The princess

PrincesS Iana, the daughter of King Zachary and Queen Guilliana of the kingdom of Mark, was the most loved Markian because of her dazzling beauty and caring heart. But despite her many physical and inner gifts, she was very much troubled by one matter: her narrow eyes.

Her parents also had small eyes like those of the Chinese. But Iana's eyes were much smaller—like mere slits below her thin brows.

For her fellow Markians, her eyes underscored her magnetic beauty. But for the princess, they were like a curse, especially when she saw the royal photo album and the kingdom's rogue gallery.

All the heroines of their kingdom—Cinderella, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Belle, Rapunzel and even the Pevensie Girls—had big, sparkling eyes. While all the enemies of their land—the Evil Stepmother, the Hag, the White Witch, the Underground Witch and all the bad witches—had the sinister screwed-up eyes.

One morning, she went to Queen Guilliana and asked: “Mother, what wrong have I done to deserve this curse?”

“Oh, my beautiful princess, everything in you is a blessing,” the queen embraced her child. “In fact, God and His angels have been frequenting our castle from the day you were conceived—bringing with them many blessings for our land.”

Not relieved by the words of her mother, Princess Iana went to the dwelling of God to seek for more enlightenment. But to her dismay, she was greeted by dozens of squinting angels.

“They are mocking me. Even the angels find my eyes a reason to scorn,” the princess thought. She silently proceeded to the court of the Lord where she became more upset because she was welcomed by a squinting God. Princess Iana broke into tears.

“Why the tears, princess?” God was alarmed.

“God, why do you have to ridicule me by putting on same narrow unfortunate eyes?” Princess Iana sobbed.

“Oh, my dear, that is not my intention,” God said. “I'm just used to wearing my eyes of mercy.”

“I don't understand,” the princess said. “Eyes—of what? And what are they for, my Lord?”

God lovingly explained: “Well, I intentionally narrow my eyes to blur my vision from the sins of men. I strain my eyes to be able to see even the least of all good deeds. In that way, every soul—even the most crooked one—is ensured of a place in my home. But, what really pushes me to do this is the constant pleading of my heart.

“In the same manner, gentle-hearted people—in all kinds and colors of eyes –are the founts of mercy and goodness. You have the kindest of all human hearts, Princess Iana. That's why the moment you were conceived, I, together with my angels, hovered in your castle to give you a special salute—the eyes of mercy.”

Princess Iana joyfully went back to their land. And with her eyes of mercy, the people of the kingdom of Mark lived happily ever after.

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BARD NOTES: Special thanks to INWD General Manager John Teodoro, INWD Board of Directors and all employees of Ilocos Norte Water District. 

Happy bard-reading to Congresswoman Imelda R. Marcos, Mayor Chevylle V. Farinas, Vice Mayor Michael V. Farinas, Mayor Jeffrey Jubal Nalupta, Board Member James Paul “Goro” Nalupta, Mr. Efren Bartolome, Ms. Pia Salapongol, Dr. Chester Puño, Dr. Sme Juancho Estrella and Atty. Yvette Convento- Leynes.

Happy reading also to Provincial Treasurer Josephine Calajate, INEC Director Virgilio Calajate, Ms. Cecil Nalupta and the employees of Philippine National Bank – Laoag Branch, AMA – Laoag Campus,  DepEd – Laoag, Video City – Laoag, Runner’s High Specialty Shop, Land Bank of the Philippines and Ilocos Norte PNP.