But 20 years after that fateful date, was a struggling man who couldn't even face the reality of being "bente".
Twenty. Sadly for me, this fresh start with that "2" digit in my age is something i dreaded since then. It's true. I kind of hated it... yet it's a bittersweet feeling turning 20 and leaving that 19th stair, and the moment i finally took a step to the next stair and accepting my 20th was piercing. But I know its not just because i'll have to leave the teenage ... but maybe because of how my bully-looking yet silenced father, Jaime, reacted after realizing that his youngest son is turning 20. We talked...
"What's the plan sa birthday pa?" I asked.
"Pila na diay imo edad?" my 65-year old dad asked me back.
I showed that pouting sad lips and said, "twenty!"
And he exclaimed with that big vice that seemed to me a command...
"Sus! Gulang naman diay ka! Sige raman ka'g binata!
from that moment on, the lines perhaps triggered me to take the first step toward seriousness or perhaps, just a new level of extra-strength (like the infamous "Ultapas nga halang" lols) and a new set of extra-miles.
But yes, it's high time to take responsibilities with determination and seriousness - two words that will hopefully compel me to move even further as a 20-year old guy... (sound seems hair-raising. awoo!)
Teenage will be the best part of life... a fact never to be extinguished yet a fact that makes the whole thing bitter - and knowing that i can never call my self a "teen" again, as i was always proud of to my friends (my friends are mostly in their 20s anyway), notwithstanding the many traynta-on friends i have.But i shouldn't fret. Ever year is a blessing and a whole new field to tread on. Now, I should have to constantly remind myself with these lines: teenage has to pass, this stage simply has to come... and there's no stopping now.
So then, let acceptance reign on me. whatever!
(Special Thanks t Junrell Calunod for the layout of my birthday wallpaper)
