Grandma Lita, her silver hair tied in a bun, settles into her rocking chair with a mischievous grin. Her grandchildren, Miguel and Sofia, scoot closer, eyes wide with anticipation. "You want to hear about the time I tried to impress my teacher in grade school?" she teases, making the children giggle.
Grandma Lita recounts her younger self, a tiny girl with pigtails and an oversized backpack. "I was determined to be the smartest in class, so I thought if I spoke English all day, even in math, I'd get extra points," she says. "Did it work, Lola?" Miguel asks with a hopeful grin.
Grandma Lita continues, "I stood up and said, 'Teacher, may I go to the comfort room?' instead of 'Ma'am, pwede po mag-CR?' Everyone stared at me like I was about to recite the national anthem backwards!" Sofia bursts out laughing, nearly toppling over. "My teacher patted my head and said, 'Lita, very good! But next time, just raise your hand.'"
Grandma Lita winks, "But you know what I learned? It’s not about speaking fancy, but understanding your classmates. When my friend couldn’t answer in English, I helped her in Tagalog. That’s how real learning happens—by helping each other."
"Lola, did you ever get in trouble for being too funny?" Miguel asks, munching. "Oh, many times! Like the time I put salt instead of sugar in the leche flan. Everyone made faces, but we laughed and learned to always check the label," Grandma Lita chuckles.
Grandma Lita[/@ch_1]. The banig feels cool under their feet, and the window frames the moon rising above the coconut trees.]
"Remember, anak, the best lessons in life come from mistakes and laughter. Always help others and keep learning, even if you have to laugh at yourself sometimes," she says, her voice gentle. Sofia and Miguel hug her tightly, their giggles echoing into the night, grateful for their funny, wise Lola.
