Project

in
Creative Non- Fiction
(Autobiography, Biography, Memoir)

Submitted by: Nicole Abigail Teraza

Submitted to: Mr. Seg Fred George Romagos
 The Choice was Peace

LIFE is the foundation of all creatures in this world from the smallest
to a largest form of species that has life, humans, plants, animals and even
bacteria have a life force. I specifically believed in my heart that our life comes
from God but I also believed the formation of life scientifically. The word life
can be defined in various forms, but for me? Life is something that is worth
keeping so we can learn, to explore and find the purpose of our existence.
Before reaching this perspective, I went through ups and downs that greatly
shape myself in developing my inner self and mental well-being as a person.

Nicole Abigail Teraza was the name my biological parents gave me, and
it was the only gift they gave me during those twelve years of my existence. I
grew up a strong-willed, independent, and somewhat rebellious child. I think
that explains why I love the shade of red, because it symbolizes a strong heart.
I wasn’t raised to be this way; rather, I developed this resilience to protect
myself from the cruel and harsh challenges the world would throw at me.
Back in 2009, when I was still an infant, my father gave me to his relative, his
first cousin, who could not bear a child. I am thankful for this decision
because I was able to experience the warmth and love of a family.

I grew up with my foster parents, my Mama’s name is Visitacion and

my Papa is Joel. These two people raised me as their own. We lived in a valley
that was far from neighbors, but it wasn’t scary; it was oddly peaceful and
comfortable, because my Mama and Papa were there. My father’s work was
farming, while my mother was a housewife, preparing my father’s meals and
taking care of me. It was a very peaceful life. I started my education when I
was three, at Baranggay San Marcelino Daycare School, and I started noticing
that I was too young to join the other children because they were older than
me. But my Mama told me that it was a good thing that I was learning at a
young age. I spent two years in daycare because the kindergarten school in
our Baranggay did not accept me, as I was too young for kindergarten. Then,
I made my way to kindergarten, and this time my Mama and Papa were the
ones who came to get me after school because our house was far from the
school. When the path was muddy, my father would carry me on his shoulders
so that I wouldn’t get mud on me. In November of 2013, my kindergarten
graduation was approaching, but due to Typhoon Yolanda, the strongest
typhoon in Philippine history, our graduation was postponed. At that time,
many people, including us, were devastated by the typhoon. Our home was
destroyed, and it almost took our lives. I finally graduated from kindergarten,
and my Mama, Papa, and I slowly helped each other get back on our feet after
the disastrous rage of nature. While my biological father was absent and
always gave me the feeling of being unloved and like trash, he would always
make promises and break them. Whenever I confronted him for it, he would
call me all sorts of painfully harsh words, and that’s when I started to hate
him. My mother, on the other hand, had a new family, and I was embarrassed
to get close to her because I didn’t feel like I belonged in her world.

In 2014, I became a Grade 1 student, and our home was moved to the
center of Sitio Casagon, where we had neighbors. I thought it was a good
thing, but this decision made my Mama and Papa fight almost every night,
and it was very scary as a child to witness them like that. Due to my biological
father and mother’s absence in those years, I felt like total garbage that could
be disposed of at any time. From grade 1 to grade 6, I was a consistent honor
student and a young journalist who achieved wins during my 4th-6th years. I
always went to the Division level for three consecutive years and ranked as
batch salutatorian. But the consequence of this achievement was unbearable:
my foster parents’ treatment changed. At that time, I knew to myself that I
had faults too, but It was too much to handle for me as a child. My mother
would beat me, but not too much; I guess that was her way to discipline me,
because I was also a very naughty child. Whenever my Mama would beat me,
my Papa would step up and take my side because he saw that I was hurting
and sometimes misunderstood. And the cycle of that phase of my life was
alwayss repeating; sometimes it was my fault, but sometimes it was a
misunderstanding. Until my mother started to verbally abuse me in many
ways. When my Papa was not home, she would tell me all sorts of things that
literally broke my heart and crumbled it to pieces. She would tell me that
because of me, her relationship with my Papa became unstable. She kept
repeating it, even though I behaved and tried everything to settle them both.
One day, she shamed me in front of our neighbors and hit me. I lost my cool
and looked at her furiously. When we made it home, she beat me, and when
she was calming herself, I told her I would go back to my real family since she
told me I was a burden. I loved my foster parents so much more than my
biological parents, but I just couldn’t handle that treatment anymore, so I
called my biological mother and told her that I wanted to go back to her side.

At first, it was hard. I always missed my Mama and Papa, but I knew
that things would not be the same anymore; our relationship was messed up,
and hatred and pain filled our hearts. My biological mother was in Bohol at
that time, so I went to my grandmother’s house in Kananga. They welcomed
me with open arms, and it was overwhelming yet scary. Their environment
and culture were a lot different than our culture back in Brgy. San Marcelino.
It was fun and funny at first, but a few months later, our different attitudes
started to appear, especially when my half-sister and brothers also arrived in
my grandmother’s care due to their family’s separation. My biological mother
did come back, but she also decided to apply for work abroad. Being around
my biological mother together with my half-siblings was a new world for me.
It was very hard to interact with them because I never had the chance to
experience what it feels like to have siblings. A few months passed, and my
mother already had her Visa approved. Being alone with my siblings was a
scary part to me because they did not recognize me as their older sister;
Instead, they would always ignore my reminders, especially my younger sister.
Time passed, and my relationship with my siblings did not improve. The
neighbors always created rumors to make my sister hate me. I honestly do
not know their purpose for doing it. They would always make some harsh
statements and always misunderstand our actions. It really broke my heart
being with those people around. In December 2021, my mother reached out
to me, accusing me of something that I did not commit. Pain, hatred, and
betrayal surrounded my heart. I was questioning my existence; if I was
important to her, she didn’t even bother to ask my side before confronting me,
and it was really unfair. At that time, suicidal thoughts were running in my
mind; the pain was too much to handle for a 12-year-old. I am a carefree and
wild child, and I always step up whenever I am wronged or misunderstood,
explaining my reason behind my actions, but none of them bother to hear me
out, or they just don’t want to hear it. When I cleared my name in that
misunderstanding, my mother didn’t even bother to apologize, and that’s
when I questioned myself: where did my strong-willed self go? I used to be
mentally strong, but everyone has their limits.

The year 2022 came, and my older aunt came home from Luzon. She
stayed for a month and offered to take me to Luzon with her. I was overjoyed
by her offer and quickly accepted it. Going to Luzon was a good opportunity
for me to explore. I spent my remaining high school days at General Licerio
Geronimo Memorial National Highschool. At that time, I was very thankful for
the life that God has bestowed upon me. Even though the toxic environment
of my family was still there, He gave me saviors that made me feel valued,
happy, and peaceful, and that is my friends. During those grade 9 days, I
always gave my best at my academic performance, but it was still not enough.
I was still haunted by the image of my younger sister; I was still her shadow.
The fourth quarter came, and I was shocked that finally, after 2 years of not
talking to my father, he reached out to me, asking for forgiveness. But my
heart was full of pain and hatred for my family, so I did not forgive him, but
he did not stop reaching out to me until I forgave him. Our father and
daughter relationship was neutral; I don’t feel anything for him while he
publicly shows his care and love for me.

One day I heard my younger aunt talk bad about me, and I really did
not expect that I was that kind of person based on her description. I knew
myself. I may be a stubborn and depressed child, but I am not bad. I cannot
believe that after the things that I sacrificed for them, that’s what they
believed. I always help around the house, apologize sincerely whenever I make
mistakes, and obey whatever they demand just to make them happy and
satisfied, even if it’s against my will, and I also strive hard in my education.
Their words stung my heart and mind. I started to think that maybe I am just
worthless to them. I cannot handle thinking about the things that I give them
just to get this treatment. Another day has risen, and I’m in my bed rotting,
still crying from the words that they said. My father called me, and because I
was not in a good mood, I did not speak to him or answer his calls. He got
angry and threw very harsh words, and that time, I lost my cool. I got up and
prepared to meet my classmates for a group project. When I got home, my
older aunt was already there, and she told me that she was going to send me
back to the province because I was so stubborn, but was I really? They did
not talk to me about why I was acting like this and just got a conclusion that
I was rebelling. I got so scared that my body became numb. The painful
memories and experiences in the province of Leyte were running like a mad
dog in my head. My body trembled as I knelt in front of her, begging her to let
me stay, but she slapped me and told me that I should go to my room. I was
crying hard, my body still trembled. I glanced at my bedside and saw a cutter.
I went out and grabbed the cutter and hid It in my sleeves. I told them I was
going to take some video reporting. I went to the other house that my tita is
taking care of, I cried hardly and my body starting to function on it’s own
driven by my emotions, I cut myself three times using the cutter but it did not
create so much injury until I saw the bleach, I drank it and the last time I
remember was my body is convulsing and my heart start to feel like it's cut
open.

I woke up in East Avenue Hospital in Quezon City, and I was

questioning why I did not die. My family was crying, and I laughed so hard
that I started throwing up blood. I did not speak to them until the psychologist
came and asked me questions. I only nodded because I could not speak at
that time due to my burning throat. After that, I was diagnosed with
Psychosocial Issues and Acute Stress Disorder. Few days passed and I
became better, and I spoke. My Aunt apologized, and I forgave her because I
could see the sadness in her eyes. Even though she got carried away with her
emotions that day I don’t blame her, I am still grateful to her for taking care
of me. While my biological mother and father cried hard when they called,
they told me that they love me. I did not speak nor nod at them. Weeks later,
I got discharged and went back to my life, but it’s never the same as before. I
built my walls so high that I did not let anyone climb them. I healed myself
mentally by choosing peace over anything. This time, whenever I am
misunderstood, I started not to explain and let them think whatever they
want, and I focused instead on improving my perspective and mindset.
Months passed, and my Foster Parents reached out to me. They sincerely
apologized, and once again, my barriers broke. I cried so hard after their
confrontation. I forgave them because I love them so much and I was grateful
to them for raising and taking care of me.

Currently, my Biological Mother is abroad, and I went home to the

province as my other relatives went to Luzon. It was a peaceful and
comfortable life. My foster parents shower me with love and care that
sometimes my heart aches for them. My Papa and Mama are old now, and
that’s when realization hit me: I still want to strive hard and give them a better
life in the future that they deserve. I am ashamed, and I deeply regret my
actions in life. I pray to God and thank Him for not letting me go into an abyss
of a life. I began to realize that life is a very important component in this world
and that I should value it. Moreover, realizations like choosing peace over
drama slowly sink into my mind. Being silent is my therapy whenever I am
accused or misunderstood. Currently, I am in my Grade 12 level as a
Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) student. The most important thing
I have learned about my past is that life is important and that I should value
it. Those challenges that I faced were only trials for me to become a better
person, and I would not be ashamed to share it my past because this past is
full of life lessons that shape me as an individual.
 Engr. Mary Jane Binoya

Professional Computer Engineer

Engineer Mary Jane Binoya was born on December 7, 2000, and grew
up in the village of Sitio Bagatoon, Baranggay Rizal, Kananga, Leyte. She has
a petite body, standing at 4’11 and weighing 40 kilograms, Mary has always
been drawn to neutral colors. From a young age, Mary Jane dreamed of
finishing her studies and building a stable career to provide for her family and
give them a better future. She also discovered a talent for writing, which
became her cherished hobby.

One thing Engineer Binoya is particularly proud of is her academic

consistency. From elementary school through senior high school, she was a
consistent honor student. For her, it wasn’t just about the medals or
certificates, but about the consistency and effort she put into her studies
throughout the years.

However, reaching her current position was not without obstacles. Back
in 2018, Mary Jane decided to visit Manila, a trip that faith has given her.
She stayed in Manila under her sister’s care for two years before entering the
College of Montalban. During those two years, she helped her sister care for
her children, where she learns valuable lessons in responsibilities and
selflessness.
 In her college days, the biggest struggle she faced was time
management. Mary Jane often stayed up late into the night to finish
schoolwork, and sometimes it felt never-ending. However, she coped with it
by pushing herself to stay disciplined, reminding herself of her goals, and
believing that all the sacrifices would pay off. Balancing school and home
responsibilities was a significant challenge. Since her sister worked, Mary
Jane had to care for her sister’s children while also handling her studies. This
left her with very little time to study, and she often had to do her activities
late at night, sometimes staying up all night just to finish everything.

One major hindrance she faced was during online classes when she
didn’t have a reliable phone. During a live midterm exam, her phone kept
lagging and logged her out several times. By the time she got back in, the
exam was almost over, and she ended up with a very low score. It was really
discouraging because it affected her chance of graduating with Latin honors.
Still, she coped with it by accepting the situation and focusing on what she
could still control. Instead of dwelling on the failed exam, she worked harder
on her quizzes, activities, and requirements to ensure she could still pass the
subject. It taught her to be resilient, to adjust even when things don’t go as
planned, and to keep moving forward despite setbacks.

Despite these challenges, Mary Jane persevered, driven by her

childhood goal of providing a better future for her family. Her hobbies,
including writing, listening to music, and watching documentaries and
inspirational dramas, provided her with much-needed stress relief. Her motto
in life, “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard,” this reflects
her determination and courage. To ”elie’e stress, she usually takes time to
rest, listen to calming music, or spend quiet moments by herself to regain
energy

Engineer Mary Jane Binoya’s journey is a testament to her resilience,

hard work, and commitment to her goals. According to Mary if she would
give advice to others it would be: “Never give up, no matter how hard things
get. Sacrifices, struggles, and even failures are all part of the journey, but they
don’t define your worth. Always keep your goals in mind, stay consistent, and
believe that all your efforts will eventually lead to success.”

On June 27, 2025, Engineer Mary Jane’s hard work and perseverance
finally paid off as she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Computer
Engineering. Additionally, a few months later, she secured a job with a well-
known company in Quezon City.

.
 Unconditional Love

Memories are a very important component in our lives because they

help shape our psychological well-being and sense of self. Childhood is empty
without memories, whether painful or happy.

When I was a child, my Papa and Mama got into a fight once again. I
was frightened by their loud voices so I hid in the corner of the house,
trembling as their voices echoed throughout the place. And when my mother
called my name I got up in my hiding place and went to her but when I reached
her she told me that she would go to a far away place and I should go with
my Papa, I cried. I went to my Papa and reached his hands but he shook his
head and tells me that I should go with my Mama, but I am too scared with
my Mama than my Papa, so when my Papa start walking away I ran as fast
as I could and I cried so hard that my tears starts to covers my visions. When
my Papa noticed me, he looked at me with furious eyes, so I ran again to my
Mama and when he captured me, he was already holding a Madre Cacao stick
and he hit me with it, that was the first time my Papa hit me, so I cried so
hard that my voice is the only thing that you could hear.

My Papa stares at me with pity and regrets in his eyes, he lifted me up

silently and carried me to his shoulders as we went to the store to buy some
rice. While we are walking I noticed that my Papa is silent and that is because
he was crying too. Finally, we reached the store and my Papa bought rice and
bought me an ice cream too, and when we went home I told him that he and
Mama should reconcile because it’s my kindergarten graduation the day after
tomorrow. We reached our home silently thinking that my mother was not
here but I found her picking up the things that she bought—it’s my hair clips
and dress for my graduation, I smiled happily as I hugged my Mama.

This memory is such a dear one to me, because these memories made
me realize that even the world turns up to me my Mama and Papa would still
be on my side and this makes me love them more than anything.