Manuel Jr.

 Manuel Jr

 

By this time, if our dear father Manuel Sr., was only alive, he would have been proud that his handsome namesake is celebrating his birthday on the same day that our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal was also born.

 

And I could not blame Tatay for you are in fact his better version from the hair, to face, and for what you have achieved in life. But of course, it doesn’t mean you are a better person than him. You are both good and appreciated by your own separate set of friends, and us as your family.

 

Growing up, we were like a nemesis. Days will pass by without you irritating me yet, you would always come home rushing and shouting my name for help because you are in trouble with your playmates. And you have also endeared yourself to the sports I used to love, volleyball. I played up to Palarong Maynila back in high school, but you, you went as far as Palarong Pambansa in your elementary years.

 

You treated my friends as your own, still, we were never closed. Until last December 29, 2018, when our youngest brood—without warning bid us all goodbye. He left us eternally. That phase of our life made me realized that I have to appreciate our family more. That I should be vocal expressing my affection towards you, Joseph and Nanay.

 

I have said this already, but I am repeating it again, I love you, Sammy. We may have been detached for a couple of years but we still have today to continuously connect and remain attached for as long as we can. While we still can open our eyes and greet tomorrow, hello.

 

Eddie

Eddieboy

As the world prepared and begin the counting to welcome 2019, my 67 years old mother, brother, sister-in-law and my nephew were at the San Lorenzo Ruiz Chapel in Sta. Ana which served as our temporary shelter as the remains of my youngest brood temporary rest.

It was a mixture of emotion whether to accept that my brother, Eddieboy was finally gone for good and he will no longer suffer from the effects of stroke, or whether to feel sad that our most important gathering in the family was also the wake of our youngest.

Since I was born, New Year has always been the best celebration for our household this day is the birthday of our father, Manuel. Unfortunately, this 2019 was not the case.

Eddieboy has once again shown me that we can make a difference in our little way, just as he helped people I never knew despite being a tricycle driver.

Sorry may too late and unnecessary, still I ask for your forgiveness for the things I failed to do intentionally or unintentionally. But one thing is sure and certain, I love you and will always love you as my brother.