Happy Birthday to Ate Tet

Happy Birthday, Ate Tet.

We wish you all the best and all the blessings today. Hope you have fun with your family. And may you be surrounded with love all the time, especially today. You deserve it.

If you remember, nu'ng umuwi ka dito last December, you were surprised na andami ko pang natatandaan tungkol sa elementary and high school mo. Maybe it's because I've always looked up to you. Siguro kasi ikaw 'yung kasabay kong lumaki and pinakamalapit 'yung age, and yet--compared sa akin--andami mo nang na-accomplish very early in life. You have always amazed me.

I must admit that it was tough growing up around you--you were smart, pretty and popular among your peers. And you always know what you want and how to get it. And you never tolerate any signs of weakness... or stupidity, as in my case. But if I'm correct that I'm taking it as a challenge, then I know I'd be set for life.

Getting to spend some time with you was the highlight of my trip to Japan--more than the sushi and the trips and the places I saw and even Disneyland. I am very thankful that our other Ate's gave me that opportunity. You left in 1986, and for more than twenty years, we hadn't spent as much time as we did two months ago. I'm very happy about that and I will always cherish that experience.

Anyway, thank you for the support, advice and for being a source of inspiration for all of us.

Happy Birthday!

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