The Non-Maid of Honor Speech
Yesterday, my older sister, Paulina, got married to Nacho Mendezona. I wrote a maid of honor speech for Jessica, because she was having a hard time figuring out what to say. But I figured it wouldn’t be a nice idea to have her read my words, especially since its written in my perspective. I think yesterday was the first time I ever truly cried tears of joy, and, needless to say, I cried buckets and buckets of it. So this is what would have been my message for them.
—————-
Paulina is my ate. For my entire life, I was recognized as “the sister of Pauline”. Its not really much of a surprise. She was great at everything that she did, and she looked gorgeous as she did them. The straight honor student, soloist ballerina, pianist, football star. Yes, she did everything. Everything she had and did, to me, was the best of everything.
I wanted to be just like her. People saw it as a sibling rivalry, but, in truth, I was always just trying to measure up to her. Whether it was in academics, athletics, or just plain drinking. She made me want to be better, and she always did push me to become just that. Yes, we always argued (understatement of the year), because I wasn’t doing this and that the way I was supposed to.
I always wanted to be so like her, that anything that she would say, I believed. As a kid, she even cut off my bangs to just one inch. Take note. She didn’t cut off one inch, she cut it down to one inch. It looked ridiculous, but I still felt like it was the right thing. After all, she did it.
Fast forward to our ballerina years. Just a child in grade school, she was sent off to Subic to represent the country for an international ballet production. How many people can say that they did that? She was so young, and she went on her own. No need for a chaperone. She could handle it.
When we played football, if she wasn’t the best, she was definitely one of them. Amazing kick, intense speed, smart movement, and an intense amount of passion. She was Captain O.C. leading Miriam Football to what became the most successful years of the team.
I honestly don’t think I would have amounted to much in anything if it hadn’t been for you, Pauline. You both inspire and torment me. And no matter how much we fight over all the things in the world, I love you and I’m so grateful to have you as a sister.
I remember Pauline used to go to school in pajamas. Not caring about what other people thought of her appearance. Its UP, after all. You don’t have to care at all. That’s generally how she is actually. But as time passed by, my mom and I noticed that she began dressing up for school. Actually looking decent and well-kept for class in UP. As it turns out, Nacho was her classmate. Thank you, Nacho. For turning our sister back into a girl.
Nacho was always like a big brother to me. While my sister told me about all the perils of going to UP, Nacho always told me about how awesome it was to be there. Going off to college didn’t seem like such a scary thing anymore, for as long as I knew that Nacho would be there.
He makes my sister happy in so many ways. I remember the way they held each other during those first few month that they dated. One instance in particular. They were in one of the nipa huts at the field of the Marikina Sports Center during the World Cup football festival that Pauline organized herself. Today, when I look at them… even when they fight about so many things, they always seem to snap back into that couple in the nipa hut. No fail. I swear.
I was always there for all of my sister’s relationships. From all the teddy bears and random gifts that she would get from suitors from all over Metro Manila, to the Ateneo Football visits we made which were really just their excuse to meet up. Believe me, plenty of people wanted Pauline. I sold copies of her pictures for 300 pesos each, to boys and girls alike. They sold like pancakes.
Regardless of that, I can honestly say that Nacho is different from everyone else. He wasn’t flashy like the rest, he was simple. He was unbelievably patient, super fun to be with, and crazy sweet. The best part, he loved everything about Pauline. Even the stuff that we all find annoying.
They are soulmates. I once wrote in a blog, they are the couple that we aspire to be like. They give us hope that true love does still exist and that it is indeed possible to find that one perfect match to share our lives with.
My advice is for Nacho. Hug my sister as much as you can. Because aside from Baby Zac, you’re the only who ever gets to do that, and sometimes that all she really needs. A hug from you to help her calm down and feel safe again.
I love you both, and I wish you all the best.
