Today I choose to reflect and write on milestones that matter.

Up to age ten, my mother accompanied me to my childhood birthdays. We heard mass at Quiapo church to thank the Poong Nazareno and seek continual blessings. As a child, she taught me the importance seeking the help of the Lord in navigating life’s many episodes.

From Quiapo church we walked to a studio on one of the side streets of the Quiapo church plaza leading up to Escolta and Binondo. One of the enduring mementoes she bequeathed to me were my baby photos up to age ten.

Life birthdays, graduations and anniversaries are significant touchpoints that mark personal growth, transitions, and relationship development. They function as important opportunities to pause, reflect on past achievements or challenges overcome, and celebrate with one’s friends, family, and your community.

In my grade school and high school graduations, I relied anew on my Mama’s writing skills to be able to cobble credible graduation speeches that I was obliged to deliver. Far be it for me to crow over my scholastic achievements, yes, I was grade school and high school valedictorian. And yes, that meant I came up with sensible speeches, thanks to Mama.

My next graduation ceremony did not take place until almost a decade after my high school graduation. I skipped the UP Diliman graduation program in 1974 because I was already working by then. I obtained my bachelor’s degree one semester later than scheduled due to my activist engagements and my belated completion of compulsory military training.

Getting married was the next vital life goalpost that I reached, followed by fatherhood which, as it turns out, is an even more significant milestone in my life story. On Father’s Day last month, my daughter and grandson gave me a simple card they themselves prepared. From my daughter: “Thank you for being one I am super proud of when people ask if you are my dad.” From my grandson: “Thank you for making me bantay…for being always kind (to) me.”

Serving in government, especially with Presidents Corazon Aquino and Noynoy Aquino are my most treasured milestones. She was a courageous leader who respected the citizenry and the people who worked with her. He was a conscientious son of heroic parents who achieved the highest economic growth rate for the country while leaving a legacy of good governance.

My career in public service was preceded by my immersion in the academe, as a professor in a graduate school. In retrospect, both of my parents were lifelong government employees who patiently and quietly raised a family and enabled their children to attain self-sufficiency.

I write this memoir on my wife’s milestone birthday. We have been married for nearly five decades. We are less than three years away from our golden wedding anniversary. Through God’s providence, we have been blessed with a wholesome family life through nearly five decades of togetherness.

As I look back with gratitude, I realize that every meaningful milestone in my life has been made possible by the unwavering love and support of my family. They have been my constant source of strength during difficult times, my quiet cheerleaders in moments of triumph, and my steady compass whenever life’s path became uncertain. Their sacrifices often went unseen, yet they persevered to make every accomplishment possible.

Whatever I have achieved reflects the values we have shared, the faith that has sustained us, and the love that has bound us together.

To God be the glory!

Comments may be sent to [email protected]