My song was a finalist!

Dear Mama,

    Remember the local songwriting contest I mentioned in a previous letter? My song was chosen as one of the finalists, Mama! Isn't that great?!

    I was surprised yesterday when I received the email late in the afternoon. After doing the laundry, I checked my phone and saw the notification which read, "Dear Finalists" and I felt goosebumps. I couldn't believe it, Mama. I don't know how many have joined the songwriting contest, but when I checked the other 3 finalists, they are all from Metro Manila. I thought the contest was just for Pampanga. 

   It's the first time for me, Mama, for my song to be recognized. I will be attending the awarding ceremony on Monday, January 23, for the all the finalists and the winner. I will be bringing Angel along.

    Are you proud of me, Mama? I wish you were here. I wish you're proud of me.

    I love you, Mama. I miss you.

                                                                                                Daddy

Post Angel's birthday updates

Dear Mama,

    As I've said in my last letter, we celebrated Angel's birthday at last Monday at home. She wanted a charcuterie party, and Edgar willingly prepared it for her, Mama. I was surprised because I thought I won't feel full since it seemed to be just cocktail foods, but we weren't almost able to finish it because we were already full. We also had wine, again upon Angel's request. Of course, I bought her birthday cake so we can sing happy birthday for her, Mama. 

    After dinner, we watched a movie on Disney channel, Ralph's latest subscription. Unfortunately, Angel fell asleep at the early part of the movie. We felt it was because of the wine, which was quite strong. And that was how we celebrated Angel's birthday, Mama. Hopefully next year, or perhaps anytime this year, I will be able to grant her wish, that is a staycation in a hotel. Even just for an overnight stay. 

    Remember I told you also in my last letter that I hope Angel would stay longer in her work, Mama? Unfortunately, it did not happen. She went back to work after her birthday, only to tell me the day after that she resigned already and will no longer be working. I was no longer surprised, but I felt sad for her. I wish I could have guided her well. Was I a failure as a father, Mama?

    The construction on the grill house beside us is almost finish, Mama. That means, as I have learned from them, there will be live bands, and it will be loud again here during the evening. I'm having anxiety just thinking about it, Mama. There's nothing I can do, they were allowed because they had permits and everything.

    That will be all for now, Mama. I wish I can hug you right now, because I really need it.

    I miss you, Mama. I love you.

                                                                                                    Daddy

Angel turns 25

Dear Mama,

    I can't believe our baby is turning 25 tomorrow. She's now a grown up, Mama. She's been doing her best to act more mature. There's still a lot to work on, but she definitely has gone far from where she was before. She seems to be enjoying her job so far, Mama. I hope she stays for at least 2 years so she will develop herself more. 

    She will be on leave tomorrow, though, since it's her birthday. Ralph and Edgar are also on leave for her. Unfortunately for me, I have to work tomorrow. It will be our first day of work for the year, and since our holiday break last year, Mama. I can't be absent since I hold the office key.

    I still don't have any gift for Angel, Mama. I don't know what to give her. I've been wracking my brains, trying to think of a gift for her, but I can't think of anything. I was planning of booking her a hotel room for an overnight stay, but the promo was over and I do not have enough money. It might just be a belated birthday gift, Mama. I hope it will be okay.

    That will be all for now, Mama. We will be celebrating Angel's birthday just at home tomorrow. How I wish we're still together celebrating Angel's special day.

    I miss you, Mama.

    I love you.

                                                                                        Daddy