Princess of hearts

Shawntel Nicole Martinez Nieto emerged in a pretty pink gown that blew me away on the night of her 18th birthday.  As she walked over to greet me, her affectionate smile lighted up the room. I felt the presence of an angel.

Her gown was not the only thing that impressed me that night. It was the purpose behind the entire celebration so lovingly planned by her parents Dr. Joseph Kenneth Nieto and dentist Girlie M. Nieto. The Nieto family values are grounded on simplicity, respect and solidarity. These traits I have always admired in them.

“Her debut is a prize for being a good, responsible, hardworking daughter. It’s our way of expressing to Nicole, her three younger brothers, our family and friends how proud we are of all her accomplishments. She is the princess of our hearts,” shared her amiable mother Girlie.

Ever since she was born, Nicole gave her parents and grandparents all the joy they could ever ask for. She was such a pretty, little bundle of sunshine and obedience. Nicole never gave her parents any problems. Instead, she persevered in all her endeavors gifting them with glorious awards in conduct, academics and sports.

Nicole graduated from high school at Miriam College with honors. She is currently a freshman at the Ateneo taking up Management of Applied Chemistry. Not only is she on the Dean’s List, she is also a member of the UAAP champion badminton team under esteemed coach Kennie Asuncion and a member of the Golden Shuttle Foundation headed by coach Nelson Asuncion. Her awards include WNCAA, NCR and National Milo Olympics Champion Under-17 to 19.

The eldest and only girl in a close brood of four children, pretty Nicole is also known as a super “Ate” who is ever ready to help her twin brothers Matthew and Michael with their studies. No matter how late the night or how tired she is, she will never hesitate to assist them. She understands how important time is to her twin brothers who are third year high school students and members of the UAAP Juniors and RP Under-16 that won the 2013 SEABA-Indonesia and first place at the FIBA Asia-Iran. They will represent the country for the first time in Dubai for the Under-17 World Basketball Championship 2014. She is equally devoted to youngest brother Josh, a grade three Ateneo student and a member of the basketball varsity mini-PAYA team.

Girlie shares, “I cannot ask for more from the Almighty. As parents, my husband and I are so grateful to have such good and humble children. All of them have such big hearts both for their family and their teams. They are all winners in their chosen sports and they never fail to lend a helping hand to others in need. Tonight is also a celebration of our love for them.” Indeed it was. Nicole’s brothers each danced with her. Relatives and friends showered the debutante with loving wishes and messages of gratitude for all the goodness she had showered upon them through the years. She was such a good role model to her cousins and classmates, who expressed their deep affection through a video presentation. Her badminton coaches admire her focus and dedication. Teachers marvel at how she balances her academic and varsity life so well.

I had to congratulate the proud parents and ask them to share how they mentored such wonderful children. Girlie says, “Ever since they were little, my husband and I always tried our best to be with them no matter what, even if it meant less rest, sleep or work. We both enjoyed cheering for them and encouraging them in all their competitions. Most importantly, we raised them to treat our household helpers and driver with utmost respect.”

 â€œWe constantly remind them to be humble and thankful for what they have been blessed with, to continue developing their God-given talents and persevere,” adds Daddy Jet who by example taught his children to pray hard, study hard and play hard. He is an orthopedic surgeon who finds joy in tirelessly serving the less fortunate.

Among the many highlights of this memorable evening was a surprise number from Nicole’s grandfather Dr. Rolando Nieto, who serenaded her with a touching song from Disney’s Cinderella. A declaration of love ensued from doting grandmother Dr. Ethyln Nieto, “Your beauty, innate goodness, talents and intelligence are your treasures in life. Stay humble and a loving member of your family. I will always love you. God bless you. Happy 18th birthday dear Nicole!”

(Would love to hear from you at miladayjewels@yahoo.com.)