by April S. Campeña
Photos and Videos from Br. Martin's Facebook wall
In this time of pandemic, Filipinos have turned to a lot of things, especially during lockdown. There was a time when you would see different pictures of Dalgona coffee creations, recipes of favorite cuisines, and nowadays, DIY projects and home improvements.
But one lockdown achievement stands out: a Lasallian Brother finished his 20-year-old design of cross-stitch of the periodic table! He is none other than Brother Martin Sellner, FSC.
Br. Martin taught Chemistry at De La Salle University (DLSU) for ten years starting in September 1985. He was also a Science teacher of De La Salle – Zobel (DLSZ) from 1994 to 1999. In June of 2013, he was the consultant for the grade school and high school laboratories in DLSZ. Currently, he is the Director of Science Laboratories at De La Salle Araneta University and Director of Science Laboratories and Animator at De La Salle Santiago Zobel School. Though he may not be actively teaching chemistry in the classrooms anymore, his presence in the Lasallian community is felt through his funny jokes, radiating smile and positivity.
The closing of schools due to the pandemic did not stop Br. Martin from reaching others with his optimism. For more than six decades, he has continued to do his Lasallian mission of Teaching Minds, Touching Hearts and Transforming Lives by aptly using social media platforms such as Facebook and TikTok.
We often see viral videos of dancing, singing, and acting from different personalities. Joining the bandwagon, Bro. Martin encouraged Lasallians to be positive about distance learning in his Tiktok, “Brother Martin the Explorer.” Keeping up with social media trends, he also has a short video of dancing Savage Love along with younger Lasallians. He even has his own rendition of the Chicken Wings song wherein he changed the lyrics to some of the known Filipino dishes like chicharron, dinuguan, lechon and crispy pata, to name a few.
Recently, in celebration of Buwan ng Wika, he accepted the challenge from the Filipino Grade School Department of DLSZ. Accompanied by the music of Joey Ayala’s song Karaniwang Tao, with a happy jig, the video showed him in a white robe at first then transitioned to wearing his Barong Tagalog.
Br. Martin is turning 84 years old this coming August 29, 2021. But this has not stopped him from bringing joy to others by adapting to what is current and trending, especially to the younger generations.
Just like in Proverbs 15:30, Light in a messenger’s eyes brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones. His videos not only bring smiles to our faces but enlighten our hearts through his motivating messages!