1 CO, Clarice Marjorie R. 2011-09701/ BA Broadcast Communication CW10 WFV Prof.

Sandra Nicole Roldan Full-Length Work 30 September 2011 Word Count:

When She Became a Star She is just like any normal person, a 40-plus year old single dark-skinned woman with a page-boy haircut, wearing thick eyeglasses, and dressed in an outof-date attire. There, you have a picture of a very, very average adult. With that ordinary looks of her, no one would ever think that she was set to take on the lead role in a real life soap opera, and I, as one of her silent audience from afar. Carrying her small old bag, I saw her coming closer to the front door of our house one morning last year. It has been quite a long time since I last saw her when I visited my hometown. I didnt know how to greet her. Should I have smiled and say hello tita? Nevertheless, I couldnt decide quick enough so I just shut closed my big mouth. Yes, I didnt know how to approach her that moment, for I knew that she was currently having the time of her life. I watched her carefully putting her things down and then walking to the dining table to prepare herself her favorite, a hot bitter-tasting coffee. After taking a few sip or so, she began her tale, her tale on how she suddenly got sued. Bringing out a few pages of paper she gave to my father, I saw her expression shift from a calm one to that of a troubled child. Apparently, those papers were

the content of the subpoena she recently received informing her about the case filed against her. That moment, I felt for real how scary politics could be. Last May 2010 elections, she sat as the chairman of the Board of Election Inspectors (BEI) in a small sitio. I saw all the trouble she had gone through just to prepare for this starting from the training on how to use the PCOS machines for the first automated elections in the Philippines. The travel alone was a torment to her for she couldnt last an hour riding in any kind of vehicle without vomiting and getting dizzy. All these for a few thousand shed get as payment for serving as an election inspector. Yes, only a few thousand, but it was something big for a single woman who has a meager income supporting some of my cousins studies. But what she got? A test of life that came when she least expected but has to be passed through, a case that would cost her more than she could ask for. The results of the voting came out, and a certain official obviously lost. The conflict arose when the one of the poll watchers of that losing candidate claimed that my tita didnt let her in when it was her turn to be the watcher. That was the side of the complainant. Now, for the side of the defendant. She didnt let her in because her ID was not hers and it was not her turn to be the watcher that time for another poll watcher of that candidate was already inside the precinct. The thing is that the complainant was someone our family knew quite well and the official behind her just so happened to be the guest speaker when I graduated in elementary. I even attached the address honorable to her.

3 A few days after the arrival of my tita, she and other teachers from different sitios who were also sued met with quite a young lawyer for legal assistance. My tita expected to pay only a few thousand but upon hearing the amount, I imagine her getting dizzier than ever for the acceptance fee alone would cost lots of thousands. With such an amount difficult for them to get hold of, they resorted to the last option, convince the official to withdraw the case. Going back to my hometown, the complainants and the defendants inevitably crossed paths once again. The officials big house seemed to swallow them whole upon their entrance but they had no choice but to endure the hellish cold of the place. Then, the long talk began. And the official said yes. She would withdraw the case if they are to admit the crime they allegedly committed. My titas decision? No way!

Zooming in the lenses, the time has come for her to step into the spotlight. No matter how nervous she may be, she needs to stand alone on the pedestal and wait for the signal People of the Philippines versus as the case progresses in the court. Ive always remembered her as a very strong woman, but now, I see a side of her so vulnerable, afraid of whats in store for her in the future. But I couldnt blame her, with only us, her family and those who believe of her innocence to support her, against one of the most influential person of the town, no doubt it crossed her mind that she might get crushed even before the battle began. Still, she chose to fight for her dignity, something I think is more than worth fighting for, and now, theres no turning back. My tita, maybe shes thinking that it would have been better to remain unnoticed in the corner than to become a star in a show she never dreamt of having.