My Story
I was born on May 8, 2005, in Quezon City, Philippines. My mom said it was a hot day and I was small, but I cried really loud so the nurse laughed and said I would be a strong baby. My father wasn’t around already, so it was only my mom and my grandmother who looked after me. Since my mom was busy trying to make a living, she left me with my lola most of the time. My lola took care of me like her own child, and I grew up very close to her.
Growing up, life was not easy. We didn’t have much, but my mom and lola made sure I had food, clothes, and went to school. I learned how to be content with simple things. My lola would always tell me stories from her younger years, and I enjoyed listening to her while sitting in our small house. Those were moments I will always treasure.
When I started going to school, I was a quiet kid. I didn’t talk much, but I listened to my teachers and tried to do my best in class. Sometimes I struggled, especially with math, but I pushed myself because I wanted to make my mom and lola proud. They always told me education was important and that it would help me have a better future. That stuck with me.
Elementary days were simple. I made a few friends who I played games with during recess, like tag, Chinese garter, or just running around. After school, I usually went straight home since my lola was waiting for me. We lived a humble life, but I felt loved and cared for. I also remember how my mom worked so hard, sometimes late at night, just so she could provide for me. She sacrificed a lot, and I will never forget that.
High school was very different from elementary. Lessons were harder, with more subjects and more projects. I remember struggling with math again, but at least this time I had some classmates who helped me once in a while. Most of the time, though, I just kept quiet and tried to figure it out myself, like always. I wasn’t the smartest in class, but I tried to stay consistent and responsible.
During these years, I also discovered new interests. I liked combat sports such as taekwondo, tong-il modo, and karate. I actually studied taekwondo for about two years before the pandemic happened. It was fun and challenging, especially sparring with other students and learning discipline. But when the pandemic came, I had no choice but to stop. Even though training ended, I still exercised at home to stay active, though it wasn’t the same without classmates to spar and bond with.
Aside from sports, I also loved music. I started playing the guitar when I was around 13 years old. At first, it was just a hobby, but it became a way for me to express myself and relax after long days. I wasn’t that good, but every chord I learned gave me satisfaction. Music became a part of me, even though I never pursued it professionally.
The pandemic years were really tough. Classes were online, and it was hard to focus and learn from home. Sometimes internet problems made it even harder, and I got frustrated. But I had to adapt, just like everyone else. I missed seeing my friends, teachers, and classmates in person. I missed playing outside and going to school like normal. But I also learned resilience—that no matter how hard situations get, we can still find ways to continue.
Through all of this, my mom and lola never left my side. They encouraged me to keep studying and never give up. I knew they were both tired from their own responsibilities, but they still supported me. That’s why I always promised myself that I would repay them someday, by finishing my studies and building a better life for all of us.