Sincerely Yours, Dakila

Unang Kabanata: Ang Pagkikita

Dakila Alejandro

"Now, we all know that the Philippines was colonized by 3 countries namely Spain, USA, and Japan. Although let us not forget that they have caused a lot of problems way back, resulting in thousands of homeless people, death counts, and the unbalanced state within our country, these three countries played a vital role in forming our cultures, religions, and economic development."

History has been my favorite subject ever since I was a teenager. The periods of how the Philippines was under the control of different rulers and as the people began to revolt against the conquerors piqued my interest. The people way back then are fiercer than the current people today. Although it sure is hard to make a living back then considering the danger and risk of being under the watch of the proprietors who were the absolute power is not as easy as what I have read.

"Now, before these colonial periods, we have the term "Pre-Colonial period" wherein indigenous people actively trade goods. It is said that the biggest influencers of trading items or goods are the Indians, next to them are Indonesia and Malaysia. Back then, the Philippines had jades and any other jewelry that they would use for trading..."

"Hey, nakikinig ka ba?" Someone called out to me. I shifted my glance towards my side and smiled at Danikha who was looking at our professor as if she was also listening. "Girl, history is my favorite subject. Of course, I'm listening." Sagot ko naman sa kanya.

"Favourite subject? Lmao, it's boring. How come you like it?" She whispered back, still maintaining her gaze on our professor. "If you ask me what I like about this one is the professor. He's quite handsome yes." She added making me snort back.

"Oh please girl, he's like 28 to 30 or something. That's a huge age gap." I retorted. Grabi na yan, sa teacher pa talaga nagkacrush, I can't seem to understand girls these days. "Aba'y tingnan mo nga, masculine, naka glasses, deep voice, smart as hell and iba pa, sino bang hindi magkakacrush diyan?" She said.

"It seems that my class is boring for both of you. Are you both in love with one another? I can see both of you whispering sweetly." Mr. Jimenez said, teasing Danikha and me even though alam niyang hindi ako straight.

"Nagbibinata na ang aming Dakila!"

"Oi, akala ko ba best friends for life lang dito?"

"Magkakapamilya tayo dito, bawal yan oi!"

"Okay everyone, let's all shut up and listen na lang. Isn't that right, Ms. Kila?" Mr. Jimenez asked her. At kung maka smile naman si Danikha wagas, halata talagang may tinatago tong feelings sa teachers namin. "Yes sir." She answered, still can't hide the smile on her lips.

"Kung maka smile ka wagas ah, Hindi naman halatang may feelings no?" I said, whispering to Danikha. "Shut up ka nalang kaya Dakila?" She retorted back. I don't understand girls.
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After two hours of lectures, finally natapos na rin ang lesson. It was all about the pre-colonial era and the Spaniards' colonization which is very horrifying for Tagalogs to live during the power surge of the Spaniards.

"Wanna meet Josh? He's waiting sa ground kasama yung guy na always niyang kausap. He is unstoppable when it comes to boy hunting. Ikaw? When kaya?" Danikha asked as she approached me while I cleaned my desk.

"Maybe not lol, I'm so busy with my life that I just want to speed this up so I can become a librarian now." Sagot ko naman sa kanya at isinuot ang aking bag. "Well Dakila, you're totally famous here, hindi mo lang napapansin kase busy ka sa libro. If we, Josh, and I were to pluck it all out, mawawalan ka ba ng life source niyan?" She asked once more.

I looked at her and nodded. Of course, my life has been filled with books and I am too engrossed with them. I basically can't live my life without books now. "Haist, kaya di ka nagkaka-boyfriend or girlfriend niyan e."