In Memory of Her: Celebrating the First Death Anniversary of Mommy

It was June 28, 2014, Saturday when we celebrated our mother’s first death anniversary. Our family, together with our close relatives celebrated it Sa Kabukiran. For some of my relatives, it was the first time for them to visit the farm. But I guess, for all who came, the highlight of the entire event was the inauguration of the Lolita B. Lapid Memorial Hall. I guess, everyone was surprised at the memorial hall including my dad and other siblings, since they haven’t imagined it to be that big and beautiful.

The idea of a memorial hall started out as something simple. My dad wanted to build something Sa Kabukiran as a memorial to my mother. First, the idea was just a simple structure. Then, it eventually turned out to be a 110 square meter structure that would house some family pictures of my mother and a hall which could be used as a multi-purpose hall for those who may want to use it. I guess, everyone who was there for the occasion were all surprised to see the finished structure.

The blessing of the structure began at around 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Larry Sarmiento officiating the blessing. During the blessing, Fr. Sarmiento paused for a while and asked if anyone could sense the presence of mommy. A number of my siblings, including my dad, raised their hand, confirming what Fr. Larry himself felt while he was blessing this memorial kubo for mommy. Then Fr. Larry blessed the other kubo. Thereafter we enjoyed a sumptuous lunch. We had a typical Sa Kabukiran lunch eating native dishes (Crabs, shrimps, adobo, chicharon, longanisang Guagua, tabang talangka and many more! Talagang Sarap!) using banana leaves as plate mats. Kamayan is the tagalog term used to describe how Filipinos eat with their bare hands. After eating, the guests were invited to a short program at the memorial kubo. There, we had a program to remember mommy with songs, dance numbers and some heart touching AVPs.  All of us in the family still miss mommy. But, remembering her and keeping her memory by building this beautiful structure speaks of how much we love her and how much we’ve missed her. People who will come here shall see her pictures and will be inspired by this kubo which tells her story.

The Blessing about to start with Fr. Larry Sarmiento and myself and family members.

Inside the Memorial Kubo with Mommy picture on the background

The Blessing with Cindy’s paintings on the background. Cindy and Dad at the background. These paintings were made by Cindy for Mommy.

The sumptuous kamayan meals Sa Kabukiran. Here on left is Koyang Saling, Dad and Tita Conching.

The program in honor of mommy’s death anniversary with us singing together at the memorial hall.

Some dancing during the program at the memorial hall

Some of the guests and relatives in the memorial hall during the program.