Filipino at Heart': A show that puts teachers in the spotlight

It was a flat "no" that teacher Jean Descallar, owner of Starland International School in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, immediately gave when she was first offered by producer Ivy Attaya of Makers Mind, to host a TV show.

- By LEAH C. SALTERIO

While Jean has been a teacher for nearly two decades now, she has never appeared on TV.

"I believe I can serve without having to do a TV show," Teacher Jean said. "I don't have to be in the limelight. I want to be behind the scenes. I was nervous. But Ivy didn't give up on me. She always encouraged and convinced me."

The son of Teacher Jean got in touch with Ivy because they have a product, the sugar blocker, that they wanted to promote. "At that time, I got to know Teacher Jean and she told me how important teachers are in our lives. So, I thought of a program concept focusing on a teacher."

Ivy previously produced the weekly program, "Negosyo Goals," where small and big businesses were featured, with hosts Gerry Santos and Anna Magkawas for four seasons, respectively.

"One of the missions and visions that I want to tap for 'Filipino at Heart' is the community, where we can show the hardships of teachers and how important they are in our lives," said Ivy.

"They don't get paid much, but they cannot afford to be sick because they have big responsibilities to our students. There's a teacher who can represent the millions of teachers around."

When Teacher Jean was finally convinced, she could not be thankful enough for the trust and encouragement that her "Filipino at Heart" producer gave her.

"Your motivation has given me the confidence to embrace TV hosting despite the challenges it brings," Teacher Jean told Ivy. "Bisaya ako. Nahihiya ako. But my passion for teaching, especially in the pre-school level and my advocacy for education have always been my driving forces."