Scene from “Maka” —PHOTOS COURTESY OF GMA PUBLIC AFFAIRS
As a teacher, there’s no better feeling, Romnick Sarmenta said, than seeing his students realize their potential and achieve their goals.
“I have met hardworking students who have been out of school for a long time but decided to go back and finish their studies. I have met people who need to work while studying; people who sacrifice time with their families to pursue their dreams. Seeing them graduate and get into the field they want … it feels good to be part of that,” he told the Inquirer in an interview.
In 2019, he joined Trinity University Asia as a teacher-practitioner under the College of Arts, Sciences and Education’s media and communication department. Romnick, who currently holds classes once a week, handles various subjects for students majoring in broadcasting and communication.
“I’m blessed to have met wonderful students who have their own stories to tell and ways to inspire. Some of them, who are now working, would go back and tell me, ‘Sir, ang dami kong natutunan sa ’yo,’ ‘Sir, dahil ‘to sa ‘yo,’ ‘Sir, kasali ka dito,’” Romnick said. “It’s very fulfilling to know that you have had that kind of impact on them.”
Growing up, Romnick has always been in awe of educators and mentors, not only in the academe, but also in show biz.
In the classroom
“I think it takes a very special person—excluding me—to want to spend time helping develop someone else’s child. That they do it day in and day out for so many children is very inspiring,” said the 52-year-old actor, who took up architecture at the University of Santo Tomas. “The people I look up to as mentors … I admire their kindness, patience and generosity.”
His classes are very dynamic, he said, and allot more time for activities and discussions. “I try my best to keep them engaged. I encourage them to ask questions. There are no wrong questions. I won’t look at them differently for asking. And I think that helps them feel more comfortable in the classroom,” he said.
Romnick has six children: five with his ex-wife, Harlene Bautista; and one with wife, Barbara Ruaro. And because his students are of similar ages with some of his kids, teaching has become an unwittingly instructive experience for Romnick as a father.
“I learn how this generation speaks. I become more in tune with their sensitivities and sensibilities … how they process information and form their thoughts,” he said.
Romnick Sarmenta as Sir V
Sir V
Yes, some of his students do get starstruck. But Romnick doesn’t let that feeling linger in the classroom. “It’s okay during the first, second day. But I get down to it and say, ‘Okay, let’s start,’” he said.
It’s a happy coincidence, Romnick said, that he plays a teacher in GMA Public Affairs’ new youth-oriented series, “Maka.” Airing on GMA 7 ever Saturday afternoon starting Sept. 21, the show incorporates musical elements and focuses on the challenges Gen Z face and their dynamics with older generations.
Romnick is Sir V, an infamous artist who returns to his hometown to accept a teaching position at the Douglas MacArthur High School for the Arts or Maka. The local public school is on the verge of closure, and the faculty counts on Sir V to save it by fielding a talented musical team and winning a regional competition.
“It’s nice and weird at the same time. The role hits close to home, but also quite different. My character and I love interactive and performance-based learning. But Sir V is very strict. I’m very relaxed. I don’t want to make my students feel scared. I want them to always be interested in learning,” he said.
The craft
His students—each with their own stories and talents—are played by Zephanie, Dylan Menor, Ashley Sarmiento, Marco Masa, John Clifford, Olive May, Chanty, Sean Lucas and Mary Ann Basa.
As a teacher, there’s this sense of responsibility, Romnick said, to pass down the things he has learned through the years. Still, he’s careful not to overstep the line and give unsolicited advice on the set.
“I just give advice or my opinion when I’m asked. If not, they just have to figure things out their own way. I can make a suggestion once in a while, when I feel like the line isn’t fluid and doesn’t fit the character. I can say, ‘Maybe you want to say it this way, in a way that flows better.’ But mostly, I just observe,” he said.
And the young actors he’s working with seem to be a promising bunch, Romnick said. “They get along well. They support each other and are serious about their craft. I respect them. I look forward to working with kids who have their hearts in the right place.”