>What’s in a name?

I first learned about Cory Aquino’s passing in Facebook. It’s the first thing I check in the morning, and along than sadness, I felt this sense of relief. I knew she was sick for quite some time, so her passing meant that she didn’t have to suffer and feel pain anymore. I really believe that she was ready to join God in heaven. She prayed so much and showed so much faith in Him. That’s definitely something I try to emulate.

My parents were there in EDSA in 1986. They did their part in the revolution. My uncle was very active in the opposition. Though we are not big art collectors, a Manny Baldemor painting depicting the EDSA revolution hangs in our dining room, reminding us everyday of the Laban days.

My mom and dad would tell me stories of those times, how they could have migrated abroad after Ninoy was assassinated and the country’s future was so uncertain but they chose to stay here. They are both very nationalistic, which I think rubbed off us kids.

I was told that when I was born in October 1986, my parents were thinking of giving me a name relevant to the times. I’ve heard recently of someone named Revolution or Revo for short. In my case, they were seriously considering naming me Liberty (dictionary meaning: the state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on one’s way of life, behavior or political views.)

My older sisters objected to this name, since Liberty was also a brand name of a popular condensed milk. So I was named Bertha, after my dad. Growing up, my nickname at home was Tata. Now friends call me Bertha, Berts, Bert, or Ta.

Thinking about it some more, Liberty would have been an uncommon name to have, plus it stands for something so ideal. I’d still be called Berts/Bert for short. However, I’m still glad they named me Bertha (meaning: bright one). I’m still the only one I know with my name, although I know someone named Alberta and Berta, so it makes me feel pretty unique.