Playing With Thy Name

They say a persons name is the key to understanding their fate and destiny.
I am Arthur. I am Noel. And Ladaga is my surname.
My name is Arthur, or Art for most people. My name came from the famous and legendary king
of Britain. Many people within the pages of history have carried this name. Theres a writer,
philosopher, and a general. I like writing, reflecting, and leading people. Yes, I like leading people.
Just ask my soldiers from Red Alert, Generals, and Starcraft about it!
I got my name from my dad. He left my mother and me when I was still a baby. I recently found
out about my painful past from my mother. She narrated to me how she was abused and
tortured. He likes to gamble, drink, and spend without any good reason. There was even a time
when he kicked my mother in the womb when she was pregnant with me. I almost didnt live
from that moment. One time when I was asked to change my name, I immediately declined. I
guess as time passed, I learned to accept my past. I admit, I couldnt have cherished this if I
didnt learn to cherish my fathers name.
I am Noel. That is what people call me at home. Except for one friend, I dont like being called
Noel. While my name has something to do with Christmas, I wasnt born on Christmas Day. One
time, I asked my mom why I was named Noel, she remarked, Because its a cool name, son! I
am an only child. Other people think that being an only-child is hard. Theyre wrong. There are
special things that I can do as a unico hijo (only child). I am the only one who can clean our
room. I am the only one who can wash and iron my clothes and underwear. And I am the only
one who can clean the comfort room!
My surname is Ladaga. Back then, I thought that Ladaga meant the mouse. Many people
commit mistakes in pronouncing my name. I dont know if they cant read or they think its funny.
Many times I hear people say Lagada, Ladage, and worst of all, Dalaga (young woman). A
classmate of mine even called dalagang bukid (Yellow tail fusilier). If youre having a hard time
saying my last name, just remember that it means the mouse in Spanish.
I found out about the meaning of my last when I was in college. One day, a club member
suddenly called me when I was entering the room.
Hey Dagger, whats up?
Ahhh...Im Art.
Dont you know that your surname means the dagger?
From that moment one, I changed my view about my surname and about myself. I admit that I
still look like a kid for most people. Women even hate me because Im still sexy no matter how
many times I would gorge food! But like a dagger, I learned how to be sharp. I am knowledgeable
in martial arts. I am also knowledgeable on body parts, knowing where to heal or kill you. But
most of all, I learned how to learn from my mistakes and pains because these sharpen my will to
live meaningfully.
My name is Arthur. I am also Noel. Ladaga is my surname. Who am I? I am the king who will
carve a one of a kind destiny.
How about you? Do you really know your name?