Autobiography (Part 1)
The early years of my story, told as a journey through time.
New Beginnings
I was born in the month of June 13, 2004 — a month that symbolizes new beginnings and hope — the first child of Christian and Resurrection Dimaano. I am a simple person who grew up in a broken family, because my father and mother first met in Batangas City, where my aunt lived; my mother was only on vacation in Batangas to visit her aunt when she met my father.
A New Home in Isabela
When my mother graduated from college, it was my grandmother and father who marched with her during the ceremony. After she completed her studies, my parents got married — that was the beginning of their life as husband and wife, and eventually I was born as their love. After a year, when I was only about 1 year and 8 months old, my father and mother had a conflict because of a mistake my father had made. My mother went home to Isabela so that I could study there from kindergarten to Grade 1–2. She thought deeply about working abroad and eventually left me in the care of my grandmother.
Learning to Write
My mother went to Singapore so that she could support my education and provide for my needs. When I was in kindergarten, life was simple; my grandmother was the one who always looked after me. I enjoyed playing while learning with my classmates — that was where I first learned how to write and listen to my teachers. When I reached Grade 1, my grandmother used to bring me to school; sometimes she stayed with me, but most of the time I was on my own. Some of my classmates often bullied me, but even if they treated me that way, I just ignored them until they eventually got tired of it. Later on, new friends stayed with me every day at school.
An Unforgettable Lesson
When I was in Grade 2, my school life became happier, but one of the worst experiences in my childhood also happened — I accidentally pooped in school. I am not ashamed of it because I was still young at that time and did not really know what I was doing. From that day I learned, and it never happened to me again.
Fighting Through Sickness
It was also during this time that I started to get sick more often. I was rushed to the hospital many times because of my asthma; I was frequently confined, and my mother always sent money from abroad to pay for the hospital bills. Thankfully I eventually recovered and was discharged from the hospital. After that, I continued my studies and worked harder to improve, because I knew it was the only way I could repay all the sacrifices my mother made for me.
A Family Reunited
I always remind myself that every lesson I learned and every achievement I accomplish is for my mother. There are days when I feel sad because I miss her so much, but I have learned to be strong and to keep striving even though she's far away. I value her love and sacrifices, and most importantly, I promised myself never to give up on my studies.
Standing Strong
After a year, we returned to Batangas with my mother, and when our family became whole again, it was my first time to experience being with my complete family and spending New Year together. I also studied Grade 3 there. While I was in school, it was only my mother who looked for a job so that we would have something to eat every day; my mother alone was the one supporting us. Whenever my mother had no work, we would open my piggy bank just so we could buy food for breakfast and dinner. My mother would cry in front of me because my father had no job.
When Things Fell Apart
As time passed, my mother and I never expected that my father would do the same thing to her again, so my parents never got back together anymore. On that day I cried because I saw both of them fighting inside the house.
Elementary Graduation
After how many years, my mother went abroad again to continue working, but this time she went to Hong Kong. After many years, my mother came home from Hong Kong for my elementary graduation. I was very happy and proud because at last she was with me on such an important occasion. I dedicated all my achievements to her as a way of honoring her sacrifices. Her return gave me inspiration and strength to work harder in my studies and to continue my journey in high school.