The first 18 years of my life have never granted me an opportunity to meet the world face to face. Neither did it allow me to express my heart’s burning desire to share my dreams and aspirations nor made me realize how much I really meant to my "little world."
There was one night, however, in which I was privileged to have that opportunity.
The night of Sept. 10, the pieces of "Jeryl’s life puzzle" gathered together to celebrate my metamorphosis into that "promise" left unsaid, but never unnoticed (as my sister, Jerika puts it). A little more than 200 pairs of eyes were fixed on me and all that filled my soul was a feeling beyond the measure of words, leaving me speechless throughout the entire evening.
When I entered the ballroom of the Century Park Hotel, an overwhelming rush of adrenaline conquered me as pleasant surprises came one after another, never allowing my smile to cease… My eyes met the first surprise – Coach Don San Agustin from Guam, one of the most significant people who has nurtured my character and instilled the ideals I must cultivate to make my journey on earth worthwhile.
But no, there was more than that. "Sister talk" followed in which my sister Jerika and some special people such as Coach Don, Ms. Siti Nawal, my teacher from Singapore, and Maan Santos, who will soon be a doctor and has greatly inspired me to pursue my dream, all dedicated special lines for me.
As the surprises kept on coming, the next one was not an exception. Jerika rendered a song sung from her heart. That moment erased all doubts and fears I had and truly made me feel the strongest sisterly love I’ve ever experienced. It never dawned on me that I meant so much to her. The youngest in our family, Jeri, also sang for me. She truly epitomized courage and confidence, an act which was greatly appreciated.
The next number was yet another surprise. Like one of the lines in my invitation went "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams," a hand mime presentation followed. It portrayed my character well, emphasizing how I dream and set goals in life with the song "Power of a Dream."
My emotions were amplified as my 18 wishes entered the ballroom one by one, each bringing in a cake for me. Wow, 18 cakes in front of my very eyes… And slowly, I blew each candle watching the candle lights dim themselves and go off, as though snapping shots which were captured in the chambers of my memories. It was magical…
It wasn’t over. They realized that at least a couple of tears would have to trickle down my cheeks before it would be called a "night." And so Daddy delivered a speech that touched me so much that I had to tilt my head up to avoid the tears that have welled up my eyes from falling. He spoke of how much I’ve held the family close together and expressed his sincerest gratitude to the Lord, as he said, "for blessing the family with Jeryl."
It still wasn’t over. The surprise that followed was one of the best yet that night. Mommy went, "Jeryl, remember the time when you asked me for something in exchange for a debut and I denied? I lied." She shot me a look which aroused much curiosity within me. I shook my head. Then she continued, "Okay, let’s have the gift." The white curtains were opened… A real king-size quilt with the Chemistry periodic table of elements embroidered on it was revealed.
I still remember the time (a little more than a year ago) when I asked for that quilt and Mommy disapproved of it, wondering why someone my age would exhibit such an interest towards Chemistry. So, I erased all my hopes for one. I didn’t know whether to smile in delight or to cry in disbelief upon seeing the quilt. I gave my Mom a tight hug. I didn’t care about smearing my make-up all over. I just wanted to tell Mom I loved her very much. And that was when my tears finally trickled down.
The final cut was my nine-minute AVP which encapsulated all the stages and events of my growing up years, ever since the very first day I stepped into the world. It was extremely fantabulous…
And so it was indeed a coming out party for me.
This is a perfect time for me to thank the people behind my blossoming. Dad, you’ve been the reason behind my courage in life. Mom, I truly appreciate your efforts of painstakingly ensuring that I’d be a happy debutante and that the party would be something I’d cherish forever. Congratulations for 18 years of unfailing love and perseverance in the craft of motherhood.You and Daddy are a wonderful tandem.
I owe several special people my gratitude, starting from the team (Pio and Dannah Lee, Ed Ramirez and their staff) that helped complete my AVP using Mom’s compiled materials throughout my 18 years. And to Adaline Tanenglian Ong Carranceja (Spyder) for realizing my dream of an invitation which truly reavealed my character and Jerika, my beloved sister, who helped me illustrate my "The Little Dream Book" inside my invitation and for the conceptualization. Thanks to Karen Young and Eunice Pascual for my 18 wonderful cakes. I know it wasn’t an easy task but it came out perfect. Thanks for your labor of love. And by the way, that was one of the highlights for me. And for Emmy and Brenda who willingly took the job of making one of my wishes come true… I have to say that the king-size periodic table of elements quilt was indeed marvelous!
Though nothing can bring back the night of bliss and splendor that opened the windows to another chapter in my life, I grieve not as it forever occupies a place in my heart and find strength in what remains behind as I move forward to reach greater heights and realize my dreams…
That night will forever occupy a special place in my heart: the celebration of my coming of age. Yes, that night of magic and love…