Love Actually

Unlike my Dad, my 2 brothers and my beau, I am never a basketball fan. I never understand why they'd run back and forth with that ball. I just don't get it or maybe because I am more for individual sports - I play badminton (singles), I swim and do Kayaking. You see these sports that I mentioned do not require much teamwork compared to say, basketball which I believe you have to deal with the rest of the team.

Segue:
Sunday night. Before my brother Gello went to his room to sleep, he asked me to watch Game 5 for him because he'll be in school and of course, he won't be able to watch the game. As he coined it, "Ate, Ikaw yung eyes ko kunyari ha. Watch ka ng NBA and cheer ka for Miami Heat ha? Promise?" (Ate, you'll serve as my eyes. Watch NBA and cheer for Miami Heat ha? Promise?). My gawd! In my mind, I was like "What?! Why do I have to wake up early just to watch that game and to cheer for Miami Heat?! For crying out loud, its my off!" But all I could say was, "Ok. I'll watch it."

The next morning, my mobile was ringing and yes, it was Gello calling me from school. When I answered it he was like, "Ate, wake up ka na. Go watch NBA na! Dali!" (Ate, wake up! Go watch NBA! Fast!) And I said, "Saan ka? Diba, you have school today?" (Where are you? Don't you have school today?) And to that he answered me back, "Nasa school ako, recess namin. Dali watch ka na ng NBA, Ate. Baka maconfiscate ng teacher ko yung cellphone ko." (I am in school, it is our break. I am afraid that my teacher might confiscate my cellphone.) When I heard that, I was alarmed and all I could say again was, "Okay, I'll put the phone down na. Baka maconfiscate phone mo, lagot ka kay Mommy. Nood na ko ng NBA." (Okay, I'll put the phone down. Mom will surely get mad at you if she found out that your phone has been confiscated. I'll watch NBA now.) I heard him shell out a big sound of relief and he said, "Thank you! Bye na. Love you!" and then click, he hung up.

The next few minutes, I caught myself cheering for Miami Heat. I felt the intensity of the game and in the last few seconds, I was really praying that Wade makes those free throws. He did and I was very happy. And then I am hooked. I watched Game 6 - even if I am at work. And yes, I am the happiest SA, all because my brother's favorite team won the championship.

At the end of the day, I realized that I can love this much. I am amazed at how a 10 year old kid could easily persuade me to watch two basketball games from start to finish. My Mom said "Its love, actually."

PS.
Did I say that my brother gave me flowers (fresh from Mom's "garden") this morning with a note saying, "You're the best Ate!"?

Mom

Long before you and Dad rewarded me my first ever cellphone, you've always wanted to have a good communication relationship with your kids.

Our home is a fantastic environment wherein almost everything are being talked about (minus the taboo, of course) and the most amazing part of it is that you allow your kids to be the person that we are meant to be. In many incidents that I hear a friend or two talking about how their parents never seem to understand what they're going through or that their parents are always getting into their nerves or that their parents meddle with their own affairs or that their parents read their diary and private letters, I cannot help but feel so damned blessed to have such wonderful parents like you.

Everytime we have conflicts at home and before you decide that I should be grounded for weeks - you talk to me first, listen to my woes and tell me that I should be learning from every mistake that I make. You taught me what being responsible is all about.

Although, you and Dad are such good providers, you never give in to our every whims and wants. I remember when I was in 2nd grade and I want that knapsack bag with a clock on it so badly that I always cry to Dad just for him to buy me one and you were so decided not to buy me one just yet. You said that I should get very good grades first before I can have that bag. I worked like hell everyday just to make sure that I get very good grades and when the day of distribution of cards came, I was the proudest when I got no grades below 85. I phoned you and was I the happiest 7 year old alive when that night I got my yellow bag and a pencil case with push buttons!

From that day on, I never do things half-heartedly because I know all my efforts will be rewarded.

It was also at home when I learned that respect is gained. Macky and I were fighting because I played with his matchbox without asking permission. Oh boy! That was such a disaster. Nana Pacing even had to bring out Dad's belt and threatened that she will spank us using that. When you got home, you immediately talked to the both of us and told me that for my younger siblings to respect me, I should be respectable; that if I want to be honored, I should be honorable.

Do you also remember that day when I asked you why don't I have the same skin color as you do? I cried so hard but you consoled me by saying, I don't have to have a white complexion to be pretty. I don't even have to invest on my physical appearance because at the end of the day, what matters is that I have a good heart and I feed my mind and be smart. And so, I grew up investing in my soul and not in my mere physical appearance. You said that the day will come when one will grow old and all that is beautiful today will fade tomorrow.

Mom, everybody knows that I was, still am and will always be Daddy's little girl but may you always know that I am more than honored and blessed to have such a wonderful and loving mother like you. Do you remember the nights when I'd sleep in your room, I'd drink my milk and you your tea and then we'll just talk all night and then I'd always cry? Wow, Ma! These are my treasures. I know we're never the Mom and daughter tandem but there is always something about you being my Mom that makes me the bravest as I face the everyday challenges.

Thank you for everything, Ma.

You're well loved!

Happy Birthday!