The Vanguard Quarantine ChroniclesCes Buenavista: Queen of the Barrack

BLURB: “Sir” is literally used as something like a punctuation. The norm is to use “Sir” at the start and end of a conversation. It gets to become a habit.

BLURB: When this writer spoke with her, she was in the middle of preparing care packages for stranded students in the Diliman campus. Helping her were other UP ROTC alumni. These care packages include soap and toiletries as well as snacks and drinks. These are in addition to the two daily meals provided by the Makati Chapter of the UP Vanguard for stranded students inside the Diliman campus.

Cadet Captain Ces Buenavista, UP ROTC

As the only the cadet officer billeted in the UP ROTC barracks in the UP Diliman campus during the early days of the nationwide pandemic quarantine, 21-year-old Ces Buenavista can rightfully claim the title of being “Queen of the Barracks.” She was among the thousands of college students who were stranded in the different campuses throughout the country when the Enhanced Community Quarantine went into effect last April.

Being stranded away from her family apparently hasn’t fazed her.

“Sir, I’m an introvert, sir,” Ces told this writer.

It’s very noticeable that Ces, who’s a cadet captain in the Corps of Cadets, liberally uses the word “sir” when she speaks. She begins and ends her sentences with a “Sir.” It’s like that for those who undergo a period of regimented life, which is something this writer definitely understands.

During the interview, Ces makes it a point to explain her situation is different from other stranded students. She’s fortunate that as a cadet officer, she automatically has lodging in the cadet officer barracks in the UP Department of Military Science and Tactics. It’s the same situation with her fellow cadet officers in UP ROTC Los Banos. The ROTC alumni who are members of the UP Vanguard Inc. take care of their needs.

Even during this lockdown, students like her have to make a lot of adjustments. These include the online studies that she has to do, plus the projects for her course, and, of course, her work in the Corps. And this puts her in a unique position of being able to help her fellow stranded students.

As I interview Ces, she’s working with a few UP Vanguard brods to prepare care packages for students stranded inside the UP Diliman campus. These care packages include soap and toiletries as well as some snacks and drinks. These are in addition to the two daily meals provided by UP Vanguard Makati Chapter for the stranded students.

The care packages are prepared inside the UPDMST Tactical Officers Quarters. Helping Ces is Jelyn Dades, a former corps commander of the UP ROTC Diliman
Bars of soap are included in the care packages

These free daily mails are prepared by the staff of Joe Mag’s in Magno Hall, which is inside the UP Department of Military Science and Tactics compound. These free daily meals for stranded students in the UP Diliman campus is being given for the duration of the ECQ.

Even when she’s among the stranded, Ces still helps.

Not everybody can be in the front lines. They also serve, those who sit and prepare care packages.

Care packages for stranded students contain snacks, soap and other stuff to help make life easier for stranded students in UP Diliman
These little notes are incuded in the care packages

FVE: Why were you stranded here?

CB: Sir, it was difficult to get tickets. The airline schedule kept changing because of the developing situation.

FVE: When you found out you were stranded here in Metro Manila when the Enhanced Community Quarantine was imposed throughout Luson, what was the first thing in your mind?

CB: Sir, My classes, sir.

FVE: Why?

CB Sir, Kasi, sayang po yung subjects, sir.

FVE: The University Student Council has asked the University officials to pass all students enrolled this semester. What do you say to that?

CB Sir, Personally, okay lang siya kasi alam natin na may mga ibang students na hindi talaga makapag internet for online classes. Pero, para sa akin, parang nakapanghihinayang na di ko po natapos yung mga units ko this sem. Sayang po yung subjects ko this kasi hindi ko talagang napag-aralan ng maigi.

FVE: So you’re embarrassed that for passing despite not finishing your subjects?

CB Sir, yes, sir. Sir, it’s about competence of the subject, sir. I don’t feel I am competent enough about the subjects I missed to pass.

FVE: How did your parents react when they found out you were stranded?

CB Gusto sana nila akong pauwiin. As much as possible daw, para may kasama naman daw ako. Pero, for me, much better kung nandito ako. Lesser ang interaction ko with people, and that means lesser ang risk na ma-infect ako.

FVE: How about your expenses?

CB Nagpapadala naman po sila through bank transfers and ATM. Our family has a store in the province, in Matalam, North Cotabato.

FVE: How are your parents?

CB Okay naman sila. Though I don’t know the specifics of how the quarantine is like at home, they told me they’re fine. There have been no reports that things are bad there.

FVE: You’ve been stranded here inside the Diliman campus for a month. How would you describe that month?

CB Sir, personally, parang bumalik lang yung dating kong lifestyle nung high school. Wala naman po talaga akong ginagawa. Nakakulung lang sa kwarto. But this time, I can talk to my classmates. I have things to do in the Corps of Cadets. And I get to do something to help my fellow stranded students, sir.

FVE You don’t seem really bothered with being stranded. Why?

CB Sir, I’m an introvert, sir.

FVE You’re an introvert. So not being around people is not a problem for you?

CB Sir, yes, sir. I really am an introvert.

FVE Literally, you are the only person inside the cadet officer barracks right now for a whole month. Your only companions are those two dogs, Miao and Rainbow. Any ghost stories?

CB Sir, wala po talagang nagpapakita or nagpaparamdam sa akin.

FVE Apparently, the barracks ghosts are also practicing social distancing…

CB Sir, the personnel of Magno Hall claims they hear the sounds of marching feet at night. But, for me, none, sir. I haven’t felt, heard or seen any ghosts, sir.

FVE Any advise for your fellow stranded students?

CB Sir, they should use this time to finish all their projects now, sir.

FVE Spoken like a true conscientious introvert.

CB Sir, yes, sir.

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