Shashing is Home

Two years seemed like forever but finally, Shashing is home!

Papa's happy because her favorite daughter is back! His three daughters are together again!

To compensate for the two months that she hasn't seen Euen, I volunteered her to babysit for three days while I started my first week back to the office.

As Ikoy said, our family's complete! Well, almost.

Welcome home Shashing!

Shashing

After one month and eight days, finally Shashing had a business trip!

Finally, Euen met her for the first time! Finally, she got the chance to touch and smell and carry, and kiss and hug Euen for the first time. Euen got to see her other tita that bought and brought her all her Ikea things and her other tita that she only hears in Facetime. Even if it is just for a night and half a day, we're all happy.

After all, it will be less than two months more and she'll be back for good. Yey!

Having a sister...

Happiness. One of my all time favorite songs by Lea Salonga that goes, "Happiness is two kinds of ice cream..."

During a concert, Lea's brother edited it and added,
"Happiness is.. having a SISTER..
Sharing a sandwich
Getting along
Happiness is singing together when day is through
And happiness is those who sing with you."

Me, I have two of those. Two sisters. That means, twice the happiness.

Today, one of my sisters is celebrating her birthday. Eventhough she's far away and we can't hug her in person, something to look forward to is the thought that on her next birthday, she's going to be back here with us.

This line is especially for her...
"...And happiness is coming home again."

We love you Shashing.

Planner for 2012

Every December, I look forward for the annual Starbucks planner. Since 2006, I have been collecting and using their planner. I didn't mind drinking lots of coffee almost everyday. It's not only for the planner, if I may say so. With every drink comes a story, maybe a serious bonding, a personal talk or a light conversation, with smiles and laughter, with whomever you're with: loved ones, special friends and family.

This year is different. I have prohibited myself from drinking coffee for seven months now. And I cannot take in, too much sweets because I'm pregnant (and diabetic.).

Luckily, I have the bestest baby sister who volunteered to get the planner for me. She said she'll do it not only for me but also because of her first niece, Euen. And after nine Christmas drinks and eight regular drinks, I got my planner the other day.

I may have missed the stories from every drink. But there will definitely be an additional character to my 2012 Starbucks Planner. Thanks MamaCherub. We love you.

Early Christmas Present

I got an early Christmas gift from the bestest sisters in the whole world!
Between the three of us, I am the only one without a MAC device: without Whatsapp and Facetime. And since I didn't really want an Iphone, they decided to give me an IPAD 2 instead. They figured I'd want the bigger screen to be able to play games and browse the net. And with the two cameras and an HD videocamera, I'll be able to "document" Euen easier.

Thank you Shashing and MamaCherub.

Thanks to Bing, for the GST refund and bringing it here from Singapore.

Happy Tummy

To due insistent sister's bright idea and to cheer up baby sister who's been sad the past few days, they made this to my tummy and we all had a good laugh. This is how my tummy looks like at 17 weeks. Denden was afraid of how my belly button looked like so I wanted to show my sisters during our chat conversation, there was no webcam so we just took a picture and sent to it her.

My happy baby inside my smiley tummy also wanted to greet my hubby a happy four years today.

Sisters Day Out

Probably the last, if not the second to the last trip to Singapore, we booked our flight even before I knew I was pregnant. Fortunately, I got clearance from my OB to ride the plane. We decided that this visit will be just us sisters, with Kuya Shosh.

Unlike my previous trips to Singapore, this time, we had limited places to go. I couldn’t walk too far, especially go and up down staircases, and I get tired easily. Of course, I wouldn’t miss Ikea and its yummy meatballs! But I had to limit what I had to buy because of the baggage allowance, mostly baby stuff, decors for baby’s room. And it was Cherub’s first time to eat in Marche, and as always, it was a treat.

The five days went by instantly. It was a “mission accomplished,” we got to spend quality time with Lij. For some time now, I haven’t experienced having two sisters: living in same house, sleeping in the same bedroom, waking up and having breakfast on the same dining table. I missed that!
On the other hand, we also got to witness how her day starts and ends there, how she and K/S take care of each other.

I guess this trip was not for different places to visit, or tourist spots to go to. But it was for the sharing of stories of different people we knew, and sharing of experiences that isn’t only read thru emails or chats. This trip was for the endless talks and laughs on the MRT train that would almost make you miss your station. Or the long serious conversations on the bus that would make you wonder if you’re passed your stop already. It was for watching TFC teleseryes together even if you don’t really watch it back home. It was for old Tagalog movies that you wouldn’t mind watching again just to share with her, the feeling of being home.

When it was time to go, I asked her if she wanted to accompany us to the airport, she said she didn’t want to because she might cry. It was sad having to leave her and I know it breaks her heart as well. But what’s left is to cherish the last five days. After all, she exceeded half of the two years. A few months more and she’ll be back home. And we will look forward to that day.

Ohana

Sister in Singapore emails me and tells me she might not be able to be home on New Year.

I told little sister this is what she said.
No! "Ohana!"
She said it in an anxious and panic-mode, but merciful tone, like a little angel brat. Yes, it's contradicting, I couldn't explain either. So I asked her what Ohana means.

It's from Lilo and Stitch, "Ohana" means family. Family means nobody gets left behind. Or forgotten.
Either she comes here or we go to her on New Year.

I couldn't contradict.
I told this to sister in Singapore.
She couldn't contradict either.
We'll find a way, after all, it's just April.

Leaving on a Jet Plane

This is for owner of the elephant.

From Armageddon, one of her favorite movies, one of her favorite songs.

The previous entry is somewhat a prelude to this entry. We have vowed that whatever happens, we will not take jobs outside the country or outside of Metro Manila for that matter. We could go abroad for a few days, to weeks, to at most, a month, but no further. The reason, we do not want to be any more distant apart than the 30 kilometers of Marikina and Paranaque, or Quezon City. ---From Papa, from Mommy and from each other. Whatever happens to our country’s economy, we will not leave the Philippines and migrate somewhere else because we don’t want long distance family relationships, and we can’t leave papa, who wouldn’t want to leave his house in Marikina.

About a few months ago, I received a text message from her, calling for Sisters’ Meeting. I paused for a while, thought what kind of news does she have. After a while, I knew better. We finally got to talk and she confessed that her company wants to send her to Singapore for TWO years!

Yes, two years. That is 24 months and 730 days. Yes, Singapore—that is 3000 kilometers from Manila. Immediately, I didn’t want her to go. Cherub, on the other hand, wanted to be open minded. She explained that the offer was good and she could go home any time. Yeah, I heard that from my best friend. And for the almost five years that she was in Singapore, I just saw her twice or thrice a year.

After a while, she said that she declined the job because their company lowered the salary. So we were happy again. But a few weeks ago, she said that they really wanted to send her and brought back the original salary offer. And she’s going.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOooooooooooooooo!!!


She doesn’t even know how to cook rice. All she can cook are: pancakes, fried eggs and hotdog! What about Saturday night sleepovers? Going to malls? Who'll take care of her when she's sick? She couldn’t even wash her clothes without me and Cherub. Ikoy will miss her. She is Papa's favorite. A lot can happen in years and she can’t be home only on special occasions.

After some time, I still do not want her to go. But after this same time, I had to accept it. She didn’t want to go either but she needed this for her job. And she says, for the money, so that she could immediately finish paying off their housing loan.

And now, we are counting the days till all her bags are packed and she sings:

So kiss me and smile for me Tell me that you’ll wait for me Hold me like you’ll never let me go Cause I’m leaving on a jet plane Don’t know when I’ll be back again Baby, I hate to go.

I am just holding on to her promise that she’ll go home as often as she could. I am also hoping that we could get Papa to visit her there. Though I am one hundered percent sure that she'll do just fine, I pray that it won’t be too difficult for her. Or else, it will be more than one Singapore trip this year.

Proud Ate

Ever since I can remember, I was only referred to as an “Ate,” i.e. yung ate ko… But I was never really called one. I think my parents forgot to teach this to my sisters. They just call me by my first name/nickname. I am not ranting though. To be honest, I do not feel an “Ate” at most times, with these two sisters.

We all studied on the same schools during elementary and high school. But these two, they had medals and awards, and they belong to the popular group. They both graduated as scholars in college, after exactly four years. To date, one of them works for a multi-national pharmaceutical company, following, and exceeding the footsteps of our mom, and the other one is on public relations for one of the largest automobile manufacturers in the world.

What will be their most recent achievement is buying a new house, adding up their savings for an initial payment, and having the guts to get a loan for the remaining balance. I love the house ++++ plus, the location. I am hoping and praying, and keeping my fingers crossed, that Papa would agree to live with them so that we’ll be nearer to each other.

Yes, I am a proud “Ate.” For the successes and achievements of my sisters. I see a combination of Mommy’s traits on both of them. Lij’s strong will and courage while Cherub’s charisma and wit. I look up to them in most ways.

We lost our mommy nine years ago. We have our dad, who is a constant reminder of our mommy (being the opposite of her). But mommy told us that we should take care of each other. Being the eldest, I did not have to stand as a mother to my sisters. Obviously, there is no need. Aside from the fact that there is no replacement for our mother, having each other, ---supporting each other, being always present in good and bad times, standing by each one's decision--- that is enough to keep our lives going.

I am proud, not only because of my sisters’ accomplishments in life, but also because they are my sisters. Not only because of the same blood that runs through our veins that connects us, but also because of our hearts that are bonded with love.

Happy Birthday Shashing

Exerpts from the surprise AVP to Shashing.
Mga tanong:
1. Bilib ako kay Elijah dahil sya ay:
2. Ang natatanging karanasan ko kasama si Elijah ay nung:
3. Dahil 27 taon na si Elijah, dapat lang ay:


Mga sagot ni Bamba:
1. mayroong parlor sa Marikina na ang ipangalan sa kanya, "Elijah Gaganda Ka!" Salon.

Mga sagot ni Mama Cherub:
1. magaling sya sa lahat ng bagay na gusto niyang gawin. Sinisigurado niyang buong puso ang ibubuhos niya sa mga ginagawa niya kaya't maganda ang kinalalabasan ng mga ginagawa niya. "Magis" ba.
2. nung bata pa kami at tinulak nya ako sa kalsada sa lubak lubak na bahagi. Hindi naman ako nasagasaan, nasugat lang. Pinatawad ko na siya sapagkaat habang tumatanda kami, ilang beses na niya akong pinagtangool, inalagaan at tinulungan at bawat sandali, pinapakita niyang mahal niya ako. Kaya't pinagtatawanan na lang namin ang kwentong yon dahil hinid pa rin namin alam kung bakit niya ako tinulak.
3. matuto na siyang magsaing at magluto bukod sa pansit canton, pancake, hotdog, itlog at iba pang mga prito. Dapat ay aralin na niya ang sinigang ni papa at ang spaghetti ni mommy para hindi niya ito mamiss kung malayo siya sa amin.

Mga sagot ni Nuni:
1. magaling sa lahat ng kanyang mga narating at nagawa sa buhay, matapang sa mga pagkakataong kailangan, nakakapagpakita ng kanyang pagmamahal sa sarili nyang paraan.
2. nung magkasabay kaming nagpu-pupu sa isang toilet bowl nung bata kami. Back to back.
3. sagutin ka na nya!

Mga sagot ni Papa:
1. dalawang kutsarang kanin at isang saging ay busog na busog na siya.
2. yung araw na hanap ako nang hanap ng patay na daga sa bahay... yun pala, paa lang niya yung naaamoy ko.
3. matuto na siyang magligpit ng kama pagkagising.

Happy birthday Shashing.

The Nurse

During the time that Mommy was sick, she had an “imported” nurse. Yes, a nurse all the way from Canada, who took time, packed her bags and went to the Philippines to take care of her, even for just a few weeks. When Tita Maricar was here the last time, I remember how she spent every single day with Mommy. As a nurse, she gave her the proper medical attention that she needs. As a sister, she held her. Talked to her and listened as well, fighting to hide the pain, always keeping the smile on her face.

After eight years, she came back with her family for a visit. On their farewell party, Papa came up to her and talked to her. “Maricar, gusto ko magpasalamat sayo. Sa lahat ng ginawa mo noon kay Rose. Hindi ko makakaya lahat yon kung wala ka.” And she smiled.

I seldom hear Papa say thank you. But then he knew the unconditional love the sisters had for each other. He just needed to remind Tita Maricar.. or himself. Perhaps, all of us well.

Mamalilub

Happy birthday to the sweet, caring and loving sister who is a constant reminder of mommy to me. I love you always. and Justin.

Gitna

Sa aming magkakapatid, sya ang pinakamatapang. Umiiyak lang sya kapag sobrang natatawa, pero bukod dito, hindi na. Kahit pa noong araw na nilibing si mommy, hindi sya umiyak. Sa ilang taon niyang nabuhay sa mundo, ako ay saksi dito. Simula pagkabata, sabay pa kami naliligo noon, at terno palagi ang aming damit, pink lang sa kanya at yellow sa akin. Ang tanging paborito ni Chime, kahit isang beses, hindi yata napagalitan ito.

Sa pag-aaral, napakalayo niya sa akin dahil bukod pa sa matalino sya, napakasipag pa niya. Iskolar noong kolehiyo, nauna pa syang matapos sa pag-aaral, nauna pa syang magtrabaho sa akin. Senyoritang kapatid, kahit na mas matanda ako sa kanya. Para bang prinsesa kung mang-utos... pero ayos lang, alam ko namang lambing lang yon.

Ngayon sa trabaho, pinamalas din nya ang kanyang galing at talento. Mataas pa ata ang sweldo nito sa akin. Pero hindi sya madamot dahil hinahatian naman niya kami at binigyan kapag meron sya. At kahit ganon pa man, walang inggit akong nararamdaman. Ako lang ay isang ”proud sister,” proud ate sa kanya.

Nakakatakot galitin itong taong ito. Dahil nanapak talaga. Kaya nga ingat kaming maging kaaway siya. Pero hindi lang siguro dahil nakakatakot siya, pero kasi, kapatid namin sya at mahal namin sya.

Laging kasama sa pagbigay ng sopresa, pero napakahirap gawan ng sorpresa. Kaya’t sa kaarawan niya, ginawa na lang namin ang lahat ng aming makakaya. At mukha namang napasaya nga namin sya.

Happy Birthday Lij!

God-sent

When she was little, she was the sweetest and closest to mommy. She couldn’t sleep without three things: this pillow that she calls “lambot unan”, thumb-sucking and holding mommy’s ears. And she likes turtles. Very much that she would shape the Flat Tops chocolate into a turtle first, before eating it.

As I watched her grow up, she excelled in school, had awards that I never had. Everyday when she goes home she studies at this mint-green, Monoblock roundtable in our yard. She goes through all her lessons for every subject. Yes! She’s that diligent that even if there’s no homework, she will still review what she learned for the day.

One time she told me I was lucky because I was able to spend 21 years with mommy, she only had 16. But I didn’t think so. Mommy loved her very much and worried for her the most and she told us to take care of her and protect her. She struggled when she got into college but managed to finish the course that she took. (it sounded more than one course to me…) And I knew, mommy was looking down at her, smiling, with gladness in her heart. And I was the proudest ate in the whole world.

She was our “bunso.” But it didn’t seem that way, because the decisions that she made, the challenges that she bore, the fights that she won, the responsibilities that she took, were too big and mature for her. They say, the youngest sibling is always the most selfish. But she disproves this theory. She loves without conditions. Her kindheartedness puts her own self aside so that she could give to others. Her goodnaturedness makes her continue to give even though she’s hurting. She forgives even if she’s been stabbed at the back, and she keeps on caring.

An angel in her name, and truly, an angel sent by God. How would you feel when you see an angel injure her wings? Cry and get hurt? I feel helpless, I just ask God to hold her so she won’t fall. And in case she does, we will be here to catch her.

She need not call me "ate." She is my baby sister. Our one and only baby sister. And it's good, because it's forever.