Our Pretty Little Scholar

Quina Angeli Gatpolintan-Alaan-Ignacio

Quina, is the eldest daughter of Sheila Marie Gatpolintan-Alaan-Ignacio. Like her Mom, she also happens to be the eldest among the cousins. And, she plays the part of an ATE very well. She is a very good role model to her younger cousins by always doing her best in everything she does, be it in school or in her extra-curricular activities. At a very young age, Quina got a full scholarship at the British International School and I heard she is at the top of her class. She is also into acting. She played the part of Marigold in a play (her sister Camille was her understudy) and did a TV commercial for a new hot dog brand. Her Mom read me some of her sample writings and I was impressed. We have a budding writer in her. Quina is such a special girl who is into all kinds of things. She has both beauty and brains. Plus, she has the confidence! She is a very well rounded girl. Humble and very unassuming. One who has common sense and could blend in with any crowd.

Ate Quina inspires her little cousins aspire to do well like her. The competitive children that they are, they actually wanna top Ate Quina's achievements. Dili magpapildi an mga manghod! Labwan pa kuno nila! Aba aba!!! Camille, Quina's younger sis, who is super independent, is another beauty and brains to watch out for. Kyla, their cousin, is also very competitive. She got accelerated to a grade higher because her teachers thought she was too advanced already. Then, there's also my godson, Toffee in Singapore, who was also accelerated, according to cousin Jonathan. Kat and Kimboy, compete in their own clever ways. They work on their own and always surprise us with their antics and talents. I'm still waiting for Twinkle and baby Karrie to show us what they got. Hehehe.

But, I'm glad, they have an Ate Quina to look up to. She is setting a very good example. I am very proud of her.

I love you Quins! Stay grounded and keep up the good work in school, etc. You are a model Ate. And, thanks for always being the good Ate that you are to the mini Salings.

And, of course, I love your kakikayan. . . tinatalbogan mo na sa kakikayan si Tita Ann ha. Hehehehe. But, that is super fine. Its the Saling in us. And, magkasundo tayo jan. Tita Ann is your official Kikay source! I'm here for you all the time.

Election Fever in the Gat Family

I just had a short phone conversation with my Paping today. We talked about the upcoming elections this May. I was surprised to know that there are three members of the Gatpolintan family who are running for public office!


1. Rogelio "Roger" Mordeno Gatpolintan for Mayor of the municipality of Mainit, Surigao Del Norte - My ever loving Paping, of course.


2. Regina "Rina" Gatpolintan-Alaan for Board Member of the province of Surigao Del Norte - Auntie Rina is Paping's elder sister.


3. Hector Hipe for Mayor of the municipality of Catubig in Samar - Uncle Hector is the husband of Paping's youngest sister Auntie Ramie.


Whew! This is going to be crazy! I know the Gats. They are super close. Tight. All for one, one for all, all the time! Auntie Rina, the big sister that she is, I'm sure will go nuts checking on Paping's and also on Uncle Hec's campaign battleground, not to mention her own! We will surely miss the Hipes. They're super good in handling this kind of stuff. This is their ballgame. In Mainit speak, "Kinaon ini nila." But, Uncle Hector has to listen to the call of public service. It is in his blood. Most of all, the people of Catubig want him back! So, what can we do? Nevertheless, I know that Auntie Ramie and Uncle Hector would always be there for assistance. They are just a phone call or a text message away. Hehehe. . .


With the Hipes away, we will be on our own this time. I guess, I gotta pack my bags, go home soon, show some support, and actually become the dutiful and "useful" daughter to my Paping. I hate politics and I wish Papa is not running again. . . but I believe in my father. I know that he deserves another term (his last term as mayor) to serve the Mainitnons. I know that Mainit needs a leader, like Papa. . . compassionate, sincere, hard worker, open to new ideas, progressive. A leader who listens and cares about being of service to those who truly need him. For this reason, I have decided to join the election fever. I am going all out on this one, so watch out!


I wish them(Paping, Auntie Rina, Uncle Hec, and all the NON-TRAPOS) all the luck. I hope they all win the race. Afterall, their hearts are truly for public service and they are public servants for real. It would be really sweet if they all get most of the votes but ultimately it is up to the people and to God's will. Whatever the results, it will be for the best. Its always a win-win situation for us.


Oh, if you can vote for them, PLEASE DO!!!! Or, if you have friends, relatives, acquaintances, etc, who can, PLEASE ASK THEM TO!!!! Might as well start campaigning now. Wahahaha. . .

Blooming si Grasya!

Cousin Gracie (right most) with her friends.