WARRIORS (MVManalo)

Manu

The once hobby in martial arts and gun shootings were never a serious thing for us, but when rapes, bullying and civil wars happened in Favela and other villages in Brazil. We thought that maybe, just, maybe, we can help others by protecting them and becoming these heroines, Shadow Sisters. Hmmm... who came up with the name!?, I did while showering and accidently got flattered by my own shadow when the lights went off due to faulty wiring at our community building.

Teresa called out to me and asked if the heater is on since there was a black out. So I yelled no and was scared of spirits lurking in this side of the unfinished construction of the said place. When I saw Teresa she carried with her a candle lit to light up the bathroom. And there seeing her shadow glowing like the sun made me realize that we can be a sun to someone's day or life. But since my own shadow or darkness also came to light, it meant that when we are together even in the dark we can do something, make a difference, be the answer or absolution to somebody in their worst times, darkness and sorrows. If we can, only, try to help and save one person at a time. We can alleviate the bad or injustice in Favela, Brazil or the world. Pretty lame example but well, who's judging. We became the 'it', Shadow Sisters, who care for the people and for the people. Awesome, huh!, Fern added while smiling at Teresa on cooking duties with Paula. I love my life and my sisters!

Commander Fonsi came to see Colonel Briggs to talk about the recent besieging of the fort in city center, yet he didn't want to impose about sending his soldiers to seize the place since some nationalistas infiltrated the town's market. It's been a dilemma for merchants nowadays when business owners control the stock market and much more the prices of commodities, especially the rice or wheat, spices and oil products. Canudos are well prepared for this scene and the drama starts when the

Commander orders Banes to bring with him some young soldiers and our great communicator slash negotiator whom we all call "Manu". His real name is Manuel Salazar, born and raised in Manila who joined the military for the sole reason: To save and help others who have been stripped off of freedom and choice on how to live their lives and been used, controlled and manipulated by greedy and selfish leaders, political trash who are corrupt to the core.

Manu, I trust that you will come back alive, aye!, Fonsi said and shook the man's hand. I will, since I promised to be the godfather of yours and Beatrice's daughter, hehe!!!, Manu added and smiled teasingly, I loved this man's smile which takes away most of his eyes all together, Wha....we haven't done it in a while since we got separated and now you predict we will be coming back together just for that...phew! Silly old man!, Fonsi cried laughing.

Who are your calling old, huh!?, Manu said and both of them laughed to their hearts content. Hahaha!

Fonsi and Manu are prepared that whatever happens, even if they give up their lives for the people, it's okay as long as they have helped them and rescued them from the wolves who have been in a sheep's clothing for many centuries.

Have you ever wondered why the poor remains poor, is because they are innocent and pure of heart, mind and soul. They only want one thing in life, that is to live a comfortable and happy life. Not caring whether they live in shacks or little villages. But the essence of brother or sisterhood and the unity of a barangay lives on because all want to have a safe place that they could call their own, a home they can run and go back to when the outside world is in chaos or dark and cold. Maybe, it's the same as finding your home, in the hearts of people or town. Your own home in their hearts that whatever happens they will accept, love and protect you at all cost. No matter the circumstances, hey are still there to back you up and remain loyal until the end.

I have known Manu since my twenties and got to like him because of his caring and smart nature. I love talking with him when Fonsi and I were still together, like 8 years ago. Yup, haha, it's been a while and I think we broke his heart when he found out that we separated because of a petty fight, jealousy and another one of those misunderstandings which couples have regularly or what not.

Manu and the men and women he brought with him was able to seize the fort. As a soldier during those times while Fonsi was still the assistant to the Mayor, I saw how everyone fought for freedom and strived to work, day and night to survive the worthless war in different parts of the world mostly in Iraq, Iran and Afghanistan. The American soldiers surely wiped out the enemies but left thousands of people lost, their families, homes and lives that are worth more than the guns, artilleries and fire power that they sold to most of the countries who needed arms for wars, civil or man-made wars.

Fonsi came to see me with Manu, who I hugged and talked with for hours since I missed him and his company. Moreover, he asked me about Fonsi and if we will ever going to get back together again, in spite of the many things, people, we are busy handling now. Well, Manu, I have missed you so much that I could talk with you forever! But it's not easy to get back to a past that has been tarnished by deceit. Yet, I know time heals all wounds and I have forgiven Fonsi with whatever that happened in the past. So, maybe we can start all over and find the peace, love we both are longing for to have!, I said smiling at Manu with his smiles lighting the room even if it's gloomy, dark and unsure.