Happy Anniversary, Manong Tito and Manang Nita!
You’ve always been so warm, loving, generous, supportive, and so hospitable to all of us. I cannot thank
you enough for all you’ve done!
My second time back home in the Philippines in 43 years was in 1999, during our grand family reunion.
I stayed at your house in Alma’s old room. I was pampered and ate your yummy food! I did a little
watercoloring in your backyard, trying to capture in my paintings the feel and essence of being back
home. This trip to me was a spiritual turning point as it was the ushering in of the new millennium
and there I was, celebrating this moment in time in my motherland. I knew it would be a
once-in-a-lifetime experience.
I remember all of us were glued to the TV as the coverage of John F. Kennedy Jr.’s plane crash tragedy
unfolded. This only served to magnify my gratitude for being there and to be with our family. I tagged
along to your tennis games at UP, Manong Tito, and walked the park-like grounds, soaking in the sights
and greenery while you volleyed the ball back and forth with your tennis mates. I wondered if I could
ever live in the Philippines again after I’d been in America for so long. My mind was filled with
thoughts of my childhood there and mostly of appreciation for my life’s journey and experiences.
It rained a lot then and the roaring raindrops on the roof sounded ever so soothing. This was helpful
as I had somehow gotten bronchitis and of course felt miserable. Thankfully I got well just before we
left for Bacarra. The long bus trip was very interesting and I soaked in the sights on the way once more.
Thank you, Manong and Manang, for keeping and renovating our original family home. Stepping inside the
house was just the icing on the cake. It was, (as we say) as if I never left home. I was so grateful
to be there and it was a real homecoming at last! Seven of us nine Aliga kids were there (unfortunately
Mg Pearl and Mg Mands were not able to attend). I was shocked that the house is actually much smaller
compared to my memories of it as a little kid but still, it was really emotionally huge for me just to
be there.
We spent the days going to the beach, evoking happy memories of when Dad used to bring us kids to
frolic in the warm waters. Auntie Consing and family catered all our meals and turned their backyard
into an outdoor feasting place. We had a grand celebration party too that capped our wonderful reunion.
I know our entire family is grateful to you, Manong Tito and Manang Nita, for so many things. But if I
were to single out one particular thing, for me it is that you had the vision and dedication to hang on
to our family home. It signifies all the wonderful things that you are—loving, nurturing, soothing,
comforting, doting, caring…I could go on an on.
On your anniversary, may you also receive as much, if not more, of all these wonderful things you’ve
given to us. Know that we love you very much and wish you another wonderful anniversary and lots more
memorable vacations abroad!!
Love always,
