Moving from the Philippines to Oahu was a  totally different experience for freshman Mark Ontolan. About to start 6th grade, Ontolan went to Washington Middle School where he made new friends and started improving his English. 

“When I first came here, I didn’t know how to speak English, but after each day I went to school, I started exposing myself more into the English language,” Ontolan said.

Ontolan loves going on his phone,  listening to music, and spending time with his family. One of his favorite music artists is xxxtentacion. “Sad,” “hope,” “look at me,” and “im sippin tea in your hood” are just a few songs by Xxxtentacion that Ontolan likes listening to. Sadly, on June 18, 2018, Xxtentacion passed away due to gun robbery just outside RIVA motorsports. Ontolan said he will never forget this moment because it was very sad.

His favorite holidays are Thanksgiving and Christmas because he gets to spend more time with his family. He hopes to go visit his family back in the Philippines one day. 

“I really missed them, especially my grandma,” he said.

His favorite sport is football. He fell in love with the sport in 6th grade. Even though he doesn’t have a favorite football team, he still enjoys watching NFL football.   

One of the proudest accomplishments for Ontolan was passing the 8th grade. He was happy he was going to be an official teen once he got to high school. Most importantly Ontolan wanted to make his family proud. 

“I just wanted to make my family proud and to experience the life of a teenager,” he said.

Ontolan describes himself as compassionate. 

“I care about other people’s feelings. I am shy but I am also an open person as well. I like to help people feel happy if they are having a bad day.” Ontolan said.

“Putting a smile on people’s faces puts a smile on my face,” he said.