One of the sweetest things in the world is seeing partners together for years... that amidst the world’s uproar, there they are, struggling to make up the orb on its best... that they stood firm because they dig up strength in each other’s arms… That what makes everyday life easier is getting up in the morning seeing your better half beside... And most of all, seeing your little versions roaming and giggling around...
25 years ago, a couple made a vow, tied each hearts for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness or in health, to love and to cherish till death do they part. But that was long before they encountered the BITTERSWEETNESS of a single life.
The guy was a typical "promdi" who lived his young life in the field of Cagayan Valley. He grew up in the field together with his 10 siblings. He spent most of his time above their reliable "kalabaw" after long hours of work in the field and sometimes after school. He grew up in a not-to-do-well family. He is aware of that, but that did not hinder him to dream big. Miles away from this rural, there came a city girl from Makati living with her parents and five other siblings. She spent most of her time, helping her "Itay" and "Inay" out to vend goodies for a living. They had a mini-store just in front of their residence in M.Reyes Street. Due to monetary dilemma, though it’s hard for her, she had to stop from school and help her folks out. She finished highshool and never entered college. Who would dare say that this would be the end of everything, she’s certain that this thing won’t let her down. And indeed, this jolly girl, a silent type though, who once desired to learn, strived hard and took several short courses offered in their barangay.
The guy took the risk and went to Manila. He rode a bus from his town and dragged all the way to the city with only 15 pesos in his pocket (watda! At present, you would only have one way ticket ride from Baclaran to Monumento out of those humble coins). Thank goodness, it only cost him 7 pesos for the ride because of his young age. He went to his elder sister, who was recently married at that time and just beginning a life with a new family. He stayed there long enough until he went to his aunts whom he served for years. He managed to last and finished a vocational course in one of the city’s prominent institutes during that time.
The guy was already working in a company and at times makes extra money out of his assembled jeepney (he had to, because her younger sister was still in school). He drove the jeep routed at Evangelista and used to dine in a mini-store along the street of M.Reyes (near Evangelista). This street witnessed that moment when true love first met...
Both married after years of relationship, good thing they were married soon before a snail mail from an American girl came that was addressed to the guy’s name (if you had read the story of "Immigration Blues" you would understand what I am talking about here). Otherwise no 3 wonderful kids would ever be born here in the Philippines.
And as for here, I am very thankful to be one of these 3 lucky kids. Very grateful that the Lord entrusted me to these 2 most wonderful persons mentioned above, Mama and Papa...25 fruitful years, I was here 21 years ago, and I’ve witnessed everything they had gone through from downfall to BETTERSWEET years... Now I understand why at times they utter "Nung panahon nga namin..." etc etc... Now I understand why they treasure the Adventure van much, for who would say that this man now driving his car once droved a kalabaw in his kiddo years and a jeepney in his late 20’s huh?? (I am not being worldly here, the attitude of these people that brought them this far is what I am up to)...Now I deeply understood their teachings...And out of those teachings, here we are, we have attained something that these two people are proud of.
These are our treasures, "pangaral ng mga magulang namin na habang buhay naming dadalhin". They always said that the only legacy that they can give is education, no more no less… If they only knew, they have given us more than they could ever think of...We are even far more than a millionaire for that manner (teary eyed,hehe).
A living proof that all great things often start with humble beginnings... To Mama and Papa, Happy Silver Anniversary!!!! Thank you for making us millionaires! And more more fruitful years to come! Hope you’ll make it in your trip to Tagaytay the soonest!
Wishful thinking: I would love to end up there someday too! From paper up to the oak anniversary! ;) (that would be a long long way to go!)
April 4, 1981
Another impossible mission awaits Ethan now. Just the same feeling Cruise might have felt while Holmes is busy with her womb.
Mutants' adventure! What's with the last stand? Would this be the end of the war?
I’ve read the book. Now let’s see how Ron Howard (the film's director) put the artistic mind of the author Dan Brown into action. ;)
