In our feature writing class, Our instructOr asked us tO write a feature stOry abOut our chOsen partner...So here is the Profile stOry I've written abOut my friend Lala (we were partners in this activity).
The Woman Behind a Man’s Name
By: Maelette O. Masbate
She is gorgeous, she has great sense of fashion, she can draw anyone’s attention, she’ is exquisitely feminine, but there is something off about this lady that would make people think twice and ask, “Are you serious?”
Indeed this friend of mine is unique. She has a given name that could turn somebody’s face into a shock or if not into disbelief the moment they find out the truth behind it. I’m referring to Allan Llopes, Jra. Yes, you have read it right and there is definitely nothing wrong with your eyes nor there is any typographical error here. Her name is certainly Allan. Sounds so masculine right? But wait until you get to know her better and you will see that she is, without a doubt, a lady all the way through.
Allan or more commonly known to her friends as Lala got her name after her father who desperately wanted to have a baby boy but ended up having another little girl. She was the last addition to their family of five. Aside from her name, she inherited her 5’4” height from her father and got her slim figure from her mother. Having two elder sisters whose ages aren’t far from hers, she grew up having a special bond with them.
People who just met her for the first time might think that she is not approachable because of the strong personality that exudes from her the moment you look at her. Other people might even think of her as someone who is very liberated in all aspects because of the way she express her opinions. But wait until you come to know her more and you will realize that looks can sometimes be very deceiving.
Lala and I have been friends since we were in our sophomore years in the University. She is one of those people who I never imagined would become one of my close friends. We are different in loads of ways one can ever imagine, and yet we are one and the same in countless special ways at the same time.
Since I knew Lala quite well I think it’s time for me to let the world know and recognize the existence of this one exceptional lady. Now, let me help you get to know Lala more and find out what she thinks about having a unique name:
How do people usually react when they would find out your real name?
“All of them usually laugh and would wear a stunned expression on their faces... I really can't blame them though; it is rare to find a girl who has a name of a guy… (laughs)”
How do you handle their reactions?
“Uhhhhm, I just laugh it off. Most of my life, I always get the same reaction once they know my name and I guess, it grew on me. So, whenever someone I just met starts asking me questions like how or why did I get such a name, my mind would always say; ‘HERE WE GO AGAIN.’ But it is entertaining all in all.”
Knowing the people’s reaction upon hearing your name, did you ever wish to have a different name or have you even thought of changing it?
“That idea crossed my mind but then I discovered that it is expensive and there are lots of procedures to deal with, so I just dropped the idea off.”
Having a masculine name, can you say that you are as tough as what your name signifies?
“I’m tough if needed especially in dealing with adversities and I have had a lot of those these past couple of months. But, because of God’s good graces I have conquered all of it and moved on with my life. I may be scratched and flawed but I am certainly not broken.”
Despite being tough, for sure you do have your soft spot, don’t you?
What is it?
“I’m a hopeless romantic, I love reading romance novels that is why sometimes, I long to have my knight and shining armor sweep me off my feet. That’s the reason why I often get disappointed if my special someone can’t match my expectations. I am an idealist and I can’t seem to put it in my head that there is no such thing as happy ever after because in reality life is not always like that.”
Speaking of being a hopeless romantic, can you describe your ideal man?
“Since I was in my childhood years, I always wanted someone who is responsible, financially stable and faithful. He doesn’t need to look like David Beckham for me to love him but it is a bonus though if he is. (Laugh)... I have a weakness for funny guys and I want him to be a hopeless romantic like me so we can jive whatever mood we are in. If I will have this kind of guy then I would be the happiest woman in the world.”
Indeed Lala may possess a very masculine name, but the truth is, it is the exact opposite of what she really is. She may even look like she is as sturdy as her name, but behind that strong-willed facade is a passionate woman who still hopes to have her own happy ending someday.
