Grade 12

Laguna Senior High School, STEM

Dr. Jose Rizal, because of his persistence and determination to effect change, made transformation possible. Ever since elementary school, we’ve learned about his life and works. He has always been remembered. But it was in high school when I truly began to understand and appreciate him, not just as a hero, but as a writer whose words moved people. That was also when I discovered my own voice and realized that through writing, I could make an impact.

Growing up, many of us were taught that voicing our thoughts and opinions was disrespectful. Speaking the truth sometimes felt like causing trouble. As a daughter and an ordinary student, I often struggled to express myself, but I found solace in writing. My pen and paper became more than just tools; they became my quiet companions. They witnessed how I pressed hard on my darkest days and glided smoothly through the good ones.

After much thought, I came up with the pen name “Akdanimutya” and created an Instagram account to share my humble works. Mutya means “pearl” or “precious,” but to me, it also connects to munti, meaning “little.” It symbolizes how I see myself: growing little by little until I finally bloom.

When I started posting last year, my work barely received any likes except from friends. Still, I kept writing. Putting my thoughts and emotions on paper always brings me peace. Writing releases my frustrations and turns into a diary of moments I can look back on. There’s something magical about it; it gives me a world of my own, a space where I have the freedom to create and the power to heal through words.

I draw inspiration from great Filipino authors and writers, but before that, I learned to inspire myself first. Because if I can lift myself up, then I’ll be able to help others, too. Of course, I still need support—we all do. Especially for teenagers like me, having emotional support and a healthy circle matters deeply. Even though my writer’s account is small and quiet, I’m grateful for the little space I’ve built for myself.

As a small online writer with no means to self-publish, posting my works on social media is the most convenient option. But it also comes with risks. My pieces can be copied, stolen, or plagiarized, even with a watermark.

In moments like that, you become your own defender. You have to speak up and call out those who steal your words, because no one else will. It’s frustrating to see your work reposted by someone who dares to claim it as their own, especially when you barely get likes or comments yourself. But instead of letting it break me, I use it as motivation—to write differently, to create something that carries my unique signature, my own writing style.

In 2023, I joined an online poetry competition themed “Babae Ka, Hindi Babae Lang.” I didn’t make it to the top three, but one of my poems was included in a published collection.

When I held that book in 2024 and saw my name printed among the contributors, I was overwhelmed with gratitude. At 16, it felt like such a big achievement. Seeing my poem on the page strengthened my confidence and reminded me that small wins matter. It also allowed me to meet and connect with other talented writers and authors, all through the online world.

I am a small writer, writing at my own pace. No pressure, just pure pleasure, to let the words flow freely from the heart. Because as long as I keep writing, I keep growing. And that, for me, is enough.