I was alive, but I became a ghost. Remember when I used to participate actively in our preschool activities? Remember when I auditioned on Eat Bulaga's Little Miss Philippines? Remember how I sing and dance gracefully? Remember how my tears fall when I am the protagonist or how my eyebrows do the job of being the antagonist? It was fun while it lasted.

I was alive, but I became a ghost when my fourth grade teacher shamed me in front of the class. She didn't even gave me a chance to explain. After all, I was just a kid. But doesn't she know that kids are also human who knows how to get hurt? She was my adviser, a math teacher. Guess that was why I hated math. Ma'am, if you are reading this (or someone who knows you is reading this), just so you know, the reason why I didn't go to school for a month was food poison. I almost died. Ma'am, just so you know, I didn't want to take the class fund that you gave me even if you told me that I should take it, for it might help to buy my medicines. I wasn't raised like that, ma'am. Hindi po ako mukhang pera. I didn't need the money. What I wanted was your understanding. Thanks for the trauma, ma'am. Thanks for dulling my sparkle. Surely, I will never forget you.

I was alive, but I became a ghost when a fifth grade classmate pushed me so hard that I almost fell on the ground. My mom was there, and she saw what happened. My mom confronted my fifth grade teacher, but my teacher sided on my classmate because she cried, made herself look helpless, and played victim. Nice. Thank you very much, ma'am. I am a teacher now, and because of you, I learned how to weigh the situation fairly and not taking sides.

I was alive, but I became a ghost when one of my cousins misunderstood my chat (on Yahoo! Messenger way way back) and my aunts made it a big deal. A lot of things were brought up, and my whole being was crushed. I was so wrecked that I decided to leave and disown them.

I was alive, but I became a ghost when _ _ _ _ cyber bullied the 14-year old me. Sorry for this, but until now, you are full of bullshit. There, I finally let it out. I already forgave you for all the shaming that you did to me and for all of your libelous acts. Yes, you are forgiven; But as they, Cancers forgive, but never forgets.

I was alive, but I became a ghost when I decided to seclude myself from some people I used to know. It was because someone judged me when I slept on a friend's house (this friend is a girl, by the way) and made an issue out of it. Note that this person claims to be a servant of God. Funny, isn't it?

I was alive, but I became a ghost when I decided to move-in with the one I love. I thought I should move-on with my life as well. New neighbors, new friends, new faces. Best decision ever.

Today, I am celebrating my 22nd year of existence. Believe it or not, I know that only a few really remembers the date of my birth. I am a mom now, and soon, I will be a wife (legally). I am proud of my scars, whether visible or not, because they made me stronger than I was.

I am Danica Marie Argonza Arellano, born on the 18th of July in the City of Manila.

I may be a ghost today, but I know, I will be resurrected one day.