My Lola Pacing and my mother Dolly showed me the true meaning of what is beautiful early in life. Ever since I was a kid, I have marveled at my Lola’s uncanny trait of getting gifts regularly from everyone—be they relatives or friends. I’d look forward to our Sunday visits, and after the required mano pos and kumusta ka nas I’d rush to her room and be delighted at the various unopened bottles of scented powder, and body wash on her dresser table. Bars of French soap were piled over lace hankies in her cabinet. I’d breathe in the heavenly scent of her room and imagine myself someday being the lady that she was.
My mom also has this unique attribute. She would receive bottles of perfume as well as cosmetics. Sometimes she doesn’t need to shop for the latest fashion anymore since a cousin has already sent her several tubes of lipstick. Taped on the mirror are scented letters and cards lovingly written by friends far away, telling her how much they miss her along with the gifts stacked on her bedside table.
These two never demand these things from the people they meet. Luckily, they just get what they want without asking for it. What charm do these two women have, I wonder.
Through the years I’ve come to realized why. The two are very gentle in their ways. Their sweet and thoughtful gestures never fail to attract people. They never forget how Nanay Pacing is always ready to lend an ear and extend a hand to Mamin and all the people working for her at our grocery store, how my Mom would remind us to greet Ate Ann because it’s her birthday or to say thanks to Kuya Bernard after driving us to long distances without complaining. They both excelled in their chosen career —to take care of people. The gifts were only material forms of tributes from the people they’ve helped.
Mommy and Nanay are the two most important persons in my life. I’ve come to idolize how they share their good fortune to others. I’ve always tried to be like them in everything they do. They’ve taught me that charity always wins in the end, proper etiquette and good manners are essential in building a good name and that loyalty and respect can never be demanded of people but earned. A title is only as good as a person’s ability to help others. God’s blessings are showered upon those who know how to receive and use them gracefully.
***
Speaking of blessings, I am deeply grateful for how this school year treated me. I’m not the type to expect much, yet I’ve been lucky to get what pleases me.
I’ve been lucky enough to represent UST at the Asian Youth Forum in Bangkok, Thailand, and see Pope John Paul II up close at the World Youth Day in Toronto, Canada. I’ll never forget such wonderful people – Reyann, Jun, Paul, Fr. Deng, O.P., Fr. Audie,O.P., Kuya Albert, Ma’am Famorca, Ate Mich, and Faith made leaving home a most exceptional experience. Getting exposed to different cultures really opened my horizons and exposed me to different perspectives. And of course, with such quirky travel companions, the two trips were worth messing up my sleeping habits and body clock.
Friends are a source of strength in times of trouble and I know I can always count on The Wonders. Thank you dearest Myrin, Nissa, Tere, Rea, Kathy and Marlon. Here’s to our next spontaneous road trip to Tagaytay. I hope that wherever life takes us—even if our career paths lead to opposite directions—we may always find time to keep in touch.
My college years became colorful because of classes A1 and C5. Here I met too many characters that really stimulated my interest for the unique. Thankie!
To my darling siblings, Kuya Aldo, Paula and Alvin, I’m sorry if I’m always too tired whenever you guys want to go out. Ever since I entered college I haven’t been as available and able to help you as before. I promise the days of sleeping the entire Sunday are over. Saturday na lang. Just kidding.
***
Entering the Varsitarian was the best decision I could ever make for myself. I’ve learned so much more about being a journalist and about being a Thomasian than I could have learned inside the classroom. This campus paper, with its age-old tradition of excellence, has truly proven the watchdog role of media. With each issue, I have seen how every article moved people to change and improve the system. To the incoming and incumbent staffers, cherish every moment you spend in the “V”, always remember the ideals and values you must uphold as a campus journalist.
Room 112 has opened wide the doors to my self-discovery. I’ve come to realize who I am, my potentials and the kind of lifestyle I want because of the V. There I have loved, laughed and cried my heart out with such special people. I can only describe the time with them as incomparable. To all the batches I have met – from school year 2000-2001, 2001-2002, and 2002-2003: ates and kuyas, friends and gurrlfriends, I hope all our dreams for UST, for the Varsi, and for each other would soon come true. I hope we could still be together and cheer for each other’s success. I know each of you deserve to have your name in print but then again I know the moments we shared in the name of friendship will last more than these letters. I love you all!
***
I never thought I’d be up in the tower of the Main Bldg. The proud blue cross of the University was always a source of wonder for me every time I looked up. But by God’s grace, a good friend was able to make arrangements – I never asked for it. As I looked around the panoramic scene before me then, I smiled and uttered a silent prayer. Perhaps I am closer to reaching my goal to become like the two lovely women I know. Someday, I know I will be.
