Death in the time of the pandemic

We've all realized that death is unavoidable, but we don't know when it will happen. However, in this time of pandemic, many of us would guess or know right away if the cause of death was the COVID virus. As a result, even when other significant illnesses are cited as causes of mortality, COVID is frequently mentioned alongside them, as if COVID had become the leading cause of death in recent times. We can't blame people for being suspicious due of the increasing number of COVID incidents.

Personally, I just wanted to put an end to any discussion on the pandemic because we have been inundated with information about it at all hours of the day and night. However, the death of one close relative to another does not prevent us from discussing it.

The death of a former colleague at the University of the Philippines High School, whose legacy extended decades, is the most recent example. Professor Fred Montaño's engagements have continued even after his retirement, whenever we held reunions or tributes to retirees who shared his speaking and literary ability. When I announced his death on Facebook, condolences and expressions of gratitude from his colleagues and former students continued to stream in.

Professor Montaño is seen as a dynamic teacher by a student who enjoyed his lessons and recalls his excellent delivery of Dr. Faustus' soliloquy. Another student agreed, claiming that his delivery is superior to that of any Broadway actor. He complimented him for his unwavering commitment to educating their then-inexperienced minds.

Another student said her favorite memory of Prof. Montaño was when he read the poem Invictus to them with his booming voice and full of emotion. As a result, the line "being the master of my fate and the captain of my soul" has become indelible in her mind.

A student named him as one of his favorite professors at UP High, recalling their literary and practical law lessons as particularly memorable due to his passion and enthusiasm for teaching. His Beowulf and Grendel impersonations left a lasting impression on the students.

Another student recalled Prof. Montaño being the Citizen Army Training commandant, master of ceremonies, quiz master, and more!

Fellow retiree Dr. Rhodora Bucoy vividly remembered Fred as a warmhearted person. “His laughter was contagious. I have worked with him in the association Mads de la Cerna organized to capacitate Social Studies teachers of Cebu during my first year in UP Cebu. He was the favorite resource speaker on Inquiry oriented approach in teaching. When he retired, we often crossed path on many occasions at Ayala where he and Becky strolled as their exercise. We exchange hellos and many times he would ask me about my daughters especially Freedom, his former student in UP High”.

Professor Montaño, the voice, the speaker, the commandant, we salute you. Your exuberant laugh will definitely thrill the saints and angels in heaven, even if we shall miss it.

William Ernest Henley’s concluding lines of Invictus: “It matters not how strait the gate. How charged with punishments the scroll. I am the master of my fate. I am the captain of my soul”. Indeed, Prof. Montaño believes the courage in the face of death, and holding on to one's own dignity despite the indignities life places before us. Rest in peace, “Mr. Montan”.