Rebecca: Enchantress of My Life

No other woman who had greatly influenced my whole life and everything I do, except this woman, Rebecca.

In my teenage years, in my studies in high school and in college, in my work, in my Church activities, and most especially in my family well-being, this woman is indispensable.

Rebecca had enchanted me when I first met her in late 1968 somewhere in an open study hall of La Carlota City High School.

Rebecca captured my heart beyond expectation that every time I slept at night I couldn't take enough sleep. I kept on waking up hastening the time for a day break, for another day to see her again in school.

Mother, An Angel Watching Over Me

As far as I know, Mother's Day is a special Sunday dedicated to all mothers introduced by the Americans in early 20th century. And it is later adapted here in the Philippines. It is usually observed every Second Sunday of the month of May.

To recognize mothers in the Church, the La Carlota first branch of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints led by its branch president Jimboy Loreto humbly honored all the member-mothers before the Sunday School classes has started.

Fathers Honoring the Mothers

All fathers and some priesthood holders have formed their line outside the Sunday School classroom with a bunch of beautiful flowers tucked at the back of their trousers. Then, they entered the room one by one, formed a single pile in front of the blackboard. After President Loreto shared a brief message on the importance of a mother and while the members are singing "As I Have Loved You", the fathers proceeded to their respective wife and handed her the flower with a kiss, warm handshake as a humble way of expressing their gratefulness of their wife's love and care for him and for their children.

Mother, I Wish You Were Here Today

My mother Pins Me the Ribbon of Recognition

I remember one special occasion with my beloved mother 46 years ago when she attended my elementary graduation or closing exercises sometime in 1966. She proudly pinned me the ribbon of recognition as the outstanding grade 6 pupil in Industrial Arts.

Then after the ceremonies, she handed me a graduation present given by Manong Cesar, one of our  late eldest brothers and it was Inday Naiding (Zenaida Iligan), my first cousin, the niece of my mother whom I remember greeted me as an A-I pupil when I paid a visit to her house a day after our graduation.

Lorenza Iligan-Camporazo, my mother was really very proud of me for such achievement I had received. I know how happy she was at that time.