The Truth Behind The Mask

She is happy, full of life, vibrant, very alive… it seems that she really enjoys what life can brings and offers.  Which is just right for a 16-year-old girl like her… amidst the fact of the early separation of her parents when she was still four.

True to the word itself, you’ll never knew a person unless you are a given a chance to be their friends or let’s just say, still isn’t enough till you really came close to them.

She’s an avid listener of my program from the golden pot place, and it never crossed to my mind that time will come we’ll both meet in person much more be a part of my life.

Of course I never entertained the idea that she will be coming in Davao City just to see me.   I never even believed that she’s very much eager to do that just because since the time she heard my voice in the radio, she then makes me her inspiration. I was deeply touch though I never took her comment seriously but sincerely thanked her.  I never knew her story then…

Till then, just last December 2006, I was surprised when I received a text from her saying, “Hi Sweet Barbie girl, am hir n Dvo, bin hir 3 mnths ago, 8 tuk me tym to tel u dt I wz hr bcoz am nt yt rdy to face u my idol, & nw am txtng u 2 lt u knw I wnt us 2 meet”

Geez, she’s really that serious! (Laughs) I thought then she was just bluffing me, how could she be here in Davao when she had her studies to attend to, who was third year high school then.

Though hesitant, I still obliged or do her a favor to meet her.   I feel like a very big star or a celebrity when she entertained me with so much fondness and affection.  I can see how she gazes me with so much admiration that I felt uncomfortable. (Giggles)

After exchanging pleasantries, we then became friends, she call me Ate and then on she was my regular visitor in the radio station, I can really sense her pride having me, telling her friends as if she only knows no one except me.

That’s really a very touchy gesture.  And as days passed by, she confided something that really shocked me.  I never think of that way.  Coz she doesn’t look the person carrying a very painful experience, the early separation of her parents at the age of four that really turn her life into a mess.

At an early age, she already indulged herself into vices and most of the time spends her life with her barkadas.  She pretended she was happy and everything is okay and she is good of doing about it, that I never notice just a bit of hint that she was facing that kind of burden in that early age.

But behind that veneer, I found out how much struggle she went through just to live life normally.
I cried at that moment especially when she mentioned that she found light and hope right from the very start she heard my voice and I can see now the reason why the desire intention to know me and be her friend.  My heart moved with pity when I knew her story.

I felt honored when she reveals that I became her inspiration, believing that life is till beautiful.  She wants to live new life as long as I am always there for her.  Of course, I selflessly offer my hands for her.  Giving my advices I know that in a way lessen her saddle in life.

I once judged her on the way she acts, the way she speaks, the way she deal with men at her age, the way she dressed, but felt sorry afterwards, it’s just a front to hide the traumatic experience.  And now, she is ready to face the world again, with hope, with me, ready to unmask and live life again.