My Lady

I met Madeleine when we were both twelve. It was on my first SEP, a summer camp, which was held on Compostela, Cebu. Of course, it was her prettiness that made me notice her; pony-tailed hair, proud stand, and a pair of eyeglasses that made her look smart. When I first saw her, at their church, I had no idea I will have the chance to talk to her. I also had no idea she was going to be a very important part of my life.

It was on the journalism club that I saw her again, and she met me. I can’t remember how we started talking. Maybe it was RD or Rodah who started it, and me and her joining in. But then, I felt, for the first time, I certain type of delight. So, we started talking. And got acquainted. And she became my first crush.

Oh, but she don’t really noticed me as i noticed her. Yeah, she laughed at my jokes and wit. Unconsciously, I think, I was trying to impress her. But I don’t think I really made an impression. However, she enjoys my company as much as I enjoy hers.

Throughout the camp, we got chances to hang out and talk. I felt glad all those times. We start to get to know a bit about each other. I found her smart and charming, her beauty inside equals her beauty outside. She was interesting. I nicknamed her “4-eyes” – she didn’t mind. It was not really for teasing her, rather out of showing she was special to me because it was meant as a title, really.

It was because of her that my 4 I’s standard was born. I only get attracted to a girl if the 4 I’s standard is met: I was interested, impressed, inspired, and intimidated. Only three more girls followed after she had set my 4 I’s standard. For a long time, it was she who was my standard for the perfect girl.

There was this “mailing” system in the camp where each dorm has a “mail box.” I sent her about one or two notes, but I didn’t get anything back. I didn’t mind. On the dance night, I want to ask for a dance. But I don’t have the confidence, and besides a lot of boys was lining up for a dance. One of them was her crush – a fellow Bicolano. Who am I to pitch in?

My dormmates know I had a crush on her. So did my Bicolano companions. And so did 4-eyes, as my cousin PJ told her. She said she laughed when she heard about it. She said she didn’t believe it.

And so camp ended, and we Bicolano campers had to leave. We, Bicolanos, and Cebuanos get to be close friends. They even escorted us to the ship. And as we departed, a certain kind of burden came over me. I believe Madel, back then, don’t think I was something special. Yes, we get to be friends. But since she lives in Cebu, and I live in Albay, what kind of friendship would that be? A gap like that will not allow a very good friendship. I saw she was special. I wanted to know her more. I wanted her to exist in my life. I wanted her to see me, too, that I am different. I don’t want it to end in just one summer.

I made an effort. I texted her with my mother’s celfone (I don’t have one yet back then). She replied. And that’s where it started. We get to know more of each other, and had an expansion of all those fun conversations we had at our camp. It was the start of us getting close.

When my Bicolano friends decided to sent letters back to our Cebuano friends. I made a long letter to her. My intention was a letter for her only, but for the sake of not being too obvious, I also made letters for my other Cebuano friends. Our Cebuano friends wrote back to us. Madel’s letter to me was thick. Rather, it was not one letter, but several letters. And awesome drawings. She is the best penciler I had met. At the envelope, she wrote: “To a very special friend.” For me, that was it. The start. I knew our friendship would be indeed special.

Throughout our teenage years, we tried to keep in touch. We exchanged letters, drawings, t-shirts, and e-mails. Everytime she sent me something, I was excited and happy. And so did she, when she got something from me. At first, it was only occasional communication since I still don’t have a celfone back then. Then Friendster came and I got my own celfone. So we got to keep in touch more frequently. We get to be closer and knew each other more. Those were the times I called her “ang pinakamagayon na babaying namidbidan ko.”

It came that I fell for somebody and she became my girlfriend. Madeleine fell for somebody and got a boyfriend. But Madel occupied a special place in my heart even though I already have the LOML (the “Luv Of My Lyf” – my nickname for my high school sweetheart then). We were there for each other, talking about each other’s relationship, encouraging, and comforting each other when the break-ups happened. She got to fall again, and got another boyfriend, and I was happy for her. But it was a different case for me since LOML was special – in the first place, she reminded me a lot of Madel (Madel was my standard from the start, but LOML has surpassed them). And I learned that though I did love, I was not capable to enforce it.

Yes, Madel was my standard. My first teenage love. But I chose a different path because a relationship with her will never work. I was satisfied and happy as bestfriends, and I never regretted it. She was the first, though LOML has been the greatest (and still is). Though I am not really the type of person who likes romantic stuff, the two of them had been exceptions. Though the stories were not really happy endings, what I had with them were not entirely disappointments. Especially, with Madel. Our bond became stronger and special which a romantic relationship couldn’t have done at all.

I got to see her again in person four-years after we met in SEP Compostela. She visited my city for vacation, courtesy of her uncle and aunt. At first, we were shy of each other and she seemed to ignore me. Honestly, I was disappointed when she responded that way. But by and by, we were able to get through the shyness barrier and had good bonding with each other. The days of her stay were short, but I felt very happy during those times.

I am always worried when she starts getting hurt. Because of the physical distance, I can never really effectively perform the responsibilities of a bestfriend. I can’t defend her. I can’t hug her to comfort her. She can’t talk to me face-to-face. But I do my best when this happens.

I think the worst hurts she received was with her on-off relationship with her second boyfriend, and the final break-up. I did the best I can for her, giving advice, comforting her, and, the best, praying for her. But it frustrates me when I can’t do anything more to help her. My treating her as a specimen for my mental analysis exercises annoys her. But I was not really doing it all for my own mental stimulation, I was trying my best to read the situation to be able to give her sound advices. Maybe it was kind of cold when I treat her like I was a shrink or detective, and for that I was sorry. Again, it is frustrating when I can’t be there for her in person. But I know she’ll overcome.

Madeleine Mae Boone is a diamond. A part of God’s grace in my life. A dynamo of potentials (which she still don’t tap). She had inspired me. Granted me a certain kind of delight. Made an impact to my life. Helped me to become a better person. Helped me to excel in my talents and strengths. Made me strong. Proved me wrong in some of my cynicisms. Made me laugh. Cheered me up when I needed cheering. Amused me. An equal for me in intelligent discussions and debates. A great conversationalist. Loved me. Made me feel I am special. My critic. My prayer partner. A friend in need. My bestfriend. My Lady, as I am her Lord.

We are now different persons from the 12-year olds that met. And as our friendship started on the dawn of our teenage years, and had continued and strengthened up to the dawn of our adulthood, I believe it will endure for eternity. Berneleine best friends forever. A legendary friendship.

I always thank God for giving me you, Madz. Happy 20th Birthday.

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My Salute to the Cutting Classes Club

I believe it will be a long time before the CCC members will have a reunion with a complete attendance of members. Well, our high school life has ended and we are now all in college. We are now scattered. Most of us decided to stay and study in Bicol University. More than five members had passed the UP exam (including me) but only three decided to study there. I think three are in Aquinas University. Noel is in MAAP training to have his career in a ship… Chard is a "Green Archer"… and Dano is trying his luck to be a priest (Dano a priest?!…I still don't like the idea). Although most of us are studying in Bicol University with different courses, and we manage to have some time to hang out. But its better if we are hanging out with a complete attendance…like back in high school. *Sigh*… I am going to miss those times.

The CCC started in first year high school. It was a joke at first, since CCC means "Cutting Classes Club". I jokingly suggested it to be the name of our group, with Jeric as president because his older brother James was a legend in BU high because of his escapades. But the name stuck. It's the name of our group ever since.

With about twenty members, we became the elite. Each member is unique… with each member contributing something to the group. CCC became a collection of athletes, geniuses, jokers, hunks, hustlers, computer addicts, etc. CCC has it all… brains, charisma, looks, talents… so on.

But as the meaning of CCC suggests, cutting classes was our trade. And having fun and "trippings" were our past time. Pranks and jokes were natural with us. We have a lot of laughs in high school (especially when Chard and Uly started with their jokes and antics).

We gained our popularity because of donations (we donated some money to send our school's NSPC candidates to the NSPC at one time, and we funded for our intram's banner), troubles we got into or vandalism (I consider it advertisement) -- But it was mostly because of the troubles we got into. We manage to get out of those troubles with witty excuses and convincing speeches. And it was Josh's idea to donate for some worthy causes so that our name will be good, and not totally infamous.

CCC members may cut classes and get into trouble but are not stupid. We manage to get decent grades. We are intelligent, but are very lazy to study. And some (or most?) of us used those intelligence for foolproof plans and cheats in tests instead (Phiou is a hustler in this area).

But don't get us wrong. We are not bad boys. We are nice guys. We are not a gang of war-freaks (oh, I forgot… Noel is a "war-freak") although it seems like it, especially when are complete in attendance (people are confident in big numbers). We avoid fights… but don't mess with us. We are not bad fighters…

CCC members hate bullying. We don't tolerate it. There are no bullies in our group. We are friendly people. We are approachable. We hate bullies (bullies beware of us).

Boys will be boys. Boys are prone to getting into trouble and naughtiness…like us. But we were not all trouble. Heck, we had athletes …quiz contestants… that brought glory to the school. We help in school activities. We help others. And we are good friends.

That's why I like the CCC. And I am going to miss our escapades and the times we were together. We are going to study hard this college and avoid cutting classes (maybe except those in Engineering). I write this as a tribute to the group that I found friendship with. I say thanks to all of you guys. You were all wonderful. High school was better with the CCC to make things good and fun. My high school was better with the CCC to spend it with. The CCC may be separated now, but I believe we will be all together again one day… to cut one more class.

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MY PARENTS

You will read below some facts of two of the coolest persons in the world. Well, they are both cool for me anyway. Let me tell you about my parents.
My father, Efren V. Narido, was born August 29, 1954. He works as a government employee in City Treasurer's Office. He is quiet, industrious, trustworthy, kind, sweet-tempered and patient. He is a very cool person, calm, often quiet and not easily angered. He is a bookworm like me and collects books, mostly Christian books, Bibles in different translations, and theology materials. He also likes to have fun, though some people do not think so. He loves to make mango float and the family usually consumes a batch in less than a week. He is the youth pastor of the local church of the Worldwide Church of God. He is also the current pastoral team chairman of our local congregation.
He graduated in AB economics. Before that, he studied for one semester in Engineering and after graduation, he studied four semesters in accountancy but did not finish. When he was a young adult, he took different jobs before marrying my mom and landing a job as a Government Employee.
He is a man of talents. He once writes in the local paper. He contributes stories and feature articles to papers. He can also draw well. When I was still little, I always ask him to draw things for me, especially super heroes. He took a correspondence course in drawing and cartooning. I do not think he finished it. He gave me his workbooks when I was old enough. He can also play the sports of bowling and volleyball. He is a great bowler.
He did not marry fast. He waited until he was in his early 30's. I think he worked hard first and enjoyed being a bachelor first before searching for a wife. He married someone who is twelve years younger then him. He took trips around the Philippines with his friends. Once, he stayed in Mindanao for months.
As a father, he is the best for me. When I was a little I was spanked with a belt when I do something wrong, now it does not hurt me anymore. Now, my father punished me more painfully if I do something wrong, he cuts my allowance. When he was a little boy he did not have a lot of toys. Therefore, he gave me toys that he wants when he was little. My favorite toy, a radio-controlled car, was given to me as a gift in one of my birthdays. He was the first one to play with it. He also likes pellet guns. He bought a couple of them in the past years. We played with those toy guns in the past years and now they are all broken.
My mother, Myra Leslie J. Narido, was born on December 9, 1966. She is currently unemployed. However, she worked many times before, in the Capitol and in National Power Corporation. She is talkative, industrious, proud, resourceful, jolly and intelligent. Unlike my father, she is short-tempered and sometimes act she know all things. It is fine with me. As long as she can, she tries to give my sister and me all we need and want. She can play several musical instruments. However, I really like her when she plays the bandurya. She plays it very well. I can say she is a music lover. She is the youth coordinator of the local church of Worldwide Church of God. With my father being the youth pastor and my mother the youth coordinator, they founded the Youth Circle For Christ or YCFC. Of course, I am a member.
My mother finished college. She took the course of accountancy. She was a stand out student when she was still studying. She was always at the top of the class. She was also able to participate in contests and activities. She even went to a national press conference. She can be a journalist and she writes well.
My mother is very kind in giving to us. We get along very well even though she usually scold me and I sometimes talk back. However, we forgive each other and I am always sorry when I talk back.
She gives her best in doing things. She wants it is near to perfection. She always says to me that I should do all I can in doing work. Sometimes she scold me when I do a work wrong but it is okay to me.
As a mother, she is the best for me although I am sometimes irritated when she scold or nag. I know she is only doing this so that I can be better person. I like her because she gives what is her best in work. I think she is close to become a workaholic, but not exactly. She is also fun loving and energetic. I think I got my "wild" side from her.
They are my parents. They are not perfect, but hey they are the best in the world. I am proud that they are my parents.

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MY SIS

My sister's name is Wanda Li An Narido. She was born on May 26, 2000. I am at least eleven years older than she is. She is cute and chubby, and I usually tickle her belly. She is very energetic and very talkative. She is also very naughty and takes things that are not hers. I am sometimes annoyed when she takes my things. My mother is also annoyed when Wanda takes her things. We fight almost everyday but there is no sibling war between us. She loves toys, and takes some of my toys. She also loves to watch Disney Channel and Nickolodeon and never gets tired even if the shows are repetitive. She is still a baby, is still dependent to my mother, and usually cries when my mother leaves her. She can be annoying but she can also be entertaining. She goes to school now, and I am the one who takes her to school. She likes to go to school often, but gets tired sometimes. She likes to learn but likes to learn the easy way. In school, she is naughty sometimes and my mother scolds her. However, she can be very smart sometimes. Like most babies, she can make friends easily. It amazes me. For example, in a playing corner, Wanda will play with some kids and later they are all friends. She likes to play with her friends. She can be very destructive sometimes when playing. Especially if she is with her friends, they can become a baby army. My sister has a special skill, being able to stand hunger and still be able to remain energetic. She can sometimes not eat a meal as long as she is enjoying herself. Especially when she is watching TV, she can spend a whole day without eating. My sister is the best. She is my only sister. I spend nearly eleven years of my life as an only son. Then she came, I was not jealous of my sister. Only insecure persons get jealous of their siblings. It was more joyful when she came to the family. We get along well. Sometimes I bribe her to play with my toys so I can watch TV for a while because she shouts when I change the channel when she is watching TV. I love my sister, although she is my "antagonist". We work together sometimes and we must learn to get together very well because she is my only sister and I am her only brother.

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