I met them 11 years ago, I was nervous then ;). I was ‘briefed’ by my, then, new boyfriend how they are. Our goal back then was to make the right impression. After all, I was told (by the entire family) that I was the only girl their 2nd born ever introduced to them. Naks!
Since then, we’ve celebrated birthdays, anniversaries, Christmases and New Years together. Not to mention Mother’s day, Father’s day, Valentine’s and Holy Week.
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| a "pre-Mia" New Year's Eve |
I wish I had e-copies of older pictures. You’ll see how thin we all were! ☺
If you knew me, you’d know I lost my Daddy when I was 8; Mommy never remarried. So seeing Papa and Mama, how they are as partners, as parents and as grandparents, relived all my very happy childhood memories.
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| while we were entertaining friends during my birthday, Papa, Mama and Chami played with Mia |
Papa was a military man and Mama, an educator. As a couple, they were brave enough to start on their own. Stories of their humble beginnings inspire me to work harder for our own young family. Amidst constant changes in their life, they have remained strong, together and so much in love.
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| Papa and Mama are very affectionate of each other. Sa kanila namin na-mana ang PDA ☺ |
You should see them together, they’re always so sweet. They can pass for a BF-GF out on a date. And going out on dates, they still do! Malimit nga lang, may chaperone na ☺.
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| Chami is their always willing chaperone |
Papa, who became the highest ranking PNP General, is our firm believer. His steadfast faith in his wife, children and in God, above all, have kept this family going. I remember, just as when Adel and I almost doubted if we can hold it out on our own after getting married, Papa was our steady champion. He saw us as tenacious, but provided comforting words only a father can give; “Don’t worry. I’ll be here to catch you when you fall.”
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| Mia crashing Papa's private den |
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| their 1st time together viewing Taal volcano |
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| Papa looking over 2 of his angels |
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| when we celebrated Adel's most recent promotion |
And Mama, she’s the savior always a step or two ahead of us. She makes the impossible - possible, the scary - funny, the weak - strong, and the dark - bright. It is said that behind every great man is a greater woman – need I say more? (insert *wink*wink)
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| during one of Mama's salmon sashimi dinners |
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| Mama always visits Mia at home |
Finding the perfect gift for them, individually and as a couple, has always been a big challenge for me. How can it not be when you know they have almost everything? They have the finest of material things and have traveled around the world (pero take note, hindi sila banyaga sa sarili nilang bansa), what else can we give them?
We stuffed them with food, until we realized we were not helping them physically. So we try to keep it as healthy as we can.
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| celebrating Adel's birthday |
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| healthy Christmas gifts |
In October 2008, Adel and I knew we gave them the perfect gift, their 2nd baby girl – Mia ☺.
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| Papa's look-alike |
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| Mia receiving her birthday gift from Papa and Mama |
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| New Year's eve 2009 |
Happy Anniversary Papa and Mama! I was struggling how to say all these the best way I can, so here goes. This is a product of the limited time that makulit na Mia allowed (she’s here beside me, getting both my hands every now and then saying she wants to hold hands). See you in a couple of days!
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| their favorite girls - Chami, Mia and Sugar (Sunshine, not in the photo) |
We love you so!
from Bo-j, Arlyn and Mia
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