The value of trying

I’M PROBABLY the most brazen Ilonggo writer and artist of my generation.

It drives people crazy that I am shameless about my art, my literature, and my humor.

In general, I don’t really care.

But sometimes, I pause and reflect.

What is all this for?

Do I really need to attract other people’s negativity?

*

On December 28 last year, I posted on YouTube a 4-minute-something video called “I Am Peter — The Peter Solis Nery Story.”

I really think it’s a beautiful piece.

It’s the story of my life written for children.

So yeah, it is educational.

And more importantly, inspirational.

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Obviously, I did not do it for my haters and detractors.

But, the video was so good that it attracted their attention.

Within 24 hours, my video was bashed with comments I do not want to dignify here.

(I think they are still on YouTube, if you care to read them.)

The thing is, I was having a great time partying with friends when I saw the comments.

And on Facebook, people were congratulating me for a job well done on the video.

*

On Facebook, too, people were coming to my defense.

Or, at least, they were reassuring me that they do not believe the hurtful words posted by the haters.

So, I tell my supporters: That the way the comments were phrased only showed how bitter, angry and envious the commenter was.

That I cannot pay attention to such comments made by someone who is plainly ignorant.

I mean, such guttersnipes just have nothing better to do.

As a serious joke, I even said that only an illiterate can make such comments on my work.

*

Firstly, the video cannot be faulted.

The visuals are amazing. Created by award-winning Ilonggo artist Kristoffer George Brasileño, no less.

The music by Genesis Demegillo is wonderful. Sure, it wasn’t a soundtrack created solely for the purpose of this video, but who can really tell?

The editing by Efren Bustamante, Jr. is also competent.

*

My story is as good as it gets.

It’s very truthful, and based on facts.

Who can deny that I am honored in Philippine literature as a Palanca Awards Hall of Fame awardee?

Who can question that I am “the first Filipino author invited as a special guest” of the Sharjah International Book Fair in the United Arab Emirates?

I mean, a simple online research will attest to these claims.

*

Is the story arc inspirational for kids?

Definitely.

It teaches the value of reading.

And dreaming big.

And sticking to your passion.

It even teaches the most quotable Peter Solis Nery philosophy—

That, “Big or small, there is always something we can do to make another person smile.”

(Which continues with, “I do it with my poems, and well-chosen words.”)

*

Seriously, only a wicked pea-brained can criticize that video.

Sure, it is brazen.

But only for people who are looking for faults. My faults. Peter Solis Nery faults.

You see, I’ve ran the story (and the drawings) to countless kids all over the Philippines when I did a storytelling tour in August, September, and October last year.

And the kids adored me! And my story.

They love me so much that I was actually inspired to create the video for them, in the first place.

*

I decided to read the narration myself because, well, I have masterful command of my material.

I think my reading was excellent.

I mean, I’m better in live performances of this story with kids.

But, listen to the video yourself, and tell me if you can do better.

*

So yeah, I really have no time to mind the stupid, angry, bitter, green-eyed comments against my video.

I know I am way ahead, and above, all my critics and detractors.

I mean, just to show how low this lowlife thinks, all he can say is that I am gay. Bakla.

His vocabulary never strays to more sophisticated words.

(By gaydar, a thief can smell another thief, and hates her with raving madness.)

I’ve seen such rabidity before.

So, this really isn’t new to me.

*

What is new is the accusation that I am having a hard time to breakthrough, and succeed, in Manila.

Which is funny because I never aspired to breakthrough, and succeed, in Manila.

And yet, I am succeeding, in the whole country. (Palanca Awards Hall of Fame!)

And internationally! (Sharjah International Book Fair!)

*

I mean, if I wanted recognition in Manila, why would I position myself as the most preeminent writer, and Champion, of the Hiligaynon language?

So, no, I do not need Manila’s recognition that way.

In this age of digital communication technology, I don’t need Manila.

Because I’m already conquering the world!

My books are sold internationally.

I am getting awards after awards, left and right.

*

So yeah, thanks for trying.

Stupid comments on my works clarify to me for whom I am writing. And for whom I am creating.

It also reaffirms my belief that more people really care about my work.

I mean, I got my fans and followers.

And then, my critics and haters.

I’ll take them all. (500tinaga@gmail.com/PN)

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