I held him for the first time when he was four months old. My best friend went home from Japan and brought her cute baby boy, Kenzo, a Filipino-Japanese. He was a charming little infant who loved to smile, and he loved hugs, too.
He started wearing his glasses at eight months when his Japanese doctor prescribed him to wear glasses even before his eye operation because of some eye defects. Good thing Japan has medical operations for their children with such a condition.
Yesterday, yes! Just yesterday, I met Kenzo again and he is already 9. My best friend brought him with her; she had a meeting with a client, a municipal mayor. It is now summer vacation in Japan until August 30, that was what Kenzo told me. He is having his vacation here in the Philippines.
When I saw him, I immediately opened my arms wide and hugged him. It's been 8 years already since the last time I saw him. I was surprised! He has grown too fast, and we are almost the same height. His body became wider and taller. He then asked his mom a question in Japanese, which I didn't understand, and my friend said, "Your ninang! My friend in high school, remember? The one who gave you the Superman costume with your name on the belt". I concluded then that Kenzo asked who I was.
We went up to the office of the mayor (the client). Kenzo and I sat on the couch in one corner of the office while my friend was at the mayor's desk. Kenzo saw the life-sized standee of VP Sara Duterte and the mayor, beside the mayor's desk. It was then that our conversation started.
Kenzo: It is Sara Duterte, right? (pointing to the standee)
Me: Yes, it's VP Sara. How did you know her?
Kenzo: I saw her on TV. The one beside her is the mayor?
Me: Yes, he is the mayor, the living mayor is the one your mom is talking to right now.
Kenzo: Yeah, I can see it. Did they meet already in person? (he was referring to VP Sara and the mayor)
Me: Yes, they already met in person.
Kenzo: Wow! (his eyes twinkled with amazement). I wish she could go to Japan so that I can also have a photo with her. She is now in the Netherlands.
Me: Do you like her?
Kenzo: Very much! She will be the president in 2028, and her father, the old Duterte, will come home.
Me: Really? Wow, you know it!
Kenzo: I love the Dutertes, they serve the Filipino, and they love the Philippines.
Me: How did you know?
Kenzo: Even when I am in Japan, I always watch the news about the Philippines. I also read articles, facts and history about the Philippines.**
I was shocked! As if I were talking to an adult! He is only 9. Our conversation continued...
Me: Are you not going to transfer here? I mean, why not continue your studies here in the Philippines? Your mommy stays here.
Kenzo: I love to finish my studies in Japan. After my graduation, I will go back and stay here, in the Philippines.
Me: That's great! You will do business too, just like your mommy?
Kenzo: No, I will be the mayor of Cagayan de Oro by then.
Me: (I wanted to laugh, but I held it. He was very serious.) Wow! That is an awesome idea! So you want to become a mayor. Why?
Kenzo: Yes! I used to watch the Philippine news every day and read articles. I saw people around the city, no work, and some had no food on their tables. When I become a mayor, I will let them work. In Japan, everybody is working. I want to become the best mayor just like Duterte.
Me: Wow. I think you know more about the Philippines than me. You are very smart!
Kenso: Thank you.
Me: How old are you again?
Kenzo: I'm 9. And when I am 39, I will be running as the President of the Philippines.
Me: (Another bomb dropped! This young guy is very certain with his plans) I see, that's great! (It was all I was able to say, I was speechless hahahahahha)
Kenzo: Yes! I will work hard for the Philippines and copy some of the government in Japan so that the Philippines will be okay in 2055 (these were exactly his words).
We ended our conversation when he took out his tablet and started to play Roblox. It was then that I realized I was actually talking to a 9-year-old boy who loves building towers and growing plants in his village in Roblox.
(This photo was taken by Kenzo's mother whom I asked for permission to use this in my blog.)
Seeing Kenzo again after so many years reminded me that dreams don’t have an age. Even though he is small, his heart is full of big hopes for his country. He dreams with love, curiosity, and a wish to help others. Maybe he will become the mayor of Cagayan de Oro, or even the president in 2055. Maybe not. But one thing is sure, the Philippines needs more children who dream big, care for people, and believe they can make a change. Kenzo’s story is not just about a boy with glasses, it is about looking at the future with hope, hard work, and the brave dreams of a child.