Stolen Hearts (Rare Heart Series#1)

Chapter 5

I hate minor subjects! kaya ngayong last school year ko kinuha 'to, although na sa curriculum naman namin na for last sem sila. kung pwede lang iwasan. I am not afraid of public speaking, ang ayaw ko lang ay pa importante. ang daming activities.

"Makakalaban mo pala si Verie?" Bulong ni Jerome sa akin. I look at him in disbelief. Talagang nang aasar ang mukha nito.

"Shut up, Jerome."

"Hindi na bale, kakampi mo naman ako." He winked.

Mr. Luis inform us the mechanics of our debate. as usual, rebuttal but the twist is we only have limited words. He wanted precise and short. walang mabulaklak na words and how can i do that? As a reader, it is always my intension to start a sentence with deep and hyperbolic words.

Verie looked at our direction and wave. Minsan nasasanay na ako, even though their faces is not familiar; may mga features naman sila na magkakaiba at memorize ko na. katulad netong si Jerome na katabi ko, his voice and curly hair.

"Okay, next debater."

Huminga ako ng malalim. I stepped forward. Paghawak ko ng mic ay agad nadapa ang tingin sa gawi nila Idreo. He wave at me. Bakit nandito sila? Are they allowed to watch?

"For Ms. Gregor, What is the contribution of Architects to an economy of a country? Why do you think it is important to promote Architects to an economy than promote national foods?"

What? Architects? to an economy? They contribute a lot. i don't know where to start tho...

"Our National food may export to other country and they can cook for themselves. There are no presences of tourist in our economy," I started...

"But if we promote our structure that they can only see here in our country, Tourist may curious and wanted to go here." suminghap ako ng hangin dahil tila hindi ako makahinga sa kaba.

"I will give an example, Paris is famous because of its Eiffel tower. Many tourist go there to see the beauty of the structure. If there is an exquisite structure, there is an Architect behind it and if the economy of Paris raised from tourist, it is because of the Structure and Architects. Thank you."

Parang nabunutan ako ng tinik nang pumalakpak din si Idreo kasama ng iba pang mga Audience. Hindi ko na napigilang mapangiti nang nag-thumbs up pa ito.

"Architects! Architects!" Sigaw pa ng mga kaibigan nito.

"Please be advised that this activity is formal. Shouting is prohibited."

Natahimik naman agad sila Idreo. nagsisisihan pa at nagtutulakan, sumesenyas na huwag maingay.

"Answer, Ms. Advienda?"

"I object, National food is something to be proud of. We should promote it more than the Architects and Structure to support our local agriculture and to raise our economy through our own culture and hardwork. Thank you." Ngumiti si Verie at halata ang pagmamalaki niya sa kaniyang sagot. Taas noo itong ginala ang tingin sa mga manonood.

She's right. She has a point.

"If our economy raised from tourism, we can support not just our local agriculture but also our labors and vendors. If they visit here in our country, I'm sure they will try and enjoy our food."

I don't know if i delivered it right but i never wanted to win against Verie, i know her— She's very competitive. i just wanted to have the grade i deserve.

"Aren't we should prioritize Farmers and Agriculture sector than Infrastructure? because Food is more important than a Structure?"

"Minus points for Ms. Advienda. No Question policy."