My heart is still brimming with joy and thanksgiving as I write this column. My husband and I just arrived from the Father and Mother’s Day Celebration (July 7, 2007) organized by the Filipino American Cultural Group of North County where we received an unexpected accolade as Father and Mother of the Year 2007. What made the day so special for us was the presence of four out of our seven children, two of whom were with their spouses and children. We thought that not one of them could attend since we were told that they are all busy. We took their excuses in stride although with great disappointment. When we arrived at the Canyon View Elementary School where the event was held, we were informed that some of our children and grandchildren were already there. What a pleasant surprise!
Mary O. Garrido, President of the FilAm Cultural Group (FACG) of North County and Carole dela Paz, Chair of the Father and Mother’s Day celebration devoted so much time in planning and organizing the event. We are indeed thankful for their patience and persistence in making the arrangements with my children.
It was a heartwarming affair complete with promenades, flower ladies, award of plaques, sashes, trophy, bouquet of flowers, and citations followed by entertainment for the honorees. Mel and Tita Gamboa, long time friends and fellow Lions, presented the boutonnière and bouquet. Rita Buencamino Andrews, COPAO President and Jana Kelley, President of the San Diego Scripps Lions Club pinned the sashes “Mother of the Year” and “Father of the Year” respectively. Mary O. Garrido and Vicky Cabarles, FACG Secretary, presented the Plaque of Recognition. Jun Mataban, vice president of FACG sang our favorite song, “No Other Love,” and the FACG Dance Group presented “Al Camphor”, with Cion Dumlao as dance directress. Our son Arwin and our daughter Sharon Rose represented their brothers and sisters in thanking the organizers for the honor bestowed on their parents. Sharon Rose said, “We thank you for reminding us of what the Bible says, 'Honor your father and your mother (that you may have a long, good life in the land the Lord your God will give you,)' We have been so busy raising our own families that we can not bestow the honor the way you have done it here. Thank you very much!" Arwin did likewise but he added a twist by donating a token amount for the projects of FACG.
Indeed, we would like to thank the Filipino American Cultural Group of San Diego North County, Inc. for the distinct honor it has bestowed on us as a couple. For the past years, we have been honored separately in our professional as well as community involvement. This is the first time that we were honored as parents with our children giving us a trophy with this inscription: “For without your love and devotion in raising us we would not be what we are.”
Oh, what a feeling to be honored as parents. As Mary O. Garrido pointed out, raising seven children is not easy. There were many challenges on the way, but we succeeded in rearing them. She went on to mention the names of our children, their respective careers, their spouses and their grandchildren - Mary Ann and Horace Wilson de Ocera; Aurora “Gia” and Jonathan Soriano; Winlove II, Arwin and Teresalynn Cudal, BenHur and Lilibeth Celera Cudal, Charles and Rhoda Tayag, Sharon Rose and Gerald Pangilinan. It was music to our ears.
We would like to recognize the past Fathers and Mothers as we join their ranks with honor and pride: (1999) Javier and Magda Radam; (2000) Tim and Lisa Buitre; (2001) Johnny and Eugenia de Guzman; (2003) Casiano and Naty Santos; (2004) Jun and Naty Buenafe; (2005) Deo and Aurora Montoya: and (2006) Gerry and Carol de la Paz.