Hopes and Prayers

My dearest sister,

In a special day like this, I just want you to know that no time and distance can separate my love for you. Though I’m far away from all of you, the warmth love of a son to Mama and Papa and the tender love as a brother to all of you will always remain the same. In your birthday, treasure every chance to be with them. Let them feel through your smile and affection that you love them. Since I am not with you, I want you to build the most memorable memories with them. Find more time, seek advice, laugh and cry with them.  In all circumstances, you stay with them. Your presence is a gift. You can always draw your strength and inspiration from them. I hope and pray that one day, I can be with you my beloved family. I miss you all, so much! Happy Birthday gang…I LOVE YOU!

Missing you all,

Manoy Nino

SA MAHAL KONG "PAPA" ( A Tribute To My Father)

     Napakaraming klase ng ama sa buong mundo.  Iba’t-iba man ang ating pagpapakahulugan sa kanila, may isang nagingibabaw na katotohanan sa kanilang pagkatao, ang pananatiling ating ama kahit ano at sino man sila.

                                                                             

     Mula sa aking pagkabata, alam ko kung gaano ako inalagaan at inaruga ng aking ama.Simula sa paggising at hanngang sa pagtulog ay ramdam ko ang kanyang nag-uumapaw na kasiyahan sa pagkakaroon ng isang anak. Bilang panganay na lalaki, walang masidlan sa kanyang puso ang  galak at pagmamahal na bumambalot sa kanyang pagkatao. Naalala ko pa noong napakataas ng aking lagnat, hindi na niya alintana kung ano ang kanyang suot sa pagmamadali para maitakbo ako sa ospital. Alam ko kung gaano kahalaga sa kanya ang pagkakaroon ng anak.  Lahat ay kakayaning gawin para lng matustusan ang pangangailangan at maipadama ang kaginhawaan sa pamilya.

     Lumipas ang mga taon at habang kaming magkakapatid ay lumalaki, naiba ang direksyon ng aming buhay. Minsan dumaan ang pagsubok na siyang nagpapatatag sa buong pamilya. Minsan na rin nadapa at nalugmok sa bisyo ang aking ama. Kung paano siya nakabangon sa kanyang kahinaan ay isang bagay na lubos kong pinapasalamatan sa Diyos.

     “Pa”, alam ko na may mga bagay na hindi na natin pwede ibalik. Gawin na lng po nating isang malaking aral sa buhay ang mga pinagdaanan ng ating pamilya noon.  Sa araw na ito, gusto ko lng malaman mo na sobrang saya ko po na ikaw ang aking naging ama. Wala man po ako sa tabi niyo ngayon para sabihin sa inyo kung gaano ko kayo kamahal, ay palagi po kayo nasa aking pagdarasal. Alam ko kung gaano niyo po kagusto mabuo at magsama-sama na ating pamilya. Ipinagdadarasal ko na sa tamang panahon, matutupad din ‘yong pangarap na iyon.  Marami pong salamat sa lahat ng pagsasakripisyo at walang-hanngang pagmamahal sa amin. HAPPY FATHER’S DAY PA!

A LETTER TO A SIS.

Dearest Sister,

This letter is written with the faith that our way may come across again.

     I usually ran out of words when I write articles. So when this happens, I let my mind shut and my heart speaks.  The moments we spent together were more than enough to embrace you for who you are. Those few conversations we have had are so significant to me. It has somehow made me a better person. You don’t have to ask an apology for you have not hurt nor disregarded me. In fact, you are one of a few who made a great impact in my life as you encouraged me to open up my thoughts and feelings to the world. There is no need to go back of what has been done. While we are still alive, we can always make a way to cherish the present. Let us not wait for the star to fall from above.

     I might not have seen you since last year, but, you will always be visible in my heart.  I can tell what’s inside your heart. It’s a heart full of goodness, a sister with a big heart to everyone.  There is something in you that make you a special sister to me.  Your sincerest desire for helping others and the longing for a relationship to God are so inspiring. I hope and pray that as you journey, you can remember to call on me, whatever happens.

     Thank you for being the instrument in fulfilling God’s plan for me. 

      Keep in touch :)

      Your brother in Christ,

       Bro. Nino

A BIRTHDAY PRESENT

Cute, bubbly and beautiful-This is how I know my sister. When she was around 3 years old, she joined this contest for Little Ms. Danipas (A search for the cutest and the smartest child in our barrio).  She bagged the 3^rd runner up. We were nurtured by our parents with a happy-environment.  She grew up like any other ordinary children.

                As we grew older, things changed.  Time came that we studied in the same university. I encouraged her to get into this school and have scholarship because of the financial problems we have had.  Together with my other sister, we stayed in one house near the school. I know that it wasn’t easy for her to adjust in her studies.  When I graduated, only the two of them were left. I admit that I wasn’t able to guide them well. I had shown to them a “superior attitude”. I wasn’t the kind of “ Kuya” they expect. Most of the time, I was so cruel and so strict to them. I even have not remembered helping them in their school academic lessons when I was still with them. I know that there were times that they suffered in their studies even if I send them the allowance from my salary. I knew that they were longing for a brother, who will be with them in the most difficult times.

                There was one time that she called me up and told me that she wanted to stop studying. There is one more year before her graduation. So, I got very mad and insisted to pursue the course. When graduation day came, as she received the diploma, she was so happy. While going down the stage, she saw me waving to her. I came near and gave her a hug. She was teary-eye while one of her professors, congratulated her of the success. I knew that she had realized the value of education in life.

                Challenges were on our way as she was on her search for a job. We had some fights with her with regard to my contradiction to her gang. I believed that she finds comfort and worth with their company. So, I encouraged her to join the same community I have. I was so thankful for our relationship as a brother and sister has been growing.  Now, that we are far from each other. There were moments that I still feel the guilt. I always have wished to be with them to cope up from my mistakes.  
               

                I pray on your birthday that may you truly find the joy.  As your elder brother, I am always hoping for the best of your life. I know that, someday, you will be surprised of God’s plan in your life.  Just keep your faith on Him for in the right time, He will bless you abundantly. Though we are away from each other, you will always be here in my mind and heart.  I LOVE YOU MY DEAREST SISTER.