On May 26, Thursday, my parents and I geared up for our 3-day stay in my mother's hometown Liliw, Laguna. My father had been so looking forward to the trip as he would be celebrating his 59th birthday the very next day. Though, my parents regularly go back to the province since my maternal grandmother died, it was my first trip back this year. I wasn't even planning to go with them but my maternal aunt/godmother whom I'm very close to has been asking about me, ergo, my unplanned trip.

Initially, I thought that we would just prepare for a small feast with my relatives from my mother's side of the family. There were talks of going on a picnic but I really wasn't looking forward to it as they say, the more you plan the more it becomes drawing, hehe. Moreover, most of my relatives were elsewhere, it was still a weekday after all, in fact my siblings were in Manila since they had work. Plus, the venue wasn't even decided on, so the picnic didn't seem possible at all.

So it was kinda surprising when my mother told me to buy snacks for the picnic, I was literally like, "huh? tuloy ba?" And oh, it was so on. I woke up later than they did and had just found out that they already went to the market to buy the ingredients for our lunch. My aunt and cousins from Nagcarlan also arrived and brought along these really big tilapia with them. The elders decided to skip the picnic and just go on swimming after eating a hearty lunch at home. They thought that bringing food would be such a hassle since (1) we didn't have a vehicle big enough to accommodate us all and (2) we had children tagging along; we can't exactly carry the containers of food whilst looking after the kids.

A Reason to Celebrate

Hey there! Let me tell you about a joyous moment we celebrated of late. My older sister (ate) officially passed her Thesis subject, making her eligible for graduation! Whohooo! She can now cross off “obtain masters” in her bucket list. My parents and I couldn’t be any happier for her!

In retrospect, we all had to pitch in for her to finish her thesis if not financially, physically and mentally at least. It was no joke, I tell you! We had to go over pages and pages and compute for the result. Heck, my father even stayed up at 1 in the morning to finish his share. He never stayed that late, it was way past his bedtime! I guess, we all made certain concessions then. I mean, my mother was usually out and about with her church affairs but she refrained from doing so in order to help sis. Two of my cousins also put in hours checking their share of the questionnaire. I had to do without the late night TV that was as vital as any of this generation’s social life! But then again, my sister was the one who had to do without with many things.

'Till We Meet Again Lola Luz!

I wasn't as lucky as others have full sets of grandparents, but I was fortunate enough to know one from each side, my paternal grandfather and my maternal grandmother. They both made an impact in my formative years and I have always been in awe with them. They both led a hard life but they made the best of it. Their respective spouses died long before I was born. My grandmother (lola) Luz was the only grandparent I had left after my paternal grandfather passed away in 2006. She lived in her hometown Liliw, Laguna with my maternal aunt, and sometimes with my maternal uncle in the ancestral house.

Karen

I know oftentimes you resent me,
For I’ve given you cause to despair.
Remember always that we are sisters,
Despite our differences, we have a lot to share.

I’ve valued your laugh and smiles,
Even if it was at my expense
So when you’re hurt or when you cry
It leaves me feeling blue and deprived.

I know of your dreams and aspirations,

Believe me, I’m cheering you on.

But at one point or another,
I know, you thought I’m a dead weight put on.

I never thought I’m as courageous as you,
Hence, I preferred to be behind,
I guess, I didn’t think things through,
As you’re inadvertently left with all the vile

Please know that I understand,
All things considered, a lot went out of hand.
I know I have to exert more effort, as you need to see I’ve changed.
No longer will you have to endure the pain.

Peter

The time has come for you to bear the weight,

Do not succumb to temptations and keep your path straight!
The real world is not as welcoming as you may have thought,
It's fast-paced, just don't let yourself get caught!

May I remind you, not to dwell in failures and regret,
Rather, always remember the lessons they beget.
You might say I'm such a know-it-all,
But oh, boy, I've had my fair share of falls!

Believe in God's time and His plans for you,
There's a reason for everything, that is so true!
Make each day an opportunity to learn,
Be a man of God and not of the world.

My dearest brother, believe me when I say,
I'm proud of you, there's no other way.
It's just that you try my patience when I call,
But it doesn't mean I don't love you at all!