As I sit at the airport, waiting for my flight back home to Texas, I find myself reflecting on the past two weeks spent in the Philippines. This trip was more than just a vacation—it was a deliberate decision to focus on what truly matters: family, and most especially, my Mama and Papa.
I planned this journey with a single goal in mind: to immerse myself in their daily lives, to walk alongside them, and to experience their world. From countless breakfasts shared over home-cooked meals to helping out at our Glenuel store, visiting my mother’s hometown in Tarangnan, and joining them on their twenty-hour drive from Samar to Manila, every moment felt meaningful. It was such a pleasure to have them seated in the front row at the Tech Symposium at Samar College. Watching a PBA game, accompanying them through Divisoria, and countless give-back opportunities were more than just activities—they were glimpses into the rhythm and beauty of their everyday lives. Being present in these seemingly ordinary moments felt grounding, as I knew they carried extraordinary significance.
As they grow older, so do I, and this time together served as a reminder of how fleeting these opportunities can be. Life often moves so quickly that we forget to pause and truly connect. But on this trip, I made a conscious choice to slow down, to deeply appreciate my parents, and to honor the love and sacrifices that have shaped my life.
This trip will always remind me of the importance of making time for those we love, especially our parents. It’s a reminder that life’s greatest treasures are found in the simple acts of being present, cherishing shared moments, and creating memories that will live in our hearts forever.
Until this upcoming spring break—let’s do it again, Mama and Papa, this time in the US!
#Perspectives 