#necrological

Today's featured song is: "Necrological" by Madoi feat. Flower!

Thanks to Rappler.com for the youtube video. Just a quickie English translation of the first 11 minutes Hi, I’m the second daughter of Sec. Robredo. You might have the impression that I’m the eldest because I’m taller than my Ate. But no, I’m just the second child. In our family, they say I’m the most “ma-drama” or “emotional” one. Yesterday, I was able to prepare something for today while waiting for the services in Malacanang. But I read it again and I cried hard. Indeed, I’m the emotional one. So this morning, I changed it. Before coming here, I texted Papa. “Pa, if you feel that I will cry already. Please… Tickle me. Because I don’t want you to see me crying. Ate also, she talked to Papa. “Pa, step on Tricia if you see her crying. Because we can’t show our weakness “maluya ang boot” over what happened. Among us siblings, I’m the most introverted/shy one. Others may have noticed this. Others may say I’m the “least confident(?),emotional(?)” maluya ang boot. If you’ve seen Ate how she was able to speak in our behalf. Even though it was hard because it was just a few days after Papa’s death was confirmed. She was able to answer reporters’ questions. She faced it. She’s really strong. Meanwhile, I have something to share with you on Jillian. I hope you can smile/laugh about it because it’s a sad atmosphere. Jillian, our youngest, if you must know.. Would like very much to be an “artista.” After just a few hours of learning that Papa is already gone, what did she ask Mama? “Ma, how old was Kris when Ninoy died? Maybe I can also be a Kris Aquino when I grow up.” [laughter] Jillian tries to hide thru her Ate. On my part, if you can see pictures on tv, newspapers. I would not know coz I don’t want to watch news just yet. For sure, I would either be crying or wiping my nose[from tears]. So now, after keeping my silence, I told my Mom that I also want to speak about Dad. Most probably, now, Sec Jess would be laughing at me. He hasn’t visited me yet and I wish he will. But I can almost hear him say: “Ayos ka Bok, isang week pa lang, nagbago ka na” In the past, I don’t really talk to other people much. Maybe, Mama and Papa’s friends can attest. That I’m reticent and shy. I’m not like Jillian who wants to be a Kris Aquino. I’m just quiet. I really only speak when needed. But all of that changed in the past week. I tease Papa…before going to sleep. That I got to speak with more people in the past week than in the past year. Maybe it’s not normal. Most people my age prefer to be with other people most of the time. But if I had choice, I would choose to do things alone. I can even be a “killjoy.”  But to share with you… Papa never told me that there was something wrong with me. “So what if you’re like that? Papa loves you very much.” We have heard a lot about Papa especially in the past week. He is good mayor. He is a good secretary. He is a good friend / brother (fraternal; “ka-brod”). Good son, good brother, and good dad. But have you ever asked why he is good and effective? If you were to ask me, He is good and strong because he knew how to love. To love his work…. To love people. How did Papa love? My grandma shared in one interview. A lot of other boys liked my mom. But among those who courted her, she chose Papa. I never knew the reason coz they have kept mum. Maybe you can try to ask her now. But from what I’ve seen; Papa likes to surprise Mama. He would say that he would be home by Saturday, would take a flight in the afternoon. But in truth, he would take the bus ride [Friday night trip]   with us.  One time, he wanted to surprise Mama. But he ruined the surprise himself. Mama asked a simple question. Atty Leni: Pa, where are you now? Jesse: Ah, I already dropped Tricia off [at the bus station]. His reply was off-tangent and so he just sheepishly admitted. Jesse: “Ma, btw, I’m on my way home. Hehe.” So my Dad failed. There was one instance, either before Mom’s birthday, their wedding anniversary or Mother’s Day, he would sneak to our rooms and ask us what would Mama like. He really loved Mama. Even though it was his birthday, he would offer it to Mama. One time, in a birthday celebration in City Hall, he dedicated a song to Mama. “Please Release Me.” [laughter] We all know his true intentions but just wanted to make Mama laugh. With us, his children, he is very patient. I’m a pre-med student, the course is difficult. On top of that, I left Naga, city that I love, for Manila. Manila is very different from Naga. So most of the time, I’m stressed and in a bad mood. Sometimes, I would hit Papa’s big stomach when I was really frustrated. But it was just ok with Papa. Sometimes, when I’m really stressed. He would go inside my room. He would just silently bring me something to eat. Then he would call and tell Mama to pray for [my] upcoming test. Sometimes, he would also look for a tutor. It’s not in his job description but he would do it. Before the exam, he would text me, “Go La Salle Trish!” Even though I’m from the Ateneo. After the exam, he would text or we would talk about it when we meet later. With Jillian, he would always massage / pat Jillian. They would hold hands. At times when Jillian would sleep with them in their bedroom, he would say, “Anak, let’s pray Our Father.” There were times he would ask some practice questions to be encoded, in time for the exam. There are a lot more instances like this. But if I were to summarize in one sentence, it would be: He would make sure that he would help us prepare for our assignments / exams first, before he would start with his work. It may offend other people to find out that he puts us first but yes, we are his priority. Even though he would have to divide his time with work[among other things], he would make time for us. It’s been four years already since my Ate had graduated from the Ateneo.  But she still loves watching [UAAP] basketball games. Papa would approach a lot of people just to look for tickets for Ate.   To be continued…..  

~ Attention PDI