By Pennie Azarcon dela Cruz, Executive Editor
Sunday Inquirer Magazine

“PARA kang si Bella Flores!”

This, is usually hurled at me by assorted white-knuckled siblings holding their water, while I mopped the bathroom floor. “No, you shall not pass! Wait till I’m through and the floor dries. You should have gone yesterday,” I would declare, summoning my inner villain. And that is why they often called me Herr Bella to my face.

Now there’s a compliment. I’ve always been enamored with kontrabidas, these strong-willed women who know exactly what they want, and that is to make life miserable for the often insipid leading lady. Why, I don’t mind coming across as a kontrabida myself, thanks to being the second in a brood of six and having to holler to be heard. No wonder I identify so much with Zeny Zabala, Carol Varga, and oh yes, Bella of the blood-curdling brow-beating bluster. (Right, so I’m dating myself. Well, no one else will, ho ho ho!)

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