WITH LOVE, ATE
8:30 AM |
| Photo by: Ibon Toledo |
"Once upon a time, there were two sisters. One of them was really, really strong, and one of them wasn't. You looked at me and said, "Your turn!"
I rolled my eyes. The strong sister went outside into the rain and realized the reason she was strong was because she was made out of iron, but it was raining and she rusted.
This was not the end. Why? Because the sister who wasn't strong went outside into the rain when it was raining, and hugged her really tight until the sun came out again."
💜
And this is an excerpt from Handle With Care, a book by Jodi Picoult. In the morning of the most-awaited day of the family, these lines got me feeling quite melodramatic as I was busy writing my 18 Candles speech for my little sister. I mean, not-so-little sister, Greta.
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| Me and Greta walking together during my second sister's debut (2011) |
Oh, how time flies. The years went by like months. She was just chin-level tall back then and now she's inches above me! I don't want to make this sound like she's getting married or something but somehow, her debut did make us all turn quite emotional.
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| The debutante getting excited for her big day 👯 |
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| Photo by: Ibon Toledo HMUA: Frank Tongco |
Last December 19, 2016 at the Xavier Estates Clubhouse, we celebrated the coming-of-age of my youngest sister. She actually turned 18 last December 1 but the event was postponed on a later date due to multiple activities for that week. A year before the preparations, she asked me to host her debut because she said she wanted someone she's comfortable with to do the task. I wouldn't mind embarrassing myself for my dear sister anyway. Who wouldn't know you better than your own sister, right? 😁 *insert naughty laugh*
The day was a mixture of emotions. All the hard work after months of preparation finally paid off because the night was one for the books.
I stared at this 18-year-old lady who seemed more of an 8-year-old girl to me. "But she's still so bataot (childish)," I murmured to myself. I guess that's just how big sisters really are. Sometimes, it's hard for them to accept that the baby of the family is now turning into a lady.
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| Taking a few shots of the celebration before we get all busy |
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| I couldn't have done it without my undeniably handsome co-host -- Sef Madria |
I really did feel like I was in Wonderland which was the theme of the night. Like Alice, I know that this girl is going to do wonders and make waves. I know she's going to go through obstacles but I also know that just like Alice, she's gonna make the impossible things possible and that she has to know that she's not going to face every challenge alone.
MY FAVORITE PARTS OF THE NIGHT
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| The entrance of the Debutante |
And this beauty came out as soon as her name was called. My God, she's so beautiful! This weird little rascal who loved to sneak into my room and who I loved to tease a lot because she was gullible transformed into this exquisite, princess-y, gorgeous (insert all nice adjectives here) creature! Who are you and what have you done to my sister?! Just kidding, Twee! 😀
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| The Father's Message to his Daughter |
Once again, my Dad got us teary-eyed with his words of wisdom. Growing up, he always reiterated to us to do our best while we're still young, to give our best shot while the time is still ours, and to make our loved ones proud while they are still alive. I smiled as he said these things because I know that these were the words that got him to where he is now despite the many struggles that he faced when he was our age. That night, he emphasized these words and relayed this to the youth. Also, I believe he said lesser supervision na daw for Greta. Hahaha! We'll see.
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| 18 Candles |
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| Featuring Mr. Old Blue Burgers and Mr. Ababu (Jeremy Motoomull and Ton Bollozos) #supportivegirlfriend  |
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| Choosing the best dancer of the night... Who's your pick? 💭 We had a hard time choosing though since they were all good! |
Greta was also slow-danced by 18 very important men in her life for the 18 Roses, the traditional 18 Candles were done by the women and the Ninongs, Ninangs and influential people in her life made up the 18 Treasures. The dance floor was lit with very talented people too. The guests were serenaded by acoustic songs and were entertained by dance presentations all the way. (You should have seen my Dad dance! It was for the win!!! )
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| Photo by: Ton Bollozos |
I was incredibly proud of my sister. Seeing her doing the thing she loved the most made me so happy. The room was filled with laughter and cheer by family and friends but it couldn't be helped that tears of joy were also shed that night.
My Mom got emotional when she delivered her speech to Greta. She was the woman behind this event, she did almost everything and yes, she was being the mother indeed -- our mother. This celebration wouldn't be possible without her. (Oh diba, di nagpapapigil si V.P. Leni Robredo! 😅)
My Mom got emotional when she delivered her speech to Greta. She was the woman behind this event, she did almost everything and yes, she was being the mother indeed -- our mother. This celebration wouldn't be possible without her. (Oh diba, di nagpapapigil si V.P. Leni Robredo! 😅)
My heart melted with this photo of my Dad and sister hugging. Papang is the first and last dance for the 18 Roses and I couldn't be any more proud of my sis for making this right decision. We can all find our own man but no one can love us any better than our own father.
At the end of the day, I could truly say that family is life's greatest blessing. Finally, without further ado, I would like to share a big sister's message to her little sister.
💗
Happy 18th my sweetest sister, Greta. Where do I start? Growing up, I've always loved to annoy you. The memories of our childhood are still so fresh in my mind. We grew up playing house and teacher-teacher, sang to the songs of Barney and Barbie, and imitating our favorite Disney characters. My favorite memory of you and me was when I used to make you believe that you were a lamb. Yes, an animal called a lamb. And yes, you were that gullible, even until now. Haha! I only stopped teasing you then because you cried a lot when I told you that you were adopted and that your real parents were lambs too. I will not start talking about the "Little Lamb Car", if you know what I mean. I do believe that these memories are so precious in our sisterhood, Twee, because I know that one day, we will look back at these moments as we grow old and we'll laugh about it.
People would often say that my sister and I are very alike. Not in terms of the body figure ha but maybe our crazy antics would just match. I will always remember us sharing secrets in my room like how strict our parents are and why we can't stay out super late unlike other kids. I'm glad they are because strict parents do create sneaky children. Hihi! Where's the fun in letting you have it all in an instant?
Greta would always describe me as the strong one. Perhaps the reason would be because of how I was brought up by Mamang and Papang. But the truth is, I am not always strong but I have to be. One thing I can promise you Twee is that I'll always protect you and make sure you are okay. Even though I'm usually busy with school and stuff, please do know that I'll always be here for you. I may not be the perfect Ate, like the ones you see in movies or read in books, but I'll always try to be. I could never ask for anything more than a sister like you. I am grateful for our memories as these are the things that money can never buy -- things like love, loyalty, friendship and best of all, sisterhood.
Always find time for the people you love. Travel and see the world. Take risks and learn from your mistakes. Never forget God in all that you do. Your Panda will always be here for you. I love you! 💋
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