I'm 31 and... more!


Hello, Blog! Hello, World! :)

After everything that's happened in the world-- political and religious unrest in some parts of the Middle East, the earthquake in New Zealand, the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, etc.-- I feel that all my concerns and issues in life are trivial and some even meaningless. It has become very difficult for me to write about anything especially as my thoughts keep going back to the victims of these natural and man-made disasters. Praying for them and hoping for the best seem to not be enough, but what can I really do, right? Donating seems to be the next best thing to do on my level. And, I'm glad that there are many organizations that have made that easier to do. Even our telecom companies make it easier for everyone to at least be of help. It's "simply amazing" how they all contribute in "making great things possible!"

So, anyway, what have I been up to? Well, it's almost the end of the semester, so, as always, I have been up to my neck in work! I need to finish everything by the 25th so I can relax by the 26th and welcome a great change that's about to happen in my life come March 27th. I don't want to write about that yet as I'm still having mixed emotions about it and I think that deserves one whole entry. Hehehe:) (Of course, those who know me personally already know what I'm talking about!)

Aside from the papers I need to check and grades I need to compute, I also need to arrange my room as it's in total disarray after some renovations! I am in desperate need of helpers at the moment, really! But then again, I work better alone. I don't really like other people touching my things. So, I'll have to settle for myself and myself alone! I can do this, I can do this, I can do this! That has been a very helpful mantra for me the past days. Grabe lang!

Today, I am welcoming my 31st year in this world and I'd like to thank every single person who has been a part of my life and a part of who and what I am! I thank God, too, that I have reached this far. I mean, we never really know until when we'll live. And, on this very day, I give homage to my Creator by promising to really give my best in everything that I do and be a good Muslim so I could glorify His Name. I want to dedicate everything I do to Him. This resolution makes me feel happy and peaceful. So, I do hope that I can stick to it.

************

My Tribute to Inakulay

Many sad things have also taken place that affected me and the whole family. Our great matriarch, our grandmother, passed away in February. She was more than a hundred years old so it's good to know that she had lived a full life. She was always full of love to give so that in her last years, so many people showered her with love and care the way she did everyone when she was younger and much stronger. She was such an inspiration to everyone. She brought education as we know it to the Meranao women, being the first Meranao woman to ever complete and earn a degree. It was through her that the Meranaos of the olden days realized that Western education is not bad for women. For most part of her active life, she was a teacher! She taught and inspired so many people. If only for that, I think she really deserves a special place in the history of the Meranao people.

I have always taken pride in being her granddaughter and namesake, but what we learned about her and what we saw during her wake-- the many, many lives that she had touched, both Muslim and non-Muslim, the love that people of different races and from different walks of life had for her-- made me more proud if that were even possible. According to stories about her, she was the first Meranao woman to drive a car, to play the piano, to wear Western clothes and make-up, to really use silverware at home, etc. She was "girl power" personified if you ask me!

I'm glad that I was given a chance to pay tribute to her when I did my undergraduate thesis and I dedicated it to her and I remember how she smiled proudly when I showed her a copy of my thesis with a whole page dedicated only to her. That, of course, is not enough. The real tribute that I think she deserves is for me to do my best to follow her great example and be the best in whatever I do. To continue what she has started and keep working on and for that. To live up to the name she gave me. That is the greatest tribute I can give her.




Comments

cheryll said…
Happy birthday! Wishing you the best *hugs* anak, text text lang if u need tips hehehe...
chepie said…
happy birthday my dear!! kahit ilang beses kita batiin, i know you rightfully deserve to be happy --- bilang ikaw ay isa sa may malalaking puso sa aking buhay!!!

mabuhay ka Ket!!! at pagpalain ka ng Dios ngayon at magpakailanman --- lalo na ang mga susunod mong tatahaking landas!!!

mahal kita, sampu ng aking pamilya, alam mo yan!! :)
Dee said…
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ATE DI! *pinagsigawan talaga, haha* Now I know where you got your girl power genes from. Your Inakulay is really an amazing woman. I would just like to say that I'm really happy for you - for turning 31 and for this new stage in your life. *wink* Mwah!
bee said…
HaPpY BiRthDay, babypink!!! Age is just a number! Here's to celebrating your special day! Cheers!
Anonymous said…
happy bday! I like how much you embrace being at this age and you take it with grace, some tho' fear of growing old.

I admire your grandma. You must be one very proud apo. :)
chickenfeet said…
Haaaaaappppyyyyyyy Birthday E2! Power HUUUUUGGGGG! *mwah* Sana real hug magawa ko sayo today! Hay, I wish going to Marawi is as short as taking a walk to a sari-sari store. :D

31 years of being a blessing to a lot of people (and I’m one of them)! This is a new chapter for you, for sure it'll be another memorable one. Savor each day just as you take pleasure in flipping every page of a favorite book. :)

Wow, Inakulay is the epitome of a true woman!

Enjoy your day E2!
pmwmpb said…
Happy Birthday! I'm excited to read your blog:-)
Unknown said…
I MISS U NAK YOUR SIMPLICITY AND HUMILITY NA MY KASAMANG KATARAYAN GAMAY... HAPPY BLESSED NATAL DAY... HOWS THE FANTABULOUS5...
aya said…
Wow! Happy 31st Mam Di! You did us proud. God bless you always...

Such a beautiful tribute too to your Grandma. What an amazing woman. Thanks for sharing. :)
nessreen said…
Happy birthday, pad-drug!! :)

Pakasurgaan o Allah si Inakulay. <3 Allah yirhamha.
K said…
Happy, happy birthday again, Ma'am Diane! I hope you know you're an inspiration to me (and to a lot of other people) too. Just like your Inakulay to you. :)

P.S. 27th! :)
bing said…
hello, babypink. this is way too late for a happy birthday greeting but still, i want to greet you a belated happy birthday. i know you are more than happy to be the person you are now.

you have reason to be proud of your grandma, and she, too, had a reason to be proud of you.

all the best.
BabyPink said…
Reading your comments never fail to make me smile and inspire me to keep going! Salamat sa inyong lahat! :)

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