Spelling Bee

Growing up, I have witnessed the yearly spelling bee competition at ESPN wherein kids, who looks like your typical nephews and nieces but has an IQ more than their brain can handle, battle for the title of Spelling Bee Champion. I twitch and move around my seat as each competitor go in front of the microphone and wait for their word to be given.  I didn’t know that spelling bee contests are nerve wracking and entails a lot of questioning before the contestant spells. What is the word of origin? Any alternate pronunciations? Can you use it in a sentence? My heart beats faster as they try to maintain their composure. They either jump with glee when they get it or drown in sorrow surrounded by the hug of their parents when they lose.

During my time, at their age, I wasn’t keen about spelling. In fact, I was not a fan of reading in the beginning. Instead of memorizing words, knowing their meaning and spelling them out, I was playing shatong, tumba lata, tago-anay, bearus, tumba manila, piko tae, Chinese garter (yes, Chinese garter because of my long limbs, we practically win when I do the cartwheel) and go swimming in the river, canal or even fish ponds with tadpoles. My childhood was indeed fun spending time with Ultraman, Magmaman, Bugs and Daffy, Superbook friends and Flying House. So I wonder if these kids are having their normal childhood when all they think are words and letters. It would be helpful to place them in Plants vs. Zombies world where the Zombies will go: “letraaaa, leeetraaaa, letraaaaaaaaaaaaaa….”

Fast forward, and after years of schooling, I had my words and spelling intact. However, there are some who were left behind. Take for example below.

 

i need an auto to pass

Arts Gratia Artis

Now, if you’ll excuse me I have to deliver them some zombies.