Irene woke up early for today is a special day. Today is September 16, her birthday. She had a very nice sleep and was extra happy today. She went out of her room and went down expecting that her children will greet her. But to her disappointment wala siyang nadatnan na kahit anino ng kanyang mga anak o asawa. Nagtaka naman ito at medyo nasaktan. Saktong dumating si Manang Rosa, ang kanilang mayordoma.
"Manang nasaan po ang mga tao? Yung mga anak ko po nasaan? Si Greggy po?"
"Naku anak, nagmamadaling pumasok sa school at sa trabaho ang mga anak mo kanina. Nagtatalo pa nga ang tatlo. Si Greggy naman umalis din ng maaga. Bakit mo natanong?" Parang winasak si Irene sa sinabi ng kasambahay nila.
"W-wala naman po Manang. Sige po salamat po ha?" Sabi ni Irene. Nawalan siya ng gana at umakyat nalamang. Nagpinta siya para mabawasan ang kanyang lungkot. Pagkatapos niya magpinta ay natulog siya.
Cassandra's POV
We are here now sa hotel kung saan gaganapin ang surprise party for Mom. Hindi ako pumasok sa school same goes to my Kuyas na hindi pumasok sa work. Si Celeste lang ang pumasok at ang susundo sa kanya is si Kuya Matthew. Habang inaayos ko ang presentation para mamaya ay nag message si Manang. Oo, kasabwat namin si Manang Rosa.
Sinabi ko sa mga kuya ko ang usapan namin ni Manang. Natawa naman sila at tinuloy ang mga parts namin. Kay Kuya Alfonso ang sa decorations, tiga ayos at tiga check ng mga bagay bagay, kay Kuya Luis naman ang Lights and Sounds and Catering, ako sa presentations, editings, and decorations. Dad is also here rin pala helping us.
"Nakausap ko na ang delivery man. Padating na flowers sa bahay." sabi ni Dad.
"Dad kapag wala kaming matitirhan after this event ikaw na bahala saamin ha." sabi ni Kuya Alfonso na nagpatawa saaming lahat pati sa mga staffs.
"Ay nako sa sala nanaman ata ako matutulog." sabi ni Daddy.
"Ano kaba dad, hashtag family goals." sabi ni Kuya Luis at humagalpak na kami.
Pinagpatuloy lang namin ang mga ginagawa namin dahil maya maya ay sisimulan na ang pagdating ng mga iba pang decorations at mas magiging busy ang lahat. Pumunta muna ako sa room na kinuha namin para ihanda ang regalo ko sa nanay ko. It's a charcoal portrait of her which I drew. I finalized it lang and nilagyan ng pirma ko. Binalot ko na ito para ready na siya mamaya. The theme of the party is a mix of nude and white colors. Mom will be the only person who will wear black later. Nilagay ko kasi sa invitation yun hihi!
Irene's POV
It's 10:30 and nagising ako sa katok ni Manang. Inayos ko muna ang aking itsura at binuksan ang pinto.
"Ano po yon Manang?" tanong ko dito.
"May nagpadeliver ng bulaklak para sayo iha." sabi niya saakin at kinuha ko ito.
"Ay salamat manang sige po." sabi ko at ngumiti kay Manang at pumasok ulit sa kwarto. Pagtingin ko ng bulaklak ay may letter ito.
"Happy birthday hon! Kala mo nakalimutan ko? Of course not! Mahal kita! I'll fetch you later at 5, date tayo." The letter said. Napangiti lang ako dito ngunit malungkot parin ako. Bakit hindi naalala ng mga anak ko? Bakit ganito? Aish! Baka busy lang sila. Hindi Irene, hindi ka magtatampo sa mga anak mo.
Napag desisyonan kong maglinis nalamang ng bahay. Tunog ng tunog ang phone ko dahil sa mga bati ng mga kaibigan at pamilya ko. Chineck ko ito at ni isang message galing sa mga anak ko wala akong natanggap. Hindi ko tanggap. Masama talaga yung loob ko. Nakita kong nag chat si Greggy sa gc naming pamilya.
Mas nainis ako. Ibalik ko kaya sa sinapupunan ko mga batang to. Wala pa akong kain dahil wala akong gana. Kumuha nalang ako ng isang biscuit at tubig at umakyat na. Kumain lang ako at natulog na.
Hours have passed and it's already 3:30 pm ng ako'y nagising. I took a bath na and nag ayos na ako. My outfit is just a simple black wrap dress and paired it with my red Louboutin stilettos. I wore a light makeup and matched it with a red lipstick to finalize my look and for the final touch I picked my favorite Bvlgari Omnia Coral Perfume. Lumabas na ako because it's already 4:55 na. Pagkababa na pagkababa ko ay naka abang na si Greggy sa pintuan. Lumapit ako dito at yinakap siya.
"Hey hon, Happy Birthday." He said and gave me a peck on my lips. Nginitian ko lamang to ng malungkot.
"Oh why are you sad? Birthday na birthday mo oh."
"Y-your kids forgot my birthday." Sabi ko at hindi ko na napigilang umiyak. Niyakap lamang niya ako ng mahigpit at hinalikan ang aking noo.
"Papagalitan ko sila mamaya. Halika ka na. Let's have a date. Manong is already waiting for us." My man said and hold my hand. Lumabas na kami and we are here now heading in Okada.
Third Person's POV
Cassy, her brothers, the whole family, and the guests are ready. Cassy is wearing a pair of black khaki ankle length pants styled with olive colored chiffon blouse and paired with white stilettos. Luis is wearing a black polo paired with blue slacks. Alfonso is wearing a striped light blue polo also paired with black slacks. While Celeste is wearing a cute little beige dress and black flats.
They are now waiting for the go signal of Greggy. When she received a beep she announced that any moment from now the celebrant will enter the venue.
"Ano ba Gregorio! Akala ko ba dinner bat reception?!" galit na sabi ni Irene na rinig na rinig ng lahat.
Gusto nilang tumawa ng malakas pero baka marinig sila. The Araneta siblings positioned their selves. Alfonso and Luis are holding the giant chocolate cake covered with neutral colored buttercream frosting, Cassy is holding the bouquet of flowers. Celeste is with her Tita Imee. Greggy opened the door and signaled them. Irene entered the reception and they shouted
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" kasabay ng patugtog ng instrumental na Happy Birthday at pagsabog ng mga party poppers.
"Oh my God!" Tanging nasabi ni Irene na nagpatawa sa lahat. Napatakip siya ng bibig at biglang tumulo ang mga luha niya.
Habang kumakanta ang lahat unti unting lumapit ang magkakapatid sa kanilang ina at naka ngiti ng malawak.
"Happy Birthday Mommy!" Sigaw ni Celeste habang tumatakbo papunta sa kanyang Ina at niyakap ito. Niyakap rin siya pabalik ni Irene.
"Oh wow. Grabe kayo mga anak!" Sabi ni Irene ng mapansing nasa harapan na niya ang kanyang mga anak.
"Make a wish and blow your candles momma!" Luis said. Irene closed her eyes and wished silently.
"I wish na magkaayos na kaming magina."
She blew her candles and kissed her boys.
"Thank you Alfie and Luis. Kayo ha nakakatampo kayo!" sabi nito.
"Wag ka samin magtampo ma. Nag plano nito yung favorite child mo." Sabi ni Alfonso at ginamit ang nguso para ituro si Cassy. Nabigla naman ito at sinamaan ng tingin ang kanyang kuya.
"Ay laglagan Alfonso?" Inis niyang sabi. "Happy Birthday Mom!" she said and gave the flowers to her Mom.
"Si Cassy nag arrange niyan at ng lahat ng ito Ma. Backup lang kami." Sabi ni Luis.
"Pangit niyo kabonding. Nang lalaglag kayo." Iritang sabi ni Cassy. Tumawa lang ang dalawa. Tumingin si Irene sa kanyang anak at niyakap ito.
"Thank you mahal ko. I cannot explain how thankful I am to have you." Irene said while still in the hug.
"You deserve this ma. I love you." Cassy said and broke the hug. She kissed her Mom's forhead that made Irene cry more. Pinunasan ni Cassy ang luha ng kanyang Ina at sinabing
"Tara ma? Let's celebrate your day." She held her hand and assisted her Mom to her chair.
"Enjoy ma. Doon lang po kami sa gilid." Cassy said. Irene just cupped her daughter's face and nodded.
The emcees, Iris and Jake came up on the stage and welcomed everyone. Now the moment has come, the Araneta Siblings needs to give a message for their Mom.
"Now we may call Alfonso, Luis, Cassandra, And Celeste Araneta to give a message for their Mom."
"Naku yari tayo dito." Sabi ni Luis
"May kopya na nga tayo eh." sabi naman Ni Alfonso at hinawakan si Celeste para umakyat sa stage, hinawakan naman ni Luis si Cassandra. Nung una ay nag talo talo pa silang magkakapatid hanggang sa nainis si Cassy bigla niyang kinuha ang mic at kinausap si Celeste.
"Baby what do you want to say to Mommy?" She asked she gave her little sister the microphone.
"Hello Mommy, Happy Birthday! Uhm thank you for evewything you did for us." Celeste cutely said. Nabubulol parin talaga siya sa lettter 'R'. She looked up to her ate asking for help. Cassy just smiled and mouthed "go on".
"Uhm thank you fow helping me sneak out some ice cweam when I can't sleep." she said that made the guests laugh. Irene is suppressing her laughter.
"Baby that's a secret!" she said.
"Oops! Daddy pretend that you did not hear that!" she shouted in the mic. Mas lumakas ang tawa ng lahat and Greggy just nodded.
"You're the best Mom! Happy Birthday Mommy! I love you!" She said and gave the mic to her Kuya Alfonso. The guests clapped their hands. Si Alfonso naman ay biglang nakaramdam ng kaba at natawa naman si Cassy dito.
"Alright, hey mom! You're the first woman I've ever loved, adored, and took care of. You're the first woman who loved me wholeheartedly. Me and my siblings are so lucky to have you. You've been there through our highs and lows. And ma, no matter what happens you'll always be our Mom, may choice man kami o wala." Sabi ni Alfonso na nagpatawa sa lahat.
"Kidding! Yun lang Mom Happy Birthday! Love you." He said and gave the mic to Luis.
"Basically Alfonso already said everything. We just want you to know na mahal ka namin Mom. We might have our personal lives but you never failed to ask us if we're ok, if we're hungy, if we need help and many more. Thank you for everything ma. Mahal kita." He said and gave the mic to alfonso, the guests clapped like what they did to Alfy and Celeste.
"Nako I'll give the mic to the favorite child, Dad the kleenex give it to Mom na. Everyone please welcome and promotor ng lahat ng to Cassy the favorite!" Alfonso loudly said that made Cassy red and shy.
Kinuha ni Cassy ang mic at napatingin sa kapatid niya she mouthed "what the f*ck" to him. Natawa lang si Alfonso at nag peace sign.
"Uhm ok. First of all I would like to say sorry because Manang told us that you're very sad awhile ago. It was all a plan po and I would take the blame for that. Anyways, happy birthday to the person who birthed me and my siblings, to the person who taught us how to love, the woman who never left us, the woman who showed us how overwhelming a Mother's love is, the reason why I am the person I am now today. What is life without Mom? I can't even imagine it. My brothers said everything na. But I just want you to know that you are enough ma. You are loved by many. We are thankful kasi you are our Mom. Oh teka di pa ako nangangalahati Mom umiiiyak ka na." Cassy said that made her mom laugh and cry at the same time.
"People are always telling us, ang swerte ng Mom mo kasi kayo yung anak niya. I would like to disagree with that, because the truth is we are lucky because you are our Mom. You always find time to bond with us no matter how hectic your schedule is. We might fight all the time but always remember that I love you so much. I've always been a Mommy's girl. And I know I'll always be a Mommy's girl. You are the person who I look up to, the person I idolize, the person where I feel so comfortable with, the person whom I can share everything with, my shoulder to cry on, you are my rock and my strength ma. I may not be able to say this to you but I would like you to know that I love you so much. Omg teka I think I'm gonna cry." she exclaimed. Natawa naman ang lahat.
"You're the best Mom a child would ever want, would ever need, a mom every child deserves. I thank God every single day for giving you to me. No words can tell how much I love you. And I will continue loving you, that's a promise. I'll be your companion even if your hair is all white, your sight is blurry, or you can't stand anymore. I'd be grateful to be your doctora when you are old. It's time to pay back all your sacrifices Ma. And this party isn't even the bare minimum of everything you did for us. Mahal kita ma. Ikaw ang nagiisang tiyak sa lahat ng dudang ibinigay saakin ng mundo. Enjoy your day ma. Wag kang magalala dahil araw araw, pinipili kita. Yun lang ang haba na nun, baka bumaha na dito ma nakalahati mo na isang box ng kleenex. This party is not my gift, maybe one of my gifts? I'll give you your gift later after the party ma, kasi baka bumaha na talaga dito. Have a blast ma! I love you." Cassy said and gave the mic to the emcees.
The guests clapped their hands and cheered. Bumaba na silang magkakapatid at hinayaan ang mga emcees na ituloy ang party. Their Mom motioned them to come to her, they followed and Irene hugged her children. She hugged them one by one. But when it came to Cassy she cupped her face and kissed her in the lips and in the forhead. She hugged her and whisphered
"You are the greatest thing God gave me anak. Salamat. Maraming salamat mahal ko." and tightened her hug. Irene broke their hug and smiled at them.
............
After the numerous performances, messages, and video greetings they already ate. It's now 9:00pm and for the second to the last part the emcees went up to the stage and called the Araneta siblings.
"Alright hindi tayo papayag na hindi mapanood ang napakagaling na musicians at mapakinggan ang magandang boses ng mga anak ng ating birthday celebrant hindi ba? That's why brace yourselves everyone because we are giving the floor to the Araneta siblings and Mr. Gregorio Araneta for their performance!" The emcee said.
Cassy positioned herself in the piano, Luis and Alfonso went in front. Gregy will be the first one to sing. Cassy started playing the piano, and when her intro was done she signaled her dad to start singing
"Heart beats fast
Colors and promises
How to be brave?
How can I love when I'm afraid to fall?
But watching you stand alone
All of my doubt suddenly goes away somehow One step closer. I have died every day waiting for you Darling, don't be afraid I have loved you for a thousand years I'll love you for a thousand more." Greggy sang
"Time stands still
Beauty in all she is
I will be brave
I will not let anything take away
What's standing in front of me
Every breath
Every hour has come to thisOne step closerI have died every day waiting for you
Darling, don't be afraid
I have loved you for a thousand years
I'll love you for a thousand more." Luis sang
"And all along I believed I would find you
Time has brought your heart to me
I have loved you for a thousand years
I'll love you for a thousand moreOne step closerOne step closerI have died every day waiting for you
Darling don't be afraid
I have loved you for a thousand years
I'll love you for a thousand moreAnd all along I believed I would find you
Time has brought your heart to me
I have loved you for a thousand years
I'll love you for a thousand more." Alfonso ended the song.
They all looked at Cassy and she smiled at them. Cassy started playing Close to You, which is the 1st song Irene taught her and also her favorite song.
"Why do birds suddenly appear
Every time you are near?
Just like me, they long to be
Close to youWhy do stars fall down from the sky
Every time you walk by?
Just like me, they long to be
Close to youOn the day that you were born the angels got together
And decided to create a dream come true
So they sprinkled moon dust in your hair of gold and starlight in your eyes of blue." Cassy sang while looking at her Mom.
"That is why all the girls in town
Follow you all around
Just like me, they long to be
Close to you
On the day that you were born the angels got together
And decided to create a dream come true
So they sprinkled moon dust in your hair of gold and starlight in your eyes of blueThat is why all the girls in town
Follow you all around
Just like me, they long to be
Close to you." She continued. Feeling every notes.
"Just like me, they long to be
Close to you
Wa, close to you
Wa, close to you
Ha, close to you
La, close to you." She ended.
"Ok so before we end the day, this song is very special to all of us in the family. This is my parent's favorite song, and mahirap tong kantang to so please bear with me po kasi I'm not as galing as my Mom. So, ready?" Cassy said. Her brothers and dad nodded that's why she started hitting the notes.
"Overnight scenes, dinner and wine
Saturdays girls
I was never in love, never had the time
In my hustle and hurry world
Laughing my self to sleep
Waking up lonely
I needed someone to hold me, oh." Alfonso started.
"It's such a crazy old town
It can drag you down
'Til you run out of dreams
So you party all night to the music and lights
But you don't what happiness means
I was dancing in the dark with strangers
No love around me
When suddenly you found me, oh." Luis followed.
"Mom, you're every woman in the world to us
You're our fantasy, you're our reality
Mom, you're every woman in the world to us
You're everything we need, you're everything to us
Oh Mom." They duet.
"Everything good, everything fine
That's what you are
So put your hand in mine
And together we'll climb
As high as the highest star
I'm living a lifetime in every minute
That we're together
And I'm staying right here forever, oh." Greggy sang
"Hon, you're every woman in the world to us
You're our fantasy, you're our reality
Mom, you're every woman in the world to us
You're everything we need, you're everything to us
Oh Hon." He sang as he look at his wife.
"Mom, you're every woman in the world to us
You're our fantasy, you're our reality
Mom, you're every woman in the world to us
You're everything we need, you're everything to us
Oh Mom." Cassy sang.
"Mom, you're every woman in the world to us
You're our fantasy, you're our reality
Mom, you're every woman in the world to us
You're everything we need, you're everything to us
Oh Mom." The siblings sang together.
"Hon, you're every woman in the world to us
You're our fantasy, you're our reality
Mom, you're every woman in the world to us
You're everything we need, you're everything to us
Oh Hon." Greggy ended. Cassy stood up and went to her brothers and they all bowed.
...................................
After an hour the event is done. Irene just gave a simple speech as she is still speechless. They decided to stay in the hotel for a night because tomorrow they will also be heading to Balesin. They were heading to their rooms because all they want is to sleep. Celeste is still with her Tita Imee. Because obviously she doesn't want to skip classes. While Cassy's sembreak just started. Cassy was about to enter her room when she remembered her gift for Irene. She hurriedly get the paper bag where her drawing was placed and went out of the room. She knocked at her parent's room and waited patiently. The one who opened the door was his Kuya Alfonso.
"Bunso! Sakto timing mo. Gift giving na." Pumasok siya at naghintay sa likod ng kanyang kuya Alfonso. When Alfonso gave his gift agad din siyang lumabas ng kwarto. Cassy simply handed her gift to her Mom and smiled at her.
"Nandito ka na pala anak. Oh wow! Ang laki naman nito!" Irene exclaimed.
She hurriedly opened the gift and to her surprise, it's a hand drawn portrait of hers. Irene also read the letter her daughter made. Irene's tears welled up. She looked at her daughter who's looking down ever since she gave her the gift. With all of her children, Cassy is like her mother who likes art, likes music, and loves cooking. Cassy loves writing. She is good with writing poems and letters. Niyakap ni Irene si Cassy ng pagkahigpit higpit. Hindi na niya napigilan ang mga luha niya at kusa itong tumulo. Cassy hugged her Mom and rubbed her back.
"Anak ko naman eh. You're making Mommy cry. Kanina ka pa. This is gorgeous babe! Isasabit ko to sa bahay paguwi. You are so talented mahal ko." Irene said while caressing her daughter's hair. Cassy just smiled.
"Like what I've said ma, you deserve this all. Anyways, it's late na. We need to rest. Good night Dad, Good night ma!" she said as she made beso to them. She hugged her dad and mom. Irene doesn't want to make bitaw with the hug.
"Happy Birthday ma! I love you." Cassy tightened the hug. She kissed her Mom's forhead. And left the room.
What a night it has been.
Author's Note: HAPPY 3K READERS!!!! BAWING BAWI NA ME HA? HAHAHAHAHA THANK YOU FOR WAITING! LAHAM KO KAYO! 3,760 WORDS NA TO HA? HAHSHAHAHAHAHA! - C 🌸