family
COMPLICATED YET HAPPY
September 5, 2009.. My mom and I took the first flight to Legaspi,Albay. I was full of Excitement. It was my first time in the place as the plane was navigating for its landing, I saw the fishes in the Pacific Ocean and saw the whole of Mayon Volcano I just can’t help but be awed by the wonderful sights.
We stayed in a hotel “new haus” in Daraga, Albay after resting we started the tour, we went to the church “Nuestra Soemthing” (soooorrrry forgot the name) and we ate at Jolibee. We went to the public market to buy pasalubongs and stuff but before that we went to my to my Tito Enteng to surprise him it was a tear jerking moment because he wanted to cry when he saw my mom again after 20 years. Then we went to Tita Paya’s place she toured us around Bicol, I saw a lot of nice places, views and met a lot of people. That night I also met Tita Butch, Tita Ayong and Tito Cho and my grandfather’s oldest sister lola Fuen. There were a lot of wonderful stories and I really can’t help but be thankful that they have accepted and love my mom even after what happened. I felt happy for my mom, this is the last missing puzzle she needs to feel complete. My mom’s siblings gave me so much reasons to be thankful to God, they made me realize how beautiful life is and how lucky I am for having a mom like her. Tita Paya is very caring, Tita Butch is very welcoming, Tita Ayong is very sweet, Tito Cho is quiet but I have learned he is very hardworking and Tito Enteng is very funny and sweet :) my aunts and uncles in the States, Tita Pinky, Tita Bambi, Tito Chito and Tito Benjie have also welcomed us to the family with open arms. Now I know why my mom has to sleep during the afternoons, why she is so congenial, why she loves mayonnaise, potatoes , pancit and nachos or why she flares up so easily. September 5, 2009 is one of the most memorable experiences for me. After 20 years I have met my Quintano Family, like what lolo tony said “isa akong Quintano”.
I just hope that when I go home to Bicol, I’ll be with my Tita Jhen, she needs some answers and I am sure she will feel the same emotions we had when she comes and visit.
Bicol felt like home, it was an enchanting experience. I have met wonderful people who have shown me what acceptance and love is all about.
