~~
Irene excitedly proposed to Liza to revive the annual Ilocos products showcase, which had been paused due to the pandemic. This year, Liza entrusted Irene once again to organize the bazaar, with hopes of rekindling the spirit of the initial event.
As Irene reached out to local artists and invited them to join the upcoming bazaar, they gladly agreed, and everyone was excited to participate.
While Irene was picking up her Yara from school, hugging and kissing her favorite daughter, she asked...
Irene: Little girl, do you have any names in mind for the bazaar?
Yara: *thinking* Is it going to be like the ones from years ago? A private event, right?
Irene: Well, yes. The guests will be just our family and friends, along with some invited people from our extended friends.
Yara: Why not call it 'Not So Secret Bazaar', Mama? Since it's a private event too.
Irene smiled at Yara's suggestion.
Irene: That's a clever idea, sweetheart! 'Not So Secret Bazaar' has a nice ring to it. It captures the essence perfectly.
Yara beamed with pride at her contribution.
Yara: I'm glad you like it, Mama! *giggled*
As they drove back home, Irene's mind was already buzzing with plans for the bazaar.
Irene: We'll need to finalize the details and make sure everything is set up beautifully. Your Auntie will be so pleased with this name, my little girl.
Yara: *nodded in agreement* I think it'll be a lot of fun, Mama. And it's special because it's just for our close circle.
Irene: That's right, darling. It'll be a wonderful gathering, filled with unique creations from talented artists. And it'll be a chance for us to support our local community too.
Yara looked out the window, a thoughtful expression on her face.
Yara: I'm looking forward to it, Mama. It feels like a special way to bring people together.
Irene: *patted Yara's hand* You're right, sweetheart. It's not just about the bazaar, but about the connections and memories we'll create together
As they pulled into their driveway, both Irene and Yara were filled with excitement for the upcoming "Not So Secret Bazaar" and the meaningful moments it would bring.
~~
The days leading up to the "Not So Secret Bazaar" were a whirlwind of activity. Irene and Yara worked side by side, organizing, decorating, and ensuring everything was just right. They could feel the anticipation building in the air.
On the day of the event, the sun shone brightly, casting a warm glow over the venue. The space was transformed into a vibrant showcase of local talent, with colorful displays and a lively atmosphere. Irene couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and gratitude for everyone who had come together to make it happen.
As guests started to arrive, laughter and chatter filled the air. Friends and family mingled, admiring the array of unique products on display. Yara, in her element, eagerly showed guests around, sharing the stories behind each creation.
Liza, one of their guest of honor, beamed with joy as she took in the scene.
Liza: Irene, Yara, my darling *beso* This is truly something special. You've created a beautiful experience for all of us. Thank you, to our best mom and daughter.
Liza dances with her niece Yara and Irene smiles, grateful for Liza's words.
Irene: We're so glad you think so, Liza. It wouldn't have been possible without everyone's support.
The arrival of the First Lady and some family members filled everyone with delight. Liza held Yara's hand as they explored, trying on items they liked. Xandra arrived with her ice cream tacos, which the family enjoyed.
While Yara was with the First Lady, Irene warmly greeted friends who had supported the bazaar, enthusiastically introducing all the participants.
Liza: Darling, your uncle misses you so much. Come visit us in Malacañang if you have time.
Yara: I want to, but I don't want to disturb what Uncle is doing.
Liza: *making a face* Hello! You are never a disturbance, never!
Yara: *chuckling *Well, Mommy said we can go, but when you guys are free. Maybe every Sunday, Tita Mama!
Liza: Alright, sige ka, I'll keep making you kulit, just like your mommy *making a funny face* Please stay with us, darling.
Yara: We can go, but I'm not sure if I can stay long. Tita Mommy said there are a lot of ghosts there, and I'm afraid!
Their conversation was interrupted when some guests requested a photo with Liza, and she graciously obliged. Yara patiently waited, still holding her aunt's hand. While Yara observed her mom from a distance, examining various products, a small group of girls approached Irene.
"Hi, Ms. Irene."
Irene: *pleasantly surprised* Oh, hello there! Welcome.
"Do you remember us from Katutubo last time po?"
Irene: *smiling, recalling* Oh yes, yes! Thank you for coming.
"This is for you po *hands over a paper bag* It's from all of us."
Irene: *visibly touched* You didn't have to bring gifts, but thank you!
"Can we have a photo with you po?"
"You look so elegant in your simple attire, Mammi."
Irene: Of course, thank you for the kind words. I hope you enjoy our products from Ilocos. *waving at Yara*
As they gathered for photos, Irene wore a genuine smile for the camera. Meanwhile, Yara approached her mom with a plate of fresh empanadas. Irene graciously accepted the sweet gesture from her daughter.
As tender as ever, she cupped Yara's cheeks with both hands and...
Irene: *gently kissed Yara's forehead* Thank you for the empanada, my sweet love.
Yara: You're welcome, Mom! Tita Mama said I should visit them more often. Will you come with me?
Irene: *nodding with a warm smile* "Of course, my darling. We'll go together! Sundays are always perfect for family time.
Yara: What a coincidence, Mommy! I just mentioned to Tita Mama that Sundays work well for us!
Irene: You truly are your mother's daughter. *giggled*
As Yara excused herself to the comfort room, her family engaged in a lively conversation about various topics. When she reached the comfort room door...
Yara couldn't help but overhear the conversation in the restroom. A group of girls were talking about her mom, expressing their wish for a private moment with her, but hesitating because Yara was always by her side.
They seemed insistent on excluding Yara.
"I can't believe andito nanaman siya! The daughter!"
"I want an uninterrupted conversation with Mimi Irene, but that Yara is always there. It's kind of awkward, you know?"
"Yeah, I noticed that too. We need to find a way to get her alone for a few minutes."
"Parang, seriously, as if Yara even looks like Mammi. We even look more alike, 'di ba sabi nila?"
"Little Irene, who!?"
Yara felt a surge of frustration and couldn't help but roll her eyes. It was absurd to her. She took a moment to collect herself before heading back.
~~
[In Yara's imagination, she found herself standing tall in the middle of the scene, a fierce glint in her eyes. The girls who had been gossiping about her were now before her, their eyes widening in surprise.]
Yara: *with an air of confidence* Well, well, well, what do we have here? A group of admirers, I presume?
"*shocked, stammering* "Uh... we just wanted a picture with your mom..."
Yara: *smirking* Ah, of course. But let me enlighten you. You see, my presence isn't just a mere coincidence. I'm an integral part of my mom's life, and that's not changing for anyone.
"*nervously* "We didn't mean to offend..."
Yara: *raising an eyebrow* Offend? No, no. You didn't offend me. You entertained me. You thought you could just whisk me away and have your little moment with my mom, leaving me in the shadows? Not happening. *rolled eyes*
"*apologetic* "We're so sorry. We didn't realize..."
Yara: *suddenly assertive* You know what's interesting? You said you look more like my mommy than I do. Now that's a bold claim, don't you think?
The girls exchanged uneasy glances, realizing the weight of their words.
Yara: *smirking* In fact, you all have a striking resemblance to her. I suppose you must be long-lost triplets or something...
The girls were taken aback, their initial confidence now replaced with uncertainty. Yara's confidence radiated, her eyes sharp and unyielding. The girls before her were visibly disconcerted, their bravado quickly fading.
Yara: *with a touch of sarcasm* Well, isn't this enlightening? You see, I've been by my mom since I was born. You'd have a harder time trying to separate us than you think.
"You didn't get what we meant"
"*meekly* We never meant to..."
Yara: *cutting them off* Of course you didn't. But here's a little reality check for you. My presence isn't a mere accessory to be discarded when it's convenient for you.
"You misunderstood our point."
"*nervously* We just thought..."
Yara: *sharply* You thought wrong. And it's about time you realized that.
As the realization settled in, the girls seemed to shrink under Yara's unwavering gaze. They had underestimated her, and now they were paying the price.
Yara: *with a smirk* Now, I suggest you take your admiration for my mom and redirect it towards appreciating just her and stop being so delusional that you can never be my mom's daughter. It's something you guys clearly can't fathom.
With that, Yara turned on her heel and walked away, leaving the girls in stunned silence.
[In her heart, Yara knew that no matter how much they admired her mom, they would never understand the depth of their connection. They could never be her mom's daughter; that place was irreplaceable and reserved for Yara alone.]
~~
Back in reality, Yara couldn't help but chuckle at her imaginative scenario. She just stared at the girls and left, leaving them in a state of realization that Irene's daughter had heard everything they said.
While Yara knew she couldn't confront the girls, it was empowering and liberating to imagine herself taking charge and standing up for what she held dear. She had turned the tables in a way no one expected, but only in her imagination.
Yara returned to the event and she rejoined her family,
"Sure, they had their opinions about me not looking like Mom, and those girls believing they resembled her more. But today, I found strength in being myself. Looks don't define me. No matter what they say, they'll never hold the same place in Mommy's heart, and they'll never be Mommy Irene's daughter"
Irene: What took you so long, little girl?
Yara: Just a few girls waiting in line, that's why it took me that long, mama.
Irene: *with excitement* Come, love. Have a try on these clothes that I picked for you. I think they'll be bagay to you perfectly.
Yara: Sure, mama. *interested* Can I also have a look at Auntie Natalya's jewelry?
Xandra: I can join you, Shobe. There's a necklace I'm interested in.
Michelle: Yara, dear, Filip + Inna wanted to gift you something as well.
Yara: I feel so dyahe, Auntie Chelly. I'd like to thank them personally, but can I at least buy something in return for those beautiful pieces? *grateful*
They all smiled at the young Araneta, appreciating her continuous effort to support and promote local artists and their products just like Irene. Yara has always been a grateful soul, valuing the hard work and dedication of everyone involved.
They continued to explore the products from various sellers, warmly welcomed and engaged by those showcasing their Ilocano products. Yara made it a point to not only appreciate their crafts but also make purchases to support and promote them.
Almost every seller expressed their genuine gratitude and heartfelt appreciation to Yara and her mom for the successful bazaar...
"Thank you, both to you and your mom, for organizing this bazaar again, sweet girl"
"It warms our hearts to see you here again, Yara! Thank you for your unwavering support"
"We truly can't thank you enough"
"Agyamankami unay, Yara, sweetheart"
"We're filled with gratitude because this bazaar has returned after three long years due to the pandemic"
"And we're truly thankful for the Bazaar, which reintroduces us to the public once more"
Yara: *eyes glistening with gratitude* Thank you so much for accepting my mom's offer po. This bazaar wouldn't be as wonderful without all of you. We hope that you and those who worked hard to create these beautiful products are not only happy but also see good sales. *smiling with genuine warmth*
As the sun began to set, casting a warm golden hue over the gathering, Irene and Yara shared a quiet moment of reflection. They looked around at the smiling faces, the beautiful products, and the memories being made. It was a day they would both hold dear in their hearts, a reminder of the magic that can happen when people come together with a shared purpose.
Irene: *smiling warmly* Sweet girl, look at what we've accomplished today. It's truly something special, isn't it?
Yara: *grinning* It is, Mama, you've put so much heart into this. It's amazing to see it all come to life.
Irene: *appreciatively* Well, having you by my side made all the difference. Your ideas and energy brought a special spark to this event, my love.
Yara: *with a soft laugh* Well, I had a great teacher. *playfully nudging Irene* Don't forget, you're the mastermind behind it all. I just followed your lead.
Irene: *affectionately* And I couldn't have asked for a better partner. We make a great team, don't we?
Yara: *nodding* Absolutely, Mom. This is just the beginning. Together, we'll create even more wonderful moments like this.
Irene: *squeezing Yara's hand* I have no doubt we will, my love. We make a formidable team, you and I.
As they stood there, enjoying the success of their bazaar, Irene and Yara knew that this was a day to be cherished. It was a joyful reminder of their teamwork and shared accomplishments as a mom and daughter tandem.
As the day unfolded, it became clear that the "Not So Secret Bazaar" was not just an event, but a celebration of community, creativity, and connection. It was a symbol of the love, creativity, and unity that had brought them all together to support local talent and cherish the bonds that tied them all.
~end~