Christian Jay Laya: Filipino Historian

Christian Jay Laya: Filipino Historian

Biographical Sketch of Christian Jay Sope Laya, son of Allan Laya, Sr.

BIOGRAPHY

 

Christian Jay Laya (born March 29, 1998), is a Filipino student of History with a specialization in Philippine History at Mindanao State University - General Santos City, Mindanao, The Philippines. He came from a Visayan descent, with an ancestor who specifically came from Cebu and Ilo-Ilo. He was known by his close relatives and some friends as Jay.

His father was Allan Carcosia Laya, Sr., who died before his 19th Birthday in 2017. Jay's father, Allan, was a tricycle driver. His mother was Rosalina Navarro Sope but she was known to many as Emily. Jay's mother was a housewife and took care of household chores.

NURSERY/KINDERGARTEN (2001-2004)

Jay finished his pre-formal education/kindergarten at San Isidro Labrador Learning Center (in 2001) and Poblacion Day Care Center (in 2004), respectively. He was named Most Behaved in their class in Kindergarten. 

His Preschool teacher Ma'am Tertuliana Lomocso was his godmother(ninang) in his baptism. 

His kindergarten teacher was Ma'am Flordeliza Rioja simply called Mam Diza.

ELEMENTARY YEARS (2004-2010)

He was six when admitted as an Elementary pupil at Alabel Central Elementary School in Grade 1. His teacher-adviser was Mrs. Gloria Dema-ala. He was awarded as Most Behaved in their class in Grade 1. Their section was I-Dahlia.

Jay was transferred to Alabel Central SPED Center when he was in Grade 2. His teacher Mrs. Florentina Haudar encouraged him to have friends. He befriended Michael Onel and Mavin.

Grade 3 was a crucial year for him. Their teacher imposed an outdated conventional teaching technique that produced an unpleasant effect on Jay's educational perspective. 

In grade 4, his teacher was Mrs. Araceli, a tall, generous, and diligent mentor. Ma'am Araceli introduced and taught them how to execute the Sarangani Hymn well. Jay joined the Alabel SPED Drum and Lyre Band Corp where he played xylophone.

Grade 5, Ma'am Charlotte was their teacher-adviser again. 

When Grade 6 came, he ran for Grade 6 Representative and won, gaining the highest vote. Their teacher-adviser was Mrs. Rosalinda A. Hermo, who shared the beauty of education and the indomitable exchange of values.

In 2010, Jay graduated from elementary with honors as the Most Behaved pupil of their class in FL. He also received Loyalty distinction for being a drum and lyre band member and Jazz Chant awardee.

HIGH SCHOOL (2010-2014)

Jay entered High School Life. He enrolled at Alabel National High School. During his first year as a high school student, he was totally mesmerized by the changes, the surroundings, new faces, and new mentors. His teacher-adviser in his first year was Mrs. Olaybal. Mrs. Olaybal was a great English teacher.

In the second year, he became the school's representative for a forum held at Kidapawan City dubbed as Rizal is Alive Forum, this forum was to commemorate our National hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal. Their adviser, Mrs. Lumantas invited his class to join the annual PSYSC School-based camp. Math Caravan organized by Mathematics Department happened in 2012.

In 2013, he became an ANHS representative to join the ASEAN Quiz Bee at Glan, Sarangani Province. Unfortunately, he didn't win. The third year was the time to choose a specialization for the Tech-Voc Curriculum. Jay chose Commercial Cooking as a tech-voc course. His adviser, Mrs. Adora Bagunoc was also their TVE teacher.

On January 21, 2014, Jay went to Banga, South Cotabato to join the REGION XII Population Education Super Quiz Bowl organized by POPCOM XII. He lost the competition but he received a consolation prize worth 1000 pesos. Jay became the Sarangani's representative upon winning the Division Integrated Competition in Alabel, Sarangani Province in 2013. He won 5th place in the DSPC 2013 Featured Writing Contest. He became the Featured Editor of Alay ng Sarangani (ANHS Official Student's School Paper) in 2013. He passed the National Certificate II Practical Examination of TESDA and received an official NC II certificate.

In 2014, Jay graduated High School with honors and received the awards: Best in Araling Panlipunan, Leadership Awardee as Historian Club President, and Loyalty Award as PSYSC National member. 

This was the happiest day for Jay especially for his father, Allan, and mother, Emily. Hardworking parents deserved applause.

COLLEGE DAYS (2014-2018)

Christian Jay Laya, entered college and studied Bachelor of Arts in History at Mindanao State University - General Santos City. He wanted to become a successful Historian, a prolific writer, and a notable professor of antiquity.

In 2014, he traversed the jungle and escaped from the trap. He was vested with encouragement from his family and made a lot of changes. He befriended different people from unique tribes and languages such as Mr. Nico, an Ilonggo from Malandag, Ms. Joleah, a Sangil from Tambler, Mr. Rogel, a Cebuano from Calumpang and Ms. Merissa, a Tausug from Glan.

 

At MSU, Jay always stayed in the library scanning books to enhance his knowledge. He likes Asian History, Politics, and Local stories. He was nocturnal, sleeping less but actively participated in extracurricular activities like quiz bowls.

 

He became a dean's lister during the first year - first semester with a GPA of 1.7125, third-year first and second semester with a GPA of 1.4167 and 1.5000, and fourth year - first semester with a GPA of 1.2500. Achieving this number was like putting a lamb in the desert.

 

Currently, finishing his remaining subjects including his thesis entitled "Sto. Nino Parish of Bula: A Historical Narrative". 

On April 17, 2018, Jay successfully defended his Undergraduate Thesis. The defense was held at the History Department Faculty Office, CSSH, Mindanao State University-General Santos City. His Panel members were Prof. Elma Lumantas, Mr. Allan Castino and Ma'am Hannee Badilles. The defense at exactly four o'clock in the afternoon and ended at five o'clock. The Panel members suggested and recommended benevolent inputs to Jay's study.

Jay expects to finish his degree on June 07, 2018.

Reference:

Laya, Christian Jay S. Personal Narrative, 2018, retrieved from https://layarepublic.blogspot.com/2017/11/christian-jay-laya-know-thyself.html