Fighting for the one you love

The beaming light of a laptop could always be seen in the cozy room, once Regine Gochuico is there. Regine sits intently in front of her laptop, typing a variety of words on the word document. She was making an article about business and economics in the Philippines. The jargon of the article was made easy-to-understand by Regine. The article was intended for the children of the Chinese businessmen here in the Philippines, who would be the successors of their parents’ businesses.

It is hard to imagine that Regine is writing this article as it is the kind of life she chose not to have. Regine decided to take up Journalism in college instead of a business course, the latter being the course that is highly promoted to her by her parents and relatives.

Being in her first year in college, Regine, 16, recounts her journey to journalism starting from the time she was in high school. “I really want journalism ever since I was in highschool,” Regine says with contentment.

Coming from a Chinese descent, holding a paper and a pen was not the future she was raised to by her parents. As young as an elementary student, Regine was already introduced to the world of handling a business – orienteering her to their (PAKI-INSERT nalang dito) business.

Though Regine was already being prepared for a business life, when she reached high school, her views were differed. There she realized that business was not the life she should be pursuing for it was in writing that she fell in love with.

“I really enjoy it,” says Regine as she chuckles. She recounts that whenever their class has to write an essay, all of her classmates pass only one yellow pad paper. She was the only one to pass two yellow pad papers.

Her teachers also noticed her writing ability. She even received compliments on her writing. One compliment she would not forget the most was from her third year class adviser remarking that she was the most potential writer in their class. “And that is why I thought ‘I think this is my talent. I think this is where I should be. I think this is what I should pursue in college,” Regine says, as she recounts the reason why she loves journalism.

On her University of the Philippines College Admission Test or UPCAT application, her parents were not that approving. “They do not want me here in UP, they want me in La Salle for connections – you know, Chinese; aside from that, they were also saying that it’s not safe here, and that there are rallies. They were saying that I concentrate on my studies here,” Regine narrates in a somber tone.

“I believe that if I follow what they want, it would just be me who would suffer,” Regine said as she was explaining why she chose journalism over a business course.

Also, Regine did not want to study in any other school other than University of the Phiippines. “The training here in UP is very different. You would be trained to be independent; you would have to step out of your comfort zone. Here in UP, you would be more exposed to the realities of life, especially journalism is my course,” Regine says, looking at the scenery seen by the window.

According to Regine, her parents only allowed her to take UPCAT because they were confident that she would not pass the UPCAT since they believe that those in science high schools were the priority, not those in private and exclusive schools like her – since she is studying in a Chinese school, Grace Academy.

That was why when she passed the UPCAT, her parents were not able to stop her. “We have an agreement that if I would pass the UPCAT and the journalism program, I would study there,” Regine recollects as she gave a wry smile on reminiscing her memory of passing the UPCAT.

As Regine delves into her memory of passing the UPCAT, the room’s atmosphere gradually becomes intense. Regine remembers the moment when she received the letter from UP stating she passed the UPCAT, and her words suddenly pour out as she recollects the details when she told her parents about it.

“When I told them I passed the UPCAT, they have no reaction, not even a single congratulation,” she said as her eyes flicker with sadness. “So I just told them ‘Since you would have to allow me to study in UP because of our agreement, I would really do my best; and one day, I’ll make you proud’,” Regine said firmly as she had her fist closed.

Now that she is in Journalism program, in University of the Philippines, she has to stand up even more for her love - journalism. According to Regine, her relatives, who were all in the field of business, were thinking that there is no future in her current course, that she should have taken a business course or a marketing course instead. “For me, it’s more than earning eh. It’s something that when you graduate, you love what you are doing – and for me, it is being a journalist, to give voice to those who are voiceless,” Regine said as a response to what her relatives were thinking of her, as her tone shifted from being serious to hopeful.

Regine’s fight is still not over. According to Regine, her father is suggesting to her the option of shifting this summer 2014 to Business Administration and Accountancy. “He wants me to be his copycat, since I am his only child,” Regine reveals, sighing deeply and looks at her hands.

“You should not dictate on people, even if you are the parent. And I would not let them dictate my course, it’s my future,” Regine says, on what she is feeling for her family’s treatment on her choice of course.

Regine feels great about her decision because that is what she really loves to do, she says. “One day, it will all be worth it,” she said firmly with a bright smile as she closed her laptop.