chose to grow.
It was in STEFTI where I was taught there is more to life’s purpose beyond the walls of school. The real battle awaits outside.
Project Assistant at the University of the Philippines–Manila
Part-time SHS Instructor, STEFTI
Imparting Pieces of Advice
CHOOSE KINDNESS. You haven’t the slightest idea what everyone around you is going through. There are losses around you that you don’t know about, and a little act of kindness goes a long way. But more importantly, be kind to yourself. Life’s hard enough. Cut yourself some slack. This goes to everyone reading this––and yes, even those gifted with a skill for the physical sciences. For those who wish to be scholars of the social sciences, read. Invest time and effort into broadening what you already know. The fountain of knowledge is rich and eternal. Make sure you have your share. The world evolves at a pace most of us can’t keep up with, the facts will help you cope.
BE TEACHABLE. Nobody, regardless of age, race, and sexual orientation, has a monopoly of all the knowledge in the world. You’ll screw up and that’s all right. What’s not right is being presented with the facts and still choosing to keep a closed mind to reality. Do not be that person. St. Therese of the Child Jesus will not like that. If growth is what you’re after, allow people to weed out the parts of you that hinder your growth. You’ll flourish, just wait and see.
YOU WON’T ALWAYS GET THE HELP YOU NEED OUT THERE. People you rely on won’t always be available to lend you a hand. In times like these, you must be prepared to fend on your own. Trust yourself to be your own light at the end of the tunnel. STEFTI’s gifting you with skills to help you brave the unknown. Use that to survive what’s out there.
BE BRAVE. If you know deep down that you’re in the right, fight for it. When you’re alone, fight for it. When you’re up against people older than you, fight for it. Of course, do it in a manner that’s respectable. It has always been my belief that getting your message across can be done by presenting facts and without resorting to character assassination. That’s something only the weak do. Living in fear is what those who oppose you want. They will go to great lengths to incapacitate you with fear. Do not give in. When all is said and done, you have your integrity intact. That’s what matters.
CHERISH YOUR LIFE IN STEFTI. Take pride in this brand of education that nurtures––allowing you to bloom in adversity.
XERXES ALAIN HIBANADA
STEFTI HS Batch 2014
