No te vayas de Zamboanga

"Don't leave Zamboanga."

We had just come home from spending part of our summer in QC last May and I saw this tarp tied to a fence on our way home.

I found out later that our former mayor, and present District 1 representative, Celso Lobregat had launched a campaign in a bid to convince Zamboangueños to stay in the city despite the many peace and order problems that have beset us in recent years. Last year's MNLF siege was especially trying.

As someone who was born and bred here, it breaks my heart to realize that I no longer feel safe in my city. Even my parents have predicted that in another ten years or so, few of the old Zamboangueño families will probably continue to remain. The local government is making a valiant effort though in trying to regain the people's trust and confidence.

I'm not leaving yet, mi bella ciudad. There may be hope yet for us.

Listening to: No Te Vayas de Zamboanga

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To my son on his graduation from preschool

My dearest Jeolo,

I can still remember how anxious I was weeks before you were to begin preschool. I was afraid you'd cry and beg me to stay with you. To my surprise, I was the one who cried that day as I felt the first strings of your dependence on me get cut as you smilingly kissed me goodbye.

That first year, we struggled together as you tried to learn how draw lines and curves, how to color within the lines, how to spell and write your name, how to interact with other kids your age, and to learn countless other how-tos.

And in a mere three years, you have come very far. Despite having been diagnosed with ADHD when you were five years old, it didn't stop you from growing and flourishing so marvelously.

But it isn't the good grades or your other achievements that make me proudest of you.

When you were in Kinder 1, your teacher recounted to me an experience she had with you.

She had been having a particularly difficult day with your class. A lot of children were very rambunctious and noisy, no one seemed to be listening as she tried to get everyone settled down. Suddenly feeling exhausted, she sat down on her chair and just stared out blankly. Then you approached her and asked, "Teacher Rica, are you okay?" She replied that she wasn't feeling very well. You surprised her when you said, "Let me give you a hug," as you proceeded to put your arms around her waist to hug her. With your chubby arms still around her, you asked, "Tighter?" :D

Teacher Rica told me your concern and your hug made her feel better that day. And it made my heart burst to know that you weren't only sweet and sensitive towards your family but that it extended even to others.

As much as I want you to continue to do well in school, I also hope that your thoughtfulness, sensitivity and innate sweetness will never change. Education can only get you so far but it's your character that will set you apart from others.

Thank you for bringing us so much joy, baby boy. Dada, Liam and I love you so much.

Congratulations, Kuya!

Listening to: Forever Young by Rod Stewart

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The best gift

I'd been planning to write my first post in this new blog on or after New Year's Day 2014 but since I was suddenly in the mood to write, here I go.

Christmas has always been my favorite time of the year. I love it even more than my birthday. And it's not because of the gifts or the parties but because the season makes me happy. Commemorating Christ's birth gives me hope and strength as well as reminding me to continue to be thankful for all the blessings, big and small, that I receive every day. And I love that it's a time for families to gather together and celebrate.

This year, I thought I might spend it with just my two boys, my parents and my siblings because my husband wouldn't be able to come home from his job overseas. Thankfully, his boss approved his leave request even if it was only 7 days of accrued days off. He not only managed to surprise us for the holidays but he also arrived in time to attend our eldest's Family Day/Christmas Festival in kindergarten. To say that we had a beautiful Christmas would be an understatement. I am blessed and thankful. <3

I hope your Christmas was also a good one. No matter how you may have spent it and with whom, I pray that love, peace and joy reigned that day and will continue to do so the whole year through. :)

Listening to: Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas by Judy Garland

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