happy birthday, mama attorney!
2016
We were at the height of the campaign when I celebrated my birthday. Syempre since nasa campaign season nga kami, the team made a sort of big celebration/campaign stunt out of it. Masaya naman kahit na kung ako ang tatanungin mas gusto ko sana na simpleng celebration lang with my kids but then again nandito na ako.
I looked around and if there was any consolation to this huge party, it was that I get to mingle and talk to the people, and by people, I mean yung mga minorya. We decided to invite informal settlers para magkaroon ng discourse with them and nakakatuwa kasi pinaunalakan nila ang imbitasyon namin. Dito nagkaroon ako ng pagkakataon na makapagpakilala at higit sa lahat ang marinig ang mga hinaing nila.
People were really going out of their way to greet me. Kris was even present, maging yung mga anak ni Mar nandito rin. Nagugulat na nga lang ako bigla na may tumatapik sa balikat ko, kadalasan ay hindi ko naman kilala, para lang batiin ako at ipaabot ang kanilang suporta. Despite feeling the blues earlier this morning since magkakahiwalay nga kami ng mga bata ngayon, hindi ko pa rin maikakaila na masaya pa rin naman ako. Thankful pa rin because I get to have another year with my kids, 'yon lang naman talaga ang gusto ko. Ang makita at makasama ko pa sila as they take their own paths. Bonus nalang talaga itong mga nangyayari ngayon.
Noong matapos ang party, isa-isa na rin kaming nagpaalamanan. Patapos na rin ang araw and I really want to spend the last hours of my day with my girls. Kaninang madaling araw lang kasi kami nakapag celebrate, with them staying up late so we could have our birthday salubong tradition.
Pag-uwi ko kaninang madaling araw, I was greeted by a huge balloon, bouquet of flowers and cake. It was all bought from their collected allowances. After I blew the candle and kaunting kumustahan on how our days went, nagsitulog na rin kami since we have an early morning dahil nga kampanyahan.
Mabalik tayo sa ngayon, I was almost out of the tent, the last of the guests bidding their goodbyes and greeting me for the last time when I saw a flash of yellow and purple. That's when I saw Risa walking or more like jogging towards me.
The whole day medyo hindi kami masyadong nagkita. She and the other senatoriables were out making rounds around the city. May kanya-kanyang itinerary since we have a lot of ground to cover. However, Risa being Risa, she greeted me at around 5:00 am. She called me and was a bit shy at first since she guiltily asked one of my staff daw for my schedule so she would know anong oras ako gigising. Napatawa naman ako at her shy voice, hindi naman kasi siya ganoo, usually masiyahin at madaldal talaga siya. I waved her apologies away, assuring her na okay lang. Okay naman kasi talaga, it was nice, hearing her voice first thing in the morning. Syempre nakakatuwa binati ako eh. Nag effort pa na tumawag at tanungin ang schedule ko. After her greeting, nagkuwentuhan lang kami saglit or more on nag-exchange lang ng itineraries for the day. After wishing me a happy birthday ulit with her signature 'happy!' and take care, we ended the call.
"VP Leni!" Risa squealed as she threw her arms around me. Despite being surprised, I welcomed her hug just the same.
"Happy birthday! Akala ko hindi na kita maaabutan. Sorry hindi ko na naabutan yung party mo. Ang traffic papunta rito." Dire-diretso niyang sabi as we both pulled away from the hug.
"Okay lang, Sen. Alam ko namang busy kayo today pati binati mo naman na ako kaninang umaga. Ikaw nga kauna-unahang bumati sa akin eh."
"Really? Sorry sana hindi talaga kita nagising earlier."
"Hindi.. gising na ako 'non. 5:00 rin talaga ako gumigising."
Risa nodded, "Buti naman. Nakakahiya kung nagising kita. Anyway, gusto lang din talaga kita batiin in person. So, happy birthday ulit, VP Leni!" She pulled me in a hug again. Hindi ko naman mapigilang di mapatawa ang dami pa ring energy eh.
When we pulled away, Risa didn't completely let me go. Nakahawak pa rin siya sa braso ko, "Ingat ka pauwi, VP! Happy birthday ulit."
I nodded giving her hand a light squeeze, "Thank you ulit. Dami mo pa rin energy ah. Ingat ka rin pauwi, Sen."
I was about to go when I heard her gasp, napalingon tuloy ako ulit, "Bakit?"
"Wait lang pala, VP." Lumingon siya sa likod and there I saw Issa, her eldest daughter holding a box of cake.
"Ito pala yung cake. Sorry muntik ko na makalimutan wala na rin talaga sa sarili. Feeling ko kanina pa ako aligaga."
"Hala Sen, hindi naman na kailangan. Nakakahiya."
"Hindi hindi, take it. Binili talaga namin 'yan for you. Masarap yung pastries diyan promise. Favorite namin 'yan ng mga bata, sana magustuhan niyo rin."
"Hala Sen, salamat ha? Di naman na sana kailangan pero salamat."
"Sus wala 'yon, VP. Happy birthday ulit. Sige na, go na. Celebrate with your girls. Ingat ulit." I waved at her one last time before finally leaving.
When I got home, gising pa rin ang mga bata. They helped me with the gifts, medyo marami rin kasi akong natanggap ngayong araw. I immediately went straight to our dining table so I could place the box of cake Risa gave me.
"Ay ang taray, Mama, ang dami mong cake ah pero mukhang masarap 'yang dala mo. Parang iba yung box eh." Tricia commented. Kanina pa rin niya kasi tinitignan 'to. Mahilig talaga sa tinapay 'tong batang 'to.
I opened the box and on the cake, written as dedication was, "Happy birthday, My VP! Rooting for you. Always. - Ris"
"Hala ang cute naman ni Tita Sen." Jill gushed as we all read the sweet message.
I asked the girls to take a photo of me holding the cake, mayroon din selfie version na kasama silang tatlo.
I couldn't help but smile as we sat around our dining area, sharing the cake from Risa as we celebrated the last hours of my birthday. I smiled as the girls gushed at how delicious it was.
Despite the late hour, I couldn't help but text Risa, I sent her our photos with a short message, "Thank you, Sen. We love it!"
I was surprised when I was immediately left on read and soon the typing bubble appeared, I waited and when it stopped, I was greeted by a simple purple and yellow heart emoji.
I left it at that, smiling as Jill fed me a spoonful of cake from Ris.
2018
It was the evening of the 22nd of April. 10:00 pm to be exact. The girls were all blowing my phone off with text messages asking me kung pauwi na raw ba ako, nasaan na ako and all that.
I couldn't help but smile, glancing at their framed photo on my desk. Finally, I thought as I started gathering my papers.
I was almost done when I heard a knock on my door. Please lang, sana naman walang emergency na kailangan ang presence ko. I held my breath as I waited for a second knock. Baka kasi guni guni ko lang yung una. When I heard the second knock, I couldn't help but sigh. Sabi ko nga may kumakatok. I was about to text the girls to not wait for me na since mukhang may work emergency but then I heard her voice.
"VP?"
I immediately smiled upon hearing that. But then, I remembered the time, sobrang late na for a work visit. This must be urgent kaya dumayo na dito sa office. I checked my phone and wala namang messages from her.
When I heard another knock, I decided to open the door na. I could tell na medyo nagulat siya since she still has her knuckles raised, poised for another knock.
"Hi!" She said, waving her hand instead before pulling me for a quick hug and beso. I reciprocated the gesture kahit nalang medyo naguguluhan ako sa nangyayari. She doesn't seem upset, di rin nagmamadali. So, walang emergency? Then why would she be here at 10 in the evening.
"May problema ba, Sen?" I asked when we pulled away.
"Ha? Wala naman, VP." She smiled at me and nodded at my open door.
"Okay lang ba pumasok? Promise di rin ako magtatagal."
I nodded, ushering her in. Once we were inside, she pulled a small box out of her bag. I was surprised when she opened it and inside was a cupcake with a candle on top.
"Wait lang, hanapin ko yung hiniram ko na lighter." She rummaged through her bag before triumphantly showing me the lighter she borrowed.
"Aha! I came prepared for this."
I watched as she lit up the candle, sobrang seryoso at nakakunot pa ang noo. When she successfully lit it up, she smiled, offering me the cupcake this time.
"I know medyo maaga pa but I know how big you are pagdating sa salubongs so I thought I'd surprise you with one. Inagahan ko na rin because I thought the kids might be planning something. Ayoko namang sumapaw. Make a wish, VP!"
Napangiti naman ako, touched by her gesture. After kasi noong 2016 campaign, mas naging close kami. Tatlong buwan ba naman na halos araw-araw kaming magkasama, nakatulong din na halos pareho kami ng kuwento sa buhay. Plus, my tres marias really warmed up to her, lalong lalo na si Aika kaya naman hindi rin talaga maiiwasan na maging malapit kami sa isa't isa.
She started singing me a happy birthday and I know Risa has a spectacular singing voice, I heard her belt out old OPM songs before, but here, right at this very moment, this is my favorite performance of hers. I wish I had my phone with me para sana narecord ko. After she finished the song she nodded at the cupcake, prompting me to make a wish.
Wala naman na akong mahihiling pa. Despite us being incomplete, masaya pa rin naman ako. Ligtas kaming lahat lalong lalo na ang mga bata. Then I looked at Risa, nakatingin lang din naman siya sa akin. Nakangiti at talagang matiyagang hinihintay na hipan ko ang kandila. If there's anything I would wish for, is that sana maging masaya pa kami. Lalong lalo na ang mga bata at pati na rin ang taong nasa harap ko. Si Risa. For some reason, I wish she'd get everything and anything her heart desires. With that thought in mind, I finally blew my candle.
Risa clapped, medyo dahan dahan lang seeing as she was still holding the cupcake. She put it inside the box again and handed it to me, "Happy birthday, VP! Sana matupad lahat ng wishes mo."
"Sana nga, Sen. Salamat ulit ha. Ginabi ka na sa pag-uwi."
"Ikaw rin naman. I was surprised when I called your staff. Nandito ka pa raw. Ako may tinapos na trabaho, ikaw what's your excuse? Dapat umuwi ka na agad for sure hinihintay ka na nila Aiks."
I nodded, "Oo nga kanina pa mga nagte-text. May tinapos lang din ako since nag leave ako for tomorrow, so we could all spend the day together."
"That's good, VP. Oh, siya, I wouldn't keep you na. Mag 11 na rin pala. Sorry sabi ko this will only take 10 minutes max. Sorry, sige na, VP. Happy happy birthday ulit." She then pulled me in a tight hug.
"Enjoy your day, Lens." She whispered.
"I will, Ris. Salamat ulit."
We decided na sabay na kami bumaba. Nasa labas na kami waiting for our respective vehicles when I decided to strike up a conversation. Wala lang, for some reason I didn't want to leave just yet.
"Alam mo ba ikaw ang kauna-unahang tao na bumati sa akin."
"Oh?" She asked, obviously surprised. I nodded before looking away, because again, for some reason, medyo naiilang akong tignan siya.
"Hayaan mo next year ulit."
At that, I looked at her. She was smiling albeit not meeting my gaze as she was looking straight ahead, "Ha?" I asked, still surprised and confused by what I just heard. Baka mamaya imagination ko lang pala di ba?
To my surprise, she looked at me and reached out to touch my forearm, "Wala. Sabi ko, I'm glad I get to greet you first."
She then placed her hand on her lips, pecking it before she had it land on my cheek, an indirect kiss of sorts, "Happy birthday ulit, Lens."
I nodded or more like felt myself nod as I was still sort of stuck or struck by what just happened. Wala namang bago, I mean we kiss each other's cheeks, beso kumbaga, but this one feels different talaga. I was just looking at her still in shock? surprised? confused? kilig? ha? anong kilig ka diyan, Leni? I briefly shook my head which earned me a confusing look and smile from Risa.
Ngumiti nalang din ako kahit maging ako naguguluhan sa nangyayari sa akin. Kasalanan mo 'to, Ris. I wanted to say but then our vans finally arrived. I told her to go in first since naunang mag park yung van niya. I watched as she went inside her vehicle, waving and blowing me a flying kiss before finally shutting the door.
On my way home, I couldn't help but glance at the cupcake she gave me. It was in a transparent box, kanina I wasn't able to look at it properly since I was distracted by Risa's presence. This time, I could finally make out the details of it. I noticed that the cupcake was in a pink and purple shade, may mga glitters din and small hearts as design. May mga small words din like, "xoxo", "bday", "happy", "vp", "leni", obviously it was customized. However, what caught my attention was the small heart candy with, "i <3 u" written on it.
Did Risa choose this detail? Or was it the baker's prerogative as part of its aesthetic? I really thought about it and was even tempted to ask Risa, but then what would I even ask her? Hello Ris, did you put I love you on the cupcake? And even if she did, why would it be a big deal di ba? Friends tell each other that. So bakit ko masyadong binibigyang pansin 'to?
I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn't realize we were already at my place. It wasn't until the driver opened the door for me that I realized na nandito na pala kami. I thanked him, normally naman hindi niya ako pinagbubuksan ng pinto pero this time dahil nga kung anu-anong iniisip ko nawala na rin talaga ako sa sarili.
I glanced at the cupcake once more before finally shrugging it off. Risa may or may not have deliberately put it as a design, nonetheless, I still appreciate it. After all, love ko rin naman siya. Love ko siya as a friend. As I thought of that, I couldn't help but feel off about it.
Bakit pakiramdam ko may mali whenever I think of Risa as a friend? Kaibigan ko naman talaga siya or maybe it was the thought of being only her friend that bothers me. Pero bakit? I was too busy thinking about it that I didn't realize I was in autopilot mode. I all but jumped at the sudden greeting from my girls. Di ko namalayan na binuksan ko na pala ang pinto namin.
Thank god they were too happy to see me, hindi nila napansin that I was mostly out of it. They enveloped me in tight hugs whilst I tried my hardest to protect the cupcake from being squished.
"Kanino 'yan galing, Ma?" Aika asked when we finished taking photos.
"Ah sa Tita Risa niyo. Dumaan sa office kanina para batiin ako."
"Ay ang bongga naunahan pa kami ni Tita Sen." Aika replied as she eyed the cupcake.
"Cute yung design. Very kayo." Jill commented as she took a photo of it. Remembrance raw.
"True, very branding niyo. Cute naman ni Tita, ang thoughtful also mukhang masarap." Trish said as she eyed the cupcake.
"Trish, akin 'yan. Yung ibang cakes nalang diyan ang kainin niyo basta itong sa Tita niyo, akin 'yan."
"Ay ang damot naman nung birthday girl. Parang masarap pa man din yung bigay ni Tita. Bakit kasi isa lang?"
"Syempre special daw kasi si Mama" Jillian butted in.
Para naman akong ewan, nanlalamig ako. For some reason, gusto ko na matapos ang usapan at ayoko sana na mapansin nila yung heart candy na may 'i <3 u'. When all was said and done, with Aika clearing up the table, wala namang sinabi ang mga bata. After one last round of hugs and happy birthdays, we all went our separate ways. Late na rin naman kasi talaga.
As I lay on my bed, I was plagued by thoughts of candy hearts with I love yous, of Risa singing me a happy birthday, and as I finally succumbed to sleep, my last thought was of Risa smiling at me.
2022
We're in another campaign run. This time mas hectic, mas fast paced ang approach pero this time mas close na rin kami ni Ris. Over the years, we developed a close bond. Mas closer than before. Hindi na nga namin alam kung anong itatawag sa kung anong meron kami, basta ang alam lang namin we enjoy each other's company.
Sobrang close namin to the point na alam ko ang schedule niya, alam niya rin ang schedule ko. Siya ang una kong tinetext sa umaga at huli kong tinetext sa gabi. If our schedules would permit it, we would often go out. Have lunches o kaya naman namimili or nagsisimba together. Regular visitor na rin siya sa condo, umabot na nga punto that the kids would ask kung bakit daw hindi ko siya kasama umuwi. It was a bit funny since I had to remind them na may bahay din naman ang Tita Sen nila.
Sa sobrang close namin, she would be my first call pag may emergency or may gusto akong i-vent or i-rant. I rarely cry but when I do, siya ang shoulder to cry on ko. When the kids would need something and I couldn't make it, siya ang automatic proxy ko.
Dahil nga dito, our kids bonded na rin. My girls would often join the HontiBaraqs for a night out or minsan they would break into groups and have random lunches or outings together. Minsan one or two would come over for a sleepover, ganoon din naman ang aking Tres Marias. It was nice to see since pakiramdam ko lumalaki ang pamilya namin.
The tropa would often tease us, maging ang mga staff namin. Whenever one of us is missing daw just ask or look for the other and for sure alam or nandoon ang isa. Kiko even called us work wives. We don't mind naman, lalo na noong naging matunog ang pangalan namin at 'shini-ship' raw kami sabi ng mga bata.
If anything, we committed ourselves to be each other's work wives lalo na ngayong campaign season. When Gaile gave me a bunch of sunblock pills, I made sure that Risa has her share. Before the campaign started, I created her work bag for her. It was basically a duplicate of my tote bag, the essentials included, magkaiba lang ang kulay.
As for her part, even if she wouldn't admit it, I know she carries certain things in her van, mostly food (my comfort food: chocnut and cheeto puffs) for me, one time when my voice got really raspy, what with our back to back sorties and rallies, she handed me a pack of bactidol candies. May different throat sprays pa na kasama. When she noticed din that I got a bunch of scratches and bruises on my arms, I was surprised when my staff handed me a bunch of soothing balms and patches. May mga small moisturizers din and bandages. All from her din.
It was those little things that have gotten us in this, "wife" thing. Like handing me a bottled water kahit alam ko naman na uhaw na rin siya, pinapaypayan ako kahit na alam ko namang naiinitan na rin siya. Guiding and shielding me from the crowd na parang isa sa mga security ko when really, she should also be thinking about her safety.
Minsan nalilito na ako, gusto ko na tanungin ano ba 'tong ginagawa namin. Because really, hindi ko na rin alam. We're friends but do friends really do all those things for each other? Besides the fact that we basically do everything together, the touches also became more frequent.
Risa can really be a touchy-feely person. It is part of her lambing and everyone knows it. Noon pa man alam ko na 'yon but now, the touches were longer, they linger and more frequent. Minsan she would casually rest her hand on my thighs, or pag nasa bahay kami, we would lounge around the sala with her head on my lap or vice versa. She would pull me in tight hugs, and casually kiss my cheek in delight or in passing. Ganoon naman before but brief hugs and kisses lang, usually in greeting, ngayon kasi iba na. Well, parang iba na. Not that I am complaining because if I'm being honest, gusto ko rin naman. Being in her presence can really be comforting. Madalas nga pakiramdam ko, I can only fully rest when she's by my side. Ewan ko ba, may iba talaga pagdating kay Risa.
As for me, I love holding her hand lalo na if I'm driving. Gusto ko rin madalas siyang nagcu-cuddle or pag masyado na siyang pagod, she get's extra clingy and sweet. Normally, I would shy away from this kind of affection. Madalas the only one who could get away with it was Jill. However, with Ris, I find that I don't mind. If anything, hinahanap ko pa nga.
Which brings me back to my confusion, ano ba itong ginagawa namin? Ano bang meron kami?
We just got home from our Pasay rally. One of our biggest, di lang in terms of crowd but also sa presence ng mga artists. Everyone's a bit out of it na, mga antok at pagod na since we had a long day. Sumali kasi ang mga bata kanina sa grand house-to-house campaign, ako naman nakahiwalay din para mag-ikot.
Pag pasok namin ng unit, lahat sila naupo sa sofa. Rest lang daw sila saglit before we start packing for our respective trips for tomorrow.
I could tell the girls were keeping an eye on the clock. Probably for our salubong tradition. Around 11:30, I heard a knock on our door. Napatingin kaming lahat sa pinto seeing as it was already late.
Medyo kinabahan pa nga ako since again, campaign season tapos may ganito. Wala naman kaming inaasahang bisita. Or so, I thought kasi biglang tumayo si Aika sa kinauupuan niya. Medyo nagmamadali pa nga at muntik na matalisod sa coffee table.
"May bisita ka?" I asked but she only smiled at me before opening our front door. To my surprise, it was none other than Risa herself. Suot pa rin niya yung usual na damit niya — white polo shirt and jeans.
"Good evening, delivery po para kay madam president?" She said jokingly as she lifted the box of cake she was carrying.
Aika gave her a brief hug as a greeting, "Thank you, Tita Sen! Lifesaver ka talaga." Aika ushered her in while here I was, still dumbstruck by what was happening.
"Lens, are you okay?" She asked and sat beside me on the couch. Aika got the cake while Jill and Trish went upstairs. Probably to get their other props for my birthday salubong. Hindi kasi namin nasalubong last night since late na ako nakauwi at tulog na rin sila.
"Ha? Oo. Anong ginagawa mo rito? Parang kanina lang kasama kita."
"Bakit parang ayaw mo naman na nandito ko?" She teased and I was quick to apologize naman. Sobrang naguguluhan lang kasi ako sa nangyayari.
"I'm sorry. Sorry, medyo.. ewan.. di ko alam if namamatanda na ba ako. Wala lang this is so surreal, you coming here at this late hour."
She bumped her shoulders against mine, "Sus, ito naman parang laging bago. Akala mo hindi ako natutulog dito sa inyo noon. To answer your question, hindi ka namamatanda, I'm really here and the girls called earlier. Nasa event pa tayo, they were worried na walang cake for your birthday salubong. Well technically di na siya salubong since it's already your birthday but still. Anyway, yung inorderan kasi nila ng cake fell through, tapos late na nila nalaman. Hindi naman sila makaalis since they also have prior commitments this morning. Buti nalang, I know a shop. So, long story short, after our program kanina, kinuha ko yung cake mo and here I am. Delivering it to you."
Before the clock struck 12, the girls went out, carrying a huge balloon with a happy birthday mama written on it, a bouquet of flowers, and of course, the cake from Ris.
The girls plus Risa started singing and I couldn't help but smile as I looked at them. I noticed Risa on the side, recording everything as the girls gave me their gifts and asked for me to make a wish and blow out the candle.
"Yehey! Happy!" Risa exclaimed as I did exactly that. She offered to take our photos and after that Aika offered to take one with just us.
Then Jill suggested that we have one with all of us in it. Again, being the human selfie stick, Risa offered to take the photo while we all squeezed into the frame.
"Happy!" She said excitedly as we scrolled through the photos we'd taken. After another round of hugs and well wishes, the girls bid us goodnight.
"Oh siya, I'll get going na rin. Dumaan lang din talaga ako para dalhin yung cake at batiin ka."
I nodded thanking her again, "Salamat. Hindi mo naman na kailangang gawin yet you still did. Maraming salamat, Ris. Na-appreciate ko talaga. Not only this but also yung kanta kanina." Pertaining to her song kanina during the rally. She nodded, smiling at me.
I walked her out the door, ihahatid ko sana siya sa lobby pero wag na raw. I tried insisting pero nagpupumilit baka rin daw may makakita pa sa akin hindi pa ako makaakyat at makapagpahinga agad. Hindi na rin naman ako pumalag since Risa was really adamant about it.
I was about to open the door when she pulled me in a tight hug, "Happy birthday, Lens. I'm glad I got to witness this salubong with you and the girls. Kahit di naman na salubong talaga since patapos na ang araw."
"Masaya rin ako na nandito ka, masaya ako na tapusin ang araw ko na kasama ka." I whispered back as we held on to each other.
After a minute or two, Risa finally pulled away from our embrace but not completely as she kept her hand on my shoulders, "Sige na, I'll let you sleep. Ingat ka bukas ha? Text me whenever you can. Happy happy birthday, Lens. I love you."
At ayon na naman po tayo sa confusing na part. If may competition sa mixed signals, feeling ko panalo na talaga 'tong si Ris.
I smiled at her, nodding along her bilins, "Sige na, ingat ka, Ris. Text mo ko pag nakauwi ka na."
She nodded, "I will pero don't wait up na. Please sleep."
"Matutulog naman ako but I will still wait for you. Hindi rin naman ako makakatulog hangga't di ko alam na safe kang nakauwi."
She left out a huff but I know she really didn't mean it, "Sige na nga. Hindi naman ako mananalo sayo, madam president."
I pushed her lightly, nanandya talaga since she knows how much I hate being called that, "Hay nako, ewan ko sayo, Ris. Sige na uwi na."
"Grabe ka pinapalayas mo na talaga ako. Sige na, I'll get going na talaga."
This time, she opened the door for real. Lumabas naman na siya while I took her place by the door frame. I told her if she wouldn't let me accompany her, I'll at least watch hanggang sa makasakay siya ng elevator.
"Goodnight Leni, my president." And with a quick kiss on my cheek, she left. Medyo nagulat ako and it took everything in me not to touch my cheek since I could still see her by the elevator.
When it finally opened for her, she waved and blew me a flying kiss before she entered.
Hay nako, Risa, ano bang ginagawa mo sa akin?
2023 - PRESENT DAY
So, ayon confused nga ako. Halo-halo na kasi ang nararamdaman ko but long story short, we sorted it out. Nagkaaminan na. Finally, as our friends along with our children said when we told them about us being in an official relationship.
Akala raw nila kailangan pa nila kaming ikulong sa iisang kwarto para magkaaminan o di kaya naman daw dapat magkasama kami ulit sa isang campaign season. Ang babagal daw naming umusad, mas mabagal pa raw sa pagong. Hay, the teasing we endured that day. Buti nalang talaga Ris was by my side through all of it. It also helped that she was (is and will always be) the first to defend me mapa fake news pa 'yan, bashing, trolling or in that particular scenario, our friends' teasing.
Anyway, I'm on my way home from work. Excited because finally my home is finally home! Ris, my Pangga, has been away kasi since she has an out of town engagement. Halos isang linggo rin siyang wala kaya miss na miss ko na ang aking darling. It was also very special because umabot siya sa birthday ko. Today is the 22nd so buti nalang nakauwi na rin siya muntik na kasing hindi since akala niya she had to stay for another day or two. Buti nalang talaga.
Medyo late na rin when I got home, I noticed that a few of our children's cars were parked outside. Nandito pa rin pala sila. They offered to fetch their Mama Ris kasi since I couldn't leave the office. Seeing that they were still here got me extra excited. After I parked the car, I immediately went inside, expecting to be greeted with warm hugs and kisses but I was disappointed when it was only Manang, our helper, who greeted me.
"Good evening po, Ma'am. Kumain na po kayo? May itinabi po kasing pagkain si Ma'am Risa. Ipaghain ko po kayo kung hindi pa. Nasa taas na rin po silang lahat."
"Ah ganon po ba? Nako wag na po, okay na po. Ako nalang po mamaya baka umakyat na po muna ako. Salamat. Pahinga na rin po kayo."
Aaminin ko medyo nakakalungkot, akala ko pa naman ang madatdatnan ko eh tawanan at kantyawan. I went up and wala na ring tao sa tv room namin. Usually kasi doon nakatambay ang mga bata. Kung hindi sa sala o sa dining madalas ay doon. Nasaan na ba ang mga tao rito?
I checked my watch and it was already 11:00 pm. Then I remembered our tradition of salubongs, is this it? Baka naman surprise, I thought as I once again got excited. Hay nako talaga 'tong mga 'to. Mga pakulo rin talaga eh.
I knocked on our door, waiting and listening for any movement. When I got none, I slowly opened it, only to see that the only light on was the one from the lamp on my bedside table. I then glanced at the lump on our bed that was Ris. Tulog na.
I let out a sigh, medyo nakakadisappoint pero okay lang din naman. Naiintindihan ko naman. Napagod siguro sa biyahe.
I got ready for bed na rin and when I got to my side, I saw Ris stirring. Nagising ko ata. I felt guilty for waking her up but a huge part of me was glad. Namiss ko rin naman ang aking Pangga. I watched as she slowly opened her eyes, a smile already forming on her lips when she saw me.
"Hi Mahal." She greeted, her voice still heavy with sleep.
"Hello Pangga," being away for so long, I couldn't help but pull her in a kiss. Risa humored me naman and readily reciprocated kahit nalang earlier she was still sleepy.
"I missed you." I said as I cuddled with her. Namiss ko rin naman talaga. Ang tagal nawala eh.
"Namiss din kita, Mahal."
"Wag mo na uulitin 'yon. Mga 2 days max lang next time o kaya isama mo nalang ako."
I heard her giggle, "Sige noted 'yan, Attorney."
"Nandito mga bata?"
"Ay oo, Love. Dito na sila nag dinner, dito na rin daw sila makikitulog. Tinamad na magsiuwi after. Sorry hindi ka na namin nahintay; gutom na rin kasi kami after they picked me up. Though pinagtira ka namin nung paborito mo. Kumain ka na ba?"
"Hindi na bukas nalang. Okay naman na ako, nandito ka naman na. Sabay nalang tayo mag almusal bukas."
"Hay nako, Mahal, pero sige. I won't force you na mukhang comfy ka na diyan eh." She poked my sides tickling me a little.
I was about to fall asleep when our door suddenly opened. One by one, our kids started trickling in. May mga dalang balloons, flowers at cake.
I then felt Risa tapping me, "Don't sleep yet, Mahal. Sasalubungin pa natin yung birthday mo." She sat up, dragging me along with her.
I glanced at our clock and it was 11:57 pm. The kids, along with Risa started singing. Kiko, who was holding the cake, passed it along to his Mama.
As I watched them sing and clap, I couldn't help but tear up a little. Akala ko kasi nakalimutan nila and I know I said it was fine and that I understand since pare-pareho kaming pagod but seeing this. My heart is full.
"Oh, sabi sa inyo iiyak eh." Risa jokingly said while the rest of our children laugh. Mukhang pakana naman pala lahat ito ni Risa.
"This is a first, Ma. In fairness, Mama Ris really got you good." Tricia teased while I rolled my eyes at her in response.
"Akala mo nakalimutan ko 'no?" Risa jested, grinning from ear to ear, mukhang proud na proud sa sarili niya. Buti nalang talaga mahal ko 'to eh.
"Proud na proud ka naman diyan."
"Wag mo ibahin ang usap. Seriously, you really thought nakalimutan namin 'no?"
"Oo. Honestly, akala ko may something kanina when I got home seeing as nandito yung mga bata kaso pagdating ko nasa taas na raw kayong lahat tapos nag expect ulit ako kasi baka kako surprise biglang ikaw naman tulog na."
Nagtawanan naman ulit sila. Hay, buti nalang talaga mahal ko 'tong mga 'to.
"Then it was a success! Surprise, Mahal, we wouldn't miss this for the world. Puwede ba namang makalimutan namin ang birthday mo? Ang araw kung kailan ipinanganak ang soulmate ko, ang pinakamamahal ko, my better half, my love, my Leni."
"Yieeee, tama na kayo seniors!" Kiko.
"Hipan mo na yang candle, Mama. Matunaw na 'yan!" Aika.
"Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!" Issa, Sinta and Ianna.
"Hipan na 'yan! Mukhang masarap yung cake eh." Tricia and Jill.
Napatawa naman kaming lahat, Risa then moved the cake closer to my face, urging me to make a wish. Instead of making one, I immediately blew out the candle.
"Hala Love, hindi ka nagwish. Ulitin natin." She made a move of lighting the candle up again but I stopped her.
"Okay na, Ga. Hindi ko na kailangang mag wish. Nandito naman na lahat ng kailangan ko." I then looked at each of our children. Some were hugging each other, some were wiping their own tears, some were smiling.
"Wala na akong hihilingin pa. Sobrang thankful ako that I get to have another year with you all. That I get to spend another year with the people I love the most."
With that, our children all went in for a group hug as choruses of happy birthday Mama and I love yous were heard.
Risa and I, who were in the middle of it and were literally squished in, shared a look.
"Happy birthday, Mahal."
"Thank you, Ga. Happy indeed."
Of all my previous birthday salubongs, this is probably one, if not, my favorite to date. Definitely, a core memory.