My Sister's Wedding

I went home to my place in Iloilo City last September 12 to 14 to attend my younger sister's wedding. I had to be there as I was the matron of honor and I didn't want to miss a very important occasion for our family. I brought along my two kids who were just as excited as I am to see their Tita and Lola Beck once again. A big part of my baggage were the giveaways which I was assigned to buy in Davao City. Unfortunately, my husband could not make it as he is working overseas.

The wedding was a much-awaited one as my sister, Tina, is already in her late 30's. It was really meant to be. Tina and her husband, Boboy, are both mature people who have found love, I must say, at just about the right time. Both have enjoyed their singlehood to the fullest and are now prepared to settle down as a couple.

My Nanay had been praying for a partner for Tina. I guess all mothers want their children to settle down and have kids of their own. And God has blessed my sister because of all the good deeds she has done all these years. She has been well rewarded both in her professional career as a banker and now, in her personal life. And we are all so happy that she has found a man to call her own.

The ceremony was on a Saturday afternoon and we flew from Davao early that morning. It felt great to be home again after more than a year. I think I haven't mentioned before that I'm a true blue Ilongga who grew up in the City of Iloilo so I always look forward to every chance that I can go home and visit my mother, relatives and friends.

Weddings are always an opportunity to get together with family and friends. And what made the event special was three close relatives -- one from Manila and two from the U.S. came just to be with us. Our second cousin Fr. Nestie Gungon (from Manila) officiated the wedding ceremony while Tita Tess and Kuya Romy (from California) were the primary sponsors.

Our three days flew so fast but it was worth the trip. What matters is my kids and I were able to share my sister's very special moment. Congratulations and best wishes again, Tina and Boboy and may God bless you with a happy life and kids of your own.

Encourage Musically-inclined Children

Music will always be part of life. Without it, life just isn't complete. As babies, we've been exposed to music when our mothers would sing to us lullabies or play music to put us to sleep. However, not every child develops an ear for music when they grow old.

As a mother, one would know whether her child is musically-inclined. A child normally shows signs that he or she is really into music. You would know by the way she hums or sings some lines of songs she's heard of or would nod her head when she hears music.

One sign that showed me my four-year-old daughter, Charlotte, appreciates music because of the serious attention she gives me whenever I sing some lines from my favorite songs in front of her. She would observe closely my mouth and then would imitate how I sing afterwards. In fact, she can memorize the lively tunes she hears from TV commercials as well as the theme songs of the teleseryes on primetime TV.

I'm amazed that my child appreciates not just slow music but even the upbeat tunes. The truth is, she's good at dancing, too. Sometimes I would catch her pretending to sing and dance while playing alone and I would just silently admire her because once she catches me looking at her, she'd stop.

As parents, we need to encourage our children to develop their musical talents. It's God-given and they should learn to develop it when they can. Parental support plays a vital role here. I love singing and dancing, too, and when I have the time to do that, I encourage my daughter to do it with me. In this way, you're not only bonding with your child but teaching her to continue her love for music.