GINA TAMESIS POBLETE REMEMBERS

Good morning/good evening,

My name is Gina Tamesis Poblete, Assumption HS Class of 1983.

Sister Regivic was our high school principal for four years.

I had gotten to know her more during the AMA summer immersions.

I encountered Sr. Regivic beyond the serious, cerebral, intuitive and deeply observant individual we all know her to be.

Before deploying us to our immersion assignments in the Visayas, we had intensive training and team building at school, in San Lorenzo, when everybody else was enjoying their summer. She made it a point to be there, supporting us always.

Hands in pocket, she walked confidently, in a room, with such ease, always with purpose. Forever pleasant, and even if she was not, you would never be able to tell. She was intentional, direct, yet kind and earnest. She was intelligent, deep with strong leadership skills.

What amazes me most about Sister Regivic, is that she had this steady voice, one that naturally drew one’s attention without needing to shout. She was sound, rational, reasonable, sensible, hardly fazed by anything. A gentle human being whose measured energy and wisdom, calmed us effusive Assumptionistas, whenever she addressed us.

She was more respected than feared.

To me, there was this yearning to please her, to make sure we did not let her down nor disappoint her.

I was a quiet student, and relatively introverted throughout my high school years.

Sister Regivic had this uncanny ability to “see me” when I could not see myself. Like X-ray vision where she knew how I was feeling when I could not even begin to articulate what those feelings were. No doubt she cared about each and every one of us.

I believe she sought us out, like Christ, making sure all the sheep are accounted for, no one left behind. Everyone here will agree that our high school days were memorable. Yet, it also came with the usual teenage angst and turbulence in trying to navigate our challenges back then.

Sister Regivic was a holy anchor, keeping us grounded. She made sure that our beloved Assumption school, was a safe haven with her caring leadership and genuine compassion.

Her quiet ways had impacted hugely – a fine example of Saint Marie Eugenie’s quote:

“Allow that gentle stirring inside of you to radiate and fill others”

The last time I spoke to her was during our Ruby Velada, two years ago. Again, I felt that special aura she exuded: gentle, comforting, intelligent and possessing a quiet dignity. I thought to myself, I wish I could be in her space more often. It’s as if all the noise in the world is drowned out and you know you are in the presence of grace. That was Sister Regivic to me.

Maya Angelou the poet said:

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

I will always cherish the valued feeling you gifted me dearest with Sr. Regivic!

That we enter into this world with “ITA” the word inscribed in your ring: a simple 3-letter word which means YES to God, the way our Blessed Mother had shown us. ITA exemplifies you: intentional, purposeful, no fanfare, just a straightforward, simple YES, giving your ALL to Christ.

Thank you Sr. Regivic!