My mother then was on her mid 20's when she bore me inside her womb. My eyes opened to the world on the 26th day of July in the year Ferdinand Marcos reigned as President of the Philippine Republic. My parents told me I am a Marcos baby. I grew up as the apple of the eyes in the family , no siblings, no competition nor rivalry. As an only child, my parents' eyes are all set on me.They brought me up protectively somehow trained independence. Thanks to Nanay for her relentless teachings. She's such a good teacher and mentor to me. That's the beauty of a hands-on mother. By the way, my nanay was my first teacher, really. My first ABC was with her. At a very young age of four, I can still remember she introduced me to an American book, a remnant of the 2nd WW. And in no doubt I can read it with correct pronunciation, though, comprehension was questionable. hahahahah. Fast reading only, not reading comprehension, anyway. I grew up in an old school environment. My close interaction was limited to my family, my cousins, and close family friends. I didn't spare time having fun with kids in the neigborhood but my cousins, unless of course that of close family friends'. Now I know that made me so picky whom will I befriend with. On top of their priority (my parents) was my education. Though they didn't allow me to go to UP even if i passed the UP College Entrance Test (UPCAT), possibly because government uprisings was at its peak. Yet, no regrets! It made me what I am today!
Me and Robin during the church christmas party celebration
Today, I am already a mother, single mom by choice, a very proud and happy mom to my only son named Robin Inigo. I fondly call him Rob, Yobin (that's how he pronounced his name, he cannot appropriately say the "er"), Robi, and Wabwab (his cousin Sean also can't pronounced the "er" sound for Rob, instead "wa"). Whatever monikers, i love it! I reared Rob singly to the best of my ability. He's three years old now. He's funny specially when he is asked to mimic Alvin's and the rest of the chipmunks' facial expression of fascination. I had Robin in my life when I was forty two. He is the answer to my long prayers. He's a huge blessing to me. With Robin, life was just so easy, smooth, happy, and abundant. Everything was in its proper perspective. Before my father died, he used to tell me i'm a woman of courage, will, and determination. In his deathbed, he said, "Jojo, my daughter, you should have a child, even if you don't have plan to marry, but don't tell your nanay until you conceive". I took it as an advice from him, though. Indeed, Rob came into my life. Now i am living today with Rob, my mother who most often is attacked by her Alzheimer's, the daughter of our close family friend whom i considered her already a part of our family, and Robin's yaya. To me, Robin is a gift. Unregrettable!
