As I lackadaisically walked towards the College of Arts and Letters building to attend my English 10 class, I thought of something weird to do.  I thought of a simple silly game, which can only be understood by me.

            When I first entered the University of the Philippines, I was acting like an anti-social person.  I was too shy to speak with anyone other than my high school friends.  As a result, in my first class which was English 10, I was not able to befriend anyone.  I only knew them by their names as our teacher called them out during the checking of attendance but when it came to their traits or attitude, I was totally ignorant.

            About to enter my classroom, I noticed someone who I thought would qualify for my game.  The game was simple; it was to know someone better.  It was for me to know one who belongs to my class but not literally being his friend at once.  His nickname is Alfred.

            John Alfred Cruz Pelenio was a high school graduate from La Immaculada Concepcion School, currently studying BS Computer Science.  He is a tall, buffed man, always silent on his seat.  Friendly, as what his friends would always describe him and a gentleman, as they say.  By the looks of it, he is a very strict man.  A commander as he would be described due to his good rank during his high school’s Citizenship Advancement Training.  He is a man of few words, but of good taste and a prince charming to the many girls who want his lovable traits.

            As I was sitting on my chair, I was secretly observing him.  He was different as I expected.  As everyone fidgets on their chair, he was just simply sitting properly, straight body, head facing the board, listening.  For most teachers, that kind of attitude is something that an ideal student posses.  With an army cut hair style, and a slightly loosed clothing, he manages to be what they classify as “cool”.

            Part of my game was to think of a character that would actually fit him.  I easily thought of one but it was rather an odd comparison.  The thought of which was Cinderella.  Funny as I think of it but it somehow fits him.

            As the famous tale goes, Cinderella was a kind, industrious, intelligent, loving person.  She always cares for others.  Even though she suffers slavery under her step mother, she does not keep hatred at all. She was an angel in character as many would say.

            Cinderella alike, Alfred cares for others as well.  In fact, he is currently the UP LICSians’ Batch Representative.  He works hard to fulfill his duty and to keep students well informed with sorts of stuff going on. When it comes to being kind, industrious, intelligent, loving person like Cinderella, no one would disagree at all.

            I ended my game already.  It was really pleasing to know someone who is really a good person.  How I wish I have been his friend from the start.  Describing him was fun but to know so much about him, I was credulous that I wasted moments not knowing him.