This is my beginning, my roots. What you are about to read is a tale of a girl named Camille.

      My beginning as a legally recognized individual occurred on May 11, 1988 in Pasay City. I am the second child of Robert R. Castolo and Carmencita L. Castolo and was thrust into this world seven years after my sister, Mary Abbey Gail. I was welcomed to the Christian community as Camille Maria L. Castolo on December 8, 1988 in the Malate Church. I have very vague memories of the first four years of my life but I do know that people around have been calling me Mimi for as long as I can remember.

      The first 10 years of my life took place in my grandmother's house where I grew up. My cousins also lived there and even though they made fun of me because I am the youngest among us, I would never trade those years for anything else in the world. It was only when I was in 4th grade that we transferred to our own house.

      One of the benefits of our move to a new house is that I get to have my own room. It was nice to finally have the privacy that's been missing from my life all those years. Also, my home became the unofficial hang-out of the barkada. We always hold our group practices at the house. It became a witness to the ups and downs I have experienced with my peers.

      Many would describe me as moody. Sometimes, I get ashamed whenever I have my mood spells. I absolutely adore books. I'm very passionate about the materials that I read. My other hobbies include sleeping (what all students need), watching TV (yes, I watch the teleseryes of Channel 2), playing badminton with my family, collecting Winnie the Pooh stuff and seeing movies of all kinds. I also listen to different kinds of music like pop and R & B.

      I am currently enrolled in OLOPSC. For the twelve years I have been confined in the said school, I have now developed deep loyalty for the institution. OLOPSC is where I tirelessly devote myself to work towards the fulfillment of my goals. I have represented the school in several inter-school competitions and each time I win an award, I always consider it as the school's triumph too. There is no doubt in my mind that it is my second home.

      I cannot attain my status now if not for my family. I am not embarrassed to say that they have contributed much to my accomplishments I have whether in school or not. They influenced even my faith in God. I firmly believe that second to God it is my family that gives me strength and courage to face everyday trials.

      As a teenager, friends play a very special part in my transcending to higher levels. They are the people whom I can count on times of hardships. They make each day in school fun, lighthearted and meaningful. My friends are Rona, April, Leo to name a few. I think my section, AG, will stand out in my memory. I guess because I'm having so much fun with my classmates. These people are like my soulmates.

      At this point, I still haven't figured out what or who I want to become in the future although I'm thinking of becoming a lawyer. Hopefully, I can also be a wife and have at least two kids.