Maria Yslenski

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“	How I survived? I governed my life. I made my own choices. I admitted my mistakes and laughed at them. I started from the bottom, look where I am now.	”
	— Maria Yslenski in an interview

Maria Santiago - Yslenski
Born	Maria Andrea H. Santiago June 12, 1990 Maybila, Felipenas
Residence	City of Progress, Munijoch
Nationality	Felipeno
Ethnicity	Adelie Penguin
Citizenship	Felipeno - Munian
Occupation	First Lady of Munijoch
Years active	2013 -
Home town	Maybila, Felipenas
Known for	Strengthening Felipeno-Munian relations, being the first First Lady of Munijoch
Title	First Lady, Ambassador, Lieutenant Junior Grade
Children	Matthew Yslenski
Parents	Selena and Arthur Santiago
Call-sign	Proelia

Maria Andrea H. (Hermida) Santiago-Yslenski is the First Lady of Munijoch, formerly the Ambassador of Felipenas to the UAN. She is a model of simplicity and loyalty in Munijoch and Felipenas, and is currently 24 years old.

History

Indeed, there is a reason why she raises her beak high with a smile.

Childhood

Maria was born to WhiteBlood sleeper agents for parents. Her father was a rather corrupt businessman in a company, while her mother was the secretary of a CEO. They would regularly leave a list of chores for her to do at home while they are working. Maria would dust the shelves, arrange the library, clean the dishes, and cook them dinner by the time they're home. Dare she make a mistake, she is immediately punished with a whipping or no food for supper. Until the age of 6, she was considered illiterate. Her grandmother knew of her out of school youth status, and wished to help her. Though, Maria refused as she feared for both of their safety and welfare. Struck by her grandchild's selflessness and sacrifice, she decided to homeschool Maria. In between breaks, she would teach her arithmetics, reading and writing, and science. Additionally, when both of her parents are on business trips, she would be trained in etiquette, self-defense, and home economics. Often, she would also allow Maria to sleep in or play while she does some of the tasks. Maria does sleep in, though she never allows herself to play as she fears for her and her grandmother's welfare. Sometimes, when her grandmother cannot visit her and she's finished with all her tasks, Maria would visit her family's library and read the books. She grown a fascination in war with this.

At the age of 11, she was in a dispute with her parents. After reading a book on penguin rights, she began questioning them about their maltreatment. Furious, she was countered with supposed ungratefulness for what she currently has. She was also questioned as to how she knew her rights, and she accidentally mentioned her grandmother. Weeks after, news reached her with the sudden death of her grandmother. She begged to be present for the funeral, but her parents refused and didn't allow her to have supper. For three days, Maria mourned and commenced a hunger strike before eventually running away from home. She only carried with her a change of clothes, some food she stole from the pantry, a picture of she and her grandmother, and a precious flower pendant her grandmother gave her. Unknown to her, the flower pendant is her grandmother's gift to her as the Child of the Light.

Maria was on the run as she avoided WhiteBlood lackeys sent by her parents to get her back. While doing so, she befriended many orphans who also lived in the streets. Together, they would steal food and find new clothes to wear. They would celebrate birthdays, holidays, and many small successes together. They all agreed among each other that they'll join the military, after Maria told them war stories she read in the vast library of her home. Three joined the Army, four the Navy, one in the Marines, and Maria as well as two others joined the Air Force.

Military Career

In honor of her history and bravery, Genesis and Jonathan, the two penguins who joined her in the Air Force, decided to adopt her surname "Santiago" as theirs. Considering each other as siblings, they defended each other from those who would tease them. Maria was a target in particular, as the scars on her back and her gender were made fun of. Genesis would come to her rescue most of the time, usually as a shoulder to cry on or someone to rant to. Although there were penguins who tried to bring her down, Maria continued rising up the ranks. She, along with Genesis and Jonathan, were stationed in the Air Defense Wing based at the City of Aviation, north of the country.

She was a Sergeant at the age of 19 when tragedy struck. She and her team were doing a routine patrol task when they lost control of the helicopter and crashed. There were seven casualties, including both pilots and Jonathan. She was among the two who were critically injured, and rushed to the Air Force General Hospital. She was in a coma for two weeks before waking up. She was briefed of the incident before mourning once more for the loss of seven great penguins. She was also briefed of her medical condition. She was told that she is temporarily relieved of duty due to the fact that she broke both of her feet and several bones, and suffered inner bleeding when she was admitted in the hospital. They also reported that she should thank Genesis, her brother, for shielding her from a large piece of shrapnel, otherwise she would be in worse conditions. She begged for them to take care of him, to at least do something to keep him alive. Two days after her plea, her brother died of heart failure.

Once she was released from the hospital, she was assisted by Holiday Pietra, the lone Marine in their group. She helped Maria with her daily tasks, such as grooming and feeding. She also brought her to therapists, and would try to cheer her up by bringing her to the movies or going on shopping sprees with her. Maria was touched by the gesture, but was still grieving over her brothers' deaths. One day, Maria was given a letter from the EPF mentioning that she was chosen within the Air Force to staff the first EPF Felipeno Station in Maybila. After telling Pietra, they both ventured to Maybila for Maria to serve under the Tactical Division as an analyst while Pietra reported back to her base near Maybila.

Secretary of National Defense Career

Following the sacking of the former Defense Secretary and Undersecretary who were both found guilty of graft and corruption, former President Ynares appointed Maria as his Defense Secretary after consultation at the stunning age of 20. For two years, Maria lead the Department of National Defense, drastically improving the Armed Forces and its soldiers. Several military officials were also sacked while she was serving, and justice was served in many cases the DND had. Due to this, she has earned the hearts of Felipenos, particularly those who were formerly and currently in the military. She was commended for her service by Ynares himself before he stepped down and was descended by incumbent President Amor Atienza.

Ambassador of Felipenas to the UAN

Atienza took an interest in Maria's work ethnic and called her in to discuss about a position in the UAN. Maria was on her way when she was stopped by a couple, who she realized were her parents. They ordered her to not go to the president, and to just return to normal life. They even praised her current status, attempting to lure her back to them. Coldly, she turned them down and said that she earned this, and they had no right to take it away from her. She eventually met up with Atienza in her office and discussed about a position in the UAN. Maria was finally appointed as Ambassador of Felipenas to the UAN. Both Atienza and Maria were gladdened by this, but wasn't exactly the happiest penguin when she was suddenly thrusted into the limelight. The media wanted to know who exactly she was, where she came from and whatnot. Luckily, before the media could even get to her files, her position was already in full effect and all information on her were raised to the highest clearance possible.

Maria remained in the country under Atienza's orders. She resided in a house a few blocks away from the president's office, so that she could report immediately if there is a national emergency, or if there is one coming soon. A team of Presidential Security agents were also designated to her, the lead agent affectionately codenamed by Maria herself Defense. Defense was the one who was with her the most, always tagging along in all the meetings and dinners she had to attend. Often, he would act as her coach, butler, even babysitter. Maria constantly tells him that such is unneeded as she is a grown woman and can handle herself, but Defense somehow manages to prove her wrong. As a diplomat, Maria established many new relations, increasing the economy as well as tourism. She would go days on end doing paperwork and attending meetings on little to no supplements and sufficient sleep. Somehow, Maria is always lively and alert in the day.

At the age of 24, Maria has been serving for two years when she was told to report to Munijoch for a delegates' meeting. There, she befriended Joseph Yslenski, then Ambassador of Munijoch. She is the first diplomat to formally establish the first Felipeno - Munian relationship. At around that time, turmoil was rising in her homeland as WhiteBlood insurgents began taking over the government slowly. For full details, this file has been created for such purpose.

Present

After the turmoil ended with Malkov dead and peace returned, Joseph proposed to her, which she accepted. She is currently the First Lady of Munijoch, having dropped her Felipeno Ambassador status. Though, she does remain good friends with Atienza, as they are both reported to often have tea in the afternoon with each other. She does do diplomatic affairs for her husband whenever he cannot, and also does work inside the country. Her programs were made especially for the out of school youth and the orphans. She has earned the hearts of Munians and Felipenos alike. Months after his inauguration, they had a child named Matthew.

Meeting Max Santiago

Maria was reading a Munian book when she heard something crash. Suspicious, she quickly grabbed a pole, a gift given to her by a friend, and proceeded to walk down the hallway. She turned a corner to find Max, and was ready to charge forward when Max paused and realized who she was.

"Maria?"

At first, Maria was surprised with the intruder knowing who she was. After further explanation, it was revealed that Max was in fact her older brother, who was sent to Munijoch to kidnap her. Furious that her brother didn't reveal himself to her, she berated him. Joseph was alerted when he arrived home and had to separate the two in order to take care of the conflict. Maria was fuming in her seat with Max in fact looking pitiful, and Joseph overall confused. After a talk and several death glares, Maria finally accepted the fact that she had a brother who had a (way better) childhood than her. She was at first cold to him, refusing to open up as she was wary of him revealing her secrets to the WhiteBlood. Eventually, Max decided to show his love for her by sitting her down and explaining to her further everything. She accepted him fully and decided to take down her guard, becoming friendlier and warmer. When he defected to the Felipeno government, she personally recommended him to Atienza, who wanted to make him a key member in her administration. He politely refused, saying that an ex - WhiteBlood member becoming a key member could cause an uproar. Instead, he decided to become Atienza's war adviser, and is currently one of her best.

Maria and Max get along well, Maria allowing him to reside in her Maybila home. They joke around as much as possible, sometimes chatting about anything under the sun. Though, Maria still has to tone down the tension between Joseph and Max.

The Frosian War and Joseph's Kidnapping

Maria was asleep when Joseph was kidnapped from their home at the Presidential Palace. Concerned for her son's safety and hers, Maria immediately contacted Atienza to assist her in getting out of the country. With the help of the Felipeno embassy, Maria and Matthew were able to evacuate to Felipenas. She brought with her important stuff of their family to keep, such as several documents, a heirloom or two, and others. Sentimental objects were brought as well like Joseph's favorite shirt and favorite books. She also had to secure several important rooms in the palace, such as the Triago lair, the music basement, and the personal library the two made months into Joseph's inauguration. The family was welcomed in Maybila by Atienza and her entourage, and whisked away to Maria's residence there when she was still unmarried. Defense was reassigned to her, much to her joy.

Of course, Matthew was fascinated by the beautiful scenery his mother's homeland had to offer. Maria was gladdened by this, and used his joy to distract her from the war and her husband's disappearance. She would often bring Matthew to parks and landmarks with the constant presence of Defense. She was called in by the government several times to report in for a briefing on the latest facts on the war, Atienza's orders. They would also discuss the disappearance of President Joseph Yslenski, which Maria sometimes avoid depending on her mood. Whenever she cannot bring him to places, it's usually Pietra or the other penguins in their group who bring Matthew to scenic places to play in or to visit. They would often tell stories about his mother.

After the war was over and Joseph returned to office, Maria and Matthew were sent home and reunited with Joseph in the City of Progress. Maria was glad that Matthew managed to get a glimpse, even almost a month and a half's worth of her life in her homeland. But, she was much more overjoyed with the fact that Joseph was alive and well. With the democratic government almost shattered and the casualties high, Maria assisted in the efforts to rehabilitate the country by focusing on the education and welfare of the Munian youth. She would work shifts in the hospitals and in the programs she initiated, working around the clock despite the concerns of Joseph and sometimes, Matthew.

Maria may be slightly concerned with the new government system, but she secretly agrees that the system is needed until the country grows tired of it.

Personality

Maria, despite her rather lavish home and life as the First Lady, keeps a rather strict simplicity code. Not only is she a very simple woman, but is also humble and kind. She is determined to achieve her goals, making her a bit too stubborn to change unless given enough proof.

Appearance

Maria is an Adelie Penguin. Despite the military training and the frequent jogs she does, she is a lean penguin. She is a few inches shorter than what is common in her age, and often uses heels to make up for it. She is lime green, with dark brown eyes usually associated with chocolate. She has long brown hair that's usually in a bun. During business talks she wears suits, and rarely dresses.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

• Medical Expertise - With the concern of the welfare of others, Maria has sharpened her knowledge in first aid and basic medicine at a young age. After getting proper training from the military and doing shifts in the Air Force General Hospital, she is a self-proclaimed medic.
• Diplomatic Skills - After taking a crash course prior to her appointment, she is an excellent debater and a good analyst and thinker for her country and its foreign relations.

Weaknesses

• Clumsiness - Maria can be very clumsy, often tripping on stuff or dropping objects. This kind of contradicts her agility.
• Ticklishness - Although many believed that the streets have toughened her physically and mentally, she can easily be sent into a fit of giggles with a simple brush on the side and belly. Unknown whether her feet are ticklish as well.
• Reluctance - Maria cannot will herself to fight people, unless she is fighting for a cause and she knows that the people before her are evil.

Trivia

• Her favorite color is white, because of it symbolized the purity and innocence she had as a child.
• She has an excellent immune system, having toughened herself in the streets.
• She is a light sleeper, which she considers both a blessing and a curse.
• She kept a bunch of bubble wrap in her cabinet in order to relieve stress in her office.
• She is emotionally attached to a black and red sweater that is still a bit too big for her.
• It is unsure if whether or not she was part of the Zamorez Crisis.
• Maria's personality is inspired by the 1st female president of the Philippines, President Corazon Aquino.

Quotes

• "Checkmate."
  • This is often used when she declares herself winner in a debate or an argument.
• "Get me off of this crazy train..."
• "Was... Was that a fire extinguisher?"
• "Bubble wrap, Oh bubble wrap."
• When asked about her involvement in the Zamorez Crisis: "Yes! Of course I was, I am the Ambassador of Felipenas!"
  • When later asked the same question, she replies: "No, I didn't involve myself. I was busy with... Ambassador work."
• "I don't see the point of this game."
  • Sometimes, game would be switched to "war" or "thing".
• "We actually have a law for that? Do tell."

See Also

• Felipenas
• Munijoch
• Joseph Yslenski
• The Munijoch Corruption