atongwali's nuggins

I AM Noel.

This is Me..

Atongwali is my pen name… My real name is Noel. Yes, Noel Flores. Very simple construction of letters… Noel Flores. Plain and simple.  It means Christmas Flower. I’m not really that joyous about it, but it will do. The name is common. So common that there are around 2,000 registered noel flores’ in the Philippine phone directories. And every time I go to the National Bureau of Investigations to get my clearance, I always get questioned for something a certain Noel Flores has done somewhere in San Andres Bukid or Bohol. Of course I haven’t done any notable unlawful acts except for Jaywalking from time to time in some streets in Manila, which I have not been apprehended for and for which I promise not to do again… Ever.

If I remember correctly, my name was my Big Brothers idea. I think he was still under the influence of the Christmas spirit back then since the Christmas season in the Philippines starts in September and even ends way pass January. My brother has an interesting and well-constructed name, which makes it documentation friendly. His name is Francis Pepito Layon Flores. (Thanks, Kuya Pipit.). Though I tower over him a few inches, he IS my big brother. Kuya Pipit was a real and loving brother and he still is. My kuya Pipit is one of the pillars of my growing up years next to my father, who also has a cool name.

Big Brother

Tatay

My father’s name is Zacarias. In this era he would have been coined as “ZAK”, But he answers to two names.. “Karyas” or “Jun”.  I call him “Tatay” or “Tay”. He introduced me to the wonderful world of visual creativity. He would have been a great painter had he studied Fine Arts… Alas, he prefers to be a great family provider and father, which I really appreciate. He has always been proud of me ever since I was born upside down. With out any word said by him, I feel his support and great wishes every step I take… In a world that is very much upside down.