Dear Mama,

I just want to greet you a happy new year. 2014 has ended and 2015 has just started. It's another year for us, Mama. A new leaf. I hope I can make good of it this time.

Wish you were here, Mama. I miss you.

I love you.


Daddy

Dear Mama,

Right now, Ralph is on his way home to Makati from Baguio where he conducted audit work. Guide him along the trip, Mama. Help him arrive home safe.

Mama, my right hand is getting numbed.  I am having a hard typing this letter now. I don't know what happened, Mama. It just felt like this after playing badminton this evening. It's like I suffered a stroke or a heart attack but I did not feel it. All I know is that right now, I am having hard time using my hand. I hope this is not permanent, Mama.

I wish you were here, Mama.

Dear Mama,

We just finished our Christmas party. It was fun, Mama. The kids readily participated with all the games and even the intermission numbers. Although we played almost all the same games, it was still fun Mama. We had a good laugh once again. I wish you were here with us. 

The kids are now playing the game cards that Ralph received. I am just saving the pictures from the party and would be sleeping in a while. Tomorrow will be a busy day again. It just sad though that Ralph had to leave tomorrow. He is really dedicated to his job, Mama. Although if you heard his message earlier at the start of the party, he would do something to change some things if he can. I guess he is already getting tired after all. I am sure he can cope.

Well, that will be all for now Mama. I just want to tell you that the Christmas party was fun... and we miss you, Mama.

I love you.

Daddy

Dear Mama,

We're all set now, I think. In just a few minutes, we will be starting our Christmas party. I'm excited, Mama. We are wearing a special t-shirt designed just for tonight's party. The table is ready, the kids are waiting in the sala. I think we are set, Mama. I hope you will be smiling as you watch us tonight, Mama.

Merry Christmas, Mama! I love you.

Daddy

Dear Mama,

It's just one day before our family Christmas Party. I'm excited and nervous at the same time. The kids are all grown up now, I hope they will still participate and enjoy the party just like when they were still young. We are always playing almost the same games every year, I hope they won't get bored.

I still do not know what to prepare for the noche buena, although Ralph went to the grocery this morning together with Edgar and Angel to buy some things. They bought nacho chips and ground meat, so I guess we will be having tacos chips. It is one of the easiest to make, Mama. 

I still need to buy some thing tomorrow morning, though. It's like I will never get things complete easily. I'm so disorganized, Mama. After so many years of doing this, it always feels like the first time. I am just glad that I have a better job this time, and I hope things will continue to get better for me and the kids.

Well, that will be all now Mama. I hope you will enjoy our party tomorrow. We miss you, Mama. Take care of yourself.

I love you.

Daddy

Dear Mama,

It's almost Christmas and I am excited for our Christmas party on the 24th. I still was not able to buy gifts for the kids, Mama. Actually, I still was not able to prepare the program for our party. The only preparation I've done so far is to prepare a design for our t-shirt this year.

I know the kids are already big for this party Mama, but I hope they are liking what we are doing and will still participate actively for this year's party. I always say to them that we will continue doing this to remember you since you started this family Christmas party and that they should continue to do it even if they already have their own family.

I hope you will be joining us then Mama. I really wish you can be with us. We miss you, Mama... I miss you, Mama.

I love you.

Daddy

Dear Mama,

Hi! Yesterday, I had a very pleasant time with the kids. We went out yesterday to buy some gifts and also eat out. We always go out every time Ralph goes home, Mama. What makes it better this time is that there are less quarrels among the kids because they are already grown up, making our bonding time more enjoyable. I let them go ahead first Mama, so the kids will their own time together. Then I went out to meet them after two hours.

Upon reaching home, Angel wrapped all the gifts that they bought. She loves wrapping gift, Mama. I used to do them, but since she learned how to wrap gifts, she's been doing it. I still was not able to buy gifts for the kids, also for Nanay, Ima and Ate Tey. I hope I can buy something for them this week. I am having a difficult time looking for gifts.

Anyway, that will be all for now Mama. I am really excited for Christmas this year for the kids. I hope they will enjoy this year's Christmas party. Bye for now, Mama. Take care of yourself. I miss you, Mama.

I love you.

Daddy

Dear Mama,

Happy anniversary! Today would have been our 23rd wedding anniversary, Mama. How I wish you were here and we could celebrate this blessed day together. I'm sorry Mama, but I really miss you.

Happy wedding anniversary, Mama. I love you.


Daddy

Dear Mama,

It looks like I won't be able to give a better Christmas for the kids this year. Because I will pay Angel's tuition fee balance and Edgar's tuition fee installment for the Prelims. I thought I can make this their best Christmas yet. I'm sorry, Mama.

But it will not be an empty Christmas for them, Mama. There will be something for them, but not as big as I was always planning for them. Maybe next year will better, Mama. I know, it's always next year. I'm sorry, Mama.

Well, I guess that will all for now Mama. Do take care of yourself. I miss you, Mama.

I love you.

Daddy

Dear Mama,

We were able to go out yesterday to celebrate your birthday. It was Ralph's treat, Mama. I enjoyed it not because it was free, but because it was our son who treated us to dinner. It's not really the first time he did it, Mama. Most of the time, when he goes home for the weekends, he would treat us to lunch or dinner. 

We had a good time last night, Mama. We had pizza and pasta, afterwards we went to the mall because there was a sale. Ralph bought long sleeved polo and I bought shirt for Edgar and pants for Angel. We went home at around 11:00 p.m. because there was a long line at the cashier. Then we stopped at McDonald for sundae and ice cream. I like that the kids are really enjoying each other's company now, Mama. 

Upon reaching home, the kids already went to sleep. After resting for a while, I also slept too, Mama. I was glad that we were able to spend time together for your birthday. I really wish you were still here, it would have been a happier celebration. I miss you, Mama.

Take care of yourself always. Hope to see you soon.

I love you, Mama.

Daddy

Dear Mama,

Happy birthday!

It's your birthday again, Mama. We will be celebrating your birthday like we always do, Mama. We're just waiting for Ralph, he is still resting. He just arrived this afternoon Mama. He went to Laguna last night with his office mates where they stayed until this morning. That is why he is still tired.

I was not able to prepare anything because I also came home late after our Christmas party last night. Actually, I came home early Mama. I was able to go home at 4 a.m., because I was just hitching a ride so I have to wait for them to go home. There was no available public transportation service from where we had our party, Mama. So, I had no choice but to stay and wait. Anyway, it was fun Mama. Our group won 3rd place in the sing and dance competition. Not bad, considering that we just practiced for 3 days.

I hope Ralph wakes up soon so we won't be late. It's almost 6 p.m. Mama. I'm sure you're celebrating your birthday there too with your fellow angels, Mama.

I miss you, Mama. I wish we are celebrating together. I wish you were still here.

Take care, Mama. I love you and happy birthday!

Daddy

Dear Mama,

In a week's time, it will be your birthday. Of course, the kids and I will celebrate it, Mama. I know you will be with us then, as you are always with us. I'm excited for this year and also for Christmas. It will be lot better than how it was last year, Mama. I pray this is how it will be for the years to come.

Ralph came home yesterday at around 7 p.m. He brought home a min-refrigerator. He bought it from his girlfriend who has transferred dormitory. I can't believe he was able to travel with that refrigerator, Mama. But he looks fine when he arrived last night.

Angel has gotten less irritable these past few weeks, Mama. I hope it's because she is maturing, or maybe because her skin asthma is getting better. Let's just hope she will continue to be like that. She finally decided to use her scholarship and study in STI, Mama. She said she will take a 4-year IT course.

Edgar, has gotten crazier and more outspoken, but in a good way, Mama. He has gotten more confident. I guess it's because of the experience he was having in school. He exposed himself to a lot of extra-curricular activities, Mama. I see him to be a great leader someday, something that I think he got from you.

Well, that will be all for now Mama. I really wish I can embrace you and hold your hands again. I really miss you, Mama. Take care of yourself.

I love you, Mama.

Daddy

Dear Mama,

I woke up today with a note on the table from Angel, she is asking me to buy arrozcaldo for her brother because Edgar has fever. I hope he will be fine, Mama. He looks well last night. I will buy him some food in a while.

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

I love you.


Daddy

Dear Mama,

Good morning. I just came home from the supermarket to buy some groceries. Angel and Edgar are still sleeping, Ralph did not go home this weekend because they have a seminar today. I just told him to rest instead of travelling home tonight and leaving again tomorrow morning. It will be your birthday in 2-week's time, Mama. I wish you're still here with us so we can celebrate it together. If only the opportunities that are coming to me now came when you were still here, perhaps I could have taken better care of you then, provided you all that you needed, and you would still be here with us now, Mama. I'm really sorry I was not able to take good care of you then.

I think I will just continue my letter some other time, Mama. I do not like the tone this letter is going. I'm sorry, Mama. I'm just missing you. Take care of yourself, Mama.

I love you.


Daddy

Dear Mama,

It looks like I made another blunder. Why do I keep on trusting people when I know they should not be trusted, Mama? Why do I keep on hoping that things will change for the better? When I ever learn, Mama? I wish I will have another opportunity to change things. I failed again, Mama.

I really need to be with you soon, Mama.

Daddy

Dear Mama,

Hi! How are you? I will be taking Angel back to the skin doctor today, Mama. Her skin asthma has greatly improved although she still has a lot of marks but she is definitely better than 3 months before. If only there weren't times that her medicines would be stopped because I cannot buy her them, but I am always prioritizing them every time I am able to get some funds, Mama. Today, she said she might ask for a medical certificate from the doctor about her skin asthma. Needless to say, I borrowed money again because payday won't be until next week, but the check-up cannot wait because Angel needs the medical certificate already.

Ralph has uric acid, Mama. His blood test was already out that was the doctor's diagnosis. His feet is still hurting and I can only imagine him having a difficult time. I hope he will feel better soon, Mama. He is too far from me right and all I can really do is lift him up to the Lord and pray for him.

Edgar is fine, it's just the first week of the second semester. I don't know what he will be busy with this second semester. He said he would be leaving the university publication and might focus on a student organization. Well, as long as he is enjoying, learning and growing Mama, I will support him.

As for me, I will be staying in my present job for a while. I just hope I made the right decision and it will be all for the betterment of the kids' future. Anyway, I said quite a mouthful again. I'm sorry Mama, I've been talking a lot lately. I am just missing you, especially this past few days where I could definitely use your calming words and embrace. Take care of yourself, Mama.

I love you.

Daddy

Dear Mama,

I guess I am going stay in my present job. They gave my demand just so I will not resign, Mama. I just waited for it to be signed to be sure, because there were promises that were not really given before. If only they did this before, we would still have our original team intact. I am the only one who is left from our original team, Mama. I guess this is how it should be. I asked the kids, both Ralph and Angel said I should just stay although Edgar said I should pick the new one. Although Edgar have not really given it a thought, Mama. When I explained to him, he saw the advantages and disadvantages of staying and going away. Anyway, I do hope my decision is what would be best the kids, Mama. I really wish I was telling all this to you personally.

Ralph is now sick, Mama. His feet is hurting and has difficulty walking. I think he has gout. He already went to the doctor for a check-up and today he will get the result of the his blood test. I feel sorry for him because I cannot be with him to comfort him and make him feel well. I called him and advised him of the necessary precautions he needs to take for quick healing. Help make him feel well, Mama.

Edgar had problems with his subject again, Mama. He was not able to enroll for the second semester immediately. He got an incomplete grade in one of his subjects, but last night he said it was already okay and his final grade for the subject will be uploaded soon. He was also able to enroll but he had to talk to the registrar to allow him even if he has one incomplete grade. I don't really think it was his fault, Mama. Their teacher seems to be inefficient and disorganized. They were only told about it during the enrollment period. I was willing to write the school about it, but he keeps telling me it's not necessary. I would like to respect that, Mama.

Angel will be having their second periodical examination next week. I yesterday I filed a half-day leave just so I can process another promissory note so I can get her exam permit. Again, I was looked down as I was getting my promissory note signed. I hope this promissory note would end soon. But as of now, I have no choice, Mama. I have to suffer the humiliation every time I get exam permits for the kids.

Well, that will be all for now Mama. I think I have said quite a mouthful already. I'm sorry for bothering you this much. I hope you will visit me again in my dreams soon. I miss you, Mama. Take care of yourself.

I love you, Mama.


Daddy

Dear Mama,

I can't believe it! I was supposed to sign my contract with my new job tomorrow, but my company is stopping me from leaving and in fact giving me what the other is giving me just so I would stay. I'm surprised, Mama. I never expected it, much more ask for it.

Why would they want me to stay, Mama? Why won't they let me leave? Is it because I'm good? Honestly Mama, I don't think I am. You know that I am not, right Mama? I should be proud, but I can't. I'm overwhelmed.

Now, I don't know what to do, Mama. What decision would be best for the kids? I wish you're here, Mama.


Daddy


P.S. I miss you and I love you.

Dear Mama,

I just told my office that I would be resigning soon, I am just waiting for my contract from another company. I know it's not wise to tell them when I am still not sure, Mama. But I do not want them to be caught by surprise, at least they would know my plans and they can prepare beforehand. Now, I just hope the offer and conditions of the contract from the other company will be favorable to me, Mama.

It's funny that I feel sad again in leaving my present work when I know it would be best for the children once I got transferred to my next job. I just hope I made the right decision, Mama. I'm tired of making erroneous judgment calls, especially ones that affects our kids.

Wish you were, Mama. I wouldn't have made to many wrong decisions. I miss you,

Dear Mama,

Why am I so gullible? Why do I let people run over me? Is it wrong to trust people?

I wish you're here, Mama. I need you.


Daddy

Dear Mama,

I woke up at 2 a.m. and I cannot sleep anymore, it's almost 3 a.m. I'm feeling better now, Mama but I am still bothered by cough and occasional headache.

I don't know if I should be thankful, bothered, worry, or excited. I have an opportunity for another company and I don't know if I should grab it or stay put for a while. I know I should be thankful, Mama. Not everybody at my age will always have opportunities like this come to them. As always, my decision should be what would benefit the kids most. I just wish you are here Mama... at least to hug me and hold my hands.

I miss you, Mama. I love you.


Daddy

Dear Mama,

My whole body aches right now. My back aches, my head aches, my joints ache. I  think I'm having the flu, Mama. I wish you were Mama so you can take care of me.

Visit me tonight, Mama. I need you. Make me well, Mama. I miss you.

I love you, Mama.


Daddy

Dear Mama,

I just got a confirmation of my appointment as the Team Leader after almost a month, unfortunately the effectivity will be on Monday, October 13. It's funny though that I have been assuming the responsibility even before I was confirmed, I thought it will be retroactive. Oh well, I guess it's better late that never.

I hope you're proud of me, Mama.

I love you.

Daddy

Dear Mama,

This morning I was able to secure the finals exam permit of Edgar. I was able to pay his tuition fee balance in full. Of course, that was because I borrowed money with interest like I told you yesterday, Mama. I'm just glad Angel's exam was moved to November, otherwise I really wouldn't know what to do. After Edgar's finals, I know I should be thinking about his enrollment for second semester and also Angel's permit. That I need to do while paying for the loan I got. I'm sorry, Mama. I really have no other option at this time other than to borrow money. I will try my best to be prudent without really sacrificing the kids' welfare, Mama.

Right now, I really wish I can hold your hand and embrace you. I really need you by my side, Mama. I am trying to be strong, but I know things will be easy if you were only here with me. I miss you, Mama. I need you.

I love you.

Daddy

Dear Mama,

I'm sorry, I had to resort to borrowing money with interest again. I really have no other option this time, Mama. I have no one to turn to and Edgar's final examintation will be next week. I only have until tomorrow to pay for his balance in tuition fees. I hope this will not start another trend for me, Mama. I honestly wish that this is just a one-time deal and I won't have to resort to borrowing again to cover up loans. I promise Mama, I will not do it unless there is still something I can do.

I'm really sorry, Mama.


Daddy

Dear Mama,

Angel left me a note this morning, she said she won't go to school today because she's not feeling well. I did not wake her up and just let her sleep. She said she was feeling dizzy yesterday, I hope she will be fine and this absences won't affect her grades.

Edgar did not sleep the whole night. I found him this morning still working on their magazine. I hope he won't get sick, Mama. He's been very busy these past weeks. Ralph, I guess, is fine. He said he is finally decided and will stay in SGV for while. I respect his decision. He will learn a lot there.

I am excited Mama. My second book Plethora is now finished and is now available online. Initially, it will be available through Create Space, but within 5 days it will also be available in Amazon. I am nervous, Mama. Will somebody actually buy my book online? Will they appreciate it? I think I am even more nervous now than I was when I published REFLECTION. Wish me luck, Mama. I need it.

If only you were here, I'm sure you will be proud of me. I miss you, Mama. Please take care of yourself.

I love you.


Daddy

Dear Mama,

Yesterday, Ralph treated us to lunch in SM Clark. I thought he had extra money. When I asked him, he just said because it's payday. I appreciate the gesture, Mama. I wish he would not have to spend much and just use the money on his needs. Anyway, we had a good time yesterday Mama. Nobody got upset or mad for all the teasing that happened with the three kids. I hope it will always be that way, Mama.

I got another situation with Angel, Mama. She said she would like to study in San Fernando because the course he wanted from STI is only offered there. However, she said she doesn't like travelling everyday and she would like to stay there and just rent a studio-type apartment. I hope she knows what she's doing, Mama. I am inclined to give in to her. She needs my trust for her to gain independence. I just hope I'm ready.

As for Edgar, he's still busy in his school activities and projects. I have reason to believe that he is turning out to be a good leader, Mama. He seem to have that take-charge attitude and always want to do things perfectly. I wish all his efforts will be rewarded soon.

In two week's time, it will be his finals, Mama. I hope there's a windfall coming so I can pay for his tuition fees. Anyway, I'm still fighting, Mama. Some good things will come from all of this, especially when I see how Ralph has turned up. Things will get better soon, I guess. Well, that will be all for now, Mama. I wish I can hug you right now. I really could use one. I miss you, Mama. Take care of yourself.

I love you, Mama.


Daddy

Dear Mama,

I have a dilemma. Angel wants me to allow her to go to Manila with her friends and attend a cosplay event. I know things like this will eventually come Mama, but isn't it too early? Can I really allow her? I know in time I should allow her and cut the string, I cannot hold her forever. However, how can I do that now Mama with all the things that is happening? I wish you were here, Mama. I sure need your help now. How I wish I can talk to you. I miss you, Mama.

I love you.


Daddy

Dear Mama,

Yesterday, our baby Angel went to STI to inquire for her college studies. If you remember, she was given a scholarship there when we got featured in TV5. She finally agreed to study there after some years of resistance, Mama. I was glad she initiated that she go there to inquire. The problem is that her course of choice, which is masscom, is not available in Angeles City, it is only available in San Fernando. Although I suggested that she can study in San Fernando if she wants to, but I think she prefers it here in Angeles City.

Her choices are now limited to 3 – BSIT, Business Management, and HRM. She said she puts BSIT, Masscom, and HRM as her choices when she was asked to fill out a form. I suggested though that she is also fit to take up business management because of her strong personality. I think she is considering it too. Our baby is now a big girl, Mama. I’m glad she is already thinking about college. We even had an argument a few weeks ago because she does not want to study here and she want to study overseas. However, she does not have any concrete plan how to do it. I wish she will be more focused this time, Mama.

Next week will be the start of my problems again, Mama. It will be examination time again and for Edgar’s case, promissory notes will no longer be allowed because it will be their finals. For Angel, I have to pay something before I can even have a promissory note approved. Just today, Edgar is again following up on his laptop. I wish I can have windfall to help me with this problem.

I’m sorry, Mama. I should not be bothering you with this. I know I should not be focusing on money problems. We’ve been there before, we made it through. I guess, we’ll make it again this time. I’m sorry again, Mama.

Well, that will be all for now, Mama. Please take care of yourself. I miss you, Mama.

I love you.

Daddy

Dear Mama,

Good morning. It's 8:00 a.m., Edgar and Angel are still sleeping. It's Saturday so they do not need to get up early, Mama. I'm glad the rain has stopped, I hope it stays this way for the rest of the weekend, Mama. Ralph is still in Makati. They do not have work yesterday because you know it easily floods there when there's a heavy rain. I was able to talk to him yesterday and he's doing fine, Mama.

I am not yet sure what will happen to me, Mama. No confirmation yet of my promotion and still no calls from those that I have applied for. My friends have all left and I am the only left in our company. I am not really excited about the promotion, but it's the best I can have right now. Seems like nobody really like me. My friends have all left me. Oh well, what else is new, right?

Anyway, I will try to do some cleaning up today, Mama. I am hoping to get the house Christmas-ready. September is almost over and I still haven't done anything. The house needs serious cleaning. I wish the kids would volunteer to help, or at least minimize their clutters.

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

I love you.


Daddy

Dear Mama,

Edgar did great today! He did not win nor get any place, but he did great nonetheless Mama. He sang his piece beautifully. I'm sure if you were watching earlier, you were smiling from heaven and beaming with pride at our son. He is a revelation, Mama. I always knew he can sing, but I am surprised of the confidence he displayed. He has changed a lot, Mama. I wish he would continue it. He is really challenging himself lately, Mama.

That is all really got to say for now, Mama. I wish you were watching with us this afternoon. I miss you, Mama.

I love you.


Daddy

Dear Mama,

Today, Ralph turns 22. Last night, he treated us to a buffet dinner, Mama. We went out late because we waited for Edgar to come. It was a nice dinner, Mama. We were able to bond and celebrate his birthday. His girlfriend was also with us to celebrate. They will be going back to Makati today. I hope it will stop raining this morning so they can travel safely.

Edgar came from Baguio. He arrived at 7 p.m. yesterday. He brought home a lot of things, Mama. I was surprised because I know they only a small allowance for the conference. I guess they were able to find cheap vendors there.

Angel was upset yesterday. We went to get her report card, she was already expecting failing grades on some subjects but she was upset because of the warning letter she got for her absences. She said all her absences have excuse letters and warning letters are given to those without any letters. She said she'll talk to her adviser on Monday. Later, she became calm and said she'll just do everything to make up on her tests and prove that she does not deserve that letter and those grades. Of course, she took it out on the buffet dinner in the evening, Mama.

Well, I guess that's it for now, Mama. I hope my letters are not bothering. I wish you were with us last night. I miss you, Mama. Take care of yourself.

I love you.


Daddy

Dear Mama,

I submitted my letter of intent this afternoon for the position of the Team Leader. I don't know, Mama. I'm still not sure of my decision. I wish you were here, things like this would be easy if only you're here... if only I could hold hands.

I miss you, Mama.


Daddy

Dear Mama,

Hi! How are you doing, Mama? I hope you're doing okay. Angel just went inside her room to sleep. It's already 10:20 p.m. Haven't heard from the 2 boys this day, one is in Baguio while the other is in Makati.

If you'll ask me, I'm doing okay, Mama. Struggling a little bit, but nonetheless okay. Guess what, Mama? Looks I will be applying for promotion after all. I was not really interested because I have other plans, but the person to whom I gave way to for the position suddenly resigned, and there's nobody left qualified other than me. I guess I will be leading a team again, Mama. I guess that will do good for the meantime. It's inevitable, I guess.

I wish you're here in times like this, Mama. I could really use your voice, your opinion... your encouragement.

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

I love you.


Daddy

Dear Mama,

Edgar is in Baguio right now. He left this noon with his co-Pioneer members. I pray he'll be safe there, Mama. He said there won't be any problems with him being for a few days. They will stay there until Saturday morning, Mama.

Next week will be his singing competition and he has only a few days to prepare. I guess it's not really his priority, Mama. But I'm sure he will still do good during the show next week.

Angel is sleeping now. I will be sleeping after I finish this letter, Mama. I just want to update you on the kids. Take care of yourself, Mama. I miss you.

I love you.


Daddy

Dear Mama,

I am on leave today. I did not work because I needed to go to school to have another promissory note approved. Next week will be Angel's unit test and so I needed to get her permit. Since I do not have the money to pay for the tuition fees, I had to resort to promissory note... again. I think that is how it will be for a long time, or at least until the kids finish their schooling. Oh well, I guess it's a way of life, Mama.

You know what, Mama? While I was in school this morning, I looked at the bulletin board because Angel said Edgar has a picture posted there. True enough, I saw his picture holding a mike alongside pictures of other students from different colleges. Remember I told you he will be joining a singing contest this month? It will be next week, Mama! On the 18th of September to be exact. It will be held at the SM City Clark and Edgar will be representing the college of engineering.

Suddenly, I became nervous for our son, Mama. I know he can do it, he has the talents. But he never took his talents seriously and it will be his first time to join a competition as a solo act. I hope he will enjoy this experience, Mama and grow from it. I'm sure glad he got your singing voice, Mama.

About Ralph, he is interested in working here in Angeles City. I hope he pursues it so that he can stay home and I can look after him. I never asked him to, it's just that most of his officemates have applied in our company and he became curious. I also gave him other options aside from our company, Mama. We will be discussing it when he goes home this weekend, which is his birthday.

As for me, I'm still proofreading my book Plethora. I hope I can finalize it this week so I can already have it processed. It will be nice if I can publish it this week, Mama. It has been long overdue. Pray for me, Mama.

Well, I guess that will be all for now, Mama. Sorry for writing you another long letter. I hope you're doing well. Take care of yourself, Mama. I really miss you.

I love you, Mama.


Daddy

Dear Mama,

I just wish I can hug you right now. Nothing's wrong, Mama. It's just that I feel so down today. I wish you were here. I miss you, Mama.

I love you.


Daddy

Dear Mama,

I just finished my lunch. Today I am alone again at home, Edgar and Angel both went out. I guess this is how it will really be for the days to come. I must accept this role-reversal.

Anyway, I watched Angel again last night Mama. She is really good, she took after you. I'm happy she did. I was able to ask an officemate take a video of her while singing solo, Mama. Unfortunately Mama, yesterday was her last performance. She will not join next week anymore. As I told you in my previous letter, she was having some problem. At least she was able to experience theater play, and a lead role at that.

In two-week's time, it will be Edgar's turn, Mama. He will be joining a singing competition in their school's cultural nights. I hope he performs well. I'm sure he stands a chance, Mama. Ralph will be coming home this evening, Mama. I just don't know what time but I'm sure it will be late night again like what he always does. I just hope he will be safe during his trip.

Well, that will all for now, Mama. I hope you're not getting tired of my letters. Take care of yourself, Mama. I miss you.

I love you.


Daddy

Dear Mama,

Yesterday, I watched our Angel again during her play. She’s really good, Mama. She really got your talents when it comes to theater and performing arts. If only you can see her, you will be really proud of her, Mama.

Unfortunately Mama, she is having some issues. It looks like she’s been having bad experiences dealing with all the people she is working with. I hope she learns from it so that she would know how to handle similar incidences in the future. I am just telling her that what she is going through right now can really be expected when working with different types of people. But she was really upset last night, Mama.

Anyway, Edgar will be competing next month in a singing competition as I have told you in my previous letter. I’m glad he is finally putting his talent out for others to see. That means he is already gaining self-confidence, Mama. Actually, Angel said that he seems to be a different person once they are in school. Angel describes him as someone who is really confident and in control. I guess it is all because of his exposures lately working with a lot of people.

Ralph, as I’ve told you, is already his own man already. I think he can take care of himself now. His independence has done him good. I just hope he will learn to avoid bad influences there.

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

I love you.

Daddy

Dear Mama,

We were able to watch Angel's play last night, Edgar and I, and I am very proud of our Angel. She was very good throughout the play, Mama. She even had a solo song number.The play was great, Mama. I enjoyed the play. Angel really got your genes, Mama. I'm sure she got her talent from you. Tomorrow, I will watch her again, Mama.

Edgar will also have his moment, Mama. I just learned that he will be performing in SM Clark sometime in September. I just learned about it from Angel. Edgar is not telling me about it. It's actually a competition, Mama and Edgar is one of the contestants. He will be singing solo. I hope I will be able to watch it.

Ralph, of course, as you know is busy in Makati. He is so engrossed in his work, I think. But whatever the reason is, it's okay as long as he is enjoying himself. I'm sure he is just overwhelmed by his independence right now. I'm pretty sure he is learning a lot, Mama.

As for me, I will be publishing my second book Plethora soon, Mama. I hope it will be within the first 2 weeks of September. I just need to finish proofreading my manuscript. I've already done some proofreading but it seems I never get all the faults completely because every time I made a run through, I always find something new. Unfortunately, I have no money to pay for proofreaders. Anyway, I just hope that I will find everything before I get tired on reading and decide to proceed with the publication.

Well, I guess that will be all for now, Mama. I hope my letters do not bore you. Take care of yourself. I miss you, Mama.

I love you.


Daddy

Dear Mama,

Today is the first day of Angel's first theater play, and today she will play the lead character. It will be this evening, Mama although she left early to help in the preparation and they might have another practice run today. I will be watching her tonight, Mama. I'm sure you will too. I will be watching with Edgar, Ralph will not be able to watch because he left early today for Makati. It's unfortunate that his work will not give him time to watch our Angel, but he is still supporting her, Mama.

Yesterday was Ima's birthday. The kids were able to visit her, she was in Sapang Maisac, Mama. Ralph said she looks better and was able to move faster than before. I guess the fresh air in Sapang Maisac is doing her good, Mama.

Lots of things are coming up, Mama. Some are good, some are bad. I'm trying my best not to give up. Don't worry, Mama, I will not. I made a promise to you, remember? I intend to keep that promise.

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

I love you.


Daddy

Dear Mama,

Hi! It's Saturday and I'm all alone again. The kids have really grown up, Mama. They all have a world of their own and I can't stop them from growing, and of course I will not, Mama. I guess I really should get used to it, although it will take a while.

Everything's fine, Mama. I just wanted to say hi to you.  I hope you're doing well yourself. I miss you, Mama. Take care of yourself.

I love you, Mama.


Daddy

Dear Mama,

Hi! How are you, Mama? I really do not have anything to say, Mama. I just want to say hi and talk to you about... anything. I don't know. I just wanted to talk to you, Mama. I'm good, I'm fine. I'm okay, Mama. Never better. Really, I just want to say hello.

I wish I can hug you right now, Mama.

I miss you.

I love you, Mama.


Daddy

Dear Mama,

I did not go to work today. Angel was also absent from school. I took her to the doctor this morning, Mama. We went to a dermatologist. Her skin asthma is getting worse, Mama. She woke me up at past 3 a.m. and she was crying. She said she cannot sleep and she was trying to scratch her neck, I held her hands to stop her from doing that, Mama.

At the doctor, she was given medicine, soap and moisturizing lotion. She was also advised what to do for her condition to be better, Mama. I hope that this time her skin will really heal. I am not feeling well myself, Mama. I don't know, maybe because of the weather or from too much thinking from another rejection I went through. But don't worry, Mama. I will not let you down. I will make sure that our children will not be affected by whatever I am going through.

Well, that will be all for now, Mama. Help me make Angel better please. Take care of yourself, Mama. I miss you.

I love you.


Daddy

Dear Mama,

Hi. It’s been a while, I know I promised not to disturb you anymore but as you can see, there is really no one I can turn to right now. Nothing’s wrong, Mama. Don’t you worry, everything’s fine. I just needed someone to talk to.

The kids are I are doing fine, Mama. Ralph is enjoying his stay in Makati, he rarely goes home these days. Edgar is also very busy with his position as an associate editor in their school, and Angel is getting a boost in her new career as a stage play actress. Kids are busy these days, Mama. They’re all doing fine, don’t worry about them.

I am doing okay too, Mama. Still single, I guess that is how it will be until we get to meet again. I really hope that would happen soon. I really do not have much to say, Mama. I just want to say hi and I miss you. I hope it’s okay if I will start writing you letters again. I miss you, Mama. I really do.

I love you, Mama.

Daddy

Dear Mama,

I'm sorry, I know I said I will not bother you anymore. But I just need someone to talk to right now and there's just nobody here. I've been wanting to write you a letter since the day after I said I won't write anymore but I was just controlling myself. Unfortunately, I was not able to control myself now.

I'm tired, Mama. I'm tired of being rejected, I'm tired of my failures, I'm tired of being turned down, I'm tired of being alone. I wish I can be with you right now, Mama. I want to give up, Mama.

I need you... and I miss you.

I love you, Mama.

Daddy