Be proud

A joke could ruin everything.

I hope every word they've said to me is a joke.

My mom

Dear mom,

THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING

Jacque

A friend I call my sister

My sister, Marie Lauren Michelle Alba Hortillas. People would usually describe her as with the curls. Since birth, my mom would always tell us, that she is the one who is blessed with those curly hair, dazzling around her shoulders, pure black. An ordinary girl who is like a stick. Whose hands are as thin as that of the bone of the fish. Whose cheeks are very flat. Lastly, a girl who has a fair skin tone. A girl who has a perfect everything, I guess. Let me tell you a bit of something about her.....

She would always tell me different kinds of stories before we go to sleep. All those cherished moments she had until she grew up. I would usually just lie on my bed, head's look up and feel a pang of amazement. I never did once realize how lucky I am to have a big sister. I would just usually say, "I want to be the oldest", as what my friends are. But that doesn't really matter, does it? All that matters are that you have that one person you get along with closely. A person who will defend you. And a person who will always look back and will be proud to call you, your sister.

"Hey. Do I look pretty?", is the most famous tagline my sister would always ask me after dressing up. She would always look this close into walking through the isle of Malacanang Palace. Features that represents beauty, wealth and power are not that important. It just makes you look pretty on the outside but not on the inside. People may like you because you attract them with your physical features but never will they know the true beauty of the inner self. Like my sister, I would always look at her as my role model. She seems to be beautiful both on the inside and the outside. She is walking her talk. She is my SISTER.

She is that girl :: Don't change her

Aurora Demi Doreen P. Gaitan, a person who is always said to be "with the mole". But is that all it takes to know a person? To really absorb each and every word other people tell you? As of the first time I saw Aurora back in grade 6, I really did not notice her. As time flies, my classmates would tease her as "Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo" cause of her mole. It's the perfect place, as they would say. I really did not mind because as I would think, she's just another ordinary classmate of mine. I did not see the true essence of friendship back then. Why wouldn't I? I'm still young. Older people would usually say, True friends are hard to find and you'll always find them in your hardest moments. I say this is true. You wanna know why? Here it goes...

As I first entered my new classroom a year ago, I did not absolutely notice anybody except for my friend Jessica and my seat mate who is for sure, a new student. As I would say, Aurora is just another ordinary classmate of mine. I mean, we stayed in one classroom, had our discussion as a whole and we even were part of the play. But how come I did not even stare a look at her? Is that bad? You're classmates, you should know each other and be open. Eventually, thank God, if it is not because of our play fest, we wouldn't be friends by now. As the minute hand of the clock moves, our friendship grows stronger. It bonds together every energy we've left in our body. We were FRIENDS.

Like me to describe her? OKAY. She is a girl who has a passion for singing. Well, love songs would absolutely do. And we loved her for it. She also likes to eat, I mean who wouldn't? We were like eating buddies. HAHA. She would usually comb her hair, like three times a day. I say, "Keep it up-- It's good for you". You'll find her to be a girly-girl. She likes to put cute clips on her hair. You know what, physical features doesn't really matter. As I would describe her, you may think she is a very jolly person and who is always smiling. But all you know is that. Nothing else, nothing more. Let me tell you a little bit about her inner self. She is there whenever you need her. She is the kind of person, who always makes you happy, that's why I love her. Lastly, she is a person who will make the world spinning round and round. Isn't that great when you find a person like that? Who will forever be part of your memory, of your life?

3

"It matters not what a person is born, but who they choose to be."

Know your name

Polyanna Marie Lacang, a friend of mine ever since. She's been with me through thick and thin. She's the kind of person, who is always at risk. She enjoys to laugh and brings happiness to all of us. You may never notice her, but deep within our hearts, look well, look at her, and you'll find the part which have been missing for a lot of years. Yes, most of us would say, a prince will always come to save his princess, but is that all it takes to enjoy life's possession?

POY,POLY,POLYANNA, call her whatever name you want but I'll always call her my friend. A friend who will travel miles apart just to see you smile. A friend who will break the great wall of China just to cross the other side. A friend who will hold your hand and tell you "Everything's fine".

A LETTER TO MY DEAR FRIEND:

Poy,

If I never knew you, I would never experience such wonderful things. I would even be alone by now. I just wanted to let you know, I am very grateful to be your friend. :)

Jacque