Mom's Tidings to Her Debutant

“Nanay, Kailan ka po uuwi?” the usual question my daughter asked then. Ang sabi ng Nanay, “ hintay lang anak, mabilis lang ang panahon,” until days became months, months became years, at ngayon, we’re talking about a decade (11 years to be exact).

I remember so vividly, you were just 8 years old when I headed off abroad, leaving you and Kenneth behind, while taking with me the aspirations of providing you both, any mother would wish giving – a better quality of life. Abot baywang lang kita noon, nang maglaon kasabay ka na nitong lumaki.

It was never an easy journey between us. What we’ve gone through up to this day is comparable to a teleserye. In fact, I was anticipating for an event when you would confront me bilang ‘Claudine’ at ako si ‘Vilma Santos’ sa pelikulang ‘ANAK’. But of course, since my responsibility as your ‘Nanay’ would not stop in guiding you through and providing valuable advices (from a distance), paulit-ulit mo akong ihahatid sa airport, that is sadly my manner of support to you. Habang malakas pa si Nanay, sige lang nang sige.

Those sleepless nights had turned-out to be great. My mind thought wider, my heart pumped faultless, and my feet stood stronger. The sacrifices of a parent should not reach your youthful disposition, but you had witnessed enough hence you became what you are today … sa kadahilanang namulat ka ng maaga – nagi kang mabuting tao, anak, kapatid, apo, kaklase at kaibigan.

My guilt did not cross darkness because at a young age, you are able to understand. My sadness did not push myself to the wall because your qualities make me happy. My hard work was not wasted because you value education more than what I expected. My pain did not drive me to the ground because you equally support, console, and lift me. My trust was not broken because you have been an ideal daughter any parent would have. Sa makatuwid, ANAK nga kita! Masyado akong pinagpala ng buong Maykapal nang dahil sa iyo at ng mga kapatid mo.

Today is not about me, but because my story is your story, I am broadcasting how the flower blooms from the bud. I was only dreaming about this moment … I was barely wishing for this utmost fulfillment … I was just hoping for the best in our family, hindi ko naman akalain na mabilis lang pala ang 18 years at heto na nga, you are patterned and sharpen by the years.

Alongside the tremendous love and support of your siblings, papa Joseph, lolo & lola, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends, we all wish you a HAPPY 18TH BIRTHDAY! May you continue serving as good role model to Kenneth & Maryam, inspiration to others, and the best daughter to us. We are so PROUD OF YOU. WE LOVE YOU, ANAK !!!

~ scribbled for Aileen Piamonte