After 16 Years…
On this day, Alonzo still couldn't erase from his mind every sacrifice he had made over the past few months just to study, endure, and pass the entrance exam of the school he had always dreamed of. All the sleepless nights, the hunger, the exhaustion—he carried them all with him.
But now, everything changed because of one small yet powerful message.
He sat in front of the monitor of an old computer inside a small internet café. The place was quiet, filled only with the soft tapping of keyboards and the slow whirring of an electric fan. Yet inside Alonzo, his heart was pounding so loudly it drowned out every sound around him.
Then his eyes froze.
A name.
An email.
"Alonzo Santiago"
he read on the screen.
For a brief moment, the world seemed to stop. The letters before him felt alive, blinking as if waiting for him to fully grasp the weight—and sweetness—of the moment.
"Congratulations! You passed the entrance exam of Eastwood College Academy."
His eyes widened, and he felt something heavy yet warm flood his chest—tears of joy, disbelief, and strength. At last, all his sacrifices had meaning.
"Th-this… this isn't real,"
he whispered to himself, his voice trembling.
But deep inside, he knew—this was the beginning of a new life.
He rushed home, eager to share the good news with his parents. Yet the moment Alonzo opened the door, his excitement shattered.
In the middle of the living room sat his father, Mang Alberto, injured and bleeding, while his mother, Aling Emelda, carefully tended to his wounds.
"Tay! What happened to you?!"
Alonzo shouted, rushing forward and gripping his father's shoulders.
"They're taking the land we farm, son,"
Mang Alberto replied firmly, his voice shaking with anger and exhaustion.
"The land… the very thing that keeps everyone here alive… the rich want to buy it and turn it into resorts and tourist spots. They don't understand what this land means to every family living here in Barangay Mariveles!"
Despite his wounds, Alonzo could feel the burning fury in his father's words.
"They have no hearts, Tay. None at all! They don't care about us—only about themselves!"
Alonzo whispered, his emotions threatening to explode.
Aling Emelda, holding blood-soaked cotton, looked up at her son.
"Anak… they're forcing us… that's why we have to fight, no matter how hard it gets…"
And for the first time, Alonzo felt no fear.
Instead, anger coursed through his veins—rage toward the wealthy who disrupted the lives of ordinary families in Barangay Mariveles.
"I won't allow it!" he shouted, clenching his fists.
"I won't let them take our land! Our land is not for them! Not for the arrogant and the rich! This is the home of every family in Mariveles—and I will fight for it no matter what!"
Mang Alberto let out a deep sigh. Despite the pain of his injuries, a spark of hope shone in his eyes.
"Alonzo… you're right. This fight—we must continue it. If they take the land, we all lose our livelihood…"
Alonzo stood tall, justice burning fiercely in his chest.
"My son,"
Emelda said softly, her voice filled with care,
"Don't let anger defeat you. Use it—but use it to fight for what's right."
Alonzo took a deep breath, calming himself. Yet he knew the fire within him—the anger toward the wealthy and oppressive—would remain in his blood, a flame that would give him strength in the days to come.
The next morning was quiet.
Alonzo sat at the edge of the table, holding an envelope marked with the logo of Eastwood Academy. The official invitation and offer letter had finally arrived.
"Alonzo, my son… why do you look so shocked?"
Emelda asked as she placed a cup of tea beside him.
Alonzo smiled. He knew this was a new hope—not only for himself, but for his parents as well.
"Nay, Tay… I passed one of the most prestigious schools in the city. Eastwood College Academy!"
"Really, son?! We knew you could do it!"
Mang Alberto exclaimed, barely able to contain his joy. He held Alonzo's shoulders tightly, fighting back his emotions.
Alonzo knew this moment was worth celebrating. He had waited months for the results—months filled with hardship, longing, and sacrifices no young man should have to endure. His parents had given everything just so he could finish high school and reach college.
"I waited for months… and I thought I'd never make it to college," he whispered staring at the worn wooden floor.
"But everything was worth it."
"Alonzo,"
Emelda said as she stepped closer and wrapped him in a tight embrace.
"We know how hard you worked for this. We've always believed in you. We're always here, supporting you."
Alonzo inhaled deeply, his chest filled with warmth and renewed strength—ready to face the future.
"Tay, Nay… I want to graduate not just for myself… but for us. For the land of Barangay Mariveles, for our home, and for all your sacrifices."
Mang Alberto's eyes widened as he sighed deeply.
"Alonzo, my son… we've always dreamed of this day. And now you're here—ready to face the world. We're so proud of you."
Despite his parents' happiness, Alonzo knew his journey would not be easy.
In the city, in his new school, new challenges awaited him—wealthy and elite students, high expectations, and a world far different from the quiet province he came from.
And above all else… he knew he would have to fight—for himself and for his family.
"I'm ready,"
Alonzo whispered to himself as he looked out the window.The sun slowly rose, reminding him that although the road ahead was long, there was light waiting at the end.
Narrator's Note:
In the new school Alonzo is about to enter, he will soon discover how vast the difference is between life in the province and life in the city. How he confronts the wealthy, the arrogant, and the exploitative will become the key to his success—and to protecting the people he loves.
What fate awaits Alonzo
in his new world?
Will he survive among the elite students… or will his emotions be his downfall?
To be continued…