I Love You Forever Mom

In behalf of my siblings, our spouses and our children, I would like to thank all of you for the love and support you have given us through this difficult time. As many of you heard all throughout the past week, where Mom’s nearest and dearest have paid tribute to her. Reminiscing about the good old days and how Mom always had the zest for life and the impact she made in all your lives.

She was larger than life and had no problem speaking her mind in the most loving, straightforward way. She gave the biggest, tightest and warmest hugs anyone could ever experience. The great thing about my Mom is the she always had your back.

Mama was and will always be an extraordinary woman.

She was selfless and had the capacity to love in the biggest way. She truly had the heart of gold. She was so generous to the point where she would not even think about herself just to make sure you were happy and OK.

Mom always had a special way of knowing if things were not well with you, she would ask, is everything ok? Even when I would say I am ok Mom, she knew there were times I wasn’t and she would just say ok or simply nod. I remember so vividly I was 19 years old and was going through a rough patch in my life and after talking that evening, I went to bed and lay down, without uttering a word Mom came into the room thinking I was asleep, she kissed and rubbed my back, it was then that I decided to pick myself up and be better. I didn’t want to break my Mom’s heart and I did get recover.

At an early age, Mom knew how to handle tough situations, bravely facing everything with her calm yet commanding way. From the political turmoil in the early 80’s to the fall of the regime in the mid 80’s, Mom was there in the background making sure and everything went smoothly all over the country and as much as possible no one was hurt.

When she felt everything was settled in the political front in the late 80’s Mom retired from politics and went back into being a full time Mom, fully immersing herself in everything we did from being the head of the Gators our swim team to being the head of the Philippine Team delegation. She was that committed.

She is one of the most organized human beings I have ever known. Everything was in order and filed properly. I remember the first time Mom had a computer way back in 1997. She spent countless nights learning how to use it and just filed and computerized everything. Multinational companies could learn a lot from her excel files.

Mama was present in every milestone in our lives. I knew it was difficult for Mom to let her children leave the nest, but she allowed us to spread our wings and discover life on our own. I was the first one to leave in 1990, she brought me to Japan and made sure I settled in properly. I remember breaking down when she boarded the bus and left for the airport. It must have been hard for Mama to not have her complete brood by her side. She assured all of us that we would be ok and that she would always be there, in my case just a fax away.

She would cross the pacific ocean for us. Her undying love and support was always there, she would watch our shows countless times and would be seated front and center beaming with pride. She would even go as far as Dumaguete and even on a cruise to our neighboring asian countries when YanYan had shows in those places.

I still remember the face of my Mom when I told her that Ayen and I were going to get married in the year 2000, she instantly said I am going to be a NANAY, she wanted to be called that by her grandchildren to continue the legacy her own Nanay had who we fondly called Lola Darling.

Her pride and joy were her grandchildren, she loved spending every minute with them and as you have heard she spoiled them a lot, something we knew but was not sure how she did it since she had secrets with all of them. She was present in all their activities, shows and special occasions. I remember Mom gladly went to Sofia’s school and read a book to her class to which Sofia was so proud to say the Mama was her Nanay.

We always knew Mom was a graceful dancer being a member of the Bayanihan and as told by her classmates and sisters that Mom was radiant on stage, now I believe where Yan and I got the love for the performing arts.

Mom took everything in life the best way she could. Even when life took a sudden turn 23 years ago and was faced with circumstances to single handedly raise 5 children on her own, she mustered all her strength to give us all the love and protection she could. Mom always looked at the glass half full, and always had the attitude that if life gives you lemons, then make lemonade well for her it was lemoncito.

As we got older and had our own lives to live, we tried to spoil Mom by giving her the best we could.

I will miss you Mom sitting in your favorite chair at the head of the table watching all of us eat, converse and interact with each other.

You had always been there for us in every possible way. You loved us with all your heart and you gave so much of yourself to make a better life for us.

You always said how proud you were of us for everything we had accomplished. Well Mom its all because of you. You shaped us to be the men and women we are now. You also said that we are your crown jewels, cause Mama you are our Queen.

I promise to take care of the family as we continue the legacy you left behind.

Thank You Mom for everything. You have been truly the light and rock of our family.

I can’t imagine my world without you. You have been with us through everything and have remained our moral compass, our cheerleader, our number one fan. I didn’t think that the last time I would hug you was also our last dinner together last August 1.

I will miss doing my random video calls with you where we would talk for hours.

As you entered the Gates of Heaven, I am sure you were dancing with joy. And you are now resplendent in your glorified body, looking so beautiful, young and beaming with your signature smile.

Thank you for the unconditional love you have given me for almost 48 years of our lives together here on earth Mom. I am so thankful to God for the privilege of being your first born.

I can’t wait to see you in my dreams! Thank you Lord for giving us the best Mom I the whole wide world.

I Love You Forever Mom ❤ I can’t wait to see you again and say “Hi Ma, How are you?” and you say “I am good, how are you”, I say “I am good Ma, o anong balita?” and give you the tightest and biggest hug.