I had the happiest childhood. I have absolutely no complain about it. How my parents were more strict than my military training commandant. Parties for me were birthday parties for classmates and cousins. And the Saturday night inuman of the elders at a tito's house. If these statements do not in anyway
reflect any resentment on my part, its coz I was contented with those. I didnt know any other way to live my childhood. All people from my town would tell you I was a "way too sheltered" unica hija but non would ever say I was spoiled. I didnt go to beaches or discos or Friday night slumber parties with the barkadas...Come to think of it, did I actually have a barkada. I had my bff's, who until now are my bff's. But we were not the kind who'd get together on Saturdays and go places (there were no malls those days). But then I didnt spend my days lounging in house watching TV, ordering the housemaids around etc etc...I didnt even talk on the phone for longer than 4 to 5 minutes. but my days were anything but boring. I "worked". Back then, elementary and high school usually end classes at 5pm. If you couldnt see me hanging around the school long to play volleyball (I didnt make chika either) I was probably at the house already by 5.15pm, in my room warming up and stretching or practicing ballet with the wooden barre my papa made for me and put on the wall by the window. Some would say they could see my shadows doing ballet moves till the hours of 10pm. Dancing was what I wanted to do. I did 2 hours of studying my lessons before dinner. I spent quiet and relaxing talks with my parents during and after dinner. And by 8.30pm I was off to my room and into my own world of dance. 5 times a week. Saturdays and Sundays were the best. Those were the days when Id get to go to the dance studio with the class. I spent almost the whole day in the studio. Being a full scholar of the dance school, I assisted in teaching the little ones in the afternoons. When I dance, everything around me changes. And when I perform, the smiles on my mommy and papa's proud faces are my best rewards. There was no need to diet back then. hehehehe. And I walked like a duck just like a typical ballerina. I didnt slouch an inch. And I slept well and good. There was absolutely nothing "I had to" do then. It was all what I wanted to do actually. And then there's those Sunday 3pm dates with my papa. Since I was little he would bring me to the club firing range and teach me practical shooting. I got good. (But I had to stop when I went away for college). Before Id practice my stretches at night each day, papa and I would be in front of the big mirror dry firing, me desperately trying to steady my arms with his heavy .45. And I got good. But I never got to compete. That was probably what I regret most till now. We would be as serious as serious could get with our holsters and firearms in front of the mirror. but id hate it when he'd slap the barrel hard and push it backwards to see if I was actually steady. Id hate when Id tumble backwards. Only went to show I wasnt doing good at all. My beta tape collections were that of Rob Letham practical shooting and the Russian ballet. If i didnt excel in dance, I didnt know what else Id be. The piano. The dreaded piano. endless lessons. but I didnt really like it. It wasnt my thing. But I had to do it coz all my cousins were really good with the piano. But I did about 8 years of lessons. But I didnt excel. In fact, I was one of those poor learners. I didnt even get to do my solo recital. I didnt deserve to actually but it was fine by me. Let them have their piano recitals. And come the ballet recital and let me blow you away. hehehehe. conceited? NOoooooooo...I was just all to happy to dance. I had to come to Cebu for college but I didnt want to stop dancing. So I did one summer with our mother studio in Cebu. but after that, studies had to be the number 1 priority so dancing took the backseat. Each summer I danced. And each year my studies got harder and harder. Dance had to stop. For awhile anyway. In the refuge of my dormitory I had barre installed by the window of my room where I could still do my stretches every morning and every night. And so I danced. Each chance I get to dance, I take. Even today. And I hope to go back to practical shooting soon.