The Tale of the Writer who has found his Editor

“Anu bang course mo?” asked my former professor and principal.

This question was often reaching my ears especially now, that I am in my freshmen year in Tertiary.

It was until summer, before my senior year in High School, that I had a strong grip of what’s my future would be going.

       

       Back in my childhood days, I dreamed that I would be once a public servant. Not necessarily a politician, but some kind of suit-wearing soldier of the law was my ideal goal of becoming into. I remembered when we had our drawing activity back in the 2^nd grade, where we were asked to illustrate our ‘dream job’ in the future. Of course, even I’m still a child I have a clear vision of my dream then—a lawyer.

               Why? It is because aside from the capability to earn a huge amount of money, a lawyer can also be a public one. Even today, I would like to defend poor from injustice and teach those money heads how to dougie. No, just kidding. I just wanted to fight for the low-class (insert Batman Theme) because I’m also one of the victims of social injustice.

               Back to the story, the whole class was stunned when they saw my drawing. By the way, I am an artist and draws well especially during my Elementary days, where I participated and won drawing contests. Now, I can still draw, but not as excellent as others can. I just can simply, draw.

               Because of that, my teacher humorously told me and my parents that I should go and be a future engineer (even she pertains to an architect) because of my godly drawing skills (never mind the word godly, I only liked it that way).

              And then there comes my father [insert Joker Theme (wait, is there any Joker Theme?!)] who insisted that I should be an engineer someday. Even if it’s still too early to discuss, we put attention to it. Of course as a child, I found myself successful in my father’s suggestion. By that time, I wanted to be an engineer.

               But neither an engineer nor an architect could justify my soul’s need of searching my future. Yes, I can draw. But it is not a complex, building and construction   plans I wanted to draw, but a simple, directed line towards my fellow men’s bright tomorrow (I liked it when it rhymed like that, draw and –row, break-it-down, yow).

               The transition of my Grade to High School time brought me whole new taste of life. Aside from bringing me a new chapter, High School was full of new ideas that formed me as a person. By that time, I thought of taking up Political Science degree when I got to college. Anyway, I just wanted to be a public servant. Why can’t I be in the government someday?

               I continued life with a burning passion to serve and save my fellow men someday. And I found it inspiring to read people’s work, especially from the early era like Jose Rizal in my goal. I became interested reading Filipino novelists and literature a little, for it brightens the fire in my heart somehow, even if their works are sometimes not related to being nationalist or what. Until there came a catalyst to my inner self—Bob Ong, which I started to see myself writes for the people.

               I’ve already met him and read some of his books when I was in Grade 4. Of course, his humorous words help him spread fame and tickle even a child’s mind. But it was different in High School, when I read him again. It feels like another persona. The one’s a clown-writer I’ve known in my early years was then messenger from above. There I’ve learned that hidden messages were Bob Ong’s lesson behind his writings. He has only using humorous acts to catch attention, especially youth’s. He has been touching every life of people who reads his work, even in a small amount.

               Then, I’ve also learned many other writers having the same style as his. There are also some literary writers who imply hidden messages and lessons on their works. I was fascinated!

              It was the spark for me to appreciate and understand more about readings. It somehow entertains you, but the most enjoying of it is when you’ve learned from it. I admired writers then. And there starts for me to appreciate my talent for this field. Yes, I’ve been writing since elementary during Journalism activities. Back then in High School, I was a part of our school paper. My friends were actually the first ones to discover my writing ability. I started writing a petty-novel when I was in first-year High School. After it, I am writing my random thoughts that became popular with my friends.

               My joy in writing grew when one of my favourite professors discovers my talent in writing monologue speeches and scripts. She has given me the idea of pursuing my writing career. One of my best friends also told me that she would like it if I go and become a great writer. Then, I realized something—I knew my home.

               I’ve always loved Journalism and Photography even when I’m still a kid. It was so nice capturing moments and becoming a part of the world’s history. I appreciated writers and recognized them as the heroes of the world (insert Justice League Theme here).

               [Congratulations, you have survived the most boring part of this essay. Continue.]

               I remembered how my former principal told the class how she admires writers’ ability to construct ideas and influence her in every day of her life. For a lawyer nor an engineer, a politician nor an architect, an accountant, doctor, scientist, nor a professional wrestler (I’ve also dreamed of becoming a WWE Superstar), could fit in to the needs of the humanity. For the world does need not a material change, but an ‘inner resolution’ for them to progress in life.

               A writer’s intelligence is far greater than math and science geniuses, for knowing how to influence one body through words is not an easy job. Constructing sentences and ideas that could bring a nation-revolution could not be made by engineers and architects. Accountants’ resilience and hard work are too small for a writer’s ability to put the world into a single paper, in a single sit. A wrestler’s strength is nothing compared to the writer’s powers to go into wars and storms, with only a pen and paper to hold on.

               “Journalism po,” I answered.

               “Ah, so you’re going to pursue your writing career,” she said with a warm smile.

               That smile means a lot to me. It was like my bright future calling me, giving me a warm welcome.

            Now, I am on my road to my goal of public-serving through writing. And being a Journalist would not be possible if I didn't found my Editor.

               It’s not my parents, my friends nor my professor who discovered my talent in writing, my former principal, nor my Grade 2 teacher—but the one who I called the “Real Hero of the World”, our God. He gave me everything from the start, and he provided me with my future. He has planned my future. I know, for he is my very own writer. And whatever may happen, my writing career would be dependent to Him, for he is my editor.

               For I believe that to serve the men rightfully is to serve God. Thank you. Mabuhay!

               I am Edniel Jan Cabreza-Parrosa, a Journalist. And I have my personal Editor, God.