Day 56: EDSA Boy to Freedom Man

Even before February 25 became a memorable date to millions of Filipinos, it was already a special one in our family. Thirty years ago, on February 25, 1981, my parents' unico hijo and my only brother, was born. He was a "pahabol" baby, surprising both Mommy and Daddy, since they never expected to still conceive six years after my younger sister was born. In many ways, he was the miracle that Daddy was hoping and praying for...a boy to carry on his name. 

Christened PAULO REY NIÑO, his name was carefully chosen and had a lot of meaning. PAULO - to commemorate the visit of the late Pope John Paul II to the Philippines just a few days prior to his birth; REY - obviously named after Dad without having to add a "Junior" to his name and NIÑO - as a reminder of Mom and Dad's devotion to the Sto. Niño.

Onin (family nickname), was fortunate to be born at a time when the family's finances were at a boom. "Lavished upon" would probably be an understatement to the kind of lifestyle that he grew up in. Whatever he wanted or needed, he got. He was doted upon by everyone. Despite all the attention and material things bestowed upon him, he grew up relatively well-mannered and quite innocent. He may have been spoiled but he didn't grow up to be a brat. I might have a reservation or two about his being brought up too sheltered and protected but all in all, my parents did the best they could. 

He was my sidekick during my college days, oftentimes hanging out with me at the Buklod-Isip tambayan whenever I pick him up from the Ateneo Grade School. I have plenty of memories from that time in our lives and I choose to dwell on them rather than get distracted by the harsh realities of now.

In the past 8 years or so, Onin has undergone two tremendous heartbreaks, both incidences having endings that are much too alike. It is the kindhearted part of him that gets broken and it continues to pain me knowing this. Despite his shortcomings and weaknesses, he certainly didn't deserve to be treated the way he did. Most would probably give up after suffering such powerful blows in life, but Onin remains strong, steadfast and upright.

It is this strength in him that I see which makes me believe he is definitely capable of doing great things in his life - if only he believes it and acts with bold faith in God and himself. At this important milestone in his life - the big 30, may it signify his transformation from being identified as EDSA Boy to Freedom Man. As I've mentioned to him many times before, he needs to spread his wings and just fly.

To dearest Onin - Happy 30th Birthday!!! May God continue to work His miracles in your life  and give you the true desires of your heart...Ate loves you very much!

Day 190: Up High

Little daredevil that she is...Cathleen Janelle didn't mind being high up on a stack of monoblock chairs. In fact, she warded off any attempts that Kuya Jarred made to get her (notice the blurry hand motion on the second picture).

Day 172: School Boy

Barely a week since classes started, my young school boy is slowly getting used to his new class schedule and lesson pace. Jarred has made new friends with his classmates who were transferees from other schools.

He is beginning to like the idea of staying in school for the whole day and even taking his lunch there. Many of the changes this school year will definitely teach him to be more independent and self-reliant. As a parent, I want nothing more than to see all of my children growing up to be well-adjusted, highly-independent and loving Christians. Although, the thought of them not needing me anymore does send tears to my eyes at times. Sometimes, I wish I could just slow down the hands of time and let them remain my babies for a tad longer...sigh! The next best thing now is to just make most of each day that we are given to be with them and be thankful to God for these children who are such awesome blessings from above.

Day 165: Independence?

Philippine Independence Day fell on a Saturday this year (June 12) but because of a weird Presidential proclamation, its observance was moved to today. I think it had something to do with tourism so that people would have long weekends for some getaway or something. Of course this is a yahoo moment for kids because  there's no school and for parents because it's an extra day of bonding with the family. However, if we look closely at the real implication, we'll discover that it isn't good for  most laborers as they lose an opportunity to earn on this day. Another thing to look at is the overall impact on the celebration itself. By moving the holiday, the real meaning for its commemoration somehow loses its importance. If I were still a young student or an office worker, I'd probably rejoice about no-work holidays like this but now that I can understand how it adversely affects more important issues, I see there's no reason to jump for joy. The celebration of a nation's true independence can only happen if its people are able to live by the principles that our forefathers and heroes fought hard for. Until then, it is just a facade to hide the ugly truth of a decaying nation and society.

Day 152: Cailie takes the plunge!

The summer of 2010 has given little Caitlin Alyssa the opportunity to know her abilities and be able to use them effectively. In the Daily Vacation Bible School (DVBS), she showed great independence since she didn't need to be watched over by a parent or guardian. When they get dropped off at the school gate, her Kuya Jarred brings her to her assigned classroom and she manages on her own. How's that for a 3.5 year old?

Day 148: Philippine National Flag Day

Today marks the Philippine National Flag Day to commemorate the very first time it was displayed in battle back in May 28, 1898. 

From today until Independence Day, June 12, we are enjoined to observe flag days wherein all government offices, business establishments and private residences are encouraged to display the Philippine flag. 

Let us pay respects to our country and to the flag we have sworn allegiance to by remembering all those who have sacrificed their lives for the freedom and democracy we have now.

Day 8: Independence

Didn't I just write about how all grown up my son Jarred is now? Well, today is about another milestone in his life and our family. For the first time, he went to school and back home all by himself. His Dad or I didn't have to accompany him on the way to or back from school.

For many months last year, he kept on dropping hints at us that some of his classmates and schoolmates ride the tricycle all by themselves. In several occasions he would request if we would let him do the same thing. At the time, we thought he might not yet be ready to go off on his own but since turning 7, it seems he has grown so much, proven to be more mature and responsible. And so, today marks his "independence day"...and you should see the grin in his face when he left this morning and the pride in his smile as he arrived home.

Of course, this kind of independence is parent-controlled. We were able to contact a trusty neighbor-trike driver who agreed to bring him to and from school everyday. It is much like a school bus thing only that there is only 1 rider. To my son, it is complete freedom from being treated like a baby.