Mae Jolie Bautista, Social Media Office’s student-correspondent, won first prize in this year’s ‘Salamat Po’ Letter-Writing Advocacy Program, Local and Regional Levels. Bautista will represent Area VI (Western Visayas, Dumaguete City and Siquijor) and Colegio de Sto. Tomas-Recoletos in the national competition on March 19-21, 2020, GSIS Museum, Pasay City.
Mary Joxeny E. Kendrick
41 Woodstock Avenue
Bobbers Mill, Nottingham
NGT 5QP
United Kingdom
January 31, 2020
Dearest Auntie Jenny,
It is finally the time of the month [when] I get to write to you again. I cannot even contain my excitement! You have been occupied with taking care of your patients and I have been focusing on my studies. The stress and the crazy deadlines cannot stop me from writing to you, though. Have you been doing great, Auntie?
Being the amazing auntie [that] you are, you really know me well. You even know how I am an avid listener to music. I remembered the days when you were home you would often scold me for I have never done a single chore without being accompanied by my favorite songs. I played them loudly that even the home owners living in the next street could hear. But at the end of the day you would find yourself, rolling your eyes, wondering why, I, your loving niece, enjoyed music so much. Auntie, all I know is that behind the songs that I love are the memories that are worth celebrating. If you feel comfort in doing yoga I find mine in music.
Did you change your song Auntie? The last time I checked it was the masterpiece of Abba, “Dancing Queen.” You joyfully danced it to its rhythm and beat. How fun it was! I, auntie, am about to tell you the story why the song “Heroes” by the ever wonderful Alesso is my favorite among the songs, it makes me remember the three greatest heroes of my life.
As a person with right judgment, you might have a different perception about the meaning of a hero. What is a hero for you, auntie? I just recently heard from our English Teacher, Sir Marionne, that people could be considered to be a hero only when they are six feet below the ground. I certainly disagree.
Back in Leyte, my former hometown, you visited me twice. There I had an elder cousin, Ate Ann. I used to hear her sing the lines, “You haven’t seen the best of me/ I’m still working on my masterpiece,” from the song “Masterpiece” by Jessie J. For me, Ate Ann is the definition of a perfect student. She studied like [there’s] no tomorrow and read books as if it’s her daily dose of vitamins. All of my relatives relied on her because she had the wits and she was obedient. When my resilient cousin Ate Ann, had free time, she taught me my lessons and guided me. Growing up with Ate Ann had me looking up to her. Seeing her good deeds and character at a young age taught to me [to] prioritize learning. A famous saying goes like this, “Knowledge is the most expensive thing a person can have and money cannot buy it.” This is the reason why Ate Ann is my first hero.
I forgot to mention it, Auntie, but I was really happy when you took me to Jollibee for a meal during your first visit.
Auntie, do you still remember how terrified I was to live in a new city? You were the one who assured me that everything would be alright. Fortunately, I met an amazing person, Treckstine. We even had the song, “You’ve Got a Friend in Me,” by the Beatles as our friendship’s theme song. There was a time when I was loaded with numerous tasks; I thought I was incapable of accomplishing them. We attended a mass together and one of the worship songs caught my attention. It had the lyrics, “Thy word is the lamp unto my feet and the light unto my path.”
I immediately thought of Treckstine as the subject of that song. Although I knew she herself was facing enough problems, she still went out of her way and did not hesitate to lend me a hand. What she did made me realize how incredible it was for a person to put others before one’s self. To my luck, Treckstine selflessness saved me. So, my bestfriend Treckstine is indeed a hero to me. I am sure you would be glad to meet her, Auntie.
Auntie, you are the biggest fan of my writing. Do you recall how devastating it was for me to stop doing the thing that I loved the most? You reminded me that great things come to those who wait. Thank you, Auntie, for you has not stopped in believing in me. Allow me to introduce to you my third hero, my science teacher Sir Doni. Sir Doni was the one who believed in me and my abilities when I thought I lost them. He pushed me to join the Student’s Congress of Recollect Schools as a delegate. The interview for that was my ticket to get back into writing, because it lead me to be a contributor to my school’s website. He made me listen to Demi Lovato’s song, “This is Me” and my favorite line was, “This is me, this is real, I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be now. I’m gonna let the light shine on me.” I must say that Sir Doni is my angel in disguise for he opened the ring of opportunities that came knocking on my door, and I will be forever grateful for him. I remembered him say to me, “Jolie, allow the fire within you burn brighter than the fear around you.” I knew that those were the words I needed to hear to regain my self-confidence.
Let me guess, Auntie, you are wondering why I don’t have the typical “one hero?” Well, in my own opinion, a hero is someone who rescues you from your difficulties just like helping you in times of need, a role model, someone who’s courageous, and an inspiration or a person who can do great things. That is why I believe, that these three persons are true heroes. They may not have the ability to fly nor do they have superpowers, yet they surely have the manifested actions that go beyond these fantasies.
Auntie, I cherish you the most for you are my three heroes combined. You lift me up and love me dearly. I appreciate you, auntie. So, my loving auntie, you no longer have to worry about me because I have my Avengers-like heroes that help me whenever I let out a sigh which means trouble. Please write back to me for I would love to know the story about your favorite song. I have to go now, Auntie. Best wishes and I hope to see you soon!
Sincerely Yours,
MAE JOLIE E. BAUTISTA
P.S. I already learned how to lower my music’s volume!
