rntmrls

Thirty-nine. That’s the number of years he has been a father. With each offspring came greater responsibility; but Daddy cherished the role and played it superbly from the very start.

Thirty-three. That’s the number of years I’ve know him. If not for his fervent prayers I probably would not have made it past the age of one.

Four. That’s the number of children he brought to this world. All professionals now and attempting to make their own mark in the world; yet each knows that only Daddy can provide the best answers to all of life’s questions, and that he shall willingly show the way.

Almost five. That’s the number of grandchildren he has. He is a doting grandfather who balances strictness and slack; the coolest grandpa who gives the warmest hugs.

Twenty. That’s the number of years he has spent away from his family. Necessity might have taken him away from his brood, but he remains to be the head of the household.

One. That’s the number of times he gave me a spanking. Because he knows that a heart to heart conversation is better when disciplining a child. At a very young age, I realized and appreciated how my dad respected my thoughts and opinions and he eagerly listens to what I have to say.

Countless. That’s the number of time he has forgiven and understood my mistakes. Constantly assuring me that his love can go beyond my foolishness and faults; making sure that I am comforted with the thought that daddy loves me no matter what.

A million. That’s the number of times I want to say “ thank you Daddy” for being my provider, best friend, confidante, mentor and inspiration.

Love you Dad.

Leap of Faith

18 months after I gave up my own studio unit and moved in with my big sister, I’m back to being independent again. By independent, I mean paying my own rent, utilities, groceries and looking for my own plumber when the need arises.

Lyndon and I moved to an apartment a couple of blocks away from my sister’s place in Pasig. It’s like creating another beginning, a fresh start, rebuilding my own niche and crossing my fingers that everything will be on the up and up from hereon. A leap of faith, I would like to call it, because while the first time I moved out of the house was a result of a harried and impulsive decision, this time I am planning each step of the way. I intend to make good on this choice and make sure that I will be in full control of my life this time.

I’m enjoying every minute of this. From re-painting the cheap furniture I bought from a flea market, to choosing the color for my curtains, to making sure that everything is in its place, I’m relishing every moment.

But I know it will not be a bed of roses all the way. I expect it will be difficult adjusting, paying the bills and taking responsibility for everything.

At 33, I’m learning to be a grown up (again).

Share-a-load, Sentro, Sweet Pea and Sipping Coffee

I filed a vacation leave from the office today to meet up with my old friends from my previous work.

Audette and her husband Alfredo came to Manila from Sanfo for a three-week holiday and of course Cherish and I came to meet up with them. There’s actually four of us who have kept the friendship intact even after we left Stateland (the other part of our foursome, Cecille is in Illinois where she now resides with her husband).

We all met when we were in our early 20’s, completely clueless about how our lives will eventually unfold. 10 years later, we are still friends, still enjoying each other’s company and still laughing at and with each other ‘til our stomachs ache.

I remember when I first came to Stateland straight from my first job at the university. I was oblivious about corporate life, thinking that it will be hugely different from working in a laid back environment. One thing that I dreaded was making new friends (I was never good at it, having grown up with the same circle of friends from grade school). But on the first week of feeling my way around Binondo, I was approached by Audette. We learned that we take the same route going home and from then on we went home together. She was then residing in a boarding house a few minutes away from where I lived. Some days when it was difficult getting a ride, we traversed the stinky and filthy Quezon bridge from Lawton to Quiapo just to catch a jeepney en route to Dimasalang. I wouldn’t have braved that creepy overpass had I not been with Audette who keeps me engaged in her usual colorful anecdotes as we crossed the bridge.

We talked about everything under the sun. Long conversations that may seem trivial back then but it was what let us into each other’s lives. What I like about Audette is that when she tells stories about her family, she talks about them like you actually know them personally. So I knew her mom and dad, Charlene, Jeff and Hazel even before I actually met them.

She is also one passionate person. She puts her heart into the things she believes in. I may not believe in the same thing, but her passion wins my respect for her principles and values in life. And she in turn knows how to respect convictions different from hers.

While it is sad that she now lives in the US, thousands of miles away, I’m extremely delighted that she does with Alfredo, her perfect match. When she left the Philippines a few years back, there was nary a doubt in my heart that I will lose her friendship.

True enough, a few hours of being together today, proved that we can always pick up from where we left off.