earlarellano

A devastating typhoon just hit Quezon Province, destroying homes and livelihoods. At the same time, a wonderful boy was born, me. From the moment I came into existence, my parents showered me with love, affection, and care. They taught me lessons that helped me grow, and defended me from the wickedness of this world. 

What more could I ask for? As I went through the early stages of my life, I did nothing but have fun. All I did was have fun. Eat, sleep, play, and repeat. The world was full of colors. Though I only saw black and white. There was always the good and the bad, the happy and sad. 

Struggle introduced itself to me earlier than expected. When I was about four years old, most of my childhood friends could already speak straight. But me? I struggle to even get a full sentence out of my mouth. My parents brought me to a medical professional, who helped me overcome the problem. Through constant practice and with the right amount of guidance, I was able to speak, little by little. After a year, I could already communicate with ease. That struggle introduced a new thing, which is growth. 

As a son of a Minister, moving constantly was a normal occurrence. I may get attached to some of my friends, next thing I know, we’re moving again. It wasn’t a bad thing. Because of that, I had the chance to meet new people, and make new memories.

The year was 2011 in Kiloloron, a small barangay in Quezon Province, I was at the top of our class. I loved the school, the teachers, and the place as a whole. One day after school, me and my friends decided to go to the nearby river to play and have fun. The sun was still up but about to come down. It was a nice moment, but it was the last one. When I got home, my mom hugged me. She told me we were moving again. I cried. The next morning, I said my goodbyes to my friends. Unfortunately, I never heard from them again. 

From 2011 until early 2017, we stayed in Real, one of the municipalities in Quezon Province. From the moment we stepped into our house there, I said to myself, “I’m gonna enjoy living here.” The house had two floors, three bedrooms, and a very wide one compared to our past houses. The compound looked great. There were twelve houses, six on one side and six on the other. In between the houses, there was a garage. The compound and the houses were great, but what made it really special was the neighborhood. Specifically, the neighborhood kids that would soon be my childhood friends. 

From grades one to six, I spent my elementary days in Real, Quezon. Transferring to another school wasn’t easy for me. I found it difficult interacting with other kids in school. I was often left behind because I was too shy to even talk with them. But, as I spent more time in school, I found myself becoming more comfortable. Part of it was because of my friend, Princess, who always supported me and never left me behind. 

The school was not very far from our home so my parents allowed me to walk. After school, I would be with my friends. Before going home, we often bought food in front of the school. There’s something in particular that I miss so much, which is the siomai with its delicious sauce served by Aling Glenda. One day after school, me and my friends Junior and Adriel walked from school to home. As we walked through the usual route, we saw a dog locked in a house. It seemed mad, like it wanted a piece of us. So, being the naughty kids as we once were, we teased the dog since it couldn’t do anything to us. After all, it was caged. Sadly, a bad thing happened. One kid walking by decided to throw a stone at it then ran. The owner of the dog heard the dog groan. The owner was an old man, maybe in his 50’s. He thought that it was us who threw the stone. He shouted at us, loud enough to make us run as fast as we could. While running, we were laughing. But when we looked behind, he was still there. Even though we were exhausted, we didn’t stop. When we reached the compound, we went straight to the house, then locked the doors. It was a thrilling and fun experience. After that, we changed our route on our way home because we feared that he might recognize us. 

The year was 2017. Finally, I would be a high school student. I was excited and kind of scared. The school was new, as well as the teachers and the students. The first day was awesome. Some of my classmates were also my former elementary classmates. My excitement became even stronger because most of my classmates were pretty. I was excited to get to know them. The teachers were also awesome but one teacher was kind of grumpy and she already assigned homework on the first day. That year was also the year when my parents bought me a bike. So, instead of commuting by tricycle, I rode my bike to school. It was fun but not when it rained. When it was raining, I always got wet even though I wore a raincoat. The first year was nice. But before I got too attached, once again, my mother notified me that we were moving. This time not in another barangay or municipality of Quezon, but in a new Province, Quirino. 

In late 2017, we moved to another Province, Quirino. New people, new culture, and new language. Traveling from Quezon to Quirino was exhausting. Although I enjoyed it because we ate at McDonalds and Jollibee. The trip was almost a day. When we arrived at Quirino, I was amazed because the compound was a lot bigger. But, the houses were only seven compared to the twelve in Quezon. After a day, we attended the worship service. I was surprised when the Deacon prayed in Ilocano. I couldn’t understand a word. But it was worse in school

From late 2017 to 2020, I spent my high school days in Quirino General High School. When I first entered the school, my mind was blown. The school was about five times bigger than the one before. It’s either my former school was really small or the school in Quirino was just huge. It could be both. My mother talked to the principal, who escorted me to my new class. I enrolled at the Special Program in the Arts as a music major. As soon as I entered the room, my new classmates interviewed me. “What’s your name?”, “Who’s prettier?”, “Where do you live?”, “Are you staying here?”. They introduced themselves one by one but I barely remembered their names. They were really nice.

During the afternoon class, the teacher didn’t come. So, I spent most of my time with the boys. They were all talking in Ilocano to mess with me since they knew I couldn’t speak their language. After the classes, one of my classmates who was also my neighbor, took me around the school. She taught me how to commute, where to eat and many more. The first day was wonderful. Maybe the first day was foreshadowing my following years of stay there. 

One person made my junior high school years special. Her name’s Sophia. She was in the Science Class, the star section of our school. She’s about five feet, with nice and curly hair. Her skin was as white as paper. She had nice lips that perfectly matched her charming smile. She was gorgeous. She was also the Vice President of the student council. I’ve always admired her. She didn’t even know my name. I thought she wouldn’t even wanna be friends with me. But one day, I received a chat in messenger. It was her. She was calling the attention of all grade eight student’s presidents. Since I was the president of our class, she chatted with me. But I wasn’t gonna end it there. I communicated with her almost everyday until we became friends. At the end of the school year, we became best friends. Until now, we’re still best friends. Although I couldn’t hang out with her since the pandemic began. 

Today, I am studying at New Era University as a HUMSS student since this strand is aligned with my chosen career track. My sister persuaded me to enter this school. I’m grateful because I did join this school because now, I always have online classes compared to the schools here who only offered pure modular. Studying at New Era is great so far. I’m excited to meet my classmates. I already miss face-to-face classes and hopefully, we can meet next school year at school. 

It was a great Friday afternoon. I was with my older siblings.  The sun was shining bright, touching our skin and hurting our eyes. The voices of the people were echoing, and the loud sound of the people singing in karaoke filled the streets of Quezon. All of them were preparing for the New Year's Eve of 2011. I was 6 years old, and I barely knew how to eat by myself. 

My brother held my right hand, while my sister gripped the other one. At that moment, I felt safe. But it wouldn't last long. 

As we marched through the busy streets, we were greeted by the sweet smiles of the locals. I looked at my siblings and they were smiling, too. 

We continued wandering around the unfamiliar streets. And a wonderful aroma entered my nose. It was the smell of the barbecue being smelt in front of a house. All of a sudden, I was hungry. I pulled my brother's arm, then I pointed at the barbecue stand.

My brother patted my head affectionately, then said yes. We marched our way through the barbecue stand. He ordered six pieces so each of us can have a fair share. We waited for a few minutes but I was getting bored. I turned to my right and I was astonished. It was the river. The smooth flow of the water and the bridge on top of it amazed the young me. I dropped my siblings' hands and I ran near the river. They were too busy talking to the barbecue seller to notice me. And when they did, it was too late. 

After I reached the river, I looked back. All of sudden, I was lost. I didn’t know where I came from or how to go back. I looked around me. Nobody seemed familiar. After a while of wandering around, hoping to find my siblings, I stopped. I cried. I cried loud enough that all of the strangers walking by were looking at me, but didn’t even bother to ask and help me. I didn’t care. 

I ran endlessly while tears were streaming down my face. I felt exhausted. It was time to stop. So, I stopped. I remembered a lesson taught by my mother. She told me that whenever I’m in trouble, just call upon God. And so I did. 

I gently closed my eyes, held my hands in front of me, and prayed. “Ama, Nawawala po ako. Tulungan mo po ako” I wiped the tears falling from my eyes. My shirt was soaking wet as if I jumped into the river. 

I continued walking but this time, full of hope that God will indeed help me. After a few minutes, my prayers were answered. Finally, a woman approached me. She was about five feet tall with short and curly hair. 

She smiled at me then asked, “Anong pangalan mo?”

I felt like crying even more. Thankfully, I knew what my full name was. “Earl John Arellano po. Nawawala po ako.”

“May kakilala akong Arellano dito. Halika, baka kamag-anak mo sila.”

She held my hand. Walking with her felt like an eternity. But once again, I felt safe. 

Finally, after walking and walking, the streets were familiar. “Sasakyan po namin ‘yon!” I saw my mom, calling someone and looking worried. I felt the rush of happiness fill my entire body as I saw my family. My dad, my mom, my ate, my kuya, and other relatives. I ran toward them. My mom hugged me tight. They were all asking questions but I was too tired to answer. My dad thanked the woman and asked her if she wanted anything. She replied, “Wala po.” I smiled at her. Then she left. 

Considered by many as the greatest pool player of all time, Efren “Bata” Manalang Reyes, came into existence in Pampanga, Philippines on August 26, 1954. Life wasn’t so great for the Reyes family during those times. Electricity, running water and other basic needs didn’t exist in their home. Unfortunately, his father, Pedro Reyes and his mother, Romana Manalang had no way of providing the needs of all their children so they decided to send Efren to Manila to live with his uncle when he was only five years old. 

There, Reyes cleaned pool tables for his uncle, who operated a billiards hall. He became enamored with billiards and spent countless hours watching players make errors. He was particularly interested in these blunders. He was particularly ecstatic to watch how players were able to maneuver balls past obstructions and into pockets. Reyes began playing billiards at the age of eight. To get to the table, he had to stand on Coca-Cola crates, and at the age of nine, he had played his first-ever match with a money stake. At the age of 12, he was already one of the greatest pool players in Manila. Because of his obsession with billiards, he dropped out of high school at the age of 15 to pursue his dream of becoming a professional pool player. His parents sending him to Manila was a blessing in disguise. Because there, he found his destiny. 

At the age of 15, Efren already established a name for himself. He was already one of the most notorious pool players in the country. As it turns out, dropping out of high school was the right decision.

Even though Efren “Bata” Reyes was already good even at a young age, he got his nickname “Bata” because there was also another pool player named Efren. On the other hand, he got his moniker, “The Magician” simply because whenever he plays pool, it looks like he’s doing magic. He always manages to do the seemingly impossible shots. Efren never fails to impress the audience and annoy his opponents. 

After winning countless local and national competitions, Efren “Bata” Reyes decided that it was time for him to try competing overseas. He did not disappoint. In 1978, he was a significant part of the team Philippines who competed in the Philippines-Japan Pocket Billiards Tournament. Many challenged their skills but end up losing from time to time. For two years straight, they won and remained undefeated until the event concluded. However, that was not the end for Efren. In fact, he was only starting. 

The next year, 1979, Efren “Bata” Reyes became the All Japan Championship in nine-ball after dominating the Japanese champion Takeshi Okumura. The following years, he competed in different tournaments nationally. One of which was the Philippine Professional Pocket Billiards Championships in 1983 where he crushed his opponent Pepito Dacer in the finals. At last, he was known not only in Manila but all over the Philippines. But Efren had his hopes up. He wanted to compete with top-class players like him internationally. He did just that. 

In 1984, Efren traveled to the United States to compete. A few months after his first stay in the United States, Reyes began upsetting top-class players. Finally, he was beginning to gain some recognition throughout the world of pool. According to one account, Reyes kept a notebook where he listed down the names of the world's best pool players. When Reyes beat them, he crossed their names out. Like a hitman crossing the names of his victims. However, because of his fame due to his unearthly pool skills, he was feared. So, at the Red's Open 9-Ball Tournament in Houston, Texas in 1985, Reyes used the name of his friend Cesar Morales instead of going by his real name. Reyes was unbeatable for 21 days. No challenger could defeat “Cesar Morales”. He ended up getting 81,000 USD back home to the Philippines. Eventually, his opponents soon realized that Cesar Morales and Efren Reyes were the same person. 

Efren “Bata'' Reyes was in his prime in the succeeding years. Reyes won over 100 international tournaments and events defeating big names like Rodney Morris, Marlon Manalo, Mika Imonem, Mike "the Mouth" Sigel, Earl Strickland and a lot more. 

Reyes boasts an astonishing resume. He is a four-time World Eight-ball champion, a WPA World Nine-ball champion, a three-time U.S. Open winner, a two-time World Pool League winner, and a 14-time Derby City Classic winner. In 2006, Efren Reyes paired with Francisco Bustamante to be a representative of the Philippines at the World Cup of Pool, where they reached the finals and competed against two of the well established pool players in the world, Earl Strickland and Rodney Morris. But Efren Reyes, being a very talented player with the help of Francisco Bustamante, outscored their opponents and won the event. And in 2009, they won it again. In addition to his wonderful accolades, he holds the record for the largest single match prize in pool history, 100,000 USD. Reyes did this by defeating Earl Strickland in a Winner-Take-All challenge. 

As of the time of writing, Efren “Bata” Reyes is 67 years old. He is now happily retired, enjoying most of his time with his wife, Susan Reyes and their children, Frennie Reyes, Rose Reyes, and Chelo Reyes. Although he’s already retired, he often gets invited to pool tournaments as a special guest. Reyes’ most recent professional event was the SEA Games in 2019 in which he got the bronze medal to represent the Philippines. Efren “Bata” Reyes is considered as a legend by many. He’s one of the most notable persons in the Philippines. He proved that even the Philippines can compete even at the highest level. 

One day, I was surfing the internet when a video of Efren Reyes popped up, I was astonished by the way he played. I’ve always adored him ever since. His achievements not only represent his name but also his country. He’s recognizable throughout the entire world of pool, but he still refuses to live like a celebrity. He’s a humble and a sportsman guy. Most of all, he has a gorgeous smile that represents an entire country, the Philippines. 

“I love you, Brock.” Anna said tenderly as she put her hands behind my head. “I can’t believe it, it feels like a dream”, I thought to myself as Anna leaned over to kiss me. 

This is it. She’s so close. I can feel her breath touching my skin. My nose welcomely accepted her wonderful scent.  Just before our lips touched, suddenly, a train appeared, more than ready to hit us. 

“Look out!” Anna shouted. 

I held her hand and tried running, but it’s no use. The train kept following us wherever we went. “Ah!” I shouted as the train rapidly approached our direction. 

All of a sudden, I woke up with my hands in front of my upper body to defend myself. 

“Chugga Chugga Choo Choo.” Not again. It was my alarm. It was all a dream. 

Anna is my friend and my classmate. Her eyes are like stars, they spark everytime I look at her. Her nose is pointy, as if it wants to stab me, directly in my heart. Her eyebrows are thick and shaped perfectly. And her lips are as red as roses. Anna is gorgeous. Some may say she’s the school goddess. 

Ever since we first met back in high school, I always admired her. I’ve been meaning to confess my feelings but I just couldn’t. Everytime I tried, I chickened out. I have to think of something. What’s missing? What’s wrong?

“Kring Kring, Kring Kring” my phone rang and my friend Julius was calling. 

“Hey, what’s up?” I greeted. 

“Nothing much, you have plans this weekend?”. Julius asked. 

“A plan! That’s what’s missing. A plan! Thank you so much, Julius!” I shouted out of excitement. 

“Huh? Tell me this isn’t about Anna again. Dude, just tell her.” Julius advised. 

“No, bro. I gotta do it right. Bye!” I quickly hung up and went to my table to get a pen and a paper. 

I just have to think of a perfect plan. I will do this tomorrow after school.

First, I will greet her with a smile on my face. Afterwards, I’ll ask her to walk home with me. Then she’ll kiss me and we’ll live happily ever after. No, no. Erase that. I’ll just ask her if I can grab her bag so she wouldn’t have to carry it all the way home. Maybe that’s too obvious. 

Onto the next step. I’ll ask her to grab a snack with me. Afterwards, I’ll say, “You look wonderful today.” No, no. I need to sound casual. Maybe I’ll just say, “How’s your day so far?”. That sounds casual. And maybe add something like, “Do you like someone? Is it me? Please say it’s me.” Now that’s not casual. I’ll just talk to her like a normal person. Too bad, I don’t know how to do that. 

Anyhow, the last step. When we’re near her house, I have to give her something sweet. A flower or a kiss or something. I don’t know. I’ll just stick with the flower. That’s when I’ll strike with my confession. Should I get down on my knees? No, too weird. I’ll just tell her. What will I tell her? “I like you for a while now, it’s okay if you don’t like me back. No one does.” No, that sounds manipulative. I’ll just tell her I like her. 

If I just stick to my plan, nothing can go wrong! 

Wait, what if she doesn’t like me back? I didn’t think about that part. Now I’m having second thoughts. Should I still do it? Am I destined to be alone in life? I’m overthinking this. I don’t know what to do. 

“Brock, come down here. Anna’s here.” my mom said. 

Sheesh, I forgot. Anna invited me to go for a run today. I haven’t even brushed my teeth yet. My hair is a mess. I smell horrible. I look like I went through the seven stages of grief except I stopped at the fifth stage. 

“Hurry up, Brock. Don’t let this girl wait.” my mom added. 

“Coming!”, I said while struggling to put on my shorts. 

I went down the stairs so fast I almost fell.

My world stopped as I saw the girl of my dreams, Anna. 

“Brock, I like you.” she said.