It was not until elementary when I got acquainted with the singing purple dinosaur known as Barney. And I can still remember being disgusted with the weird-looking creature. I mean, the whole idea of a long-dead, not to mention primitive, animal teaching kids how to read, write and sing is just a little too twisted for me, even back then.

I don’t know exactly why. Maybe it’s because I lived in the era of Sesame Street and Batibot, or the age of the muppets, that’s why I’m having trouble accepting Barney. I’m not sure. I guess I was just being loyal.

Mateo, on the other hand, is different. He was born in the age of Barney. He doesn’t know any of the characters I grew up with - not Big Bird, nor Pong Pagong, or even Kermit. He loves only the purple dinosaur who hops and sings and performs magic. And with the hundreds of times that we had to watch over him while he listens and dances to Barney’s songs, I’m slowly learning to accept the purple dinosaur.

Hey, I have to face it! Whether I like it or not, Barney’s already in the house!