Getting Personal with NP Mark

By: Mariel Josine David of JCI Paranaque Asinderas

To everyone in JCI Philippines, he’s NP Mark. To the David and Nillos families, however, he’s just our Kuya Mark.

With his fair skin and gentle nature, he was called Mr. Pogi by his aunts, uncles, nannies, and teachers when he was growing up. He was always the quiet yet charming one.

For us in the family, Kuya Mark really is that—a KUYA. He is the eldest grandson among the Nillos kids. This made him the favorite of our grandmother—a position that he did not take lightly. He enjoyed being the favorite but more importantly, showered our Mamang with attention, care, and affection like a true favorite would.

Being the Kuya, our parents entrust a lot of things to him—our house, our businesses, and of course—us, his annoying siblings. As a true Kuya, he makes it his responsibility to ensure that our parents have the least amount of stress. When our family experienced problems, he took it upon himself to take the burden from our parents and act on behalf of the entire family. He knows what it means to be the eldest son, and he does so with responsibility and commitment. He has said it time and again that you can mess with him all you want but when it comes to family, that’s another story. When it comes to defending the family, it’s fangs out, guns out for him and our lovable but fierce puppers.

Whether you’re at our house or in the office, you’re bound to hear “Kuya.. KOYAAAAA… Kuyssss!!” a number of times a day. More often than not, it would be me bothering him—either I need something or just plain bored. Matthew won’t whine so much, but would be hanging out in Kuya Mark’s office discussing work and shoes. Kuya Jeff, on the other hand, would be calling Kuya Mark for random requests and “orders”. No matter the reason for hearing a “Kuyaaaa”, he would always be patiently, but with an annoyed look on his face, waiting for us to say our request.

Kuya Mark is the typical kuya—protective, sweet, and generous. When I was in highschool, my Kuya Mark was the designated driver for me and my friends. No matter what time it was, when my friends and I were done hanging out at home, he had to drive each of them home—hence, he became their Kuya Mark as well. The same goes to my friends from college and law school—he became everyone’s Kuya Mark. He spoils us crazy. I always say that everytime his birthday comes, I’m the one who gets gifts from him because he usually travels and he gets me my “bilins”. When I introduced my boyfriend to him, he didn’t use the typical Kuya act to scare him off. Instead, he treated him immediately like family. The same goes for our sisters-in-law when they first started dating Kuya Jeff and Matt.

Kuya Mark really is a true Kuya. I always say he’s my favorite brother (sorry not sorry)—and that’s not just because he spoils me rotten, but because he has always been that safe place for all of us. Just like how fierce but loving his puppers are, he is that perfect mix of protective and caring brother that anyone would be lucky to have.•