Green is My Favorite Color

Chapter 1

Chapter 1: Multo o Tao

03/05/18 6:00 pm

"More than a year of hard work is what it took us to finally see this day, and with that, we all deserve to celebrate! Team, artists, and just everyone, thank you so much for being with me on this journey. This toast is for all of you. You all made this happen. Cheers!"  

Nagsipalakpakan ang lahat ng tao, bakas ang kasiyahan at pagkapanabik sa kanilang mga mukha matapos ang aking toast. I asked for a refill.

"And here's another toast para of course sa aking pinakamamahal na Mama at Papa for believing in me and for guiding me all the way through." I looked at them in the audience and smiled. 

"I know I've told everyone about this a million times already and I'm gonna repeat it again. The idea na itayo itong gallery, i got it from Mama because I wanted to showcase her works as an artist. Mama, your artworks are amazing, I know, and I was your biggest fan. I guess it's only natural to worry when you're about to gamble but up to this day, I still am sorry that I doubted the marketability of your works. Because you and Papa who first believed this would succeed so in it too. Everyone, they're the reason that this gallery exists and with that, I will forever give them the credit that they deserve. I love you both!" I gave them airkisses and they returned them. "Let's all cheers to Linda and Salvie Magbanua!"

"Whoo!" Everyone cheered and clapped once more.

Pagkatapos ng toast ay bumaba na ako ng stage upang makihalubilo sa lahat ng mga dumalo sa party. It's just a small victory party exclusive only to the gallery staff, some artists, and close friends to celebrate the opening of the 2nd branch of my art gallery.

"Eliii! Eli ka nga dito! Big shot na talaga!" She punched me softly on the side. "Who would've imagined?! Im so proud of you huhu," madramang patutsada ng best friend kong si Maurice. We hugged.

"Sus! Walang-wala 'to sa naachieve mo, doc." Nagtawanan kami. "Thank you. Me too, I'm so proud of me." 

As I look back, I remember me being on a limbo, not knowing my worth, my purpose, and destiny. I remember me not knowing the littlest details about myself including the things I like and things I don't. I remember me being the most indecisive being to ever exist. Now what? May-ari ng isang business? How did I manage?

It was 7 years ago. I was in my 2nd year in college and if I can recall...

11/23/10  3:00 am

"Huyyy!! Elissandra anuba!"

I recognized Mauwi's voice instantly. Sobrang inaantok pa ako so I ignored it and drifted back to sleep.

"Ah 'di ka gigising?"

"Aaah!" I exclaimed matapos hilahin ni Mauwi ang buhok ko ngunit tinakpan ko lamang ng kumot ang aking mukha.

"Ano ba gising na! Sabi mo mags-study kaaa, bangon na kasi!" sermon nito habang hinihila ang mga paa ko pababa ng kama.

"I can't, I'm.. too.... " i murmured and drifted back to sleep. Hindi na niya ako ginising pa after that.

I woke up at 7am to see no sign of Mauwi anywhere in the flat. Maaga talaga gumigising 'yan lagi para mag-aral. 3:00 am to be exact and at 6:30 am sharp pupunta na 'yan sa school lib na kakaopen lang para mag-aral nanaman. Magdodoctor 'yan eh samantalang ako, walang plano sa buhay. That's her dream ever since elementary kami while I only took up Business course dahil 'yon ang turo ng roulette na inikot ko noong enrollment.

Last night I told her I want to try following her study sched and apparently hindi ko kinaya ni gumising ng 3:00 am. So now, time to cram a 103-page-lesson in an hour.