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Too bad we can't use their rhyming names around here, for they have gone together like coffee and cream or dinardaraan and puto.

I met Manang Nitz shortly after Manong Tito was smitten in the summer of �64, when there was a joint picnic of Bacarra and Vintar youth. She was (and still is) lively, smart, courteous, a very neat jewel topped with really thick glasses. We were all impressed; the only thing our Dad could say, with his wide grin, was "So, Tito, there is no improvement of the race? Of course, he was referring to just one gene. Did he expect Manong to pair off with a six-footer?

Thank you, Manang Nitz

for our wonderful Cabotaje days when you always asked me if I liked the food and if I had enough to eat
for the brazo de Nitz you baked on my request
for your cream puffs and ensaymada
for loving Mommy and hosting her Maria Eva Swim Club
for loving Manong Tito
for being a wonderful sister and aunt

Thank you, Manong Tito

for life's lessons: "You got to have a Plan B," and "Live and let live."
for the memory of the chewing gum vendor at the Philippine rabbit bus who thought we were twins. It was a supreme compliment to me even if he said, "Parehomg pangit."
for my driving lessons at our favorite training course: the Bacarra-Vintar Road
for setting a great example in high school charm and Bacarra cool
for showing that in this life you don't have to be tall to be a Mr. Basketball, that is, use what God gave you to make up for what He didn't
for being our big brother, even if you're shorter tha us

Thank you, Manong Tito and Manang Tita

for the club sandwich at Hotel Intercontinental: the first time I was ever in a first class hotel room
for the opportunity to help take care of my nieces in their early childhood
for preserving our childhood home
for taking care of Mommy
for being a model couple
for raising fine children

Happy anniversary, Manong Tito and Manang Nitz. Forty and going strong. You must have already heard my story about the couple whose secret for staying married a long time was to have a hearing impairment. The best strategy of course is to pray that God gives us long-enough life to accommodate your endless love. Thanks, Manang Nitz for being an awesome extra Manang.

Love,