The Agony of Elsa

Name is a word or a combination of words by which a person, place, or thing, a body or class, or any object of thought is designated, called, or known. Adnos Uyañe Plein is a group of, seemingly nonsensical and unrelated words that was designated to me, by two Grown-Ups otherwise known as my parents, when I was born. Adnos Uyañe Plein then - having no other choice - is my name!

Now in all honesty, I have always been fascinated with Names - People's Name specifically! People's Name and it's etymology constantly occupy my mind. People's Name is also a topic that I would often research about! It is in one of those researches that I found out that the name: Daniel ranked 12th in the 25 Most Popular American Male Names. James, John, Robert, Michael, and William being the First, Second, Third, Fourth and Fifth consecutively! Daniel also means: "The LORD is my Judge". I love the name: Daniel! I wish that it was my name.

More about names, I once was acquainted with a person named: Happy. Now " Happy " is actually an adjective meaning: " Cheerful! " Happy, just like other cheerful adjectives, may be used as People's Name then! Anyway, going back to Happy - the person and not the adjective - In my opinion, his name suits him well as - true to his name - he is indeed a jolly person. I have heard of someone said that your name - the one that you have no choice of having since its your parents or the Grown-Ups choosing it for you - represents the kind of person that you will be!

Several years back, I was fortunate to have been in acquaintance with someone with the First name: Brillan, and with the Last name: Te. When combined together his name would read as: Brillan Te. Such a sparkling name isn't it? Then I have met people with a combination of 2 or more names! Arvey Lester is somebody that I met back in the 1st Grade! Jeffrey Jose is somebody that I used to play Chess with! Juan Karlo was once a friend. Christopher Caezar is a friend who does not know how to say NO to his friends! And Albert Jason is someone whom I used to share my secrets with! Anna Karen Nina, Mary Pauleen Joy, Carl James Nicholas, and Miguel Sebastian Rodrigo are examples of 3 names within 1 name!

Then of course I have met people with uncommon but very interesting names! To name a few: Cleofela Septem, and Xzyql Dominique. Now, I have to admit that my name fall in this category! Anyway - Rouen France, Manila, Paris Grace, Jay Rome and Kenya are friends who were named after the place where they were born! Joselito Gregorio was named after his Grandparents from his Mother and Father's side. And I have even heard of a child being named after a storm, a political figure in history and even after a softdrink brand! Flowers are very common name for girls! There is: Rose, Lily, Dahlia, Jasmine, Daisy and even Geranium! If the Grown-Ups would want it, they could even use Rafflesia! Then there are those named after a specific type of bird: Wren, Raven and even Eagle! Gem stones may also be used as names! Pearl, Ruby, Garnet, Beryl, and even Amethyst! Violet - which is a color produced when you mix Red and Blue - is also used as a girl's name! Brown, White, and Black are often used as Last Names!

Occasions may also be used as person's name! Valentine, Christmas, Winter and Summer are common "Event Names". Foods - including fruits and anything that is sweet tasting - could also be a good source of names! I'm sure you have already heard of someone named: Strawberry, Cherry, Almond, Hazel, Sugar, Candy, Cookie, and Muffin! I even know of one girl named Russel Cake! Now I wonder, has someone - in any part of this world - ever been named: Lasagna or Vinegar or Broccoli or Anchovies or Pepperoni Pizza or Buttered Croissant or California Maki?

There are various ways on how a person could be named! The possibilities are endless! If I had the choice, aside from Daniel, I would absolutely have wanted to be named with any of the following: Will, Jill, Hester, Chester, Peter, Polly, Tim, Tom, Mary, Larry or even Little Clarinda! I wont even mind being named after Santa Claus' Reindeer: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen or even Rudolph! But never in my wildest dream did I ever thought of bearing the name: Ely Rose Apple! Why? Read along!

Ely Rose Apple is the name of the Elsa's classmate who was wearing red headband and whom Elsa - on her first day in school at St. John's Academy - approached to ask where she could take a seat. Now to be frank about it, Ely Rose Apple is such a sweet name for a sour faced, pungent breath and bitter mannered little girl!

Ely Rose Apple is a rich kid. She always has nice clothes to wear! She always has the most expensive bags! Aside from being rich, Ely Rose Apple is also the most popular girl in St. John's Academy! That is why she is always surrounded with "friends"! Her minions which is composed of 4 girls and 2 boys always follow her wherever she goes. Her minions consider her a boss! They always do what she tells them to do!

Ely Rose Apple is an attractive girl! She has an angelic face! As a matter of fact, because of her good looks, she is consistently being voted as class muse! It is also because of her cherubic looks that many boys in school get attracted to her! But behind her heavenly image however hides a monster! Now, allow me to say that: it is with her looks that a lot of people, specially the Grown-Ups, would not believe that she is capable of doing evil things!

Ely Rose Apple is an only child! And as an only child, she gets every single thing that she lays fancy on! Her father always buys her what she wants! Her father always brings her wherever she wants to go! Her father always allow her to do what she feels like doing! Her father doesn't scold her! Her father doesn't tell her what is right and what is wrong!

Ely Rose Apple's father however, is really not a bad person. He is just very busy! He is busy helping other people. He is busy helping anybody who seeks help from him. He is busy donating to charitable institutions, giving alms to the mendicants, helping elderly people cross the street, planting trees to help save the environment, volunteering to clean clogged esteros, and regularly feeding street children!

Ely Rose Apple's father, aside from being busy helping other people is also very busy running their business! Ely Rose Apple's father run a food business! A food business in front of the school. The school which is named: St. John's Academy! Ely Rose Apple's father owns the only gotohan in 10th Avenue Cubao Quezon City! Her father is a very helpful man and a very busy businessman whose name is: Mr. Joselito Montealegre! He is also known as Mang Joey!

Ely Rose Apple's name - in case you have not noticed - has been repeated 12 times already up to this point and if I mention the name again at least once before the end of this paragraph that will all total up in: 13! Now you have to understand why I am doing this! You have to understand really well the reason why! However, if you have no time to understand the reason why I keep repeating the name of the girl whose name I don't wish to bear, and if you feel that it is better to find out how much it would cost to have Cable TV installed into your home than to understand my reason, then by all means, I will explain why I keep repeating the name: Ely Rose Apple!

Now, the reason why I keep repeating the name of Elsa's classmate who was wearing red headband and whom Elsa - on her first day in school at St. John's Academy - approached to ask where she could take a seat is because: this episode - after all - is not about Names but is about The Brattish Bully who has an angelic face, who is very popular, who gets whatever she wants, who can go wherever she wants to go, and whose name is Ely Rose Apple!

Just how brattish Ely Rose Apple is will be the next thing that I shall telling you! Allow me to start with the " Notebook Sticker incident! "

Now, Ely Rose Apple - on Elsa's second week in school - accused the Simple School girl of stealing her expensive Hello Kitty notebook sticker with which Elsa was severely punished! Now what actually happen was: Ely Rose Apple approached Elsa on her seat while the teacher was busy giving her lesson in Addition and Subtraction. Ely Rose Apple pretended to ask Elsa that she wants to borrow a red kilometrico ballpen. When Elsa was on the act of getting the said pen from her bag, Ely Rose Apple then secretly pasted the Hello Kitty notebook sticker on Elsa's Math notebook. When Elsa was about to hand Ely Rose Apple the red Kilometrico ballpen, the Brattish Bully started to scream and shouted on top of her lungs saying: "Teacher! Elsa stole my expensive Hello Kitty sticker! Look! Its pasted on her cheap spiral Math notebook! Its pasted on the upper right hand corner of her locally made notebook! Its pasted about about half an inch from the edge! I am so lonely! Teacher! Punish Elsa! If you don't punish her I will tell my father not to give you an expensive gift on Christmas!" Upon hearing Ely Rose Apple, the Terrible Teacher grabbed Elsa on her hand and dragged the Simple Schoolgirl at the corner of the room then she made Elsa hunker down the whole day! The Terrible Teacher did not investigate! The Terrible Teacher did not ask! The Terrible Teacher instantaneously took the side of the Brattish Bully and unfairly punished the Simple Schoolgirl who never complained!

After classes, Ely Rose Apple - surrounded by her minions - approached Elsa and threatened the Simple Schoolgirl saying: "Hey you! Don't you ever try telling my Daddy what happen in Math Class today! If you do, I will tell him to fire you off our Gotohan! Do you understand?"

The Simple Schoolgirl understood very well what the Brattish Bully said. Elsa did not say a word of protest! Elsa knows what the Brattish Bully was capable of doing! Elsa just thought that the reason why Ely Rose Apple accused her of stealing the expensive Hello Kitty Notebook sticker was for her to learn how to save money so that she could also buy expensive stickers in the future!

After the Notebook Sticker incident, The Brattish Bully once again thought of a way on how to make fun of Elsa. This would be the " Flagpole incident! "

What happen was: A month after the Simple Schoolgirl attended school at St. John's Academy, and a few minutes before the students gather in the quadrangle for the Flag Ceremony on a Monday Morning, Ely Rose Apple - together with her minions - approached Elsa and told her: " Hey you! Today I will accuse you again of stealing! This time I will tell our Teacher that you stole my expensive Hello Kitty key chain! And if you complain, I will tell my Daddy to fire you off the Gotohan! But, if you do what I tell you to do, I will not do what I plan to do! Okay? "

Elsa did not utter a single word. The Simple Schoolgirl simply nodded. The Brattish Bully then said: " Now, I want you to climb to the top of the Flagpole in the quadrangle! Stay there until a Maya Bird with tangerine wings perch at the tip of the flagpole! Go! " Upon hearing Ely Rose Apple's command, Elsa immediately run and sprinted towards the flagpole in the quadrangle! Upon reaching the flagpole, Elsa hurriedly climbed the top of it. It has only been seconds that Elsa was on top of the flagpole when the school bell rung to signal that the students must already gather at the quadrangle for the Flag Ceremony! It was too late for Elsa to get down! The students all gathered up in the quadrangle and the Flag ceremony started. Then before the flag was completely hoisted up, the students started laughing upon seeing Elsa on top of the flagpole! The flag ceremony was put to a halt and the Terrible Teacher - using a megaphone - ordered Elsa to go down! Elsa immediately slid down and was very humiliated! Then the Terrible Teacher grabbed Elsa by the hand and dragged her going to the Principal's office! Elsa was made to clean the whole campus that day as punishment!

Elsa did not complain! Elsa just thought that the reason why Ely Rose Apple made her climb the flagpole to wait for a Maya Bird with tangerine colored wings was for her to be Physically Fit and to be an Animal Lover! She also thought that the reason why she was made to clean the whole campus was for her to learn how to love Mother Earth!

Two weeks after the " Flagpole incident ", Ely Rose Apple - together with her minions - decided to make more fun out of Elsa! Allow me now to tell you about the " Hide and Seek incident! "

It was during Physical Education Class when the Brattish Bully - together with her minions - approached Elsa and told her: " Hey you! We are going to play Hide and Seek! I am thinking of allowing you to join us! But, you have to be the "it"! If you do not agree, I will tell my Daddy to fire you off the Gotohan and I will tell our P.E. teacher to give you a failing grade! " Elsa, upon hearing what Ely Rose Apple said, simply nodded her head!

Ely Rose Apple then told Elsa to go to the Amugis tree near the School Canteen where she must count 1 to 9,274,677,889 with 5 seconds interval each count before she begins seeking! Elsa agreed! Elsa did not complain! The Simple Schoolgirl just thought that the reason why Ely Rose Apple wants her to count that much and with 5 seconds interval is for her to learn how to count well!

Elsa was almost done counting until 9,274,677,889 and was ready to seek when suddenly she sensed a bright light flashing on her face! She opened her eyes and realized that it was dark already! Elsa's eyes was momentarily blinded by the bright light. She tried squinting her eyes to adjust with the bright light ahead and the darkness around her. Then she started seeing a figure of a man holding a flashlight! Then, the man spoke: " Violation number 5: Over Staying! "

The Grovelling Guard grabbed Elsa's hands and dragged her to the Guard House! And while dragging Elsa, Omario Bulatao was saying: " It's 9:36 PM already! All the students left at 4:01 PM! What are you doing inside the campus at this time? I will charge you with Over Staying! and that is your 5th violation already! "

Upon reaching the Guard House, Omario Bulatao then told Elsa, with a soft voice that he will not report the incident anymore to the Principal if she promise to bring 2 orders of Hot Goto with tuwalaya the next day! the Grovelling Guard also told Elsa that she must also bring 5 Okoys, Maanghang na Sawsawan, and 1.5 litres of A and W Rootbeer! Elsa nodded her head. Elsa did not complain. She promised the Groveling Guard to give what he asks to be given. Elsa then thought that the reason why Omario Bulatao asked her to bring him food was for her to learn how to be generous!

The day after the " Hide and Seek incident ", Ely Rose Apple, upon noticing that Elsa was not punished for staying until past 9:00 PM in school, became very furious and she called her minions! Ely Rose Apple told her minions about her next plan! This time, the Brattish Bully thought of a way on how to make Elsa fail in class! I now have to tell you about the double evil deed of Ely Rose Apple! The " Homework incident " and the " Leakage incident "! Allow me to start with the former!

The Terrible Teacher gave the class a homework that will require research work in the library! Elsa did her homework and was infact the only one in the class to do so. The whole class - with the exemption of Elsa - purposely did not do the homework because Ely Rose Apple told them to do so! Ely Rose Apple did this so that she could perform her evil deed! On the day of submission of the homework, Ely Rose Apple approached Elsa and asked if she could copy her homework, Elsa graciously allowed Ely Rose Apple. The Brattish Bully then announced to the whole class that it is only Elsa who has an assignment! All the students approached Elsa and asked the Simple Schoolgirl if they too could copy the assignment. Elsa agreed. Elsa was happy that she was able to help her classmates!

Finally, the Terrible Teacher arrived and asked for all homework to be submitted. Elsa submitted her notebook. The Simple Schoolgirl was feeling very confident that finally her teacher might appreciate her because she has done her homework well. But, instead of saying that she did a good job, the Terrible Teacher shouted at her instead and threw her notebook hitting her face!

Apparently, when the Terrible Teacher was already inspecting Elsa's notebook, the teacher saw a blank page! There was nothing on Elsa's notebook! Elsa was again punished! She was made to clean the room! Elsa did not complain! Elsa did not say a word! She just thought that the reason why she lost her assignment was for her to learn to make an extra copy next time!

Elsa was almost finished cleaning the room when all of a sudden, a paper plane landed on her feet. She noticed something familiar with the paper plane so she picked it up. She inspected the paper plane and noticed a familiar handwriting! She unfolded the paper plane and saw that it was her homework. When she looked around to locate where the paper plane came from, she noticed Ely Rose Apple and her minions giggling mischievously!

The " Leakage incident " happen the very next day after the " Homework incident "! It was examination day! Elsa was accused of being in possession of a leakage! Naturally it was Ely Rose Apple who accused Elsa of having a leakage! The Terrible Teacher did not investigate! The Terrible Teacher did not ask! She just took the Brattish Bully's word for it and quickly grabbed Elsa by the hand and dragged her to the Principal's office!

The Principal was about to punish Elsa when she thought of asking the Terrible Teacher for the "evidence". When the Terrible Teacher was about to hand the Principal the "evidence", she realized that the said "leakage" was just a copy of a song lyrics! The Terrible Teacher, realizing her mistake and not wanting to lose face just said: "Ma'am, this poor moneyless girl has found a way to make the leakage disappear from my hands! But, I am very sure that she was in possession of a leakage during my exam! Punish her! "

The Principal then said: "Definitely! You poor moneyless bald girl is very bad! I will punish you!" That day, Elsa was disallowed to take other exams and was made to walk around the campus while holding a placard saying: " I am a cheater! Do not imitate me! ". Elsa did not complain! Elsa did not feel bad. She just thought that the reason why she was accused of having a leakage was for her to learn not to bring song lyrics during exams!

For being wrongly accused of possessing a leakage during exams, aside from being disallowed to take the exams and being asked to walk around the campus while holding a placard saying: " I am a Cheater! Do not imitate me! ", Elsa was also ordered to be a Canteen Assistant for the whole week! She was made to wash dishes, fetch water, chop woods, clean the dining area, and serve foods to students during lunch!

The episode that you are reading right now, assuming that you are indeed reading it and that you have an eye - regardless if it is one or two - to serve that purpose, is where Elsa would finally realize that what I wrote in the second sentence of the last paragraph of the ninth episode of this tragic tale - which to be exact is the very same episode prior to this one - is true!

In the event that you have not read that episode and you have any, if not all, of the following reasons: "I simply have no time to scroll down to read it" ; "I totally am not interested to know what was written in the second sentence of the last paragraph of the ninth episode of this tragic tale" ; "I strongly prefer not to know what it was that was written "; and " I love the aroma of brewed coffee", then allow me to retype and enclose in a quotation mark what I said there!

"But, just like what is believed by many, the sad truth is: some good things surely doesn't last."

Honestly, I would want to assume that it wont take for one to be university learned to understand what I mean! The message is very obvious and very clear! The sentence is so worded to make anybody who reads it understand straight away that there are things in life that seem to be so good that we tend to think, or even wish earnestly, that it would stay and last long! But the sad truth is - anything that is positively overwhelming will surely - and must - come to an end! Just like how an ice cream - no matter what flavor it is - would melt under the heat of the sun, how a rose - whether its red or white or pink - withers after several weeks, how the sun - whether you are in the north or south hemisphere - sets at the end of the day, and how today's happy moments would become tomorrow's history!

Now, to cut the chase - for I truly am not the type who usually beats around the bush - allow me to say that: Elsa's streak of luck ended when her acquaintance with the School Guard started!

And so in this episode, I shall start my actual narration of what seem to be Elsa's never ending agony on the very day that Elsa first step foot on St. John's Academy! The school which is right infront of Mang Joey's Gotohan! The school that is located along 10th Avenue Cubao Quezon City, Philippines! The school where Mang Joey enrolled Elsa. The school where Elsa, the simple schoolgirl, studied again after being unfairly accused of murdering a terrible teacher and a vile vendor which resulted to her being expelled from her former school which resulted to her working full time in the gotohan of the beastly boss which resulted to her being assigned all the job in the gotohan that resulted to her being overworked which resulted to the fire that caused her to lose her job which resulted to her fearing the reaction of her preposterous parents once they find out that she is jobless which resulted to her walking from her house in Baseco Compound to 10th Avenue Cubao Quezon City Philippines in search for a new job that in the end resulted to her meeting the misinformed master who offered her a job that resulted to her going back to school that unfortunately resulted to her getting acquainted with the groveling guard of the St. John's Academy! St. John's Academy by the way is the school which is right infront of Mang Joey's Gotohan! The school that is located along 10th Avenue Cubao Quezon City, Philippines!

It was a typical Monday morning when Elsa woke up with high hopes that the day would be just like the past 2 weeks! Elsa was very optomistic that just like the past 14 days, positive things would happen to her! Now allow me to also tell you that Elsa was very excited to head off to work because it was also the day when she was to go back to school! And so, after making sure that she has performed all her household tasks, Elsa quickly took a shower, prepared her things - that includes her new carnation pink and orange colored school bag with Garfield design, 7 pieces of 50 sheets spiral notebook, and blue and red kilometrico ballpen - and then headed to Mang Joey's gotohan!

Upon arriving at the gotohan, and - without even taking breakfast yet, Elsa right away performed her duties! Elsa cleaned the kitchen, swept the floor in the dining area, scrubbed the toilet floor, washed the dishes, repaired the broken picket fence, cooked goto, welcomed customers, served hot goto to customers, took payments, and tidied up the tables! Mang Joey was very happy to see Elsa working really hard even when not told!

At around 10:59 A.M., Mang Joey instructed Elsa to take a rest, eat her lunch and prepare for school. Elsa right away obliged because her classes starts at 12:00 noon! But before Elsa started preparing for her first day in school, she first made sure that she has done all her duties in the gotohan! After making sure that there was nothing else for Mang Joey to worry about while she is in school, Elsa quickly ate her lunch, freshened herself up, put on her new pink and white uniform, grabbed her new carnation pink and orange colored school bag with Garfield design that has 7 pieces of 50 sheets spiral notebook, and blue and red kilometrico ballpen, said goodbye to Mang Joey and headed to school!

When Elsa was finally infront of the school's yellow gate and was about to enter, the School Guard stopped her and demanded for an ID! It was at that point when Elsa realized that she has left her ID at home! Elsa tried to explain in a meek voice that she has left her ID in her house and that her house is in Baseco Compound and if she still go back to her house to pick it up she would be late on her first day in school! The School Guard listened to her explanation but still refused to let her enter the school! The School Guard even said: " Violation number 1! Illegal entry" When Elsa heared what the School Guard accused her of doing, she meekly informed the School Guard that she is new to the school and that she is working as the new All Around Helper in Mang Joey's Gotohan! It was at this point when the School Guard's heart finally seem to have softened for Elsa. He smiled and then said: "Is that so? You are the new All Around Helper at Mang Joey's gotohan? That is great! Now, I will allow you to enter the school premises but promise me that tomorrow, you will give me hot goto with tuwalya, okay?" Elsa thought for a while. When Elsa realized that she could actually give her share of the hot goto to the School Guard, she meekly said: "Yes!" After hearing Elsa's answer, the School Guard opened the yellow gate and allowed Elsa to enter the school!

When Elsa saw how big the school was, she was momentarily mesmerized! She walked along slowly and observed her surroundings! The school was very different from her previous school! St. John's Academy has a playground, a canteen, a drinking fountain, a stage, a clinic, and a library!

Elsa was so consumed at the view of the new school that she has totally forgotten about the time! It was only when she heard the school bell rang that she realized that she was to attend classes that day!

When Elsa realized her purpose for being inside the school, she quickly looked for her classroom! Elsa looked at her registration form and only then did she realized that her classroom was actually in the 3rd floor! Elsa walked fast and tried to reach the classroom on time! Unfortunately, when Elsa reached the door of her classroom, the door was already closed and surprisingly the School Guard - the very same one who was at the gate earlier - was already standing beside it! When the School Guard saw Elsa, the School Guard shouted saying: " Violation Number 2! Cutting classes! ". Elsa tried to meekly explain to the School Guard that she was not skipping her classes. Elsa tried to reason out that she was only late. Elsa then remembered the School Guard's earlier request, so Elsa said : "I am really very sorry for being late, I promise that it will never happen again. Don't worry, tomorrow I will come in early and bring you hot goto." Upon hearing this, the School Guard smiled and said: "Oh! Really? Cross your heart swear to die? Do you also promise to give me 1.5 litro of A and W Rootbeer?" Elsa thought for a while then upon realizing that she could not guarantee the 1.5 litro of A and W Rootbeer she said: "I promise to give you goto, but I cannot promise the 1.5 litro of A and W Rootbeer." Upon hearing what Elsa said, the School Guard frowned, pouted his lips and said: "What? You can not promise? Okay! Get inside now!" Then the School Guard opened the classroom door and pushed Elsa in!

When Elsa got inside the classroom, she was already 23 minutes late! Her classmates were already taking their quiz! The teacher had her back turned from the class and was writing something on the board! Elsa said good afternoon but no one paid any attention to her. Elsa stood motionless beside the door then once again said: "Good afternoon teacher." The teacher didn't turn her back and didn't seem to have heard her! Elsa, fearing that the teacher might get angry if she said something again, decided to approach one of her classmate who was wearing a red headband to ask where she could sit. Elsa was on the act of asking her classmate when the teacher finally finished writing in the board and faced the class! The teacher saw Elsa standing beside the student with red headband! The teacher, upon seeing Elsa, started to yell saying: "Cheater!" The students got startled and started to scream as well! Suddenly the door opened and the School Guard came in and held Elsa's hand and said: "Violation number 3! Cheating during exams!"

Upon the teacher's orders, the School Guard brought Elsa to the Principal's office! Elsa wasn't given a chance to explain! The teacher who is most concerned about the welfare and well being of all her students, who always makes sure that all the students under her care are properly guided, who likewise makes sure that she prepares her lessons well so that her students become well knowledgeable, who treats her students with utmost love, care and understanding, and who loves those students who shower her with costly gifts during Christmas, New Year, Valentine’s Day, Foundation day anniversary, Linggo ng Wika, Nutrition month, English and Book week, United Nations Day, Halloween, Birthday and even during Rizal day bombing anniversary and Eid ul fitr - is just like Elsa - fairly new to St. John's Academy! She moved to St. John's Academy after being forced to resign from her previous school after the school officials found out that she was asking gifts from her students and that she was just pretending to still being sick after being confined in the hospital for Leptospirosis! By the way, just to let you know, the teacher's name is Mrs. Clarita D. Castor!

Anyway, going back to the story, the School Guard dragged Elsa from the classroom to the Principal's Office. And while walking, the School Guard repeatedly ennumerated what according to him was Elsa's School Violations! Upon entering the Principal's Office, The School Guard gave out a big smile, flexed his muscles, winked his eyes, cleared his throat, stood beside the School Principal, and said: "Ma'am Yes Ma'am! You are the most intelligent Principal in the whole wide world! You are very just and fair! You are also very sexy and beautiful! I caught this bald girl today! And I find her guilty of the following offences: Violation number 1: Illegal entry! Violation number 2: Cutting classes! and Violation number 3: Cheating during exams! I know that you are wise enough to see that I am saying the truth! Punish her!" Elsa, though was shocked at what was happening to her on her first day in school still managed to meekly say: "I am very sorry Ma'am but I didn't do all those. Infact I explained why I didn't have my ID with me and I was allowed to enter after I promised to give him hot goto from the gotohan of my new Master whose name is Mang Joey." The School Guard after hearing what Elsa said was quick to say: "Ma'am! Yes Ma'am! You are smart and flawless! I am sure you will agree with me when I say that what the bald girl just did was: Violation number 4: Attempting to bribe an honest School Guard!"

The School Principal gave Elsa a mean look, pretended to write something down on her notepad, glanced and smiled at the School Guard, then said: "Definitely! You bald girl is very bad girl! Leave her with me now and Thank you very much Head Guard Omario Bulatao! You did a great job today!"

Subsequent to the conflagration at Estrella's gotohan, Elsa was left without any permanent employment. And I have to tell you that being jobless worried the Simple Schoolgirl a lot because, obviously without a job, she won't be able to hand over money to her stepfather every payday! And without money on his hands, Rodelio Jay would surely get infuriated! And once her stepfather is in a bad mood, her mother would surely follow suit! Elsa also knows that, once upset, her stepfather would surely hurt her! And again, once her stepfather begins to hurts her, her mother would definitely do the same thing! And Elsa doesn't want these things to happen. Not because she feels bad being physically or mentally hurt by Rodelio Jay and Fanchita Isidra, but because she does not want her stepfather and mother to get exhausted!

At this juncture, allow me to point out that Elsa could not count on her part time jobs as her source of regular income because Labor Day, Town Fiesta, Piyesta ng Nazareno, Easter Sunday, Christmas, and New Year comes only once every 365 1/4 days! The truth is, many times had Elsa wished that holidays came more often so that she could perform her part time job and hand over more money to her stepfather twice as many as a result! But, she knows that she could not make it Christmas or New Year or Labor day or Town Fiesta or Piyesta ng Nazareno or Easter Sunday twice in a singular year! Elsa knows very well that there are wishes that do come true, but most wishes usually ends up being just that - wishes!

Anyway, I also have to tell you that there are things which Elsa finds hard to share with her mother and stepfather. Elsa could not tell them about how she feels towards many things. Elsa could not tell Fanchita Isidra and Rodelio Jay if she feels sick or lonely. Now the truth is, Elsa once tried telling Fanchita Isidra and Rodelio Jay that she was not feeling well, but instead of attending to her, Fanchita Isidra even scolded her severely and even slapped her 7 times and told her that she was useless and it was better if she was dead! While Fanchita Isidra berates Elsa, Rodelio Jay was looking on and was grimacing!

And so, knowing how her mother and stepfather might react if they find out about the fire in the gotohan, Elsa decided not to tell Fanchita Isidra and Rodelio Jay of the said incident. Elsa knows that Fanchita Isidra and Rodelio Jay would get really mad once they found out about the fire that caused her to lose her permanent job! Actually, Elsa is very much aware that more than anything else, the real reason why her mother and stepfather would get mad is because she lost her permanent job thus losing her regular income in the process! So, Elsa was determined to keep the incident as a secret as long as she could! Elsa knows that the only way for Fanchita Isidra and Rodelio Jay to not bother about the incident is when they are assured that she would still be able to give them money very payday!

And so, the day right after the fire, knowing that she has no place else to go for work, Elsa decided to look for a new job! Elsa was very determined to find a new employment! First, Elsa searched around Baseco compound area but there was no job vacancies there! Elsa also tried scouting around the Port area but there was no job vacancies there either! After failing to find a job near where she lives, Elsa began walking without stop. Elsa continued moving along on foot, passing through various streets from San Nicholas District to Binondo District to Quiapo District to San Miguel District to Sta Mesa District to San Juan City finally stopping for a glass of Sago't Gulaman in Pinatubo Street just beside Araneta - Cubao MRT Station in EDSA. After gulping down her glass of Sago't Gulaman that was worth 5 pesos, Elsa crossed the overpass going to Farmer's Market in Cubao. Cubao, by the way, is a 35-hectare commercial estate owned and developed by the Araneta Family in Quezon City, Philippines.

From Farmer's Market, Elsa hoofed it around Cubao area! When Elsa passed by and saw Araneta Coliseum, she was momentarily mesmerized at the sight of the enormous hippodrome and so she stood still and started imagining that she was inside the Big Dome watching Disney on ice! When Elsa passed by and saw SM Shoemart Cubao Branch, she stood motionless and started imagining that she was wearing the nice clothes worn by the mannequins in the showroom. When Elsa passed by and saw Ali Mall, she stood quietly and started imagining being inside the Shopping Mall that was named after the famous American Boxer, Muhammad Ali.

Now, allow me to also tell you that one of Elsa's dream is to get inside a Shopping Mall. For a very long time, Elsa has been dreaming of getting inside a Shopping Mall. Now that the opportunity was right infront of her, Elsa wanted to fulfill that dream. So, after some hesitations, Elsa attempted to get inside Ali Mall. To do this, she first waited for other people to pile up at the entrance, then when she finally saw that opportunity, she joined the horde of people, joined the queue and walked towards the Mall's entrance. Unfortunately, just as when Elsa was to first step foot on the Shopping Mall, the Mall's Security Guard stopped her at the entrance and refused her entry. Elsa was whisked aside by the Security Guard and was told that she could not come in. The Security Guard then explained to Elsa: "You cannot get inside this Mall because you look like a beggar asking for solicitation! Look at your clothes! Now go away! Don't you ever come back here again! "

When the Mall's Security Guard gave Elsa the thumbs down on her entry to the Mall, Elsa just turned her back and quietly went away. She forgave the Security Guard. She then made heself believe that the real reason why the Security Guard disapproved of her entry was for her to learn how to dress well next time she plans of going inside the Mall. Elsa then vowed that next time around, she would wear nice clothes and she would also wear her yellow worn out slippers with Betty Boop design that she wears only everytime she goes to school so that she wont look like a person asking for charity!

Anyway, from Ali Mall, Elsa crossed P. Tuazon Blvd and continued walking along until she finally saw a: "Wanted All Around Helper" sign infront of Joey's Gotohan in 10th Avenue! The sight of the "Wanted All Around Helper" sign infront of Joey's Gotohan was enough for Elsa to momentarily forget that earlier she was denied entrance to a shopping mall! When Elsa saw the: "Wanted All Around Helper" sign, she quickly grabbed the said sign and walked towards the gotohan.

Now, you have to be made aware that Joey's Gotohan, which is painted blue, which has picket fences infront, and which is decorated with artificial flowers, is actually just infront of a school named: St. John's Academy. The gotohan is, in case you failed to notice it, located along 10th Avenue in Cubao Quezon City Philippines! The gotohan is owned, managed, and manned by Mr. Joselito Montealegre! Mr. Montealegre or Joselito or Joey or Mang Joey is a very softhearted man. He helps anybody who seeks help from him. He donates to charitable institutions, gives alms to the mendicants, helps elderly people cross the street, plants trees to help save the environment, volunteers to clean clogged esteros, and regularly feeds street children! So, it was no longer a wonder why just after seeing Elsa, Mang Joey almost immediately wanted to hire the Simple Schoolgirl as his new All Around Helper!

At this point, let me say that: It was as if Mang Joey and Elsa already knew each other when they first laid eyes on each other! It was as if something mysterious actually connected them! It was as if Mang Joey could actually read Elsa's mind and vice versa! Elsa was holding the "Wanted All Around Helper" sign when she stood infront of Mang Joey to express her desire of getting hired! Elsa didn't say a word but Mang Joey feels that he knew what the Simple Schoolgirl wants! Mang Joey, seemingly sensing Elsa's agony and seeing Elsa looking so tired and hungry, offered the Simple Schoolgirl a bowl of hot goto with isaw and tuwalya first before he even began his interview. Elsa tried refusing the bowl of hot goto with isaw and tuwalya at first. But when Mang Joey insisted and said that it was free, Elsa almost immediately began eating her bowl of hot goto with isaw and tuwalya and it didn't take sometime before she could finished it!

When Mang Joey saw that Elsa was done eating, he gave Elsa a 12oz bottle of Coke for her drink. Then he offered the Simple Schoolgirl another bowl of hot goto with isaw and tuwalya. Elsa meekly accepted the drink but politely refused to take another serving of hot goto with isaw and tuwalya. Elsa then said thank you and gave Mang Joey a faint smile. Elsa's faint smile was enough for Mang Joey to understand that Elsa meant she was very grateful for his kindheartedness! After making sure that Elsa was no longer hungry, it was only then that Mang Joey started the job interview with Elsa. From the job interview that took around 16 minutes and 58 seconds, Mang Joey learned that Elsa actually walked from Baseco Compound going to Cubao in search for a new job. Mang Joey also gathered that Elsa once worked for another gotohan in Binondo. Mang Joey also found out that Elsa actually held many positions in the said gotohan. Mang Joey also discovered that Elsa was expelled from school because of an incident that was not purely her fault.

Unfortunately, Mang Joey failed to get a clear information about Elsa's parents because at the very same moment that Elsa was answering Mang Joey's question about "her parents", an Airplane flew above and the booming sound of the aircraft disallowed Mang Joey to hear that Elsa has what I wish to call "a natal mother who is four quarters short of a dollar, a substitute father who is five cans short of a six packs, and a biological father who is wandering the Elysian Fields"! Mang Joey also didn't hear it when Elsa mentioned that her mother's name is: Fanchita Isidra Ragoza y Cabogus, her stepfather's name is: Rodelio Jay Cabogus, and her Father's name is: Icasiano Antonio Ragoza. All that Mang Joey heard was the last word that Elsa uttered which was: "Dead". Mang Joey was the type of man who never asks the same question twice. So, when he heard the word "Dead", he just nodded his head, pretended to have understood what Elsa said, and straight away assumed that Elsa was an orphan and both her parents have already passed away.

From the information that Mang Joey "gathered" from his interview with Elsa, and being kindhearted as he truly is, he wholeheartedly offered Elsa the job in the gotohan! He also promised the Simple Schoolgirl a monthly salary which is thrice as big as what she previously earned. Mang Joey also promised Elsa a free monthly subscription to Funny Komiks and Tik Tik tabloid for her entertainment! Mang Joey also promised Elsa the following: 13th month pay, Health Insurance, SSS contribution, 15% Night Differential, Non taxable Transportation, Food, and Clothing Allowance, and free bowl of hot goto with isaw and tuwalya! Elsa was very happy with Mang Joey's offer! But what actually sealed the deal was when Mang Joey told Elsa that he will send her back to school!

Mang Joey told Elsa that if she accepts the job in the gotohan, she will be enrolled in St. John's Academy, the school which is right infront of the gotohan! Mang Joey told Elsa that she would be working at the gotohan in the morning then attend school in the afternoon! Upon hearing the very tempting offer, Elsa pondered for about 53 seconds first then she finally said yes! Mang Joey was very glad that Elsa accepted his offers! Elsa was very happy that Mang Joey gave her a very tempting offer! Elsa could not believe the luck that she got that day! Elsa realized that all her effort of walking from her house in Baseco Compound to Cubao was all worth it!

Mang Joey explained to Elsa further what he expects from her while working at the Gotohan. Mang Joey told Elsa that she must always come to work early and do her job well. Elsa finds the expectations reasonable. Mang Joey also explained to Elsa that the reason why he wants her to study again was because he wants her to have a better future. Elsa was gladdened because of this. So she didn't have second thoughts anymore when she signed the contract that Mang Joey presented to her. After the contract signing, Mang Joey gave Elsa money so that she wont walk from Cubao going home to Baseco Compound anymore! Elsa accepted the money, smiled meekly and said thank you.

Elsa went home very happy. Elsa went home with full of hope. Elsa went home with a smile on her lips. Elsa went home knowing that the next day will be a good day! Elsa went home feeling very positive! However despite feeling very positive about what unfolded that day, Elsa decided not to tell Fanchita Isidra and Rodelio Jay about her new job. Elsa didn't tell Fanchita Isidra and Rodelio Jay about her luck. She didn't tell her mother and stepfather because they wont care anyway. What matters to them is for her to hand them money every payday! And Elsa understands them for that.

Elsa woke up early the next day. After making sure that she has done all her household chores, she immediately headed to Mang Joey's Gotohan in 10th Avenue in Cubao! Elsa arrived at the Gotohan early which impressed Mang Joey! Elsa did the her obligations at the Gotohan without being instructed anymore! This impressesed Mang Joey yet another time! Elsa worked without stop, doing all the job from washing bowls, spoons, forks, water glasses and kaldero, to cooking the goto, to sweeping the floor, to wiping the tables, to collecting payments, to repairing the roof, to cleaning the tables, to welcoming customers with a warm greetings and a sweet smile! These impressed Mang Joey a lot!

And so, things went on well in Mang Joey's Gotohan in 10th Avenue Cubao Quezon City! Elsa performed her job well and Mang Joey fulfilled his promise! Mang Joey gave Elsa the benefits that he stated in the contract. Mang Joey also enrolled Elsa in St. John's Academy, the school which is right infront of the Gotohan! Elsa was to start school again in a week's time! Elsa was excited!

At this point, Elsa seems to have all the right reason to believe that she is indeed very lucky and that life has finally turned out good for her. But, just like what is believed by many, the sad truth is: some good things surely doesn't last. In this part of the story, Elsa is totally unaware of the impending doom that lies ahead of her. Elsa, if truth be told and as the title of this story obviously suggests, is in a matter of fact headed to more agonies! Only that, in this part of the story, Elsa just doesn't know it yet!

Parents is a word, which here in this episode of Elsa's story would mean: Preposterous! It may also refer to such lexemes like: punishment; apathetic; defilement; and umbrella!

Elsa, if euphemism would make it any different, has what I wish to call "a natal mother who is four quarters short of a dollar, a substitute father who is five cans short of a six packs, and a biological father who is wandering the Elysian Fields"!

While most young girls of Elsa's age would be delighted on the thought of going home from school every afternoon knowing that a loving mother would be ready to meet her at the door with a warm hug, Elsa, just so that you are aware, does not!

If most young girls of Elsa's age would be confident on the thought that what ever happends, a supportive father will always be around to defend her from bullies in school, Elsa, to make my point clearer, does not!

The reason why Elsa does not look forward at meeting her mother at night after school is easy to understand! And it is easier to understand why Elsa does not consider her father supportive! At this point of the story, allow to me remind you about the name of Elsa's father. He is: Icasiano Antonio Ragoza. It is important that I mention that name again. It is important that I remind you of that name in case you have forgotten all about it. Some people, especially the grown-ups, have the proclivity to forget minute details like the names of people.

If you are a grown-up who has followed this story from the onset and has forgotten about Icasiano Antonio Ragoza, I honestly do understand and infact, you are forgiven! But if you are new here and is just starting with this episode, then you have three options: the first is to leave hastily and look for something else to read; second is to trace back four episodes back and start reading the episode entitled: The Simple Schoolgirl; and third is to forget about prerequisites, just read along, infer, and make a conclusion! A conclusion which, since it’s devoid of basis, may end up biased!

Anyway, for the third time in this episode, allow me say again that the name of Elsa's father is: Icasiano Antonio Ragoza! Icasiano Antonio Ragoza spent his childhood days in the largest province and the biggest rice producer of Central Luzon in the Philippines: Gapan in Nueva Ecija! When he reached the age of 22, he decided that he had enough of the provincial life! And so, he went to Manila to look for a job. Unfortunately, he wasn't very successful at finding an employment! Knowing nothing else and having no other skills but to sow and reap in the rice fields, he always ends up with small jobs with very meager pay! But, despite the elusive luck, Icasiano Antonio discovered that he attracted the attention of many women due to his nice looks! And, Icasiano Antonio Ragoza also soon found out that he could survive life in the city using only his good looks! He got romantically involved with several women who could afford to give him allowance every month. Icasiano Antonio Ragoza got things going until he met Maritess Dolores Pulmones, The Vile Vendor!

His liaison with The Vile Vendor paved the way for him to meet the woman who he really fell in love with and whom he eventually married, Fanchita Isidra! Unhappily, his love relationship with the woman who he really fell in love with was doomed because of a curse made by The Vile Vendor! A curse that states: "Death will be the reward for whoever gives true love to the first born child of Fanchita Isidra and Icasiano Antonio Ragoza!"

After spending sometime of his life as a gigolo, Icasiano Antonio eventually wedded Fanchita Isidra in a civil ceremony. They used the earnings from the Special Banana cue stall, which Icasiano Antonio took with him when he eloped with Fanchita Isidra, to start up their family. The two contentedly lived together and in no time, Fanchita Isidra got heavy with their first child.

When Fanchita Isidra concieved, it was then that Icasiano Antonio realized that he has to start working hard for his family. He realized that soon he will grow old and his good looks would no longer be much use to him. He realized that it was time for him to take his life seriously! And so, he decided to go to Hong Kong and worked as a Cutter in a Clothing Factory. Icasiano Antonio worked really hard! He sends home a big portion of his earning every month so that Fanchita Isidra could save a portion of it so that she'll have money to spend when she delivers her child and she spends a portion of it for household expenses and home improvement.

A couple of months past and Fanchita Isidra gave birth to Elsa. But Elsa's birth, which was supposed to be a very happy event, turned out to be the beginning of The Vile Vendor's curse. When Icasiano Antonio learned that Fanchita Isidra gave birth to a baby girl, He was very happy and was so full of pride that finally he is a father. Icasiano Antonio became more determined to work hard for his family. Icasiano Antonio felt so much love for Fanchita Isidra and his new born baby, which of course would be Elsa! And because of too much joy, Icasiano Antonio decided to celebrate the special day by inviting some of his Filipino friends in the factory for a night of drinking in a bar.

The celebration went on and then ended a minute past midnight. At the end of the drinking spree, Icasiano Antonio was already so drunk to even go home that he fell asleep on a bench in the park which is right infront of the bar. When he woke up that morning, he was no longer feeling well. He was nauseous. He was throwing up. He was feverish. At first, he thought that it was a simple flu that he caught as a result of sleeping in the park. But, he got worse as the day progressed. He still reported for work however! But toward the end of the day, he just went from worse to worst. In the afternoon, he collapsed while at work and so he was rushed to a nearby hospital. He was confined at the hospital for a week before he breathed his last. The official hospital report indicated that Icasiano Antonio's cause of death was: Meningococcemia!

When Fanchita Isidra learned of the news of Icasiano Antonio's death, she was devastated! When she learned about the cause of Icasiano Antonio's death, she was terrified! When she learned about the reason why Icasiano Antonio went drinking that day, the drinking that made him drunk, that made him fall asleep in the park, that made him sick, and that made him pass to life eternal, she was furious! Fanchita Isidra was very angry! And she blamed her new born child! She took it all against Elsa! From that day on, Fanchita Isidra never really cared about Elsa anymore!

Fanchita Isidra never breastfed Elsa! Fanchita Isidra never changed Elsa's diapers! Fanchita Isidra never sang a lulluby for Elsa. Fanchita Isidra never hugged Elsa! Fanchita Isidra never even considered Elsa as her daughter!

Elsa grew up uncared for by her own mother. Elsa never really knew what happened to her father. Fanchita Isidra never spoke about Icasiano Antonio to Elsa. And it was because of that missing piece in The Simple Schoolgirl’s life that made Elsa think that her father "was not supportive"!

Six weeks, six hours and six minutes after Icasiano Antonio's death, Fanchita Isidra met Rodelio Jay Cabogus. Fanchita Isidra was on her way to the Juetengan to place a bet that time when she met Rodelio Jay Cabogus. By the way, Rodelio Jay Cabogus is a short stout senior Jueteng bet collector who came from a family with history of mental illness!

Because of Cupid's mischievous game, Fanchita Isidra and Rodelio Jay, upon laying eyes on each other, instantly fell in love. Fanchita Isidra even gave Rodelio Jay a “beautiful eyes” as the latter took her bet. Rodelio Jay on the otherhand reciprocated by giving Fanchita Isidra a wink. Then he made sure that Fanchita Isidra won on that particular Jueteng draw! Of course, it was Rodelio Jay who delivered Fanchita Isidra's winnings that night! And it was that night too when Elsa's life went from worse to worst! Rodelio Jay and Fanchita decided to live together. Rodelio Jay didn't mind if Fanchita Isidra already has a child! Rodelio Jay didn't mind at all because he knew that he could make use of Elsa when she grows up!

Time flew fast! Days went on to weeks, weeks went on to months, and months went on to years! Fanchita Isidra and Rodelio Jay now have three daughters! The two love their children! They took care of them well! Fanchita Isidra breastfed all of her three daughters. Fachita Isidra also changed their diapers! Fanchita Isidra sung lullabies to her three daughters! Fanchita Isidra hugged her three daughters as well. Rodelio Jay also helped in taking care of his daughters. Rodelio Jay played with his daughters! Rodelio Jay bought dresses for his daughters! Rodelio Jay brought his daughters to the playground! Fanchita Isidra and Rodelio Jay were good parents...but only to their three daughters! To Elsa, they were terrible! Not once did Fanchita Isidra ever considered Elsa to be her daughter. Not once did Rodelio Jay ever bought Elsa a dress. Not once did the two ever cared for Elsa. Infact, they treated Elsa as their slave! Elsa was made to do all the household chores! From repairing the roof, to doing the plumbing, to washing the dishes, to boiling water for Rodelio Jay's hot bath, to cooking Kalamay Hati for Fanchita Isidra's dessert!

Fanchita Isidra also forced Elsa to go to work at an early age! Fanchita Isidra forced Elsa to sell Pandesal every Labor Day, Taho every Town Fiesta, Sampaguita Garlands every Piyesta ng Nazareno, Kamoteng Kahoy every Easter Sunday, Cotton Candy every Christmas, and Thunder Lolo every New Year! Fanchita Isidra also didn't mind if Elsa was tired, hungry, lonely, or sick!

Rodelio Jay also required Elsa to hand over to him all her earnings! Rodelio Jay also required Elsa to tickle his callously feet every night so that he could fall asleep. Rodelio Jay also required Elsa to sing him a song every night as his lullaby! But it is not suppose to be an easy task as he required Elsa to sing songs backwards! And while Elsa is singing... she must pull off her hair one by one! Now, didn't I just answer the question that I promised to answer back in the first episode?

Anyway, Rodelio Jay and Fanchita Isidra took turns in making Elsa's life miserable. Sometimes they do it in tandem! They punished Elsa for the slightest mistake! They did all terrible things to Elsa! They called her names! They repeatedly told Elsa that she was useless! They repeatedly told Elsa that she was ugly! They repeatedly told Elsa that her life was headed nowhere! They repeatedly dampend Elsa's spirit! They inflicted pain not only in Elsa's young body but also in Elsa's innocent heart!

Now allow me to mention that when Fanchita Isidra discovered the sleeping effect of the feet tickling and the backwards song number that Elsa performs for Rodelio Jay, she also required Elsa to perform the routine to her! Fanchita Isidra also required Elsa to learn to sing her favorite songs backwards! Her song list includes: Lollipops and Roses, Moonlight becomes You, Maria Leonora Theresa, Kahit konting awa, Pearly Shells, Tiny Bubbles, My Pledge of Love, Ang Pipit, Yesterday when I was young, Tipitipitim, and Yeyeh Vonnel! And, if Elsa doesn't sing the songs backwards perfectly, she also asks Elsa to pull off her hair as punishment! Fanchita Isidra does everything to make sure that Elsa's life was miserable!

This episode wont be complete if I dont tell you about the miserable incident about the umbrella. The event with the sunshade took place one day, at around 2:46 in the afternoon, Fanchita Isidra went home gnashing her teeth. She was very furious because she left her favorite umbrella in an Airconditioned Baliwag Transit Bus! The umbrella is fuchsia colored and she got it as a prize in a raffle! So, she ordered Elsa to run after the Airconditioned Baliwag Transit Bus and retrieve the sunshade! Elsa, without second thought, obeyed! Elsa, after writing down the plate number of the Airdconditioned Baliwag Transit Bus on her palm, quickly sped off and ran after the Airconditioned Baliwag Transit Bus which was enroute to Baliwag, a 1st class urban municipality in Bulacan, Philippines! Running by the way was an easy task for Elsa! The reason why could be inferred in the first episode.

While running after the bus, Elsa was thinking only of making sure that she retrieves the precious fuchsia colored umbrella. She was motivated on the thought that if she is able to bring back home the umbrella, her mother would start appreciating her. Elsa was also thinking that the reason why her mother ordered her to ran after the bus was for her to learn how to be speedy so that one day she could enter the Olympics and be a well-known sprinter like Lydia de Vega and Nancy Navalta!

Without Elsa knowing it, she already out run the bus and has arrived at the bus terminal ahead of time. She waited for the bus to arrive. Elsa waited for 3 hours, 17 minutes and 52 seconds! When the bus finally arrived, she breathed a sigh of relief! She waited for all the passengers to alight the bus! When everyone has gone down already, Elsa went inside the bus and started searching for the sunshade. It wasn't in the front seats! Elsa became nervous, she wondered if she was in the right bus! She checked the plate number, it was the same one. She went back inside the bus and continued her search. Elsa looked among the middle seats! But the fuchsia colored umbrella wasn't in there either! Elsa became even more nervous! She wondered if someone already took it! But Elsa continued looking around until finally, she found it at the left corner at the back seat! The sunshade was on the bus floor beside an empty canister of Pringles Cheez Ums Flavor size 163g! When Elsa saw the fuchsia colored umbrella, she quickly grabbed it and embraced it like it was the most important thing in her life! Then after making sure that it was indeed the umbrella that Fanchita Isidra won in the raffle, Elsa almost immediately started running back to Baseco compound where her mother was waiting!

When Elsa reached home at around 8:03 in the evening, she quickly but lovingly handed the fuchsia colored umbrella to her mother. Fanchita Isidra grabbed the umbrella and inspected if it was indeed the same one that she won in a raffle! After making sure that it was without a doubt the same one, she knocked Elsa hard on the head with the handle of the umbrella and scolded Elsa for taking too long! She yelled at Elsa, called her useless 29 times, told her that her life was worthless 39 times, told her that it was better if she was dead 49 times, and then she whacked Elsa’s face really hard for 3 more times! She never said thank you! She blamed Elsa for a delay in her schedule! Apparently, Fanchita Isidra wanted to stroll in Luneta Park with Rodelio Jay...and the fuchsia colored umbrella!

Estrella is a Spanish word meaning Star! However, in this story, Estrella is the name of Elsa's boss in the gotohan in Binondo! Her full name is: Estrella Marte. Estrella is a frustrated actress! She once tried her hand at acting by playing bit roles in several massacre films.

Regrettably Estrella's acting stint didn't go far because she always ends up irking most of her Film Directors by insisting on dying with full make up on, complete with blue mascara, nose line, check eye, beehive hairdo, lip liner, and peach colored blush on.

When her acting career did not bear fruits, Estrella tried joining Beauty Pageants hoping that this would be her vehicle to stardom. She joined all possible Pageants from Miss Baranggay, Miss United Nations, Miss Undas, Binibining Pilipinas Village, Palengke Queen, Mutya ng Binondo, and even Little Miss Philippines where she got disqualified due to age issue!

However, joining Beauty Pageants didn't bring her far either because she always ends up scratching her head, perspiring profusely, dropping her jaw, and answering wrongly during the Question and Answer portion. But, in all fairness, Estrella doesn't always go home empty handed. Every time she joins a Pageant she always receives minor prices like: Best in Props, Best in Makeup, Best in Smile and Best in Attendance. She once bagged the title of Best in Talent when she did an acting piece of a lady being chopped to death by a serial killer.

The highest rank that Estrella has ever gone in joining Beauty Pageant was when she was crowned Second Runner up in the search for Mutya ng Binondo. Now, allow me to say that this only became possible because there were only three contestants on that Pageant, and there was no Question and Answer portion. For landing Second Runner Up, Estrella was awarded with gift packs consisting of dozens of bottles of Datu Puti Sukang Paumbong, Silver Swan Soy Sauce, Rufina Patis, and UFC Banana Catsup.

After joining several more Pageants and not winning the major title, Estrella realized that Beauty Pageants wasn't her thing, and so she decided to join German Moreno's: That's Entertainment! But this stint didn't up her Showbiz career either because she only appears during "special days" unlike most of the members who appears on the said Talent Show at least once a week. Estrella was assigned to do the show only during Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Black Saturday. Estrella wanted to do the show during Easter Sunday as well so that more people would see her on the boob tube, but Kuya Germs told her that the Easter Sunday Edition of the show is reserved only to the Senior Members.

In spite of the very limited TV exposure, Estrella still got noticed by several Casting Agencies. Estrella was hired to do several TV and Print Adds. Estrella did a commercial on Tiger Katol, Rambo Slippers, and Meng Du Liquid concealer!

For a while Estrella was quite contented with what was happening with her Showbiz career but she soon realized that she wasn't earning much. And so, after a few years she decided to quit Showbizness. And since she was able to save a small amount out of doing commercials, she eventually decided to put up the Gotohan and Mami Stall in Binondo.

And so, Estrella turned her back at Showbizness and became a Business woman. But she remained obsessed with Showbizness! She loves the glitz and the glamour of Showbiz. And so, for her to fuse in her love for showbiz and to pay attention to her new career as a Business woman, she framed all her pictures taken during the tapings of her massacre films, her appearances in That's Entertainment, and shootings of her commercials. She also framed all her pictures when she joined Beauty Pageants then she decorated all these memoirs in her Gotohan in Binondo. Her obsession with Showbizness didn't stop there! She also became a big fan of Kuya Germs. She founded a fan club for the Master Showman and organized several events as well.

Because of Estrella's obsession with Showbizness, She barely had time for her Gotohan. And so, she hired several staffs to help her run the Gotohan. One of them is Elsa.

Elsa started working at the gotohan when her mother, who was originally the one working there as a Dishwasher, decided to quit her job. At first, Estrella was adamant at accepting Elsa because the Simple Schoolgirl was still a minor. But after weighing up the situation and due to economic reasons, Estrella decided to get Elsa service after all. Estrella further realized that upon hiring Elsa, she could actually save for wages because she could pay the Simple Schoolgirl a salary below minimum wage. And since Elsa was just a young girl, she could not even complain about it!

At first, Elsa was just designated the same position as did her mother. Elsa was originally hired as a Dishwasher. And as a Dishwasher, Elsa must wash all the used bowls, plates, spoons, forks, glasses, hot plates, woks, kaldero, and all other kitchen utensils! Elsa must wash all of what I have mentioned earlier using only 1 sachet of Dazz Dishwashing paste! Elsa was instructed by Estrella to be frugal! Estrella told Elsa that she must make sure to extend the 1 sachet of Dazz Dishwashing paste for a month! If Elsa was unable to do this, and an additional sachet of Dazz Dishwashing paste was bought, the amount will be deducted to her salary! Elsa agreed to what her Boss wishes to happened. Elsa understands that the reason why her Boss was doing this was for her to learn how to be prudent in life.

As a solution to the 1 sachet of Dazz Dishwashing paste per month policy of Estrella, Elsa decided to add some Gumamela extract every time she washes the dishes. So, before going to work, Elsa drops by her neighbor's backyard to gather some Hibiscus. She pounds this and puts it in an emptied Star Margarine container. She then brings this to the Gotohan and uses it everytime she washes the dishes! For a while, Elsa's plan worked well! But due to the slimy nature of the Gumamela extract, plates would always slip off Elsa's hand while it is being washed resulting to several plates getting shattered into pieces! Several drinking glasses got broken as well! When Estrella found out about the incident, she right away punished Elsa! At first, she would just slap Elsa really hard on the face and beat Elsa with a stainless sandok. But later on, Estrella seem to find more satisfaction in hurling all the ingredients of the goto at Elsa and then asking the Simple Schoolgirl to pick it all up again and put it in the pot of boiling goto and while Elsa is in the act of putting the goto ingredients in the pot, she would push Elsa directly into the pot of sweltering goto.

For some mysterious reason then again, Elsa doesn't get scalded every time she plunges straight into the pot of boiling goto. Infact, after emerging from the pot of boiling goto, the only evidence that Elsa had a "hot bath" was goto all over her clothes. Anyway, because of this Estrella repeatedly pushed Elsa into the pot of boiling goto every time the Simple Schoolgirl breaks plates or drinking glasses. Maybe you are wondering what becomes of the goto afterwards, right? Oh well, Estrella would instruct her other staff to serve the goto to the customers! And again, for some mysterious reason the customer loves the goto! When Estrella noticed this, she continued to push Elsa in the pot of boiling goto even if the Simple Schoolgirl doesn't break anything! Elsa could not do anything. She could not complain. She just thought that the reason why her Boss was doing this to her is so that she would learn how to take a bath every day.

Anyway, Elsa remained as a Dishwasher in the gotohan for 6 months. At which time Elsa was still attending school under the advisorship of the Terrible Teacher! But when Elsa was expelled from school after being accused of attempting to murder the Terrible Teacher and the Vile Vendor, Estrella decided to promote the Simple Schoolgirl as a Service Crew. Or to be more atrocious about it since this is an agonizing story; Elsa was promoted to the position of Serbidora! I said "atrocious" because allow me to inform you that while Elsa performs her duty as Serbidora, she must also made to perform her previous duty as a Dishwasher. Elsa accepted this because she thought that the reason why her Boss was doing this to her is for her to learn how to be flexible! And besides, she has all the time now to concentrate on her job!

When Estrella noticed that Elsa did not complain about "her promotion", and knowing that Elsa now has all her time for the Gotohan, she also assigned Elsa to be her Personal Assistant. As a Personal Assistant, Elsa must make sure that she contacts all the members of Kuya Germs's fans club before every meeting! Elsa was also assigned to make banners and placards for Kuya Germs! Elsa was also once assigned by Estrella to follow Kuya Germs wherever the Master Showman goes and take pictures ala Paparazzi! Elsa must also frame all the pictures that she took of Kuya Germs then hang these at the Gotohan. Elsa did her obligations perfectly even if it was really difficult. And Elsa never complained.

Seeing that Elsa again wasn't complaining with all her tasks as a Dishwasher, Serbidora, and Personal Assistant, Estrella came up with another idea. An idea that would allow her to save more money! An idea that made Estrella very happy! An idea that she broke to her staff in an emergency meeting by saying: "Good evening Ladies and Gentelmen! Standing before you is none other than Miss Estrella Marte! 27 years of age with vital statistics of 36-25-36. Standing 5 feet 11 inches tall. Former Actress, Beauty Queen, Commercial Model and presently the Owner of Estrella's Gotohan and Mamihan here in Binondo! I do believe that children are our future, teach them well and let them lead the way, show them all the beauty they posses inside, give them a sense of pride! And my favorite animal is an Ant. My favorite animal is an Ant because they are saving for the rainy days. And so, today, I declare that for austerity measures, all of you are fired except for Elsa! Elsa will assume all the position here in my wonderful Gotohan! She will be the Dishwasher, Serbidora, Kusinera, Kahera, Janitress, Security Guard and most specially my Personal Assistant! Elsa will perform all these duties without any salary increase! If you want to complain, don’t! That's all thank you!"

Instead of reacting violently, the staffs of the gotohan surprisingly were even happy! After Estrella's speech, they applauded their Boss and hurriedly ran out of the Gotohan leaving Elsa behind. When all the staffs have left, Estrella spoke to Elsa and told her never to complain to anybody. Estrella also reiterated that she will not get any salary increase. Estrella also told Elsa that if anything gets broken in the Gotohan, the amount of the broken item will be deducted from her salary. Estrella also told Elsa that from that day moving forward, Elsa must call her: "Madame"! Elsa agreed to everything that Estrella said. Elsa did not feel bad about the situation. Elsa just told herself that the reason why her Boss did what she did was for her to first learn how to be a follower so that in the future she could also be a leader!

The first day that Elsa assumed all the position in the Gotohan, she got very exhausted! But again, she never complained. She accepted her new job and simply looked at the brightside of things! She told herself that: "At least I have a job."

Thirteen days after Elsa took on all the duties in the Gotohan, in what seem to be an ordinary Saturday morning, Estrella told Elsa to get the Gotohan really tidy and cook more goto and mami because after she attends the taping of Walang Tulugan by the Master Showman, she will be inviting over all the members of Kuya Germs's fans club! They will also conduct their meeting in the Gotohan.

Estrella told Elsa further that while she is cooking goto and mami, she must also make sure that all the dishes are washed properly, the dining area is clean, the toilet floor is scrubbed, the cash register is well guarded, the picture frames on the wall and wiped, and while resting, she must also make a banner to welcome the members of Kuya Germs's fans club! Estrella also reminded Elsa not to forget to dive into the pot of boiling goto. Again, Elsa did not complain! All that she was able to say was: "Yes, Madame!" Elsa knew that the reason why her Boss wanted her to do all those chores was for her to learn how to have initiative.

After Estrella left, Elsa went on to do her tasks! She performed her duties well and as usual, never complained. Infact, she was a bit excited to see the members of Kuya Germs’ fans club. She was also excited at the thought that Kuya Germs might also show up. And if that happens she will have an easier time taking photographs of the Master Showman. And if she has pictures of the Master Showman, her Boss will be very delighted!

From early morning until early afternoon, the gotohan was filled with customers as usual. Elsa had to attend to all of them and perform multiple tasks. By around 4:03 PM, there were only 2 customers. So, Elsa wasn't very busy anymore! She has already washed the dishes, cleaned the dining area, scrubbed the toilet floor, balanced the earnings of the Gotohan, dusted the picture frames, made a banner to welcome the members of Kuya Germs’ fans club, and dove at the pot of boiling goto.

Elsa was exhausted and so she sat for a while. Before she knew it she was fast asleep. And very quickly she was dreaming. She dreamt that her Boss rewarded her with a vacation at the beach. She was with her Bestfriend and they were both wearing sexy bathing suit. She and her bestfriend were playing along the beach. After playing, they decided sun bathe. Elsa applied tanning lotion to her Bestfriend and The Bestfriend returned the favor to her. Elsa and her bestfriend were both enjoying the sun bath when suddenly she felt the heat to be getting stronger! It seems that the sun has decided to get closer to earth. Elsa felt very hot and she felt like her skin was already burning. She looked at her Bestfriend but all she saw was herself in the beach. Elsa was so frightened that it was at that point that she woke up!

When Elsa opened her eyes, she saw the 2 customers, who were earlier eating goto, ranning out of the Gotohan! Elsa ran after the two thinking that the customers were running away with the payment. But when she was outside the gotohan already, she saw more people and heard them screaming: "Sunog! Sunog! Call the Fire Department!" Elsa noticed that the people were pointing at her direction. When Elsa turned her back, she saw the Gotohan already on fire! Elsa was shocked! Out of instinct, she ran back inside and tried to extinguish the fire using the hose from the toilet. But the fire has already spread that there was nothing else that she could do. The fire was already spreading fast and so she quickly grab the first thing that she saw. It was the big Kaldero filled with goto. She carried the heavy kaldero filled with hot goto out of the gotohan.

After making sure that the kaldero was safe in one corner of the street, Elsa decided to go back to the gotohan to save somemore things. But there were many people blocking her way all screaming to call the fire department but none actually helped! Before Elsa knew it, the entire Gotohan was completely destroyed by fire! Nothing was saved except for the heavy kaldero which was still filled with hot goto!

When the fire has died down and the only evidence of the fire was the burned woods and smoke, Elsa took the Kaldero from the corner of the street and stood in front of the burned Gotohan. Elsa was so worried about what her Boss would do to her! Elsa was worried but she did not complain! She knew that the Gotohan got burned for a reason. She knew that the reason why the Gotohan got burned at a time when she was all alone was so that she could learn how to extinguish a fire all by herself! Elsa was wishing that her Boss would also understand the reason.

At around 6:01 PM, Almost two hours after the fire, Estrella arrived at the now burned Gotohan with the other members of Kuya Germs’ fans club! Upon seeing what was left of the Gotohan, Estrella became hysterical! At first she wasn't paying attention to Elsa who was at that time still carrying the kaldero with goto. She also did not hear Elsa who kept saying: "I am very sorry Madame. Please forgive me!" Estrella was so hysterical that the other members of the fans club tried to pacify her but she wouldn't calm down. Until one member suggested that Estrella be left alone for a while so that she could breathe some air. When the members of the fans club placed her down, it was then that Estrella stood up. She strikes a pose and said: "Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen! Standing before you is none other than Miss Estrella Marte! 27 years of age with vital statistic of 36-25-36! Standing 5 feet and 11 inches tall. Former Actress, Former Beauty Queen, Former Commercial Model, and now Former Owner of Estrella's Gotohan! My favorite animal is a Lion! And I do believe that Alms, alms, alms, spare me a piece of bread, spare me your mercy, I am a beautiful woman, so sexy, without any more business and so angry! Vengeance is not God's! It's mine! It's mine! And so, I declare that Elsa, you are fired! Vengeance is mine!"

After Estrella's speech, the members of the fans club gave Estrella a big round of applause and then they hurriedly ran away! Elsa was about to put her hands together as well when suddenly she saw Estrella charging before her! Estrella slapped her face 4 times and then kicked her body 8 times! While Estrella was hurting Elsa, She kept saying “All my pictures are gone! Who would believe that I was once an Actress? A Beauty Queen? A Commercial Model? A Business Woman and a Fan of Kuya Germs?"

Elsa took all the beatings and not once did she beg Estrella to stop. Elsa did not complain about Estrella firing her. Elsa did not complain about Estrella slapping her. Elsa did not complain about Estrella kicking her. Elsa also did not complain when Estrella poured all the goto to her and threw the heavy kaldero on her face. Elsa did not mind getting bruises as a result. She knew that the only reason why her Boss did what she did was because she was very upset!

After beating Elsa really hard, Estrella decided to faint! But before she collapse, she took her fake Brown Louis Vitton bag and put out her makeup kit. Estrella applied full make up, complete with blue mascara, nose line, check eye, beehive hairdo, lip liner, and peach colored blush on!

Originally, this part of the story wasn't subsumed in the plan. However I am certain that there are some people, stumbling upon this story one day, who would find it categorically abstruse to clearly deduce the role of Aling Doleh in Elsa's grievously sad life if I don't put things in exact details. So I have decided, after some great amount of reflection, to rope in the Vendor's share of agonies so that it would be clear how Aling Doleh's life story would eventually shape Elsa's own!

Aling Doleh, or Maritess Dolores Pulmones is a native of Barangay Pasol-O in the 4th Class Municipality of Jamindan in the Province of Capiz located in the Western Visayas Region of the Philippines! The Pulmones Family is a household name in their rural Barangay of less than 1000 people. But they are highly feared. Maybe it would help in explaining why the Pulmones's are feared if I mention the name of Aling Doleh's family and the occupation of each! So here is goes. Her mother named: Ludivina Cecilla Pulmones is a well known Mangkukulam. Her father named: Sebero Gaudencio Pulmones is a popular Mangbabarang. Her eldest sister named: Nova Joy Pulmones is a Manananggal. Her elder brother known as: Willie Boy Pulmones is a Mangtatawas. And Aling Doleh, the youngest of the 3 kids, is a Banana cue Vendor!

Now you might be wondering why Aling Doleh seems to be the only one in their family who does not appear to have embraced the dark side. Well, I understand if that is how you are thinking right now. And it is for that other reason why I again included this part of the story.

Anyway, Aling Doleh was really destined to become a Mangbubutbot. But her real dream was to become a Saleslady in SM Shoemart. So, after she graduated from their local High school, she begged and urged her parents to allow her to go to Manila so that she could fulfill her dream. At first her parents and 2 siblings were against her plan because she must be initiated to the dark side before she turns 18 years old as part of the family legacy. But Aling Doleh's persistence was so great that in the end her family granted her their permission but with the condition that she must promise that she must always carry with her a sparkling magical black stone which is the size of Halls Candy but as rough as a panghilod. Aling Doleh must bring the magical stone with her wherever she goes and must swallow it once she decides to join the dark side. She must also shout out loud the magic word: "Ay! Palaka!" to make the magic work! Aling Doleh agreed on these conditions but at the back of her mind, she has already decided not to get initiated to the dark side. She knows that she will never use the magic stone. She just agreed with the plan just so that her family would allow her to go to Manila to fulfill her dream of becoming a Saleslady in SM Shoemart!

So, preparations were made for Aling Doleh's migration to Manila. A party was held. However no one from the neighbors attended the send off party in fear of being placed under the spell of the family. But the Pulmones family didn't feel bad about the non appearance of the invited guests. As a matter of fact, they were a bit happy because they had all the foods for themselves. It would also help if I mention that the Pulomes Family are all horizontally challenged.

The night before Aling Doleh's departure, the family conducted a ritual. While at the center of a big circle surrounded with black lit candles and with bonfire and incense smoke swirling around, each member of the family took turns in giving Doleh some gifts. Her mother gave her the sparkling magic black stone placed inside a small red velvet pouch. Her father gave her a small bottle with skull designed cap filled with lana, 13 pieces of fresh ikmo leaves, a bundle of banana cue sticks and a neon green lighter all placed inside a black box made of Kamagong. Her sister gave her a voodoo doll. And her brother gave her a taliasi!

Aling Doleh was emotional during the gift offering ritual and was evidently teary eyed. But again, just to be clear about it, let me mention that part of why Aling Doleh was teary eye at that time was because of the smoke from the bonfire and the incense smoke that was lit nearby. Anyway, Aling Doleh was really touched with her family's thoughtfulness. She adored the gifts that each of her family gave her. So, after the ritual that actually lasted for 4 hours and 18 minutes, Aling Doleh made sure that the gifts were all placed in her bag with flower design along with her floral underwear, floral dress, floral skirts, floral shorts, floral pants, floral socks, floral shoes and floral half slips!

Doleh was suppose to ride her magic broom going to Manila, but she has an extreme and irrational fear of heights called acrophobia so the family decided that she takes the passenger ferry instead. Now, being out of budget at that time, Doleh's family bought an illegal one way complimentary-economy ticket to Manila in MV Doña dela Paz from one of the ferry's corrupt crew. Holders of the cheap tickets were not listed in the official passenger manifest which Doleh's family got so concerned about, but Doleh didn't care!

At the time of Doleh's voyage to Manila, there were a great number of locals going to Manila for either vacation or work. The ferry which has a maximum capacity of 1,518 passengers and 66 crew members was jam packed with a staggering 4,375 people on board! The extremely overloaded passenger ferry left some of the people without a cabin or even a bed to sleep on. This means that displaced passengers must make do of whatever was available like tables in the pantry, floor on the hallway, and even stairways. Doleh choose to stay awake during the entire journey to Manila! And while everyone was fast asleep, she was actually at the top deck of the starboard side of the ship staring at the night sky and was day dreaming of being what she always wish to become: a Saleslady in SM.

At the middle of her day dreaming Doleh suddenly felt a strong thug and a loud crashing sound. The sudden push outbalanced her and made her fall straight into the ocean below. But she was quick to grab her floral designed bag. When she fell into the dark ocean, a whale was actually swimming nearby. When the orca heard the loud splash, the huge mammal of the sea swam towards Doleh's direction and gobbled up Doleh.

Meanwhile, the passenger ferry actually collided with an oil tanker named MT Victory. The impact caused damage and lost of lives to both ships. Due to the collision, MT Victory's cargo of fuels and oil was set ablaze and spill into the surrounding waters, causing much of the deaths of the crew and passengers of both ships. Both sea vehicles were engulfed on fire before it sank on Davey Jones. Many lives were lost on the sea mishap. Out of the thousands of passengers on both sea traveling vehicles, only 24 souls survived! In this list, Doleh was not included!

There are two reasons why Doleh's name was not one of those reported to have survived! One is because she was not in the ship's manifesto in the first place and two because she was rescued not by a person but by a grampus. Now how was she saved by the whale if I earlier mentioned that she was swallowed by it? Well, read along.

Since most cetacean mammals doesn't chew, Doleh went straight into the whale's stomach. She was alive. At first, all that Doleh could see was darkness. But Doleh remembered what she has on her bag with floral design. So, she dig into her bag and she took the neon green lighter that her father gave her and then she gathered up some woods inside the whale's stomach and started a fire. Then she caught some tulingan that was also trapped inside. She grilled the tulingan and ate them.

While Doleh seems to be enjoying her picnic inside the whale's stomach, the baleen on the other hand started feeling sick. His stomach was burning and smoke was making him dizzy. So, after a few more hours the poor narwhal threw up and out came Doleh as well.

When Doleh realized that she was thrown out up in the air, she closed her eyes tight because she was afraid of heights! So, she didn't know where she was already. Her eyes were still shut close when she felt that gravity was pulling her down already. While falling back to the ground, Doleh was actually imagining that she'll end up in an island with nothing around her but coconut trees, mountains, and monkeys. Doleh fell hard flat on her face.

Doleh was a bit aghast when she lifted her head and opened her eyes. Instead of coconut trees, mountains and monkeys she saw container vans, ships, and feet! Apparently Doleh landed in North harbor in Manila. But when Doleh started to realize where she was, she became so happy that she shouted: "Hello Manila, Mabuhay!" People who saw and heard her thought that she was crazy but Doleh didn't care! What matters to her is that she is now in Manila.

After realizing that she is finally in Manila, and after shouting: "Hello Manila, Mabuhay!" Doleh, with her floral designed bag on tow, started walking and looking around. She was enjoying every sight! It was far from the island scene that she originally expected but it was fine with her.

Before Doleh knew it, she has reached Baseco compound already and it was there that she settled. She rented a small house. Then after a few weeks she ventured into applying for a Saleslady position in SM Shoemart. Unfortunately she was rejected because she was overweight. She was asked to lose weight and just reapply after six months or, once she has slimmed down already. Doleh was disappointed, but she wanted to be a Saleslady so much that she vowed to start a diet so that she could pursue her ultimate dream. But while waiting to slim down she needs some income. So, she made good use of the banana cue sticks and the taliasi that she brought with her. She put up the Banana cue stall in Baseco compound!

Her Banana cue stall was an instant success! Being the only one who sells Banana cue in Baseco at that time, Doleh's Banana cue stall became very popular! She had lots of customers! People love her Special Banana cue! In time, Doleh's name became a household name! And no one fears her! Infact, she is well loved by people in Baseco. People in Baseco loves her Special Banana Cue. People look up to her and started calling her: "Banana cue Queen"! With this title under her name, Doleh set aside her original dream of being a saleslady in SM for a while and focused on keeping her title!

Time flew fast, it has already been 6 months since Doleh arrived in Baseco! She has been working hard to maintain her title. There were other people who also tried putting up a Banana cue stall but none were as successful as Doleh. Doleh was unbeatable! Doleh maintained her title as "Banana cue Queen" and was undisputed!

Notwithstanding her success, Doleh still feels that there was something lacking in her life. She knew it was not "the dark side" that she misses. She has vowed long ago that she will never embrace "the dark side". There was something missing and she could not understand what it was. Until one day.

It was an ordinary day in the Banana cue stall. As usual, there were many people purchasing her Special Banana cue. She was busy crossing between cooking and selling Banana cue when a charming man came to buy from her. The very instant that she laid eyes on the man she knew she was in love. What really attracted her to the man was the kuntil. Doleh likes men with kuntil and there was, in front of her a man who has that. She was even more enamored when the man smiled at her and told her: "Your Banana cue is so delicious"! The world seem to have stopped. Doleh saw nothing around her but the man who has kuntil eating her Special Banana cue.

Doleh later on learned that the man was a new resident of Baseco compound. And he has no girlfriend. And he is living alone in a rented room. And that the man loves Banana cue. And that the man's name is: Icasiano Antonio.

In time, Icasiano Antonio became a regular customer at the Banana cue stall. Doleh was inspired! Every time Icasiano Antonio comes over, Doleh makes sure that she puts extra segunda mano sugar on her Special Banana cue! She would also put the Special Banana cue on sale. This made people in Baseco even happier! And as a result, Doleh's Banana cue stall became even more popular than ever!

Due to the continuous popularity of Doleh's Banana cue stall, she has to employ an assistant since she could no longer manage the Banana cue stall all by herself. She employed her industrious, hardworking, diligent, laborious, tireless, and beautifully sexy neighbor and close friend named Fanchita Isidra!

Fanchita Isidra was a big help to Doleh. Fanchita Isidra's presence in the Banana cue stall brought in more customers and so Doleh gave Fanchita Isidra a raise in her salary. They also became closer to each other as a friend! When they are both not busy in the Banana cue stall, Fanchita Isidra would play the FLAMES for Doleh and Icasiano Antonio. Fanchita Isidra always makes sure that the FLAMES ends with: "Marriage". This makes Doleh even happier and considered Fanchita Isidra her lucky charm!

Meanwhile, Icasiano Antonio still frequents the Banana cue stall and every time he is there he always makes sure to tell Doleh how delicious her Banana cue is. He also tells Doleh that she is beautiful and gives Doleh a flying kiss every time he leaves the Banana cue stall. After a few more visit in the Banana cue stall, Icasiano Antonio courted Doleh. The Banana cue Queen did not give Icasiano Antonio a difficult time. After 30 minutes of courtship, Doleh gave Icasiano Antonio her sweetest consent on love.

Doleh was very much in love with Icasiano Antonio that she did not mind if she was the one spending for their dinner dates. She also didn't mind if Icasiano Antonio asked her to buy him an expensive Honda motorcycle as a gift for their First Weeksary; an original Rolex Watch for Second Weeksary; an 18 CF Two Door No Frost White Westinghouse Refrigerator for their Third Weeksary; and an original Ray-Ban Shades for their Fourth Weeksary. Doleh also wasn't bothered that Icasiano Antonio obliged her to give him 15 thousand monthly allowance. Eventually, Icasiano Antonio also began scheduling their dates and started making restrictions like: they should only go on date whenever there is a storm, they should watch movies in only Baguio City, have dinner in only Dumaguete, check in a hotel only in Davao, and go malling at any mall but only in The Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao!

Spending for Icasiano Antonio was something that did not bother Doleh because Icasiano Antonio explained to her that their love affair is like two countries: "I.T.A.L.Y. (I Trust and Love You) so, G.U.A.M. (Give Understanding and Money). But what Doleh did not understand is why Icasiano Antonio started scheduling their dates. At first Doleh suspected that Icasiano Antonio was not proud of her as his girlfriend. But when she confronted Icasiano Antonio about how she feels towards the many restrictions on their love affair, Icasiano Antonio just told her that: "I just want to make sure that no one would see us together because I get jealous every time someone else looks at you." Icasiano Antonio's reason was enough for Doleh to love the charming man even more! So things went on with Doleh and Icasiano Antonio. With a blooming love life and a Banana cue stall business that was a big hit, Doleh could not ask for anything more!

One Wednesday morning at around 8:56, in the Banana cue stall, Doleh was about to go to market to buy more Sagging an Saba for her Banana cue when Icasiano Antonio dropped by and said that she better go to Blumentritt Market instead of the nearby talipapa. Icasiano Antonio told Doleh further that the Saging na Saba in Blumentritt Market are better in quality and this would be good for the business. Doleh was touched with Icasiano Antonio's concern on her Banana cue business so she agreed to go to Blumentritt Market instead! Then when Doleh was about to leave, Icasiano Antonio said: "You know what? I think it would be better if you walk going to Blumentritt Market instead of riding a jeepney. You know I am concerned about your health. I want you to remain sexy". Doleh blushed with what she heard. She felt even more in love with Icasiano Antonio. Doleh felt that Icasiano Antonio was really so concerned about her. So, Doleh agreed to walk going to Blumentritt Market from the Banana cue stall in Baseco compound in Tondo! Before Doleh left, she still saw Icasiano Antonio giving her a flying kiss! Doleh smiled. She was happy to have a man who loves her a lot and a friend who will take care of her Banana cue business while she is away.

After 13 hours, 45 minutes and 11 seconds, Doleh arrived back from Blumentritt Market. She was very tired and was haggard looking. When she passed by the Banana cue stall, she was no longer surprise to see it closed. So she decided to go straight home. She was thinking that Fanchita Isidra would be waiting for her there to hand over the day's earning and that Icasiano Antonio would be visiting her later that evening. But when she was about to leave, she noticed a letter posted on the stall. She took the letter and started reading it. The letter reads:

Dear Doleh,

I, Icasiano Antonio do solemnly swear that I would like to ask you to forgive

me for making you believe that I truly love you. I am asking for your kind

consideration if I took with me the earning of the store today. I am also very

sorry if I ran away with Fanchita Isidra. Please be informed that I will not let

you know where we will be hiding. I will not give you a clue. I wish that you

will forgive me upon receiving this letter of mine. I, thank you!

Love,

Icasiano Antonio & Fanchita Isidra

P.S.

Your Banana cue is so delicious!

And remember: J.A.P.A.N (Just always pray at night)!

Doleh got shocked at what she read! She was speechless for a while. Her eyes opened wide. Her jaw dropped. Her heart stopped beating! She turned purple! Then she fainted!

After exactly 36 minutes, Doleh recovered. She was still in front of the Banana cue stall. She was still speechless! Her mind was filled with thoughts of Icasiano Antonio and their happy moments together. She also remembered her happy times with Fanchita Isidra and those times when they were playing FLAMES. Doleh started walking home speechless, expressionless and emotionless!

When Doleh arrived home, the first thing that she did was look at the mirror. When she saw how haggard she looks that was when reality struck her! Pain started to conquer her heart! She felt deceived by her Boyfriend and Bestfriend! Doleh could not bear the pain that she was feeling in her heart so she screamed and cried! While Doleh was screaming and crying, the neighbor's transistor was playing: "Kung liligaya ka sa piling ng iba by Imelda Papin". Upon hearing this, Doleh screamed even louder!

Devastatingly heartbroken, Doleh decided to go drinking. She bought 2 cases of Red horse beer and ordered Special Sizzling Sisig for her pulutan! She downed the bottles of beer all by herself. All the time that she was drinking, the neighbor's transistor kept playing the same song over and over! After Doleh gulped down the 2 cases of Red horse beer, she decided that she wants more! She wants to forget the pain that her Boyfriend and Bestfriend caused her. So she stood up and was on her way to the nearest store to buy 2 more cases of Red horse beer when she glanced at her image at the mirror again. She saw how haggard she looked like. She blamed her looks for her Boyfriend's deception. So before leaving the house, she applied Johnson's Baby powder original scent on her face, combed her hair with her yellow springmaid comb, and splashed Angel's Breath Baby Cologne all over her body.

Doleh was wobbling as she walked out of the house to buy some more Red horse beer. She could still hear the same song, when she tried singing along with the song she noticed that her mouth was reeking with beer. So she grabbed into her pocket and pulled out a small rounded object that she thought was Halls candy. She quickly put this in her mouth. As Doleh was about to pass by the door, she suddenly tripped over and fell flat on her face. The fall made her swallow the small rounded object. While she was lifting her face from the ground, a bull frog suddenly leaped in front of her who made her shout: "Ay! Palaka"! Upon saying this, magical lights suddenly surrounded Doleh and she felt revived! She felt strong! She was no longer feeling dizzy! The pain in her heart was mysteriously gone as well. And instead of pain, Doleh could feel intense hatred towards Icasiano Antonio and Fanchita Isidra! She could feel hatred slowly taking over her whole being. Doleh's heart was filled with so much anger that she could not think of anything else but settling of score!

While Doleh was thinking of how to get even, she felt her body morphing! So she ran back into the house and looked at herself at the mirror. The reflection in the mirror confirmed her great fear! She now looks even more ghastly! Her hair is all messed up and she has warts all over her face! She has now been initiated to the dark side! And she is not just an ordinary Mangbubutbot! She has also inherited her whole family's power! She is now a Mangbubutbot con Mangkukulam con Mangbabarang con Manananggal con Mangtatawas!

This time around however, Doleh welcomed the power of the dark side! Without second thoughts, she right away set out to conduct her first Evil Deed! Using the lana that her father gave her, She applied some of it all over her body so that people would still see the image of the old Doleh instead of her witch self that reflects back at her in the mirror! Then she also used some of the lana on her Banana cue so that even if Fanchita Isidra is no longer around to help her, people would still buy from the Banana cue stall! Finally, summoning all her power and asking for help from the Diwata, Engkanto, Itim na Duwente, Kapre, Nuno sa Punso, Tikbalang and Tiyanak, Doleh using the voodoo doll that her sister gave her, placed a curse on her ex Boyfriend and ex Bestfriend!

Doleh's curse however was not directed towards the two people who deceived her. She actually placed a curse on the first child of her ex Boyfriend and ex Bestfriend! Her curse states that: "Death will be the reward for whoever gives true love to the first born child of Fanchita Isidra and Icasiano Antonio Ragoza"!