songs of my life

INTRO:

Music is part of my everyday life especially now that I have a baby. I sing to my son to put him to sleep or sometimes just to amuse him. The best reward I got so far is a smile from him. A song somehow depicts what I’m feeling at the moment. It is more meaningful when you dedicate a certain song to someone or something. So if I have to do an album (music album hindi photo album) here are some of my favorite songs that would be included.

CHORUS:

1. To Riley - Thanks to You by Tyler Collins

I have a lot of songs for Riley. Some of them are: You Change my Life in a Moment, My Guy, I Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing, Tulog Na, and Tell Me Where It Hurts (literally!). But I chose this song because if not for him I won’t experience the wonder of being a mother. Thank you for coming into my life. Thank you for teaching me the pure kind of love. Love you, love you, love you anak! (with gigil factor)

No heartache, No heartbreak
No fall from grace
Can’t stop me from believing
That my love will see me through
Thanks to you

2. To my mom – A Song For Mama by Boyz II Men


I appreciate her even before but I understand her more, now that I’m a mother myself. It’s true no mother wants anything bad to happen to their children. Everything they do or say is for our own good only. I wish I can be as great (or even half as great) as my mother. I look up to her in so many ways.

And you took up for me
When everyone was downin’ me
You always did understand
You gave me strength to go on

3. Gian and Nyle - Cant Smile Without You by Barry Manilow

I still miss them. My happiness is incomplete because they are not here to share my joy. Sure, we talk through the internet but it’s not the same when we are face to face. There’s just things you cannot do online. I miss hugging them. I miss having our movie night. I miss our singing session together. I miss playing plants vs. zombies with you. I miss debating with you. Basta, I miss having you around! Mas masaya pa naman sana tayo kasi andito na si Riley. L

You came along just like a song
And brightened my day
Who would have believed that you were part of a dream
Now it all seems light years away

4. Daddy R - Panaginip by Wake Up Your Seatmate

I could dedicate any love song for him but I don't want to. I want to settle things first before I sing a happy tune. I love him. He said he loves me. But things change. People change. Feelings fade away. So I want to clear things between the two of us before I dream a happy dream. But even though we won’t end up with each other, he would forever have that special place in my heart because he is the father of my son.

Gusto ng mahimbing para makapanaginip
Umalis sa mundong totoo at puno ng gulo
Para kahit na hindi tayo sa huli
Sa aking mga panaginip, tayo’y magwawagi

5. Myself – I Hope You Dance by Lee Ann Womack

Life is always about choices: To sit out or to dance. To fight or be stepped out. To keep grudges or to forgive. To love or to hate. To have faith or give up. It makes me sad that most of the times I chose the easy way out. I walk the path of least resistance. I hope one day I can freely dance and have the courage to do what my heart desires. Because that’s the only way I will truly live...

I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance,
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Livin might mean takin chances but they’re worth takin,
Lovin might be a mistake but its worth makin


Time is a wheel in constant motion always rolling us along,
Tell me who wants to look back on their years and wonder where those years have gone

6. To the men who loved, loves, and will love me – Strong Enough by Sheryl Crow
I’m not the easiest person to fall in love with. It takes a strong man to keep up with me. Someone who will see the real me and for some strange reason, love me just as I am. Coz I can never be what I am not.

‘Cause you can't change the way I am
Are you strong enough to be my man?

7. The man I’m gonna marry -I Do by Dashboard Confessional

I don’t know if I’ll ever get married, but if I do, I want this to be my wedding song. My friend Gino introduced me to this song and the first time I heard it, I fell in love with it. Such a sweet romantic simple song.

Do you want that forever?
'Cause I do

Oh love, hang on,
If you're willing,
I’ll be strong

8. About Problems – Stuck in a Moment by U2

Who doesn’t have problems? It’s part of life. But it’s all a phase. A moment. Sometimes we got stuck. But I always put in my mind that everything ends. That nothing last forever. It’s just one of those days. So it is okay to get stuck for a moment. Then tomorrow time to get myself back together!

You've got to get yourself together
You've got stuck in a moment
And now you can't get out of it


It's just a moment
This time will pass

9. To people who judge me – I’m Still Here by Goo Goo Dolls

Other people can say bad things about me. But in the end, it won’t matter. What is important is that I know the truth and I’m happy and contented with my life. I’m still here standing strong!

They can't tell me who to be
Cause I'm not what they see
Yeah, the world is still sleeping while I keep on dreaming for me
And their words are just whispers and lies that I'll never believe

10. At Life – With A Smile by Eraserheads

This is one of my favorite songs by Eraserheads. I am a fan of this band and I like the message of this song: to just smile despite trials in life. Sabi nga: “Yesterday ended last night.” You cannot do anything about it. So instead of getting sad or blame yourself, mag SMILE ka na lang. Di ka pa papanget! Life is too short to be wasted on unhealthy things.

Lift your head
Baby don’t be scared
Of the things that could go wrong along the way
You’ll get by with a smile


You'll get along with a little prayer and a song

BRIDGE:

So whether its rock, ballad, alternative, rnb or hard core music

LET US KEEP ON SINGING!!!

okey lang talaga!

OKEY lang kahit nagka stretch mark ako

at nagka "excess baggage" pa!

OKEY lang kahit mapuyat sa gabi

at lalong lumalim ang eyebag

OKEY lang kahit hindi na makapanuod ng tv sa gabi

 ...o makagimik

 ...o mkalakwatsa

OKEY lang kahit sobrang lakas mo umiyak

na para bang wala ng bukas

OKEY lang kahit malipasan ng gutom

basta makarga lang kita

OKEY lang kahit araw araw ka paliguan

kasabay ng araw araw mo din ako naiihian

OKEY lang kahit mapagod

pumangit

malosyang

o

mapag iwanan ng panahon 

Kung ganito naman ka cute ang kapalit... 

OKEY LANG TALAGA!!!

Changes

Have you watched the tv commercial of an instant pancit canton? Where the daughter asks “Ma, mahirap po ba magbuntis?” Then the mother reply, “Mas mahirap maging ina.” I thought nothing could top my giving birth on the list of my tough things to undergo. But I was wrong. I was VERY wrong. Giving birth is only the beginning of the whole motherhood drama.

As I’m writing this, my son is soundly sleeping. After a series of attempts of putting him to sleep, finally he dozes off. Now I’m experiencing it firsthand. It’s not easy being a mother. My first four weeks of being a parent, I was so exhausted, so disoriented, and so emotional. Well, I’m still exhausted and sleep deprived. But now I’m adjusting little by little. I remember one time when Riley awakens around 1 am. He can’t seem to fall asleep. So I’ve done everything in my power to make him fall asleep. Just when I thought he was asleep, he’ll cry nonstop again. His outburst continues till 5 am. You can’t imagine how frustrated I was! I was going crazy! Occurrences like that make me feel drained. It’s like I don’t have the energy to go on for another day. But I have to do it every day. I have to take care of him. Bathe him. Feed him. Carry him. AKO. AKO. Puro na lang AKO! Hehe. Although my mother and sister help me, I know it’s my responsibility ALONE. I’m not complaining but it’s really hard. So my warning to those planning to have a baby, if you’re not really ready, DONT do it.

Hay. In a few minutes, he will wake up. Time to be a mother again. Sometimes, it’s easy to figure out what he wants. Most of the times, it’s a long and complicated process. But no matter what his mood is, I LOVE MY SON SO MUCH!!!

one month



the greatest gift ever



It’s been 12 days since Riley came to my life. But every time I look at him, I still feel in awe that this cute little creature comes out from me. Sometimes I can’t still grasp the fact that I’m a mother and yet the first time I held him in my arms, I knew that this is the reason of my existence – to be a mother. My whole being has been about him all along. I just can’t believe that a little boy can do what he does to me. He’s everything I never thought I wanted all my life. AND more. I can’t live without him now. That’s why on the first day that he was hospitalized I was near hysteria. I thought I’m gonna lose him. Being a mother is way beyond taking care of your baby or feeding him on time or changing his diapers; it’s the little sacrifices that comes along the way. It’s the love that you have even if there’s nothing left for yourself...

I won’t lie that giving birth is one of the most painful experiences I encounter in my life. My dream is to have two kids but I don’t think I want another one after Riley. Lol. But if I can seal that memory in a capsule, I will so that I can relive the exact moment again and again. I remember my joy when the doctor finally put my son on my tummy. I can hear his cry though everything is blurry. It’s like the world stop on spinning and it only revolves between the two of us. Everything goes on slow motion while my heart is beating fast forward. My mind kept on thinking: finally, he’s here!

This is the greatest gift EVER! Thank you God for entrusting Riley to me... I could not ask for anything else.

the long wait is over



My Baking Experience

Yesterday, we took our assessment in Bread and Pastry Production NC II. I thought I won’t be able to attend this one since I don’t know when I’m going to give birth. Buti na lang nakisama si baby and I was able to PASS the whole assessment process. So are all my classmates! That’s why even if we are so tired, we all went home with HAPPY FACES! ☺

I’m really glad I joined this class. In the course of 15 days, I’ve learned to make 9 breads, 7 kinds of cake, and 3 pastries. It is something that will come handy when I become a mom. And I really enjoy baking even if most of the time I don’t achieved the finish product that I envisioned. What the baking class has given me is the CONFIDENCE in the kitchen to not be discouraged and not be afraid to experiment. Okay lang kahit pumalpak sa unang try! E di next time alam mo na san ka nagkamali, di ba? Hehe. The whole experience was all worth it. And now may certificate pa kami! Congratulations again to all of us. Especially to the friends I met along the way – Vhal, Ghila, Ate Fe, Ate Adel, Ate Edith, Kuya Jun. Hope we keep in touch with each other. Let us continue making and baking delicious food! ☺

ayan competent na daw ako!

pwede na pabayaan sa kusina (*wink)

anticipation

my baby shower!

Out of the ten people I invited, only five came. The event said 4pm. But only until 9 pm was when the last of my guest arrived. And just as the six of us were complete and were beginning to settle down, it’s too late and some people have to leave. I baked muffins for giveaways but it didn’t look good. I prepared some games but it didn’t push through. In short, my baby shower is a flop! LOL

STILL, I’m so glad to see my friends even in a short period of time. I really appreciate them coming over. Exchanging tips and sharing knowledge about my coming birth giving. To steal some time in their busy schedules. To take a peek at what’s happening with their lives.

Thank You Grace, Melai, Claret, Roselyn, and Mama Che! I hope you enjoy my baby shower because I certainly did! ☺

life is a piece of cake

One of the things I wanted to learn is BAKING a CAKE. Now, dream fulfilled! Although it’s a little too sweet, (coz we had to add powdered sugar to the icing to make it stiff) I still think I did a pretty good job. It’s not easy to make a cake roll! First, you have to sift and mix the dry ingredients, then beat egg whites and white sugar until stiff, then make the icing. It’s really a gruelling process for me because we cannot use any electronic appliances. It’s much easier if we’re allowed to use mixer! If not for the help of my classmate in baking class, Valerie, my first ever cake won’t look this good. But all the hard work is paid off when I see people’s reaction when I told them I made it myself. Sabi nga ni Roselyn, akala nya galing sa Goldilocks. What a compliment! ~_^ 

Next time, I would do the much simpler kind of cake which is the super moist round cake. All I need is practice. I can’t wait till I can bake for my son! I hope he won’t have toothache for his mother is an obsessive cake baker. Lol

☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺

C’mon take a bite! Don’t be afraid!

the baby room (aka the blue room)

My mother and I have been redecorating this room ever since the whole family of my eldest sister migrated in NZ. This used to be Gian and Nyle’s room. Now, it’s going to be my little baby boy’s room. We made some drastic changes, clean the clutter and painted the walls blue. I’m happy with the result our efforts had called for. Here are the before and after images of this room.

The bed

The window

The display area

his toys (old toys from Gian and Nyle)

his books & cd (also from Gian and Nyle)

The wall

On my previous blog entry, Ways to Pursue Excellence, there’s a tip about putting bright pictures on the wall for babies to stimulate learning even at young age. So I put shapes, numbers, letters and words on this wall. About the Philippine map, well, I got carried away. LOL. (But who knows he’ll learn that too?!) I call this wall “Riley’s Corner.”

Finally this room is ready for Riley’s arrival! One more month....

Once and For All

It happened again just this afternoon. I saw an acquaintance that is looking for an apartment to rent. We recognized each other as we both have Cursillo together. As I open the door, she saw my protruding belly. She commented then “May asawa ka na pala!” I quickly answer “Wala ako asawa, pero baby magkakaron na.” She then giggles as if that was funny. I get a lot of comments like that (and the same response too!). People assume that because I’m pregnant that I’m married. HELLOW?!! May asawa lang ba ang nabubuntis? I know Filipinos are conservative when it comes to things like this. So I can’t blame them when they jump to conclusions that I am already married. My mother said that I should just agree if they ask me if I’m married to avoid more questions but I firmly said “NO.” I’m not ashamed to admit that I got pregnant out of wedlock. SOMETIMES people have their own reason why they make the decisions they make. We decide our own choices and priorities in life. This is not the most ideal situation especially for my baby but I am not complaining. How can I? When everyday I wake up and feel him growing inside me I get this deep sense of gratitude. How blessed I am to be entrusted with this gift! I will love my son with all my heart that a marriage contract won’t matter for him to grow up a happy and normal child.


They say “Truth shall set us free.” I don’t want to live on a lie. I want to start this journey with a clean conscience and clear view of who I am. I don’t care about the gossip or the hearsay. I know the truth. One day when my son is big enough to understand I’ll explain it to him too. So once and for all, it’s out in the open. If it’s not too much to ask, can you just go and mind your own business?! (Taray! Lol.)

Ways to Pursue Excellence

I always sing, talk, and read books to my baby even if he is still in my womb. My mom once heard me and asked “Kaylangan ba ganyan talaga?” She thought maybe I’m a little over the top. Maybe some of our neighbors think I'm crazy too. Lol. Well I may be exaggerating but according to studies these things can really stimulate learning. According to Rea Gonzales-Padua, chief occupational therapist at Communicare Therapy Center for Children in Las Piñas City, “Stimulation starts as soon as the child is conceived.” So it is advised to talk and read to your baby, and even let them listen to music while still in the mother’s womb.


As parents, we play a vital role in our child’s learning. We are our child’s first and best teacher and we are in a better position than anyone else to study our child as an individual. So it is important to make time for our kids, especially during playtime. According to Joan Beck, author of How To Raise A Brighter Child: The Case for Early Learning, a child’s intelligence is determined by how parents care for him during the first six years.

The article also contains tips on how to pursue excellence for 1 -6 years of age. But as for now, I’ll only post this. I hope you learn something useful today my fellow moms!

gian & nyle when little

now, they're both on top of their classes!

Philippines’ Next Top “Pregnant” Model

It’s the first time that I felt like a real MODEL. I had fun doing the photo shoot. Even if there’s lightning and thunder, dedma lang kami. At kahit medyo daring, GO lang! All in the name of art! Thank you Roselyn for rendering your artistic skills and Grace for being the best P.A. and “tripod” in this shoot. LOL

I don’t know if I’ll ever get this chance of having a baby again. So I might as well document the whole experience to the fullest. And lucky for me, I have my two multi-talented friends to make this dream into a reality. Isa lang masasabi ko: “I LAVEEET!!!”

the wacky shots:

Eclipse and MORE!!!

This book is my least favourite out of all the twilight series. But still as a twilight fanatic I have to watch the third sequel to this film. So I invited my two long lost friend (tgal na kc ng huli kmi nag get together) Roselyn and Grace to watch with me. I’m glad they joined me because I had a good better time spending the evening with them than watching the film. It’s not that I didn’t enjoy the movie, just that I’m a bit disappointed with it. Maybe I’m just looking for more “action” and some jaw dropping visual effects during the vampire battle. If I’ll give it a rate it would be 3 out of 5. If not for Robert Pattinson's angelic face my rate would be lower. Oops sorry...

The added zest to my night is my two friends. I MISS THEM BOTH! I realized that the moment I saw them coming towards me. It’s my fault why it took so long for us to have a get together again. I just felt that yesterday was the right time to finally face them and to put every misunderstanding we had behind. Anyway, I’m REALLY happy to talk to them again. There is NO dull moment when you’re in the company of these two girls. We talk about life, love, marriage, my baby Riley, love again, and LOVE again!!! Hehe. I’m really happy things are working fine for the three of us- Grace getting married, Roselyn passing the CCNA, and of course me having a baby. Thank You mga Ninangs for a wonderful time!!! Sa uulitin ulit. :)

me & baby Riley

rose & me

grace & me

P.S. Thanks Roselyn for the pictures!!! Muah!

Baby Naming

It’s harder than I thought it would be. I have a lot of “baby names” on my mind but then I’m looking for something unique but with a beautiful meaning as well. It’s the first gift I can give my child and it’s for him to keep for the rest of his life. I don’t want to name him because it just sounded good. I want it to mean something. So I thought of DAVID RILEY. David which means “beloved” and Riley which means “little Rey” which is the name of my baby’s father. My beloved little Rey. Nice db?! But when I consulted it with Daddy Rey (let’s call him DADDY R for shortness sake), he doesn’t wants the David in it. I guess he’s just not feeling it for our baby. Instead he wanted KENZO in it! Yay!!!

At first I really don’t like it. It sounded Japanese and cheesy (Kenzo=Keso) LOL. But I don’t want to hurt Daddy R’s feelings so I said I’ll think about it. When I get to check it out last night, I was surprised to learn that Kenzo is indeed a Japanese name and it means “wise.” Besides he can have Enzo for a nickname if we name him that. KENZO RILEY...Hmm pwede din! AS long as the name Riley is there. The problem is I can’t let go of the name David. It’s such a lovely name. Hay...

Well, I have 3 months to think about it. I’m just happy that right now, according to the ob-gyne, my baby is healthy and ok. I’m just worried that my tummy is small compared to other 6 months pregnant women like me. I guess it’s because of my built also. That’s why I keep on telling baby Riley to don’t worry about mama. To just continue developing himself inside my womb even if it hurts mama a little bit. And even if you kick Mama so hard, its fine! As long as I know you’re safe there. And don’t worry about your name. Mama is formulating the best name I can think of for you! :)

can't smile without gian and nyle

I find myself crying or teary eyed every time I remember Gian and Nyle. The silence and harmony in our house now is quite depressing. And I kept on thinking: Kanina lang kasama ko sila. Kagabi lang kumain kami sa Gerry’s Grill (at nagpicture2 pa). Khpon iniinis p nila q. Kanina lng nyayakap ko p sila... Now, they’re thousand miles away. Argh!!! There goes my tear again. I already miss them terribly. I already miss the simple things we used to do. But the thing I’m gonna miss the most is our conversations. No one does better of listening to my silly ideas to my wildest dreams to my greatest fears than the two of you. Truly you’re the only ones who knows the real me. You’re my sanity saver!


But underneath my sadness lies happiness at the same time. I’m really happy that finally your family is reunited again. I know how much your mom misses you. I believe a great future is waiting ahead for all of you there in New Zealand. Don't worry, in a few days I’ll get used to it. You know-seeing the house clean, watching tv without someone snatching the remote from me, playing on my computer without someone bothering me. LOL. But even if you drive me crazy most of the times, I would rather have you within my reach. Hay.... it may not seem that I appreciate the two of you when you reside with us for almost 9 months but the truth is – the two of you were like a son to me. And you will forever be even if my own son comes out.

before going to the airport

Just remember we’re just a click away, ok? Tit joy will always be here to listen to whatever you want to say. I’ll always be your coolest (and cutest) tita. I hope we will be together again soon (hopefully in NZ). I love you Gian and Nyle! Kala ko I can smile without you. Hindi ko pala kaya. I JUST can’t smile without you! :)

my little nudger

Excitement, scared, happiness, contentment, sad, and some emotion I can’t still figure out at this moment. All I know is I’m blessed! Yes that’s what I feel right now. I’m really excited that a few months from now I will be a MOTHER. Yep. A mother. Who would have thought an immature, indecisive, weak and baby face girl like me could bear and will bring a child into this world? Kala ko bakla ko, babae pala ako!!! Hehe. I really can’t believe it at first. I said to myself maybe the doctor was wrong. That the ultrasound was not that accurate. But now as I feel my baby kicking and punching and somersaulting inside my belly, YEP! HE is REAL!

It’s really hard to explain in words. I wanted to shout and dance when I saw my baby’s heart beating and his gender and his face for the first time. It’s just overwhelming! You just have to be pregnant to know what I’m going through. I never know I can be like this - I love him already. I want to protect him already. I want to give him all the best in the world. (ayan naiiyak na tuloy ako) :’( What I’m saying is, I thought I only live for myself. That I can’t love someone more than my life. That I can’t be brave enough to fight for someone. But now I know that I was wrong. Suddenly I just don’t live for me. There’s a greater and deeper meaning now to my life. And that reason is “my little nudger”. Even without meeting him yet, I know he’s already holding a big part of my life. Or rather he is ALREADY my life. My future now seems brighter because of him.

Anyway, it’s still a long way to go. I’m on my 5th month and will be due on September. I’m so excited that I want to buy clothes for my baby this early! First time mom po kc! Hehe. I know I should wait a little longer before to buy anything for the baby. So now I just enjoy being pregnant. I like dressing pregnant, being taken care of and being pampered to. I like it when my two nephews talk about their coming cousin like they we’re friends and playmates already.

sexy buntis at 5 months

I’ve never been ashamed to admit that I am pregnant but I wanted to share it only to people who mattered in my life. I guess I'm just waiting for the right time to announce it. Kc ung iba chismis lang talaga ang habol. But as long as what I believe feels right and I’m happy with my life, I don’t care if I hear negative things from other people. They can judge me all they want but at the end of the day, they don’t live my life for me. I live my own life.

Summer

I used to look forward for Holy Week, especially Good Friday. Coz that’s one of the few times my mother doesn’t have to work as a meat vendor in our town’s market. We took advantage of that fact that is why we always plan something special during those times. As a family, we want to go someplace we’ve never been to before. It’s sort of our family bonding and to give ourselves time to relax. To not think of anything but just having fun. It’s kind of ironic we do it on Good Friday, but as I told you that’s the only time we could really spend uninterrupted time with our beloved mother and to really be united as a family. But this year is different, no summer trip to look forward to. :(

The reason is that my eldest sister and her husband are now working in NZ. This particular sister is the one who always plans, organizes and searches about the place we plan to go. Without her now, no one really initiate to continue the tradition of going someplace new. Plus it’s kinda sad without her. It’s like there’s an empty place in our hearts that only she can fill. I think that more than the captivating sight, the time and memories we share as a family are what I look forward more.

Summer won’t be complete without my ate. We really miss her. Especially the things we used to do. I know they are planning to have a vacation here in the Philippines once they have an opportunity to do so. Anyway, just to look back, here are some of the places we already visited:

Bagac, Bataan

Mt. Samat, Bataan

Hundred Islands, Pangasinan

Crystal Beach, Zambales

El Sombrero, Batangas

And here are some of the place we could not wait to visit:

Boracay

El Nido, Palawan

Palaui Island, Cagayan Valley

Caramoan Island, Camarines Sur

Bohol 

I LOVE summer! I Love to discover our beautiful country! But I guess I have to wait a little longer to see those places... 

in a limbo

The past days /months had been like a battle. Like a nightmare. I felt like hiding and shutting myself from the world. I don’t want to open my facebook. Or go out. Or chat with my friends. Or talk to anyone. I don’t even want to check my cp. It is like I stop living. I stop caring. I became the person I fear myself to be – angry, hateful, and hopeless. I don’t know. I felt like giving up when there’s nothing to give up. Is this what they call “midlife crisis”? Or premenopausal stage? Lol. Whatever they call this, I’m happy I’m out of that mess in my life finally.


I’ve been a quitter and I’m ashamed to admit it. I’ve let problems get the best of me. I really don’t know what’s gotten into me. Everyone has their own problems. Life is all about problems! But I forgot that life is also about the people that matters. It’s how we let these problems and negativity affects us and outweighs the good stuff. And badly for me, I ALMOST drown in the sea of my “own created” monsters.

WELL,

I’m done with that. Had to pick myself up... and to move forward... Without those people who always judge me. I'm so much happier now knowing I dont have to deal with people I dont really feel like telling SACRED things of my life. But what can I do? Talagang maraming tao ang nabubuhayan ng dugo pag may naamoy na tsismis. Haiii... They can do whatever they want to do. Or talk whatever they want to think.

I DONT HAVE ANY OBLIGATIONS TO ANYONE TO TELL THEM OR SHARE TO THEM WHATEVER I DONT WANT TO TELL AND SHARE THEM!!!!! Kung di nila maintindihan yun, NOT my problem!!!!!!!

she's all that

Today, a great woman is celebrating her 56th birthday. She holds the highest place of all her children and grandchildren's heart. I say she's our star for all season. She's no other than our one and only nanay.

My ever beautiful and wonderful mother. (I’m already teary eyed.lol!). Seriously, we all look up to her. How she keeps our family intact. How she makes this family strong despite many trials we’ve experienced as individual and as a family. How she never fails to make us feel loved and worthy. In her own unique way, she makes us feel one - united. She’s the soul of our family.

You know, my mom never had a happy childhood. Her mother (my lola) died when she was just 4 years old. Imagine a world without a mother to guide you. To add up to that, her father (my lolo) remarries again. So that left my mom and her siblings to fend for themselves. My mom sometimes tell us how hard her life was back then but the most famous story of her was when she begged her father to give her P10.00 for her tuition fee. Yeah you read it right! 10.00 for a tuition fee so that she can finish her high school studies. But sadly, poverty gets in the way of her dream of finishing her studies.

She didn’t finish high school nor had a college degree diploma but she taught us the greatest lesson we could ever learn - how to love, how to nurture, and how to be selfless. She’s all that!

I really salute all “good” mothers in the world! You are one of the reasons why the world is a better place to live in. I don't know if I can live this life without my mom by my side. I can't thank her enough for all the love and care she always gives us. Happy Birthday again ina and “We love you!”