You were named as one of the Outstanding Women in Rice Science by IRRI in 1990. Is there really a need to emphasize a person’s gender in this field?
Traditionally, women in rice production are associated with farm activities like planting, weeding and harvesting. Rice science was dominated by men so I think the IRRI recognized that women too have an important role in rice science. Now, there is gender equality in rice science mainly because what men can do, women can do better, hahaha.
Do you believe that even in the liberal environment of UP, men, more than women, get more opportunities for success?
No, it all depends on one’s priorities. Initially women, especially married women, tend to have greater focus on domestic needs than on professional activities; hence, they have to forgo some opportunities for professional advancement. Today, I think we have equal chances for success.
Dekada 70. Tess (3rd from left) with some members of the Class '78 in costumes for their presentation during the UP Centennial grand reunion celebration. Her role is that of an 'iskolar ng bayan'. To her right is Pola playing the role of a nun. (Photo credit: Fred Serrano, UPLB Class '78).
As one of the more fortunate UP Centennial Jubilarians this year, your batch (Class ’78) had the opportunity to join in the UP Centennial Celebration held in the Araneta Colliseum last June 21, 2008 by performing a short skit by Bonifacio Ilagan. Please describe the preparations that you did for the celebration.
I think everyone wanted to be a part of the Centennial Celebration kasi di na natin aabutin yung susunod nacentennial. Mahirap pa lang mag-artista. You have to take intensive training in voice projection and acting. Practice makes perfect, though. We did the initial blocking for the play at the Crop Science Cluster lobby every afternoon; kahit lima lang kami, sige lang. We had to go to Bahay ng Alumni in UP Diliman thrice for the general rehearsal. It was indeed a wonderful experience! We also extended our social realm, friends na kami niGeneral George Aliño, Atty. Fred Cabeza . . . at marami pang iba. Kaya kung may problema sa PNP, pwes may I call Gen. Aliño! Atty. Cabeza, a prominent Makati-based lawyer, even offered us a 50% discount for his lawyering services (that is, if you can afford his PhP 1M fee per client)!
Would you consider your presentation a success? Are we going to see more of Sis Tess the actress rather than the scientist in the immediate future?
For me, joining the theatre should be done once in a while lang, para manabik naman ang mga fans!
How did it feel to be directed by no less than Prof. Behn Cervantes, the popular TV and film actor and director?
Class 78 was so proud to be directed by Prof. Cervantes . . . great feeling . . . ganun pala yon. The good thing is, even at our age,kahit ka pala mapunyeta ni Prof. Cervantes, ok lang kasi you will always see the positive effects naman, just think na trabaho nya talaga ang magmura at manigaw. We eventually gained his respect and praise naman.
In the Philippine music and recording industry, local singers and superstars aspire to perform at the Araneta Coliseum. A successful concert in the Big Dome is considered as a very good indication that the artist is not only widely popular but also finally ‘made’. Did it elicit the same feeling?
My feeling was to act to the fullest as directed so di ko na feel ang Araneta Colliseum syndrome. Mas type ko kasi mag-performsa Cultural Center of the Philippines!
Outside of the academe, what diversions give you pleasure?
Pleasurable diversions include visiting historical places and chatting with treasured friends. Medyo ito na ata ang dapat kung pagtuunan. Nakakadrain na ring mag gawa ng proposals, mag-review ng projects at mag-attend ng meetings.
You graduated cum laude in 1978, and two of your daughters received the same recognition when they graduated also in UPLB (Katrina, BS Development Communication ’04 and Ria Mae, BS Computer Science ’06). As an expert on plant breeding, is it true that 60% of one’s intelligence is inherited from the mother? I am sure Emer, your permanent roommate, and all the fathers out there are ready to retort: ‘40% pa lang ang sa tatay, what more kung 60% pa!’
Tess and husband Emer are joined by their three daughters Katrina (right), Ria Mae, and Elaiza.
Genetics plays an important part. It’s in the genessabi nga, and probably Emer and I had a very good combining ability! There is also heterosis – the performance of the offsprings is better than both parents in terms of phenotype (mas magaganda) and intelligence. The environment too has great effect on the genotypes (gene combinations). It is an important factor in fully realizing the potential of the genes we provide.
Together with the hubby, any effective ‘life formula’ you can share in raising bright kids?
The formula is: Let them choose and decide on what they want to do and pursue, just be around to support them.
How do you see yourself in the future?
I see myself as a farmer, church worker and part time supervisor/teacher in a private elementary school. I want to contribute and provide the right educational foundation to elementary students. Sabi nga ni Gat Jose Rizal, however trite it may sound, ang kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan.
Last Updated on October 12, 2016 by Tudla_Admin
Inspiring!!