For Father and Daughters....Heaven isn't too far away

Many articles have already been written regarding the untimely demise of Sec. Jesse Robredo.  I am one with the Filipino nation, in this grief and mourning.  How we have lost a man of honor, valor, integrity and justice.

However, I would like to speak from the terms where my pang(s) of sadness strike the most. 

That, as of a daughter. 



photo courtesy of totheuttermostwithin.wordpress



A daughter who fears "that" inevitable eternal separation.  I couldn't even fathom saying it.  That's how fearful I am of that occurence.

Imagining Sec. Jesse with his wife and daughters is a sight that fills me with awe and reverence.  I believe in what I have read and heard that he was always a present father.  How he put his family as a priority and how he wouldn't miss doing the role of a father despite any other circumstance.  Kumain ulit kahit busog dahil sa napakaraming engagements as a Mayor, umuwi every weekend sa Naga kahit kailangang bumalik agad kinabukasan sa Maynila, gagawin parin para sa pamilya.  Truly, this is what fatherhood is about.  And I believe these and many other more, endeared him to his wife and his daughters. 

Sec. Jesse loved his family first, and with so much love he received back, he was able to extend his sincere love by way of his public service.  Yet, it remains, love begins at home.  His family is his priority - his wife, his daughters. 

I am fortunate to be fathered by someone who is tenderhearted and whose love and devotion to our little 3 piece family is unarguable.  So, analogous to the circumstance, I am mostly saddened by Sec. Jesse's passing because I know now there are daughters who lost a good man as a father.

I remember how I have adored seeing my father do ALL things that I thought only people with super powers can do. Fathers have the knack to fix everything, including beheaded barbie dolls. Aika, Trisha and Jillian surely had their own super hero moments with Sec. Jesse. Every little girl does, I suppose. 

I could only imagine the grief, but I know I wouldn't be able to get hold of the real insurmountable pain his daughters are feeling right now for losing what to them is their good 'ol Daddy Jesse. 

For Sec. Jesse's daughters who are very fortunate for their father's love.  I sincerely hope that amidst this biggest trial, they'll find hope and peace in the consolation that their father is up in heaven, in the arms of his creator.  I am sure that in each of our father's hearts, the bind of parenthood stays beyond the physical world.

Heaven

I don't need to be the king of the world
As long as i'm the hero of this little girl
Heaven isn't too far away
Closer to it every day


When I come home late at night
And you're in bed asleep
I wrap my arms around you
So I can feel you breathe

I don't need to be a superman
As long as you will always be my biggest fan

I write this with no claim of authority nor ascendancy. I clearly don't have the mastery nor the slightest right. I don't mean to influence what to feel nor what to do.  I simply would just like to pose a modest hope that for father and daughters whose love has an undying force, heaven isn't too far away.

Sec. Jesse, I honor you.

Aika, Janine and Jillian, my heart is with you.

God bless your family.  May you have peace of mind and heart.

Ang Pag-ibig

I am not an easy music lover, but  whenever I hear few piece that outwardly tickled my fancy and had quite a stab on things I believe in.. I go gaga and the tune directly heads in to my miniscule list of repertoire!

Sometime ago, I heard a rave from a friend picking this song as funky yet reflective.  A fun analogy of LOVE, of how it is true and how it is not. A contemporary interpretation of love, (Pag-ibig to us Filipinos) as depicted from the verses of the bible at 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7.

... And this added to my still budding playlist. They're about 15 now. :) teehee! 

Come take a peek and hope you enjoy! :)

ANG PAG-IBIG

by Yeng Constantino

Ang pag-ibig, hindi parang cellphone

Pag naluma, papalitan

Panghabag buhay ang pag-ibig ko sa'yo, o sinta

Kahit na topakin ka, iintindihin kita

This wittingly reminded me to be grateful for the LOVE I got.  It is far from perfect, as we both are far from perfect! 

But what I'm most happy about is that though we may not be always on the same page, I'm thankful that we are reading the same book.

Love you dear hubby! 



Love by my Dad

Love is a Verb
by my Dad

For the times you held my tiny hands for support.... I love you Daddy.

For all the times your hands fixed my broken toy.... I love you Daddy.

For the times you supported my love for the color blue over the pinks.... I love you Daddy.

For the times you brought & fetched me to and from school.... I love you Daddy.

For the times your heart went meak when my grades weren't as par to expectations... I love you Daddy.

For the times you have patiently taught me how to drive... I love you Daddy.

For that first time you entrusted me with the car... I love you Daddy.

For the times you showed how proud you are of my simple accomplishments... I love you Daddy.

For the times I heard you say, "Anak ko yan!"... I love you Daddy.

For the times you were happier than me when I got my first promotion... I love you Daddy.

For the times you understood my silence in times of pain.... I love you Daddy.

For the times you explained how and why young love is difficult... I love you Daddy.

For the times your heart cried with me when my heart was bruised... I love you Daddy.

For all the times I came to you for comfort.... I love you Daddy.

For always being a present and active father... I love you Daddy.

For entrusting me to Dennis and for believing in our love... I love you Daddy.

Has never left my side. DAD.

Most of all Daddy, thank you for teaching me that LOVE is a verb.

That it is a thing of action with sincerity... I love you Dad.

On your special day, though we are apart, I'd like to say how proud I am to have been fathered by you.

Happy Father's Day Daddy Willie!   

i VERB you very much.

Memories in a backpack!

 

all aboard! we're going to boracay!
(photo grabbed from blogger )

The song 'Leaving On A Jet Plane' is playing in my head.

Before we board the plane bound to this new territory where we are now, we had our last and final hurrah!

And we did it with our ever endearing and loving (whose funny bones seem to be compatible as much) couple buddies, the Vitugs or the Vs as I fondly call them!

This trip to Boracay was the best I had by far in this island.  The weather was perfect and we were able to hop beautiful resorts, and by beautiful I mean the REAL top ones..   But mind you, it didn't cost us as much.  This you can do if you have cost-savvy friends in tow, thanks to Mr. Champion.  You know who you are. :)

It's nice to be reminded of the beauty of your native land especially before going to a place which also has something unique to offer.

Mr. Sunshine decided to flash his energy with all his might, allowing us to make the most of our 3 day trip.  We seem to have ordered the perfect menu for a vacay: the cozy accomodations, prudent deals, hearty meals and the best company to boot!   Celebrating happy friendships and marriages always indeed are fun and having Ron & Vinay, doubled the fun!

This was our last domestic trip before going to Canada, and it was good to bring good memories in our back packs.  We are always looking forward to celebrations of love and one with the Vitugs are always well remembered.

Incidentally, Ron & Vinay celebrated their 1st year wedding anniversary a couple of weeks back, and though we weren't there to celebrate personally, I would like to let them know that they are well thought of and missed.  The memories of our trips, by plane or not are checked-in, it's in our back packs. :)

Ron & Vinay Vitug, the uncanny duo who
celebrated their 1st year wedding anniversary last May 28.
We wish you many more of marriage bliss!

We will see you soon Brad & Sis  so we can share more of our lifetime's love. 

We miss you!

Mabuti Pa Sila

Mabuti Pa Sila by Gary Granada

Mabuti pa ang mga surot, laging mayrong masisiksikan
Mabuti pa ang bubble gum, laging mayrong didikitan
Mabuti pa ang salamin, laging mayrong tumitingin
Di tulad kong laging walang pumapansin

Mabuti pa ang mga lapis, sinusulatan ang papel
At mas mapalad ang kamatis, maya't maya napipisil
Napakaswerte ng bayong, hawak ng aleng maganda
Di tulad kong lagi na lang nag-iisa

Ano ba'ng wala ako na mayron sila
Di man lang makaisa habang iba'y dala-dalwa
Pigilan n'yo akong magpatiwakal
Mabuti pa ang galunggong nasasabihan ng 'mahal'

Kahit ang suka ay may toyo at ang asin may paminta
Mabuti pa ang lumang dyaryo at yakap-yakap ang isda
Mabuti pa sila, mabuti pa sila
Di tulad kong lagi na lang nag-iisa

Mabuti pa ang simpleng tissue at laging nahahalikan
Mabuti pa ang mga bisyo, umaasang babalikan
Mabuti pa sila, mabuti pa sila
Di tulad kong lagi na lang nag-iisa

(Interlude)

Pigilan n'yo akong magpatiwakal
Bakit si Gabby Concepcion lagi na lang kinakasal

Mabuti pa ang mga isnatser, palaging may naghahabol
Ang aking luma na computer, mayron pa ring compatible
Mabuti pa sila, mabuti pa sila
Di tulad kong lagi na lang nag-iisa

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I chanced upon this song in my hubby's playlist a few days ago, it was funny how Mr. Granada used inanimate objects in the analogy of one's quest to find love and how simple companionship could matter so much.

There may be bitterness but there's a reality to it.

Come to think of it, in the scheme of things there really are interdependency or at the very least may need the presence of the other to be functional. Individually, it can serve their own purpose, but can bring out an entirely new meaning and use when put together. So do in human, and yes I agree with the song, especially in one's feeling of being needed and loved.

Thus I thought, in real life there are really people who up to the prime of their life, has yet to find a partner who at the very least could offer companionship and presence. Others could have met prospects but failed while others might not have the entire privilege to meet even one. Empathizing with them, I'm sure my words wouldn't be even enough to know how tough it could be. I honor them.

And so it brought me ... into APPRECIATING.



I looked at my husband and saw the other half God has perfectly timed for me.

I called my Dad and heard God's voice on earth fathering me.

I savoured my Mom's hugs and I felt God's warm touch protecting me.

I scrolled down my phone's emergency keys and saw my bestfriend's number and saw God's promise that I am never alone.

I opened my inbox and saw a girlfriend's message whom I share almost the same experiences with and saw God's tenderness and compassion.

There are moments in life when we think little sweats are unbearable but in truth it's not. I remember how I often am not appreciative of people and things I have around, slipping that once I didn't have it at all. It takes conscious effort to be reminded of these things but it sure would keep me grounded. Thanks to Mr. Granada for this funny but revealing song about life and love. One of the songs, that though not cheesy, has reminded me of how lucky I am to be surrounded with people whom I could love, and who actually loves me in return.

While ending this blog, our playlist is running "Happy to be stuck with you" by Huey Lewis. And I really am. I'm happy I have not just one but several people who keeps me sane. :)

Here's to hope that somehow, someway, everyone would get to have someone to share love in their lifetime. love! love! love!

Cake for my Mom

I used to be so dependent on my Mom. When I was a kid, I remember crying my heart out every morning as I see her leave for office. And in the evening my eyes are all keyed up in between our gate waiting for her and my Dad to arrive so I could cling to her and hug her tight.

I love her smell, I soo love her “milky” scent. I bore my face in her arms and chest at every opportunity, it’s the place in our home where I feel most relaxed. I love my Mom so much. I don’t want to ever be away from her. I would do anything with her, I couldn’t eat without her, I wanted to bathe with her. I want to dress up with her and try her clothes. I cross the street only when her hands hold mine. I drink water outside the house only if my Mom would give me clearance too. I don’t talk to anyone unless I see my Mom does first.

She is my stellar. My light and my gateway to Nature’s entire offer. My Mom is my way to anything.

The affection I grew for my Mom was something one could say “reaping what you sow”. My Mom has given me all of her. All of her love, her time and all resources. Totoo ang kasabihan, na kapag Nanay ka na, “isusubo mo na, ibibigay mo pa sa anak mo”. That’s how she is to me. I felt my Mom’s unconditional love even during the inevitable “teen – age” years when one thought she could do away with anything and everything. My Mom has consistently shown her unrestricted care and taught me lessons I was glad to have learned from my own family and home. She is to me, a “Cory Aquino” mom. I vehemently deny though that I am a “Kris Aquino” Hindi du-bah?

My Mom made me love her soooo dearly, because she has loved me even more.

Coming to this age, where I can already do things on my own and decide out of my own discernment and taste, I remember my Mom and somewhat think if my Mom would do it the way that I do. At most, I think I did it her way. I got her taste.

Just about 5 minutes ago, she called me in the office and sheepishly said,

“Anak, wag mo ako kalimutan bilan nung cake na may kulot-kulot ha?”

Remembering what cake she meant, I grinned at the other end although she was not able to see and told her Ok, I’ll buy it right away.

Then it hit me, now, it’s my turn to make my Mom feel the way I have felt all these years.

If it would mean buying her ALL of the “kulot kulot” cake that she likes, then I’ll contract the Patisserie to make her dozen of it each day to make her happy.

She is pleased with simple things yet showers radiant love. My Mom gives away love (tatlo piso na nga minsan) and expects nothing in return.

She thrives in her simple joys.

This is the Cake she has found MUCH happiness from.





This is the family she has showered LOVE all these years.




Mommy, No amount of confectionaries can ever beat the way you have loved us dear. But for as long as it will make you happy, keep the requests coming.

I’ll be glad to buy you your “kulot kulot” cakes, for as long as your heart desires.

I love you Mommy Precy! Mwah!



Here's a picture of me and my Mom when I was a kid, one of the few things I like doing with her.hehe!