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Manila Bulletin devider Opinion devider On your second

On your second

Published Feb 14, 2026 12:05 am  |  Updated Feb 13, 2026 05:58 pm
IT'S THE SMALL THINGS
To my dearest Gonzalo,
I write this on the eve of your second birthday, while you are sound asleep, as I am trying to hold on to the last hour and a half left that you have as a one-year-old. How time flew by. The days were long — some more than others — but boy did those 730 days just pass me by. I never knew what they meant about birthdays, and motherhood being bittersweet until I had you. In as much as I live for the everyday milestone moments, every passing day has me wishing as well that I can bonsai you, and hold on to your baby and toddler-ness a bit longer. You have won, and hold my heart in a way nobody else has, and does. And I want you to know that you will have it forever.
My love, you have been my greatest teacher and source of inspiration. When they say that motherhood changes your life, to be honest, I was not quite prepared for the degree that it does. But I realized that as you embrace the changes everyday; as you accept the fact that your time is no longer solely yours (and for the most part it is not); and as you learn to let go of things that you used to obsess about before because they really no longer matter since your priorities have changed, the more your heart grows, and the more room you have to love. You remind me everyday that the Lord is indeed merciful to those who are faithful. That sacrifices are worth it; that motherhood is finding the perfect balance between self-love so I can give you the best of me, and selflessness because I would readily give up anything for the sake of your welfare.
As you turn two, I cannot wait to explore, show you, and re-discover so much more of this world through your eyes. Thank you for letting me find joy in the most mundane of moments, for the anxiety attacks, and panic like no other; for introducing me to a version of myself I otherwise would have never met. While being a mother is no easy feat, you make it all so worthwhile. In as much as I want to, I cannot promise you a perfect life, but what I can promise you, is to walk alongside you always to help you find the beauty in this very complex and complicated world. I pray everyday that we are able to raise you to be, above all, a God-fearing, compassionate, and kind hearted boy, who will never forget to turn to prayer at the end of everyday, and most especially when the going gets tough. May that strength, resilience and grit within you stay with you, as your faith arms you forever.
Gonzalo, may you always look back to the meaning of your names. You are a warrior saved from battle (and we witnessed you fight your hardest in your first few days of life) who is my priceless and invaluable Antonio. May you never let anyone undermine your worth, and may you always command the respect that you give.
My boy, there are no words that will aptly describe how it is I feel about, nor the truest measure of my love for you. But do know, that you will always be my most special one – the one who made me a mama, and changed my life for the better, forever.
To quote Boyzone, “I don't know, but I believe that some things are meant to be. And that you’ll make a better me. Everyday I love you… You know that I learn something new. Everyday I love you. ‘Cause I believe that destiny is out of your control, and you’ll never live until you love with all your heart and soul.” Through you, I have learned to live fuller and wiser.
Happy, happy second, our little prince.
You are so, so loved.
Love,
Mama
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