If Things Were Different

Somebody asked me...what is it that I would do if things were different, if I didn't marry at 23, had two kids... Instantly, that question brought me to the time when I was 19. I auditioned for a show sponsored by a laundry detergent. It hired a recording Artist, Janet Arnaiz and other stars from "That's Entertainment". Baduy? :) But at that time, it was a chance of a lifetime.. I sang one song and thank God, I got it! I was to front act for Janet, sing four "dance-able" tunes and the best part of it was I was getting paid!! EXcellent. Hehe. So I sang my heart out and TRIED to dance a little (Two of my songs even had back-up dancers!) in front of a not-so-enthusiastic Davao audience… “Feeling” performer and artista talaga! Well, at one point I really felt how it is like..

Janet Arnaiz whom I had the opportunity to meet because she has also sang in one of the Fashions shows I’ve been in. She is so down-to-earth. Met her this second time and she greets me like she’s known me long already. Anyway, we had a motorcade with the announcer saying over the van’s speakers, “Show sponsored by Mr. Clean with guest stars, Janet Arnaiz and…Bernadette Borbon!” Over and over…I was thinking, What the…?! Who the hell is Bernadette Borbon??? People would be wondering that exactly! I found out later that the announcer studied in City High where I also did!! So that’s why!

If matters could get any worse, as we went to the venue for the show, people huddled over to Janet. I was lagging a few meters behind. After awhile, a number of people also surrounded me, would you believe, asking for MY autograph???!!!?? Whaaaat? Help me! I am NOBODY! I am not a star!!! But what the heck, I signed anyway! Realization came when one of Janet’s staff told me that in her attempt to evade the autograph-signing, she has MIS-informed them that I was also a star! Naughty,Janet...tsk, tsk, tsk. Poor fans…going home thinking their autograph has been signed by somebody famous. But really quite the opposite! Whew! It WAS an experience…

So it is pretty obvious what my secret dream is already.(Not so secret anymore) IF things would have happened differently, I would’ve wanted to become a singer. The unbelievable thing is a few days after the show, my father got a call from Janet Arnaiz's manager wanting to know if I was interested to try it at the National scene!!! Oh, how my heart raced!!! But sadly, my father, without hesitation, graciously turned them down…. I had to finish college, he said…

Oh well, so much for dreams. That world wasn’t meant for me, I guess. Snap back to reality, Addie. Back into the arms of the children you prayed to God for… out of the limelight but staying close in the shadows…just like the backroom people who also make the show possible even without being seen… So much like our dear Father who does what is best for us while staying in the background, not doing the entire show Himself but offering you the chance to take part, do your own thing and taking your best shot! With His directions…

As for me, I’m back to sewing! My youngest son, Tommy is playing King Saul in their school play in a few days! I’m getting butterflies in my stomach for him. This stage mother is staying behind the scenes and allowing her child to let his light shine. After all, it’s THEIR time to shine.
- Addie