The first time I met my would-be mother-in-law was in their house in Gapan in mid-1993 when her daughter and I were already an item for more than six months. I was in my most polished self complete with a bouquet of flowers. "Ano ka ba ni Marlen," she queried right off even before i could wish her a good afternoon. "Kaibigan po," I lied ashen-faced. We never had a single misunderstanding ever. According to rumors she said I was the best son-in-law she ever had, the rest were just outlaws. Boy, I miss the grand lady.
Last Sunday, July 8, was my mother-in-law's third death anniversary. Reminding us the living of a departed loved one's day of death is customarily observed annually by most Christians (here in the Philippines, at least). Call it love and respect beyond the grave. Love, like hope springs eternal. Lovely.
As usual, we congregated at Ditseng Lita's place in Mahipon, Gapan City (Ditseng Lita is I-nang's youngest sister. Why we call Mother-In-Law I-nang was because my daughter Sem called her that way). I always look forward to going to Mahipon. It still has that ideal and idyllic remoteness that I long for as a respite to my stressful city living.
We had lots of food and pleasantries (Ate Ellen reduced the caldereta into gravy while Ditseng Lita's son-in-law Sonny reinvented the minatamis na kundol). Ditseng Lucy and her hubby Kuyang Peter came, of course. So did Kuyang Cezar, the venerable big brother. Sundry blood relatives to the nth degree were also there. My low-end digicam was catching its breath in capturing the moments. (Click my Flickr badge somewhere in this page for the pics. A silent movie is also a click away below).
Later in the day we paid I-nang a visit. We lit a candle on her grave. The kids marauded the cemetery bougainvilleas for flowers. We said silent prayers. Over at Discovery Channel a special feature was being prepared. It was about Hatshepsut, the grandest queen Egypt ever had. Long gone but still revered.
Last Sunday, July 8, was my mother-in-law's third death anniversary. Reminding us the living of a departed loved one's day of death is customarily observed annually by most Christians (here in the Philippines, at least). Call it love and respect beyond the grave. Love, like hope springs eternal. Lovely.
As usual, we congregated at Ditseng Lita's place in Mahipon, Gapan City (Ditseng Lita is I-nang's youngest sister. Why we call Mother-In-Law I-nang was because my daughter Sem called her that way). I always look forward to going to Mahipon. It still has that ideal and idyllic remoteness that I long for as a respite to my stressful city living.
We had lots of food and pleasantries (Ate Ellen reduced the caldereta into gravy while Ditseng Lita's son-in-law Sonny reinvented the minatamis na kundol). Ditseng Lucy and her hubby Kuyang Peter came, of course. So did Kuyang Cezar, the venerable big brother. Sundry blood relatives to the nth degree were also there. My low-end digicam was catching its breath in capturing the moments. (Click my Flickr badge somewhere in this page for the pics. A silent movie is also a click away below).
Later in the day we paid I-nang a visit. We lit a candle on her grave. The kids marauded the cemetery bougainvilleas for flowers. We said silent prayers. Over at Discovery Channel a special feature was being prepared. It was about Hatshepsut, the grandest queen Egypt ever had. Long gone but still revered.
Carmelita Maniquis Sta. Maria
dressmaker extraordinaire
1936 - 2004
dressmaker extraordinaire
1936 - 2004
