—yeah, you're proud and loud —
MY eyebrow lifted as I gave the crowd a smile. “Oh, that actually isn't free...bahala na kayo magpresyo—madali naman akong kausap.”
With that, laughter erupted from the crowd—leaving a shocked face from the emcee.
“Kash, bagay talaga sa'yo pangalan mo...mukha kang pera!” sigaw ni kuya Kyle, sinabayan pa niya ng tawa.
Napairap naman ako. “Nothing is free now—does everyone agree with me?” biro ko naman na sinang-ayunan ng lahat.
“Okay na 'yong message tapos bigla kang hihirit ng gan'yan, kahit kailan ka talaga, 'no...baba ka na nga r'yan!” sigaw niya, nagbibiro pa rin.
Nilingon ko ang emcee bago ito sinagot. “Psh. Atat ka naman masyado kuya, 'di pwedeng mag-moment muna ako rito sa taas—kailangan agawin mo agad ang spotlight?” balik kong pang-aasar.
Nagtawanan na naman ang lahat. Alam kong masyado ko nang dino-dogshow sarili ko here on stage pero bahala na, at least masaya sila at hindi bored na naghihintay sa results. Right?
“Okay—okay, guys sige bababa na ako but before that... please give me the honor to present the next speaker, is it okay if I'll do the introduction po?” baling ko sa emcee, tumango ito—indicating for me to continue.
“Alam ko namang kaya gustong-gusto mo akong pababain na kuya dahil excited ka masyado to take your turn eh...so, heto na guys! Let's all welcome on stage one of the most handsome, talented—gentleman journalist in town... Mr. Kyle Dale Castillo! Mr. Castillo is a member of Radio broadcasting team, a leader and a great dancer. Once again, Mr. Kyle Dale Castillo, let's give him a round of applause!”
Bago ko pa matapos magsalita ay rinig ko na ang masigabong palakpakan which causes kuya Kyle to stand up because he was left with no choice.
Pagkaakyat nito sa stage ay agad ko itong sinalubong para ipasa ang mikropono. “Minsan talaga, pahamak ka!” bulong nito bago ngumiti. “You're welcome, kuya!” pang-aasar ko naman.
Nang makababa ako ay tsaka siya nagsimulang magsalita.
“Magandang araw po! So, una...thank you for that wonderful introduction 'no, kahit alam ko namang maniningil ka later,” biro pa niya, nagtawanan naman ang mga nakarinig.
“Hmm...ano bang pwede kong sabihin about life? Ah, ito na lang—life sometimes leaves us with no choice, just like now...I was left with no choice because of that introduction, HAHAHA. But kidding aside, nasabi ko ito because nangyayari naman talaga siya which is hindi natin maiiwasan kung nagkataong nasa sitwasyon na tayong iyon. For example na lang ano, you wanted to pursue something but due to financial problems and other matters na you need to consider you was left with no choice but to let go dahil kung ipipilit mo lang ay mas mahihirapan ka. But with that no choice—you can still make your choice, choose to live with it and move forward kasi kung hahayaan mong ma-stuck ka in that place dahil lang sa wala lang choice... you'll not achieve something. Ang maganda sa buhay kapag nasa sitwasyon na tayo na wala tayong choice is to make that as your inspiration to strive harder—tipong sa susunod you're not going to say, I have no choice eh dahil nag-pursue ka to make and have your own choice in the end. And that's success when you have created your choice in life despite of that no choice stereotype. Thank you!”
Halata ang pagka-amaze sa mga nakinig. Their silence says it all bago sila magpalakpakan.
“Wow! Everyone is left with no choice but to agree and be amaze by your words, Kyle!” the emcee address, smiling.
He said thank you and then bumaba na at dumeretso sa amin.
Masama ang tingin na sinalubong nito sa akin. “Nakiinis ka, kinabahan ako! What if wala akong nasabi roon, edi pahiya ako?” pagrereklamo nito.
YOU ARE READING
THIS IS MY SURRENDER
عشوائيRheixielle Kashirra Torrelba has lived a life she believed to be perfect for fifteen years. She had a loving family, a successful career path, and a bright future ahead of her. But everything changes when she uncovers a shocking truth about her past...
