Being The Eldest of Four

From left to right - DL, Mommy, Daddy, Malu, Mahlen, ME and Kiko

Filipino families are known to be
closely-knitted
With a father, working hard for the money
a mother, keeping the home
 a shelter of harmony
and the children, burning eyebrows
to get a degree..


Typical and basic as it is...
I came from an environment with
humble beginnings.
A product of early marriage... the firstborn
and the eldest of four
was raised by a couple who
struggled, lived and survived the
difficulties of life.

A KNOCK at my Door

Memories of yesterday 

seem only a dream

A reverie of my heart's cherished desires

Countless moments are long forgotten

and only a handful 

has etched deeply...

eternally into my soul.

It was a continuous struggle

to find my life's missing piece.

But an unforgettable 

knock at the door

finally opened my

FUTURE.

The GREAT Providers

Kiko and Papa Ariel

The 

PILLARS

KINGS 

of our domestic throne.

Dreams reign in their hearts

Aiming to offer 

GOLD 

and

never second hand.

HOME 

is the castle

they unselfishly protect

Nobody can trespass

The gates are locked up

with their fists like steel.

Warriors in the battlefield

Blood, sweat and tears

they hurdled... to serve the

abundance on the table.

The best that tomorrow may bring.

NANAY - The MOTHER Who Started It All

JOINED ME in this journey was...

ANASTACIA O. ACIERTO
- Nanay Tacing, as we called her, a native of Bicol and was born April 15, 1928. She faced the challenge of married life at a young age of 14 to ARMANDO ACIERTO and had blessed with 6 children, two older boys; Dante and Danilo (both deceased) and four girls: Lourdes, Teresita, Aida and Gloria, who are now living her legacy as devoted, loving and hard-working mothers...

"Being a mother is the noblest profession but the hardest of all."

Nanay Tacing with Tatay Narding and their 4 daughters

She was our beloved Nanay who dedicated her whole life in guiding not only her children but her children's children. I am her eldest "apo" (granddaughter) with her eldest daughter, Lourdes (my mother) and when I gave birth to my firstborn she was there to assist my mom in taking care of my little Aya when she was barely one. I could hardly find a nanny but she's there to take the place. My daughter is fortunate enough to feel her warm embrace.

I remember when my cousins and I were still young, we used to visit her house every Sunday. It's always bonding time... We would play all day and just hang out and had fun. She cooked for us and during occasions like Christmas and New Year, we gathered together for simple celebrations. We really developed such closeness that gets stronger through the years.

October 26, 2009... was the day Nanay Tacing left us to join her Creator but her memories will linger in our hearts for the rest of our lives. She may not be with us physically but her spirit will still guide us in this journey through life.

Her four daughters LOURDES, TERESITA, AIDA and GLORIA will remain committed in pursuing what she had started...

From left: Aida, Lourdes, Teresita and Gloria

See how our family is bonded with love deeply rooted from our NANAY TACING... the MOTHER who started it all.

I made this video last 2011 and now, I wish to share this with you on MOTHER'S DAY. I believe that every mother has a selfless heart to sacrifice for the welfare of her children.

HAPPY MOTHER"S DAY 

to Nanay Tacing
 Mommy Lourdes (my mother)
Mommy Marina (my mother-in-law)
and to all the mothers out there!

ILAW ng Tahanan

Nagsimula ang lahat 

sa kanyang sinapupunan

Ang binhi'y inaruga sa loob 

ng siyam na buwan

Unang sulyap sa liwanag

ng sanggol na iniluwal

Pag-asa ng buhay

para sa 

ANAK

 nyang mahal.

Paggising sa umaga

paslit na ang kanyang gagap

upang malusog na gatas nya

ay maipalasap.

Habang lumalaki, 

siya pa rin ang hanap-hanap

Mainit nyang pagmamahal

at mahigpit nyang yakap.

Up Close and Personal

Fishes, up close and personal

This isn't under the sea

nor under the vast ocean deep

A huge tank that resembles their

natural habitat.

They seem to enjoy it
They seem to be happy
Maybe, they have
another mission... a role other than
being aquatic organisms.

A purpose that should be achieved.
To offer their beauty
within reach
To share their uniqueness
and be appreciated