MOMMAS BOY

HER FACE was so beautiful, especially when she smiled. The narrow eyes that disappeared completely when laughing suited her even more. I rarely see her frown, so that kind of face doesn't register to me. I love watching Mama Cha while laughing.

My Mama Chari.

Chari E. De Vega, who is turning thirty years old today.

It's her birthday today, and I organised a party for her. She doesn't like things like this, but she can't deny that she is surprised when she sees her old colleagues. I thought that it was my turn to make her happy because in my whole life it's hers and she's the only one who always does the surprise while focusing on business at the same time, with no time for fun at all.

I am Clint Kadie P. Tuason, twenty-five years old, a dancer-choreographer who teaches breakdancing and hip-hop. Talll, with long hair that reaches my shoulders. Deep-set eyes are a little round, with little thick brows, a high-bridged nose, and thin lips that aren't too wide. My skin color isn't too dark. In short, I look pretty Indian! I'm a little hairy and have a mustache on my chin, which is normal for my age. I have an exact body with muscle, but not a six-pack. I need some muscle because breakdancing requires you to be able to lift your body and dancing requires a lot of body fitness, so we can look presentable and good when we're performing.

So that's it! I need to hang around at the gym, continue working out, and avert some bad habits (especially girls). I also have my own group and hold some events where I compete in various dance battles. I also have my own studio now and, this time, I can say that I am quite financially stable at this young age, even though I don't have that much in my bank account, but at least I have something.

I graduated as a mechanical engineer from a prestigious university, but because I'm not interested in any of those fields, I didn't take any exams and instead focused on my passion which is dancing. Mama almost beat me to breakdancing because my bones have been broken so many times. I admit that I was a bit goofy and naughty in school because of my dancing, but I finished it without having to pay the professors! Nonetheless, I graduated with honors. Even though I'm like that, Mama is supportive; though she's very busy working for us, she can still take care of me and my needs. She sent me to school and raised me until I was the age I am now. I can say that she never truly abandoned me, and she even fought alongside me in every battle. Simply do what makes you happy. That's what she reminds me of all the time.

Right now, I don't have a girlfriend. I don't have high expectations of girls, though I always meet some at dance competitions in other countries. I occasionally have admirers, but I don't take them seriously. Or maybe it's because I'm just too busy and still not prepared because I don't have time to go to court. I had my last girlfriend when I was nineteen. We broke up because I didn't have time for her, so she kept looking for someone better than me and eventually left. I never got back into a relationship after that. I prioritize my career, assisting Mama with her business, and self-care.

My parents were killed in a car accident. No one wanted to adopt me because I was not their biological child. Mama Chari and my parents were good friends. She stated that they were the ones who assisted her in starting a life. That's why, when she saw me and realized no one was watching over me, she felt sorry for me and took me without hesitation. She took me in as a token of gratitude for the kindness shown to her by my parents. She knew nothing about raising a child at the time because she was only twenty, new to the job, and just starting her maiden life, though I'm a bit bigger and still studying and require some attention.

It was challenging at first because we only lived with her aunts. Her parents live in the province and aren't particularly close; she describes herself as the product of a broken family; they're just a second family to her. That's why she ended up in Manila to study and work hard, but everything went wrong, because I came into her life and added even more to her difficulties.

Mama, on the other hand, was the best. Despite the difficulties she faced in raising me, she never abandoned me or considered giving me to others. She took care of me. She pushed me to finish school and worked hard to meet my needs. So, when I'm messing around, I can't sleep because I know how hard she works and I feel guilty about it.

Mama Cha used to work in a restaurant as a bartender and a waitress; I witnessed the nights and days when she barely slept due to two jobs, especially when I was in college. She was nearly bankrupt at the time. That's why I worked even harder in dancing because I know that I will be successful in the future, so I will just keep going.

I auditioned for a large group at my university. Two dance groups compete both locally and internationally at the university. Thank goodness, I was accepted. Every day, I practiced. I spent a lot of time managing my time so that Mama wouldn't find out and my grades wouldn't suffer. I kept everything hidden for at least a year. She thought I was just dancing; she had no idea I was shaping my future!

The process is lengthy and difficult, but I believe it is worthwhile! But, in the end, she discovered everything, and now I have an earful. She had become my number one fan by that point!

When I joined that group, things began to change in our lives. Because the university I'm attending is well-known and frequently wins dance competitions, the name of the dance crew was known all over the country, so I went through a needle hole before passing the audition. But, as I previously stated, the sacrifices are worthwhile!

Fortunately, I was chosen to be a part of the crew that will fight overseas. My first dance battle was in Florida, USA. A global dance battle between dance crews from various types of universities from around the world. We were victorious in that battle. We received a total of five million Philippine pesos, and because of the unique breakdancing styles that I specialize in, I received a special award with a cash prize.

When I returned to the Philippines, Mama and I bought a small house right away. I continued to study, graduated from college, and then more blessings continued to come; more dance offerings and breakdancing instruction, for which I was also paid well. Until I was able to save enough money to build a small studio for my developing talents. I started when I was nineteen, and now I'm twenty-five, I can say I've come a long way.

Mama had already quit her multiple jobs by that point. She resigned and used her back pay to start a small business in which she was also very interested. She built a small coffee shop on the north side, because of her small investment, near our house. Of course, I did not disappoint her; even though she did not want me to assist her in growing her business, I would not let her do it alone. My studio is on the third floor, and I built her coffee shop, which now has a second floor. And we already own this building.

And here we are! We didn't get rich! Everything is sufficient for our needs and, in some ways, luxuries. We're fine now, after a few years of perseverance and hardship. We can now eat more than three times a day, which we couldn't do before. But there's still something missing! When it comes to love, we're out of luck. That is how a busy person is described!

I've only met two men who have been Mama Cha's boyfriends since then. I've seen a lot of young men flirt with her, but she's unconcerned. She's thirty years old and still unmarried. She always says that it's better to eat than argue with your jerk boyfriend! Everything revolves around food! I forgot to mention she's a foodie!

A very good reason! Maybe that's how a strong, self-sufficient woman feels; Mama Chari is a strong, self-sufficient woman!

Mama Cha with short gray hair A very pretty Chinita-like but not Chinese woman, huh? An independent woman in her thirties with a pearly white complexion and a petite body. With two large Polynesian tattoos on both legs, she always wears her favorite Red Chuck Tay! She's so cool! I have nothing else to say about her! When you see Mama Cha, you can't help but smile!

I take care of Mama Chari, and am willing to take care of her.

June_Thirteen