Teacher’s “Budol”: MGCNLCA Teachers’ Collections

Have you ever been caught up in the hype of Sonny Angels, Smiskis, or PopMart figurines? Or perhaps have gotten “budol-ed” (the act of convincing someone into buying something unnecessary) by these collectibles? 

These trending items are currently taking over the interests of the younger generation. Similarly, teachers of MGC New Life Christian Academy (MGCNLCA) also get “budol-ed” in their own way as they have their own respective collections as well.

Senior High School Supervisor Raquiel Pinlac, Grade 1 homeroom teacher Janaye Villanueva, and Grade 7 Bible teacher Sharon Sandra Ngo share their long-time ongoing collections that have sparked their interests.

RAQUIEL PINLAC

Pinlac has been collecting Pilot Coleto multi-pens since 2016 and has purchased more than 90 variations since then. 

Her interest in Pilot pens began in her high school years when she used to collect the Pilot G-Tec pens in different colors. As she started working, she found out about the Pilot Coleto, which offers several colors in a single pen, and got hooked by its different designs. It was in 2016 when Pinlac saw a fellow MGCNLCA teacher using a rare gold Pilot Coleto and found out that Japan offered more unique designs. To her delight, a close friend of her daughter bought her two special Coleto pens with angel wing refills—marking the day she found out that these pens had more to offer.

Since then, she would purchase Coleto pens from eBay Japan, Amazon, and Japan stationery resellers online and would often receive them as gifts from co-teachers, churchmates, and friends. 

“For me, having a Coleto pen is like having all I want in one pen. I love the first few sets I've collected [because] they have their ‘stories,’” she shared. “They are the most memorable ones.”

Pinlac’s collection includes Pilot Japan collaborations with different series, multi-slot pens, gel pen refills, mechanical pencil refills, eraser refills, and refill cases. 

JANAYE VILLANUEVA

After the pandemic, Villanueva began collecting enamel pins from around the world. Influenced by her cousin, she grew fond of these pins, as they served as souvenirs from the places she’s been to. Just like pictures and magnets that you’ll typically find when you visit other countries, enamel pins serve the same purpose to Villanueva. 

With her growing collection of more than 30 pins, she set up a board in her home to showcase all of their unique and memorable designs. Villanueva sees to it that she buys high-quality pins with metal linings, like gold, to prevent fading.

When her close friends and family found out about her love for these items, they started gifting these pins to Villanueva as well. “My collection has become more memorable for me because they’re no longer just from memorable places, but they’re also from very memorable people,” she said.

SHARON SANDRA NGO

In 2004, Ngo started collecting items associated with the Bible story about Noah’s ark. Her interest began as she waited for the birth of her first child, Stacey, when she realized that collecting these items could be a unique, exciting, and meaningful hobby. 

More than the idea of growing a massive collection, Ngo’s pursuit of these items reminds her of having a sovereign, loving God in the midst of life’s struggles. Every item in her collection has become a testament to God’s faithfulness throughout her life.

“With Noah's story,” she said, “I can share God's love and truth with other people.”

So far, Ngo has collected over 700 various items, all relating to Noah’s ark.
Over many years, these teachers have taken the time and effort to grow and build their respective collections. These “budols” of theirs have become more than just time-passing activities and, instead, have marked significant meaning and memories throughout their lifetimes.