Childhood memories can be so vivid. A name, a smell, a song – they can all transport us back to moments long forgotten. Sometimes they make us smile, sometimes they make us cringe. A few days ago, I was reminded of one of those cringe-worthy childhood experiences…
“Genesis Patis!
Nagnakaw ng patis!
Hinuli ng pulis, pinalo ng walis!”
The whole 'Kinder Dark Blue' section erupted into laughter, some of them continuing the chant even as I honestly struggled to remember how it started or who among my former classmates came up with such a rhyme. For kids that young, creating something like that is incredibly brilliant (whoever you are that started it, you could have been a rapper or song writer by now, lol).
Anyway, they were probably not used to hearing such a name as mine, and it’s fun because it rhymes with "patis" (which sounds funny, actually).
But kids can be cruel, too, especially when their parents or guardians are not around. Their childish teasing didn't break me, though. But hey, it was definitely weird! I mean, my mom named me after the first book of the Bible, representing beginnings, and they reduced me to a fish sauce condiment! The audacity! Just kidding!
Honestly, I just laughed about it even then. It was the late 1980s--big hair, neon colors, and catchy tunes were all the rage. My classmates probably just wanted a silly chant, and my name fit the bill. Could I have taken it personally? Sure. But getting upset over something so ridiculous seemed pointless.
It's funny how these moments stick with us. Even now, sometimes I hear an unfair comment thrown my way and a little voice inside says, 'Genesis Patis!'. Then I remind myself that I get to choose my reaction, to focus on what matters, and sometimes, simply to laugh it off.
P.S. Some may say this is bullying--I won't deny that. We react to certain situations in different ways. I just happened to have been raised that way--to always choose my battles.