lettersthatspelllife-blog - Tumblr blog

lettersthatspelllife-blog · 11 years

Text

A letter to the wonderful girl I raised

For Monina Llagas who is going to attend Days with the Lord

Sept. 27, 2013 College Of Saint Benilde

Dearest Monina,

We have gone a long way my dear girl, 18 years! Where did all that time go? What a crazy fun ride it's been! Firstly, I want to thank God for giving me the fulfillment of seeing you grow up to be a fine girl. I am truly proud of you! You have only begun, there’s more of life coming and as life gets more and more challenging, I want to impart some lessons I have learned through my own life that you might need to make it through your own journey:

The hardest truth is life is not easy. Why? Because it's just that way! NOTHING WORTH LIVING FOR COMES EASY - school, friendships, relationships, family, adulthood, everything. You will surely experience a lot of hurt, disappointment, and frustration. There will be pressure, stress and depression. BUT do not ever despair. The challenges of life are God's way of making you stronger and better at everything. You will fail and experience rejection from the world a number of times but each time is just a step towards success. Take each pain and ask God, "What do you want me to do with this broken heart?" Offer each failure to heaven and say, "tell me what I need to learn from this and help me get on my feet again". My dear, there is always a way to find your peace and joy by sticking to GOD - your guide, your provider, your healer, your ultimate lover, your only real friend, and your loving father.

Do you long to become great? or the best at what you want to do? Then seek your CALLING passionately. You have big dreams? By all means go for them! Passionately! BUT not merely to enrich yourself or become famous but to do what you are purposed to do in this world. Ask God to lead you to your calling - how you can help heal humanity or make the world become a better place. Your calling is GOD's purpose for you to be useful to him and to others. You are here for that purpose alone, nothing else. Believe me, working on your calling is what will make you most fulfilled. Seek it. Work on it. Focus on it. Die for it. Be a great human being.

In your quest for greatness or significance, make sure you are always dedicated to the TRUTH. Authenticity is the key to your peace of mind. If you stick to the truth and to being your true self all the time, no one can put you to shame, neither judgment nor mockery can ever tarnish your name. What is the truth? You will find out, more and more as you journey on.

Here is one certain truth, MONEY IS NOT THE ANSWER; it is not what will give you happiness or fulfillment. It is merely a facilitator of our worldly life, it helps us survive, yes, but we can survive with very little of it. Trust me. If you are blessed with a lot of it, wonderful! Thank God! Then, bless others as well! You should never ever keep material things to yourself; God LENDS it to you so you can be a channel to bless others. Be wisely generous. Let it flow.

As you go your way, remember to LIVE FULLY. There will be lots of worldly commitments that may come your way - jobs, relationships, kids, missions etc. which may limit you from relaxing and taking stock of your own life. You must, as a favor to yourself, make sure that no matter what circumstance you are in, Be joyful and LIVE LIFE FULLY, because this is God's will for you - Work hard! BUT Spend some quiet time everyday between you and God, reserve Sundays for relaxation and bonding with your loved ones, reach out to friends and make sure to engage in authentic relationships, laugh a lot, cry generously, listen with your heart, and keep that beautiful smile on your face. Most of all Travel, Only through travel will you be able to get a clearer view of God's bigger picture of humanity.

Most importantly, have FAITH in God and in the talents he has given you, trust in him all the time! HOPE in God's promises of provision and healing, and LOVE!!! LOVE!!! LOVE!!! Love GOD with all your heart and LOVE OTHERS as you LOVE YOURSELF. If you always do things with LOVE, you will be able to find lots of joy to balance with the sorrows that come as part of life.

I am confident you will do well in life Monina. Keep on going no matter how hard life gets and never ever give up on your dreams. Defeat is only for those who choose to quit. You are not a quitter. You shouldn't be, I raised you! I share this to you from a blog I read today while writing this letter: “Dreams have no expiry dates. Time has no holiday so don't waste a single moment of your life. Live it. Dream it. Do it. And thank God for it!”

Finally, always remember when I say your generation's famous expression, "WHATEVAH" and make a W with my fingers that actually means, "Whatever happens, I love you and accept you for who you are."

Always and forever I am your ever loving,

Tito Cholo

0 notes

lettersthatspelllife-blog · 12 years

Text

A daughter's letter to her inspiration

As a tribute to a great lady whose spirit and strength inspired us, here is a letter my sister, Amy wrote to our Mom as we bade her farewell.

Dearest Mama,

A woman of purpose, of silent strength and quiet dignity. That's how we will always remember you.

From my earliest memories as a three year old when you bade me goodbye because the pursuit of higher learning beckoned. You crossed the oceans and sailed to Spain to obtain your doctorate. Indeed,Mama,you were a woman of purpose and a woman much ahead of your time.

I remember you upon your return,How you stood tall and elegant in your suit, walked towards me, took my hand and said "Do you know me? I'm your mother."

You came home with stories about far away lands, and that's how I learned how big the world was, and how exciting discovery of foreign lands and foreign cultures could be.

You also came home with a spanish guitar and I will never forget how, during many twilight afternoons,you serenaded Victor, Gina and myself with your spanish songs.

And Mama,I will never forget your strength.Through life's twists and turns,you always stood firm. You were always determined to weather any storm , always single-minded about providing for your children, if nothing else, the best possible education and a strong pride in our families and our heritage. You instilled these values so deeply,telling us that, even if everything were stripped bare,we could always stand with our heads high because we were Hidalgos, and we were Laurels, two families with illustrious pasts and great achievements.

I will never forget how when in my teens, and it seemed more fun to be with friends than the sunday family reunion at Mandaluyong, You insisted that family always came first and that if we didn't learn it early enough,We'd learn it later, but painfully, in life.

You loved life. You loved a good glass of red wine, good food, family traditions, and fond memories. You made us experience those joys in the simplest of ways: like strolling with me just to smell the pines in Baguio. Or urging me to swim farther out in the ocean at Lolo Augusto's isla, because you said there was nothing to fear."Whatever you set your mind to do,you can do."

In your later years, your thirst for discovery never ceased , and you remained a trooper, still urging me to see more of Europe as we hopped on trains to visit Italy, Spain, and France. You always pointed to the simplest of beauties: The azure Mediterranean, the flowers in a park in France, or the magnificence of David in Italy.

And when life tossed its greatest challenges at you, you were a woman of silent strength. You were strong even during your ultimate test---When your first born son Victor--was taken away at a tender age of 21 years. You stood there deeply feeling your sorrow, But always in silent strength and quiet dignity.

I also know how you accepted with silent strength,our years of separation--The result of historical circumstances none of us could control. But through all your children's indiscretions, Mama, you never failed to say to us: " I trust you and will always be proud of you."

You tried to narrow the distance, however, even with precious little resources, you went to visit and spend time with me, Paolo and Niki in New York, Gina and Matisse in Los Angeles,And I will not forget how much love you showered them during your last visit. It's no wonder that Matisse, upon learning of your passing away, didn't cry. He wailed in painful sorrow. But Paolo cried and said He wanted to make the long journey to say goodbye to you. He remembers your smile, your hugs, the way you always wanted to kiss and smell his hair. Matisse remembers your walks in the parks of Los Angeles. Niki --who I am so happy I named after you--Lilia Nicole--remembers how you read stories to her at bedtime.

Mama,we will miss you very much. We will miss your paella, embotido, and potato salad. But we found your well-guarded recipes and we can attempt to make them again.

But maybe it was time to send you to three other people who also dearly loved you: Papa,Victor and Danny. Enjoy your eternal peace and happiness with them, in a place that is much better than the ground we all stand on. Papa,Victor and Danny, take Mama into your embrace and everlasting happiness.

Mama, we will remember all the values you taught us and will dedicate our lives to raising our children as you would have wanted--to grow as persons of purpose, silent strength, and quiet dignity. We are all here, Mama,to honor your life. I am here for Gina too--Your eldest daughter--who loved you so dearly though she could not be here. I am also here for your beloved sons, Rico and Cholo, Becky, and your darling Nikka, who all had the honor of easing your passage from this life to life everlasting.

Farewell Mama. All that we are today we owe you. We will always honor your memory and legacy. We will always love you. Guide us, protect us and our children from above,as you always did thru your 75 years on this earth.

Love,

Your loving daughter Amy

*Our Mother, Lilia Hidalgo Laurel was called home at age 75. Shortly after, Amy, my sister died of cancer in her 50's. Their great journey together continues.

Amy and our Mom, circa 1986, post-EDSA revolution when Amy finally came home to the Philippines after being in exile during the 20-year Marcos regime for being one of the most radical anti-Marcos activists in the first quarter storm.

*incidentally, these portraits were taken by the famous photographer/director Ricky Villabona.

#amy laurel #amy hidalgo laurel #lilia hidalgo laurel #journey #letters #travel

0 notes

lettersthatspelllife-blog · 12 years

Photo

VICTOR was my eldest brother. I hardly knew him and the most marked memory I have of those times was of an afternoon, when I suddenly heard my mother sorrowfully wailing in her room. It was a deep guttural cry that I will never forget. I ran to see what it was about. I dont even remember who it was who explained that Mom had just received a telegram that VICTOR died in a vehicular accident in Palawan. He was 21 when he died.

My older siblings say that VICTOR's death had changed the course of our family life. How? I still dont know. I have no idea what my family was like before that. I just know it was a tragic accident that sliced deeply through my parent's hearts, a wound that may have never healed till their death. I dont know.

So in trying to understand the anatomy of our family, years after, I started reading VICTOR's letters, essays, and poems which my mom had lovingly kept in an album. I still did not get a clear picture but what struck me was the realization that my late brother was a brilliant young man way ahead of his time.

Brilliance is never meant to be kept in a box. Hence, serendipitously, this blog. Here I share most correspondences I have kept dearly in my life and I highlight the writings of my bother VICTOR, a great writer and a wonderful human being.

*Victor is the cool guy in checks. I'm the dork in an Ateneo gala uniform :)

* The attached page comes from his notebook which did not seem to be a journal but merely random ramblings. As seen, this was written 2 years before his sudden death.

#victor laurel #Letters

1 note · View note

lettersthatspelllife-blog · 12 years

Text

A memorandum of agreement between a lolo and his apo.

* In 1962, my eldest brother VICTOR MANUEL HIDALGO LAUREL was sent to live with our grandparents Dan and Panini Laurel in the sleepy province of Boac, Marinduque for a few years. I have yet to find out why he was sent there. Why was he sent to study in a provincial high school while the rest of us were studying in Ateneo de Manila?

From this "document", I can sense that it was some form of disciplinary action.

The photo above is of my brother alone and writing in our grandparent's living room during those times. The "document" below is a signed agreement between our Lolo and him.

#victor laurel #letters #hidalgo-laurel family

0 notes

lettersthatspelllife-blog · 12 years

Quote

God takes care and never abandons those who seek his aid and direction. This I have learned and confirmed from experience.

Lilia Hidalgo Laurel to Cholo Laurel in 1995

#lilia laurel #1995 #cholo laurel #letters

0 notes

lettersthatspelllife-blog · 12 years

Text

This rambling letter

*NYU film school, 1995, I was bunking in with friends in midtown manhattan, spent weekends at my sister Amy's home in bronxville and my Mom had just gone back to Manila after a major knee operation. She was in her 70's, I was starting my life as a filmmaker when she wrote me this...

October 1995

Dear Cholo,

I received your letter a few days ago, and enjoyed every line of it. I thank the Lord for all the graces he has showered, and is showering on you. You are truly blessed by him, and I know you will correspond by pleasing Him in all your actions. I hope and pray that with his guidance, you will make good in all your projects and come home with flying colors to start a more rewarding and peaceful life.

It was a real delight to hear your voices on the phone. Thanks for giving me a real treat and thanks to Cleo for making me laugh a lot. She is such a dear and I can't forget how kind she was to me. (Cleo was my pamangkin's Jamaican nanny). What a pity that Nikki was sleeping at that time. I would have loved to hear her talk. Next time please try to catch me when she is there. (nikki is my youngest pamangkin).

I am very happy to hear that you and Amy are getting along fine, and that she and the kids go with you to church. Thank the Lord and let us pray that she may find comfort and wisdom in his presence. (Amy was my elder sister) God takes care and never abandons those who seek his aid and direction. This I have learned and confirmed from experience. Tell her I also include her in my prayers for peace and tranquility.

I am glad to hear from you how kind and decent your roommates are (even if my sister amy had a house in the suburbs, i stayed in the city. I, however, had to constantly reassure my mom that my roommates were decent) and how you are enjoying your present surroundings and that your health has improved. I praise the Lord. Be specially careful during the coming cold months.

You are lucky indeed because you have the educational, cultural, and health centers so easily available and yet be able to visit Amy within a short train ride.

As for me, I am stronger now and my knees give me no problem at all. I do my morning exercises and take a 20-30 min. walk 4x a week.

But my weight has hardly gone up. I plan to see the doctor abt. this. I eat a lot and yet…Anyway maybe it's better for my knees. Just the same, i'll see a doctor about my weight.

I have called my friends from Ateneo English and History Dept. and told them i'm available for tutoring and translation classes have started today. I hope i shall get favorable results. Do pray for me on this. (in her 70's and just unstoppable).

Tito Ton and Lita left last week for Madrid for Laura's wedding. I am so excited about it, and so is everybody here. The newly weds and their parents will then come to Manila to visit the in-laws.

Mrs. Montano and I talked on the phone recently. (mrs. montano is the mother of DJ my then boyfriend whom I had split up with in order to focus on film school, so you can guess how "uh-oh" I'm getting at this point!) We had a lovely conversation. She is indeed a nice and charming person. Invited me for dinner sometime soon. She sends u her warm regards and praised you so much (whew).

My friend in Madrid and I are still writing each other, altho for some time after my arrival (from New York) I was too lazy to reply (Mama had a thesis partner back in her days at the universidad complutense de madrid, a castilian gentleman named Anghel. They had lost touch after she came back to manila in the 50's. she became too busy being a wife, a mother and a professor at the UP. 30 years after, when she was widowed, they found each other again and started corresponding through mail.) But we are now back to exchanging letters regularly. His letters are such a delight to read and make me happy with his wit and style. I learn a lot from him, plus the fact that I feel I'm appreciated. (in their old age, they found solace and inspiration in each other's letters and planned to meet in Madrid again someday. unfortunately, they were never able to but "the letters suffice" according to Mama).

I wrote Amy to ask if I had some balance from money sent to her for my operation, and to send me the same for the repair of the house. I calculate it will cost me a lot of money for eaves, roof, ceiling, rotten posts, terrace roofing, paining, etc. Please follow this up for me, but in a very nice, discreet way, ha? Do catch her in a nice mood, ha?

We are quite comfortable in the house , Rico, Becky, and Myself. Rico seems happy in his job and becky seems to like the new arrangement. I am quite comfortable with Inday a new maid (The same Inday is the mother of all the wonderful children we take care of to this day).

There - I hope you are satisfied with this rambling letter - you asked for it. Do answer right away, even with a not-so-long letter. I know you are busy. I pray that you be enlightened and guided in all your projects and continue being healthy and happy with those around you.

Love & kisses - God Bless u!

#1995 #cholo laurel #lilia laurel #letters

0 notes