Dear Mama,

I don't know if I'm feeling cold because I'm going to have a flu or it's just really old age. But I know I'm not feeling well, Mama. I feel so low.

Anyway, Edgar has resigned from his work in Jollibee so he can pursue extra-curricular activities in school. He is now joining the university choir, Mama. On top of the university and college newsletters where he is already a part of. He went to school early today because he said they will have a practice for a cultural presentation. I hope he will develop his talent, as well as his self-confidence there.

Angel is also active in her class. Although she is really requesting that I transfer her to another school, Mama. There must really be something wrong with her school now. I'm seriously considering it because I have already witnessed some of her complaints during the PTA meeting. Ralph is doing well, Mama... I guess. His only problem there is financial because I cannot really send him money. I know this will all pass, Mama.

Well, that's it for now, Mama. It's raining here now. Take care of yourself, Mama. Until my next letter. I miss you, Mama.

I love you.


Daddy

Dear Mama,

I just want to say I miss you. Take care, Mama.

I love you.


Daddy

Dear Mama,

It's almost midnight... and it's raining. I wish you're here right now, Mama. Edgar and Angel are already sleeping. It's Ralph's first day of pre-board exam today, he's going to have another one tomorrow. I haven't heard from him the whole day, Mama. I didn't call him nor text him too. I don't know if it would be helpful to always check him, but I plan to call him tomorrow after his exams. At least he would be relaxed by that time, Mama.

Well, I really do not have much to say, Mama. I still do not have any good news, and I'm sure you know what I mean. Still waiting for a miracle, Mama... although I do not know it will come from.

I guess that will be all for now. Take care of yourself, Mama. I miss you. Hug me in my dreams, Mama.

I love you.


Daddy

Dear Mama,

I'm sorry if I write you a letter in this tone again. I am worried about our son Ralph who is in Manila. He may not be saying it, but I know he already doesn't have any money Mama. The problem is I can't send him any because until now we haven't receive our salary yet. His monthly rental on the dormitory is also already due, Mama. I am just praying for miracles that somehow they find it in their hearts to pay us what is due to us.

As for the two kids, Edgar and Angel, since they're here with me, at least I can do something about their needs. Although what I'm giving them is not really enough.

I always ask myself, Mama... why did I let myself fall into this situation? Why do I always find myself being with inconsiderate and selfish people? When will I finally be able find my true worth and be respected, Mama? Am I really such a born loser?

I'm sorry, Mama... I'm sorry for failing you. I'll stop now.

I love you.


Daddy

Dear Mama,

It's 10:00 p.m. and Edgar is not yet home. He is still at work, Mama. He'll be working until 11:00 p.m., perhaps he'll be home at around midnight because they still have to clean the store. Angel is in her room, I think she is already sleeping, Mama. Ralph is in Manila, he left at around 3 p.m. this afternoon.

I was able to cook spaghetti for the kids today, Mama. As usual, they liked it. Angel said it's delicious. She's been requesting for it for a long time and I thought since Ralph was here, it's a great time to cook spaghetti. It's a good thing I did not frustrate them.

Ralph will be having his first pre-board exam next Saturday, Mama. I know it really has no bearing for the actual board exam but it will help boost his morale. I hope he gets a high score on that.

As for me, I'm still hoping for my songs to be recorded and for my books to be published. I hope they will happen in this lifetime, Mama.

That will be all for now, Mama. I really don't have much to say right now. I miss you, Mama.Take care of yourself.

I love you, Mama.


Daddy

Dear Mama,

Yesterday and this morning, I was able to make Angel happy. I made a bento art for her school lunch yesterday, Mama. It was a sleeping bear which I learned from watching videos in the Internet. She loved it, Mama! It was very fulfilling to see our Angel happy. Today, for her school lunch, I made sushi rolls for her. Again, she loved them.

The problem I have now is I am running out of ideas, Mama. I wish I can do more and surprise her. I really love seeing her so happy every time I was able to prepare something special for her. They're having their test now, I hope her happiness will reflect on her exams.

Ralph said he'll go home today, Mama. Help me pray for his safe travel. Edgar will also have his exam this afternoon.

That will be it for now, Mama. I just wanted to tell you how happy Angel was yesterday and this morning. I miss you, Mama. I wish you're here. Take care of yourself.

I love you, Mama.


Daddy

Dear Mama,

I just want to say I'm trying to hang on. For the sake of the kids, Mama... as I promised you. I just wish I can hold your hands right now, Mama.

I need you.


Daddy

Dear Mama,

Today is exam week for Edgar and Angel, they will have their exams on Thursday and Friday. Edgar looks better now, compared to how he was last Friday. Ralph also feels better now, Mama. Thank you for helping me take care of them. I know you helped me, Mama.

Mama, I'm running out of food ideas for Angel's school lunch. I have very limited options because I really do not know how to cook and I do not have a ref, that's why I can't really stock perishable foods. I hope Angel won't get tired of what I am preparing for her.

I'm trying to cope, Mama. A lot of things are happening, or not happening, depends on how you look at it. I really hope I can make it and won't give up, Mama... for the sake of the kids. I want to fulfill my promise to you.

I guess that will be all for now, Mama. Take care of yourself. I miss you, Mama.

I love you.


Daddy

Dear Mama,

Last night, Angel told me what she finally decided to take up in college. Mama, she said she will take up Education. It made me smile because just a few days ago, she said doesn't want to be a teacher because of the stress of the job. I don't know why she choose it now, I guess she is really trying to follow you although she does not want to admit it yet.

Edgar is sick right now, Mama. He is not bedridden though. He still went to school today to interview some people for their school organ. But he is sick, I can see it. He is coughing and he has colds. I told him to stay home but he said he can't. I just told him to drink lots of water. I hope he'll be better tonight.

Haven't heard from Ralph, yet. I guess he is fine. I hope he is fine, Mama. I don't want to bother him every now and then. I guess he'll tell me if he have a problem, like he needs money or something.

As for me, nothing has changed Mama. Everything's still the same. Well, I better stop here Mama. I hope you're doing okay there. Take care of yourself. I miss you, Mama.

I love you.


Daddy

Dear Mama,

I woke up early today to prepare Angel's lunch for school - tuna omelet, garlic baby potatoes and special fried rice. I thought I won't be able to pull it off, Mama. It's a good thing I woke up early and I saw a happy Angel going to school today. Now, I wonder what else I can prepare for her tomorrow. It's difficult to come up with ideas because we I do not have a ref and I can only buy items in the evening that won't perish such as canned goods or eggs. Otherwise, I need to buy very early in the morning.

But I'm not complaining, Mama. I'm very much happy and satisfied that Angel is bringing her baon to school now instead of buying food there. If only we have a ref, I can prepare more food for her. I guess I just have to be more resourceful and creative now, right Mama?

That's it for now, Mama. I just want to brag about my kitchen achievements this morning, although I know it's really nothing compared to yours. I miss you, Mama... and yes, I miss your cooking too.

Take care of yourself, Mama. I love you.


Daddy

Dear Mama,

I really do not know what to write to you... sometimes, I feel that I am just bothering you with my whining. I'm really sorry about that, Mama. Unfortunately, there is really nobody I can talk to here where I can really say what I feel. I miss you, Mama.

You know what, Mama? Angel seems to like my adobo. She requested it to be her baon today. I hope it's good enough because I'm sure she will be sharing it with her classmates. I am still not bold enough to cook binagoongan because I know I really cannot cook it the way that you do, Mama. This weekend, I'm planning to cook kangkong chips, I hope I can do it, Mama.

Anyway, all I'm talking about is food right now because I do not have any good thing to say. Edgar and Angel will be having  their exams next week. I already got their permits, Mama. But I had to ask nicely from the school's accounting department that they be issued their permit even I do not pay the required amount. Ralph is still in Manila. He won't go home this weekend. I hope I have something to send him before Monday comes, because I think he is already out of money.

Well, that's it for now Mama. I really wish I can hug your right now. Take care of yourself. I miss you, Mama.

I love you.


Daddy

time out with the kids

Dear Mama,

I had a nice time with kids this afternoon... well, almost. Angel and Ralph awee always fighting again, but I'm trying not to let it ruin our day, Mama. Went out with the kids and spent the whole afternoon, until evening, at SM Clark. We just had some food tripping, Mama. We ate shawarma, pretzels, ice cream and Korean food.

It was my idea, Mama. I needed to get out. I felt depressed of what's happening to us and there's nothing I can do. If I stayed home, I might just vent it out with the kids, so I just asked them to go out so I will be diverted from my problems. Edgar joined us, but he never stayed because he was with his friends.

Of course, it didn't solve my problems but at least the kids and I are happy for that moment. I wish you were with us, Mama. It would have been a happier family time if you were there. I miss you, Mama. And I miss you more every time we go out like this. I was always dreaming of the time when you were still with us and we would all go out. We won't even wait for any occasion, we just wanted to because we wanted to be happy.

I miss you, Mama. I really do.

Take care of yourself, Mama. I love you.


Daddy

letter

Dear Mama,

Hi! The kids are in their rooms now. It's already past midnight here, Mama. Ralph is home now, he'll leave again for Manila on Sunday. Tomorrow will be Angel's PTA meeting, Mama and she wants me to attend.

What can I say? I miss you, Mama. It's really difficult going through all these alone. I wish you were still here by my side, at least I would know what to do because you're here to hold my hands.

I'm sorry, Mama. I better stop now. Take care of yourself, Mama.

I love you.


Daddy

Update with the kids

Dear Mama,

It's another rainy morning. Angel is already in school while Edgar is still at home. He doesn't have any schedule at Jollibee today. You know what, Mama? Edgar talked to me yesterday, saying he wants to stop working because he feels his studies and other school activities are being affected with his work. I'm glad he sees it that way, Mama. He asked me if it's just okay with me if he resigns from his work. Of course, I said it's okay and it's up to him. I think he will resign soon, Mama. I'm glad his priority is school.

Ralph, meanwhile, is now beginning to realize how it is to live in the real world. He texted me yesterday complaining about how high their electric bill was. I told him it was expected because they have an air-condition there. I told him they should adjust on their electric usage now, but not on the air-con because their room is not well ventilated.

And Angel, you won't believe what she wants me to do, Mama. Angel wants me to attend the PTA meeting this Saturday and she wants me to be the president in their classroom PTA. She was even telling me last night that I should always remember to smile on Saturday.

Well, I guess that's it for now, Mama. I will just update you on my next letter on what is happening with us. I miss you, Mama. I really wish you're still here with us now. Take care of yourself.

I love you.


Daddy