Lolita Itchon Manucduc
I don’t have a perfume that brings you back to me, Nanay (Mom). What I remember is the sound of your pen on paper—the quiet rhythm of notes being taken. Today is your birthday, and I will honor you by writing a gift you passed down to me.
This writing is not just to remember you. It’s to thank you—for teaching me what it means to be a father through your motherhood, and for the hard work that became the blueprint for our family.
Her Plan: The Power of Notes
The most important lesson you taught me was simple: a tidy mind leads to a tidy life. I still see you at the kitchen table late at night, surrounded by lists, papers, and notebooks—always writing, always planning. You were masterful at managing time and making every moment count.
You did all this for one reason: to ensure all six of us could go to university. The sacrifices you made—the countless ways you earned and saved—are the truest proof of your love. You didn’t just hope we’d pursue education; you built our future with every peso, every single centavo earned, and every note written. The degrees we hold are your greatest gift. You believed, simply and powerfully, that one of the best ways to love a child is to help them learn for life. You did it at all costs.
The Hand That Writes, The Heart That Nurtures
Now, when I sit down to write, I see your habits in mine. I organize my notes like you did. I work steadily until the task is done. I understand that writing is a tool for clear thinking. These are your gifts—small, strong habits that shape my work and my life.
Since you passed, I’ve leaned on the strength and focus you modeled. When I face a challenge, I don’t ask, “What would Nanay (Mom) say?” I ask, “How would Nanay organize this?” I search for order and steps forward, just as you did when raising six children and guiding us toward success.
Today, on your birthday, dearest Nanay, the greatest gift you gave us continues to guide us: the ability to choose our own path, knowing we are worthy of education and opportunity. Thank you for the life plan, for your tireless work, and for the quiet wisdom of your pen.
Happy Birthday po Nanay Lolit. Your life inspires us every single day.