For Nanay

Perhaps you whispered a prayer for our late grandmother. Or perhaps you sent a lovely card or sat quietly in a chair. And perhaps you spoke the kindest words as any friend could say. Whatever you did to console our hearts, we thank you so much for whatever part you have done, during the time of our bereavement.

To tell you honestly, standing here in front of you is never easy. Much more I have a hard time putting all my grandma’s good traits to writing. I don’t know if I could give justice to what she overcame in her lifetime. I know we are all grieving today for we all lost a great lady. But I know wherever she is now she’s happy and contented with what she left us. And I know somewhere in a place called heaven, she and Tatay Pering, together with my Tito Job are having a good time celebrating their special reunion with God.

Nanay Pat was a mother, a sister and a friend to all of us. I’m sure each and every one of you here today has something to share on how my grandmother touched your life. And I, as one of her granddaughters, have my fair share of that good and loving memories.

When I was young, my cousins and I would spend our summer vacation in Nanay’s house. Like any other kids, getting dirty was fun for us and bath time ruins the moment. Nanay would always look after our hygiene and would run after us when bath time came. Nanay was one of the vainest person we know. She would teach us how to take care of ourselves, and how to thank God for the blessing of good health. And I know the rest of the granddaughters would agree, that one of the traits we got from our beloved grandma was vanity.

As I was growing up, Nanay would give simple reminders like: “Cat, indi magpagab-I puli.” Or “Cat, halong magtabok, tan-aw gid sa kilid kag kilid.” She never fails to tell me how to be careful and be wary when I’m riding a jeepney or when I’m going home. Nanay would also tell me how to look after my parents, especially Mama, when we are going home late at night. She would always say: “Kung wala si papa mo, updan mo guid si mama mo ha. Ikaw iya bodyguard.” And I know that its not only me, who would hear those constant reminders. For I know, whenever my cousins call overseas, she would say: “Cge lagi kayong mag-ingat dyan at magdasal.” Or “You always take care over there and pray.” In her cute tagalog and English accent.

For us staying here in Bacolod, Sundays were the best part of the week. It was something to look forward for, since Nanay would cook lunch for us after church. Nanay was the best cook ever and I know some of you could attest to that. Chicken curry and chicken-pork adobo were some of my favourites. If you are on a diet, it is not a good idea to go to nanay’s house on Sunday. The word Delicious would never suffice how delish the meals she cooked.

On the last months that she spent with us, Nanay would always find a way to make us feel loved. She would always say; “I love you todo-todo without preno.” And if our family would have a tagline, I’m sure that’s one of those. Till her last breath, nanay would look after us and would fondly say “take care, cause I care”.

Nay, wherever you are right now, I want you to know how much we miss you and how thankful we are to have you. We will never forget the values that you taught us. Thank you for showing us how important we are to you and making us all feel loved. Ma miss ko guid ang mga tugon mo kag ang paangga mo nga “ Day, palit na ta day diaper”. I would miss that toothless smile and that old lady in the picture with a rockstar hand gesture. Nay, salamat guid sa tanan especially for giving birth to the best father in the whole world. Thank you for being an outstanding mother to him, and for bringing him up as a responsible and loving man. He is what he is now, because of you. Thank you also nay for taking care of my sister Arah, cause without you, inday belle would not turn out to be an amazing sister and a loving daughter. Without you as one of her inspirations, the sickly, premature baby Arah, wouldnt fight for her life. And Nay, without your kind words and affectionate touch, my brother Ricky wouldn’t be a sensitive man as he is now. We may no longer see you but you will always be in our hearts. We will always be thankful that we knew a special lady like you. And we would always be proud that our nanay is a Rockstar. And yes, we love her todo-todo, without preno.