Feb, 14, 2021-
It is my mom’s 90th birthday today. Last night in
the Philippines, we celebrated with her and with other relatives and friends
via Zoom. She always wears pink on her birthday, my Nanay with her grey curled
hair and her favorite necklace. She reigned over the food fest that my sister
and I arranged for and my family prepared for her. Balloons and decorations proclaimed her special day,
with only the immediate family allowed in the house, but with a few other
guests invited to come later to collect their “pabaon” in a socially-distanced
way.
I cannot hug her, I can only content myself in singing along to her birthday and in watching her get a kick out of her money cake. A month ago, she cried during our FaceTime calls; she was frustrated because we could not travel back home. It was rough seeing your mother cry, at whatever age. Damn this pandemic scourge.
As I scrolled down on my Facebook posts, I came upon all my
love letters to Nanay on her special day.
Last year on Mother’s Day, I wrote:
My heart belongs to the one person who can bring me down to
my knees with a single look when I was naughty as a kid; the one person who can
lift my heart with a sweet smile; the one person who can make me giggle until I
jingle when she starts her chicken dance; the one person who inspires me with
her resilience and quiet strength; the one person who can make me open my
wallet with just a little wink; and the one person who can get me bawling like
a baby with a single tear.
2020
Happy birthday to my dearest mother Marina Segovia Cerrudo,
Feb. 14th. Love you to the moon and back, mader. I just love your light spirit,
your joie de vivre, and your ready smile which shines even brighter when you
see Jordan on the call.
2019
It's February 14th in the Philippines now. Happy birthday to
my dearest Nanay. I hope you enjoy your special day with your grandkids,
complete with a pizza party, chicken joy, spaghetti, or whatever you want. Just
say the word, Nay, and we will send you anything your heart desires. You
deserve the best, only the best for a woman with a heart of gold and strength
of steel. I can never say No to you because you've given us your all. The only
woman who let me get away with not learning to cook because you wanted me to
concentrate on my studies. You know me oh-so-well. I love you to the moon and
back.
2018
Nanay, on your birthday this February 14th, I am most
grateful for everything you've done and sacrificed for us. We didn't have much
growing up but you've always placed your five kids first and foremost. We are
rich because we are loved. Of all the things you have passed on to me, I think
I have your resilience and your capacity to enjoy the simple things in life. Of
all our pictures together, my favorite is just last November when you held
Jordan and me close to you. Then, you just burst out laughing uncontrollably so
I just hugged you tighter. Forgotten was the long pressure-ulcer-inducing hours
on the plane. So, I guess I have to save up to see you next year so I can feel
your warm hug again. I love you so much. Mother dear. You have my heart.
2017
What can I say to the most loving Nanay ever? On your
birthday, I feel you in my heart. I love you to the moon and back. Sorry that I am not there to celebrate with
you on your most special day, but I am glad you are surrounded by our family
and friends. Enjoy, Mader. Miss you so much. And as your eldest,
I have first dibs on your heart.
🙂
2016
February 14th- today is my mom's 85th birthday. How blessed we all are for still having her
in our lives. May God continue to surround her with love and bless her with
good health. She remains a source of inspiration for all of us; a fount of
great love. She is simply amazing. I am glad that she enjoyed her birthday
party a few weeks ago. Bongga pa rin si Mader.
2015
Happy birthday to a wonderful mother! I wish you the best of health, more loving
people around you, more tong-its, more vitamin Bs (SMB), and birthdays to
celebrate. Thank you for your love.
Happy hearts day!
2014
With her unconditional love and her selfless heart, she
shaped my character, guided me through life's ups and downs, and gave me the
confidence to live my life to the fullest. As the matriarch of the family, she
is our strength and our moral compass.
I can never thank her enough for all that she has done for
me. I love you, Nanay.
2013
Happy birthday to my mom, Marina Segovia Cerrudo. No matter
what we've achieved in life, you've given me the greatest gift of all - your
unconditional love. By your quiet strength, you made us strong. Enjoy your
special day, mader. And when I see you in June, I promise you more Barbies than
your heart desires.
2012
February 14 is special to me because it's my mother's
birthday (Marina Segovia Cerrudo). With
her unconditional love and her selfless heart, she shaped my character and
guided me through life's ups and downs. I can never thank you enough. I love
you, Nanay.
"May hihigit pa ba sa isang katulad mo
Inang mapagmahal na totoo
Lahat nang buti ay naroon sa puso
Buhay man ay handang ialay mo
Walang inang matitiis ang isang anak
Ika’y dakila at higit ka sa lahat."
2011
Happy birthday to my dearest Nanay. How can I say thank you to the woman who exerts the most influence in my life? She did not have a trail-blazing career, but she showed us quiet strength and an unyielding spirit despite adversities. Hers was not an easy life, and so I wish that in her later years, all five of her children can shower her with the love that she so richly deserves. We love you, 'Nay.
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