Wanna keep Iguana!

Dear Mai Mai, China and Tingting,

I recently bought an iguana. I call him Fred Durst in honor of a poser co-writer at our school newspaper. The problem is, my mother doesn’t want me to keep Fred Durst because my elder sister who’ll be coming back from the States is allergic to reptiles. I have grown fond of Fred Durst. It would be a tragedy for me to just give him up. Help me, dear sisters. — Richie


I think the only way out is for you to find a reasonable space in your house to quarantine Fred Durst and keep him away from your ailing sister. If you can’t find a spot for him, then you don’t have much choice but give your iguana up. Sad to be apart from your pet but we have to give priority to your sister’s situation. — Mai Mai

If I were in your shoes, I would probably give it to someone who loves iguanas too. Not all pet lovers like reptiles. If you can’t find one who’ll satisfy your requirements, donate it to a group that precisely work precisely for the conservation of animals. Sorry, but unless your sister overcomes this medical condition, you really have to give it up. — China

Unfortunately, your mom has a good reason for not wanting to keep the iguana in your home. I don’t think there is any other way except for you to find it a new home...preferably one accessible to you. Ask your neighbors if there is someone willing to "adopt" your pet...before you choose a home for him, make sure you are allowed to visit it as often as possible too. — Tingting
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Dance Fever
Dear Mai Mai, China and Tingting,

I saw a ballet performance at the CCP and was really impressed. So I made a decision to learn ballet. The problem is, I am a boy. What would my classmates say? You know how it’s like to be a high school freshman. They might think I’m queer or something. My mother (who’s helping me with my letter, by the way) is telling me to follow my own heart. But what about the jokes I’ll encounter? — Calvin


It’s quite certain that you will get teased. However, the novelty of seeing a boy in ballet gear will eventually wear out. I believe the joking will subside after awhile, especially if they see your talent first hand. Don’t succumb to peer pressure. I hate to suggest it but to equalize the situation, you might also want get into activities that are geared towards stressing your masculinity like boxing, martial arts, basketball, etc. The most important thing is, as your mom said, to follow your heart. — Mai Mai

I guess mothers really know best. She’s right, of course...you must follow your heart. You must surround yourself with people who understand your appreciation for the dance and not those who are immature to think that ballet is only for the queer. Never mind the jokes. These people won’t be around you for long. — China

As a mother, I would probably say the same thing to you. It is important that we parents are supportive of your endeavors especially if odds are against you. Now you must decide how much you want to be a ballet dancer. Being one requires much discipline and concentration. Unless your whole heart is in the craft, you won’t go far. First is, you must be able to get passed worrying what they may think, before you really consider being a dancer. I hope you do though. There are few teenagers who appreciate culture and arts. — Tingting
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Send questions to sisters_ys@yahoo.com

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