My dearest Ate Tonette,
As you turn 50 this year of 2020, allow me to share 50 things that make you truly a golden girl with a pure gold heart:
- For remembering my birthday with no need for my deactivated Facebook account to remind you.You were one of the handful who greeted me.
- For letting me be a part of your daughters' lives and be their Tita Mitch.
- For your trust in letting Micah stay with us here at home on her SoCal visits.
- For sharing me your joy and pride with the girls' achievements.
- For being my go -to person for my wants and needs in Philippines.
- For the adobong mani, sunflower oil, Chippy and pastillas.
- For coordinating with Rowell regarding my gown pegs.
- For helping me in haggling with Rowell.Lol!!
- For going back and forth to Holy Angel University for my Master's credentials.
- For being happy for me with my own tiny dreams that come true.
- For making Mamang special.
- For helping with the arrangements during her death.
- For choosing my black dresses for her memorial and burial service.
- For the throwback stories about Mamang. It means so much to even just to hear her name mentioned every now and then.
- For calling me Danda.
- For texting me randomly.
- For all our artista and celebrity hunting. Remember ASAP and PBA?:)
- For being one of my constant cheerleaders.
- For crying with me in times that it's just too much to bear.
- For laughing with me.
- For not questioning me why I am not married yet.
- For the spur of the moment joyrides no matter the weather and time.
- For picking me up at the airport despite the Manila traffic.
- For laughing at my corny jokes.
- For being one of the few constant and consistent friends I have.
- For being a sister to me.
- For being a prayer warrior.
- For keeping me informed with the latest tidbits about JLC and Bea and Ate Kris.
- For the bukid as backdrop to our parties.
- For always making time for me.
- For exhausting your efforts to find Koyang Miller's bracelet and purse.
- For the humility you possess. May it radiate on me kahit 1% lang.Haha!
- For lighting candles for our family at Carmelite Chapel.
- For replying to my queries and texts.
- For "loving" my posts and stories.
- For sending me videos of the group's karaoke and Soju sessions so that I may be part of it.
- For all the mass and prayer intentions you offered on my behalf.
- For supporting me with my "dress up" themes.
- For finding my craziness cute and funny.
- For sharing with me the latest chikas there in PH.
- For letting me be a part of your generous family and be Lola's BFF.
- For the countless home drop-offs after our Villa tambay.
- For your humongous generosity in all aspects.
- For sharing with me your dreams and "agam-agam" as well.
- For patiently listening to my stories and vents.
- For showing me with your ways how to be a daughter of God.
- For your deep devotion and veneration to Sta. Ana and Mama Mary.
- For loving me with pure intentions.
- For loving the whole family and caring for us.
- For being YOU!!!
Seriously, I pray to God that He may always provide you and the whole family with good health in mind, body and spirit. May you indulge in "me time" once in a while. You are one of the Superwomen in my life with your strength, courage, deep faith in the Lord and simplicity.
Cheers to 50!!!!! Blow your candles. Many happy and wonderful returns!! I love you, Ate!!!!
Love love,
DANDA
Antonette. Friend. Sister.
