Pagbabago

The only thing that’s constant in this life is CHANGE (PAGBABAGO). It’s inevitable.

That’s how I see life. Really, as planet Earth revolves around its axis, change goes with it. Some may be so little that you can’t even notice it; but some changes are dramatic that drastically changes your life – forever.

Now, no matter what these changes are, there’s one thing I am really hopeful for – that it’ll be for the better and for the greater glory of GOD.

As for me, there had been a lot of changes in my life in my almost 29 years of existence. One that I’ll be sharing here is something that had imprinted a perspective, a prerogative, in my individuality.

I believe the biggest change in my life started when my father left for work even before I was born.

My father at the airport

Hence, my mother gave birth to me, with my father in foreign land to give us greener pasture – something which I haven’t realized soon enough.

So I lived a simple life. I play. I help in household chores. And in one of those moments, while I was helping my mother doing the laundry, I uttered “Ina, hindi na pala natin kailangan ang Ama. (Mother, I think we need not father anymore.)” Well, those words came out from a 4-year old immature me. I hardly remember what my mother replied; all I know is that I made the most stupid statement in my life back then. I just know that I had mentioned those words because I am living my childhood without my father, and everything seemed to be fine, if not perfect.

I grew up and started to study. I celebrated my birthdays without my father – although he comes home once a year. I had my cake, my ice cream, my spaghetti, my family, my friends, and my classmates to celebrate it with. Everything still seems to work perfectly fine in my life.

My first birthday! Notice my siblings under the table?

My birthday when I was in Grade 5. I just came well from sickness.

Then my father came home, this time, for good. He’s sick. And on Valentine’s Day, in 1998, the good Lord came for his soul. I weep. I grieve. I lost my father – for good. I never expect this biggest CHANGE to happen in my life right before I graduated high school.

Realizations came afterward.

1. I told myself that I would not want to work abroad if I had to leave my family behind.
2. I feel hopeless for the time I had spent with my father seems to be too short to show him that I care.
3. I regret telling my mother the most stupid statement back when I was still young.
4. I love my family. They are my most precious treasures. No matter what CHANGE would happen in my life – I’m rest assured that there’s a constant love I’ll get from them.
5. Somehow, it made me love my country THIS MUCH.
   

I entered college with only a PUV supporting my studies. I now know the sacrifices my father had gone through just to send me to school. Luckily, I earned scholarship from DOST. I persevere. I graduated with honors. I worked for three (3) companies now – all here in the land where I was born – the Philippines. Now, I had a couple of job opportunities at Singapore. But my heart tells me to stay and work here in the Philippines instead – a prerogative instituted by me because of my father.

My Father's tomb

Looking back, I know that "that major change in my life" brought greater glory to God – because it strengthens the bond within our family. And although changes come, some good things remain. I celebrated birthdays and special occasions still with cakes. And I am surrounded by my family and relatives to give me the warmest love in the world.

My 26th Birthday. Simple celebration with my family.

2007 New Year's Party with Manalaysay Family.

Valentine's Day 2009. 11 Years Death Anniversary of my father. I now have my angel (Paulo) to share love with my mother.

My 28th Birthday. Still, a simple celebration with my family.

Welcoming 2010.

I know I may not be able to have another family picture like this one:

My Family Picture

But deep in my heart, I know I love my family sooooo much! And yes, I (we) need my father.

Goldilocks is sharing my prerogative, I suppose. Changes come with them too. They’ve got new look right now.


But good things remain – they still got good food. And like me, it embraces our country – they took pride in Pinoy food.