My cousin is the 2011 US NFL Champion in Storytelling

Image taken from Saipantribune.com

I've always thought that my love for writing and storytelling runs in the genes.

Well, my first cousin John Edward Elenzano just made my thoughts loud and clear after being declared as the 2011 Champion in the recently concluded US National Forensic League competition held at Dallas, Texas last weekend.

He was judged as the overall champ in the Storytelling category of the National Forensic League participated by more than 4,000 students across the US. Whoa! Talk about big competition. So many inglesero nose bleed ako kung andun ako wahhh!

John Edward, studies at Mount carmel High School, is the second child of OFWs Edward Elenzano ( from Quezon City) at Fe Mamuyac - Elenzano, my lovely auntie, (tubong Agoo, La Union) based in Saipan, Northern Marianas Island. his winning piece “The Girl Who Became a Mean Bear.”

My cousin received a trophy and US scholarship. Congrats John Edward for making our family, Saipan and your kababayan proud.. Another testament that Pinoy talents and indeed world-class.

I am just happy to have spent 2-years of my life living and growing with Kokoy, John Edward's nickname, with his two siblings and parents in Saipan when I worked there a few years ago. Miss you guys!

To see the full report of John Edward's feat, you can go to Saipan Tribune's official website.