I was born on October 18, 1988 - the Year of the Dragon. That makes me a very lucky child.

My nickname, Chuchay, was chosen by my parents even before they were married. My Mom told my Dad about a big fat hen she had when she was a little girl. The hen had a plump bottom which waddled as it walked. Its name was Pachuchay. My Mom and Dad thought that was cute and decided to name their first baby girl Chuchay.

Lucky for me, there was also a Philippine beauty queen named Chuchay Tuazon. I like to think that I was named after her and not after a hen with a fat bottom.

By the way, Chuchay is pronounced Choo-chai.

In school, I prefer to be called Therese. Then, at playtime, I often pretend to be one of my favorite Disney princesses - Ariel, Belle, Jasmine or Pocahontas. I even grew my hair down to my waist like them.

My favorite game, though, is playing teacher. I’ve been playing this ever since I can remember. I even taught Chino how to read, write, count and add while we were playing. He was only three years old then. I think I’ll grow up to be a real teacher and put up my very own school.

Other things I enjoy are reading, writing short stories and poems, drawing, collecting trading cards (Sailor Moon and Power Rangers) and stationery, doing arts and crafts and watching cartoons on TV. My favorite cartoon right now is Huck Finn. I also loved Cedie (Little Lord Fontleroy), Princess Sarah (The Little Princess) and Pollyanna.

My newest interest is exchanging e-mail with pen pals from around the world. Do drop me a line here if you want to be my pen pal, too.