Palanca Letters From My Parents

Hahabol ako sa pagtatapos ng first week of classes. Kaysa mabulok sa Drafts ang mga palanca letters na ‘to, e ma-i-publish na at kapulutan naman ng matinong advice ng mga mag-aaral (college students, specifically, pero pwede na ring all levels) na sisimulan o sinimulan na ang panibagong academic year.

Pero bago ang lahat, kaunting kwento lang tungkol sa mga mababasa niyong palanca letters. It was five years ago, during the customary high school retreat and recollection for graduating students, when I received these letters from my parents. Anyway, ang salita palang palanca ay Spanish word for lever,  so ang purpose ng isang palanca letter ay i-uplift ang makababasa nito. Natatandaan ko, nung portion na ng retreat na binabasa na naming magkakaklase ang kanya-kanyang palanca letters galing sa ‘ming mga magulang, sa unang tingin ay parang mga hindi kami na-uplift sa mga binabasa namin. Paano ba nama’y tumutulo ang luha’t uhog ng halos lahat sa amin, tapos yung ibang lalaki, nagpipigil pero di rin naman napigilan. Yun nga rin pala ang isang purpose ng palanca letters, magpaiyak. Pero kahit ganung atmosphere na nag-iiyakan ay sigurado naman akong na-encourage ang bawat isa sa ‘min. Anyway, humahaba na ang kaunting kwentong ‘to. Tapusin na natin para mabasa mo na ang kanina ko pang ibinibidang liham ng mga magulang ko.

March 10, 2007

Dear Li-an,

We may not be that vocal in saying “I love you/we love you” but still, I believe that action speaks louder than words. Love you, Li-an!

I want to tell you that we’ve been doing everything for the three of you. We will not be around forever and what we want is for you to be the person God wants you to be.

We, as parents, are proud for having you as our daughter. We really thank God for you. Thanking that He endowed you with knowledge and wisdom, and that ever  since you were a kid, you have had your accomplishments and achievements. Now, we’re happy that you made your way to UP (through God’s grace, of course) and we have always wanted to see you successful and happy.

More than that, we’re glad you belong to the family of God. Never, never forget God. May He be your constant partner in life. (John 15:7 – For without Him, we can do nothing.) For with Him, you will not fail. Always pray, believe and keep on trusting God.

Laging maging mabuting ate sa mga kapatid. Panganay ka and when we’re gone, kayo na lang ang magtataguyod at magtutulungan sa bawat isa. Laging magmahalan at magbigayan.

Praise God, mabait at masunurin kang anak. Wala kaming naging suliranin o problema sa iyo. Nagbibigay ka ng kaluguran at kagalakan sa amin. Ngayong college ka na, unahin mo pa rin si God, family at pag-aaral, saka na ang boyfriend. “True love waits,” ika nga. That is true. Wait for God’s perfect timing. Kapag nakatapos ka na, madali na ‘yon.

Tiwala kami sa’yo. Tiwala kami na nasaan ka man, kasama mo si God. Kapag magkakaproblema, dito lang kami lagi — suporta sa’yo.

Me,
Nanay

March 8, 2007

Li-an,

Always trust in the Lord with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know and in all your ways, acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.

Thanks for your effort in your studies. Alam kong ginawa mo yung best mo. Now that you’ll be going to college, it’s different. Mas dagdagan mo pa ang sikap. Besides, you’ll be separated from me and Nanay. You’ll decide on your own.

Strive for excellence, for this is the will of God. In everything you do, give all your effort for the glory of Θ (God).

Huwag kang hihiwalay sa Panginoon.

I love you.

Tatay

P.S.

As a token of trust and love, here is a USB flash drive. It can save a lot of data, information, etc. In the same way, accumulate values, knowledge and virtues. It’s up to you kung paano mo ‘to gagamitin at iingatan.

Same.