Weekends with Archie

Manila and My Mother

April 6, 2007

The night before our baccalaureate mass, I went to the airport to fetch Mommy and Auntie Nes from Davao.  Finally, after many years of longing and waiting, the day has come when they have to arrive here in Manila not only to visit me but to witness my much anticipated graduation.

Well, of course, their trip here is not only about going to Ateneo. They will be staying here in Manila for a week and the time therefore must be made sulit for them. I can still remember the sms I received from my mom before, "Punta tayo sa Asia Mall na sinasabi sa TV."  My mom was referring to the Mall of Asia of SM, she is quite intrigued about its record-holding size.

 

But prior to that, even before my graduation, we already went mall-hopping, train-riding and shopping around the metro! With me as their official tour guide, my mom and my aunt…

1. Rode a small tricycle from Ateneo to Mini-stop for the first time. They were very much worried about how tricycle drivers navigate their way in the highways. They actually discouraged me to do so, well, too late Ma.

2. Rode the LRT for the first time going to SM Sta. Mesa to meet with a long-time no-see working cousin.

3. Went to Gateway afterwards and headed to the MRT Cubao Station just for the experience.  Bought a pair of comfy sandals in Farmers Plaza on the way to the train station.

4. Went to SM Makati, then to Glorietta, then to Landmark to shop.

5. Walked towards Greenbelt and dined in Merk's for the awarding of the Unionbank-Mozcom E3 Competition (We won 1st runner-up by the way).  Also witnessed Orange and Lemons perform on stage.

6. Finally stayed at my Aunt Raquel's place in Manila for the next 4 days.  There, I met some of my cousins for the first time.

 

I hope Mommy had a good time. I hope I was able to make her happy while she was here in Manila. For me, it was but only a simple way of giving back the sacrifices she painstakingly endured for my Ateneo education.  I shall soon pay her back by paying it forward to my brother's education.  My family will be my mission for the next few years.

Early this morning, Mommy and Auntie Nes flew back in Davao. She cried again because for another time, we would be parting ways. But I hope this time, the tears that flowed from her eyes are now tears of joy, a genuine happiness coming from what she accomplished in me and what I offered her in return.

Thank you very much Me!

 


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