My Kuya Story

I remember mentioning in one of my recent blog entries about my Kuya Story. I didn't elaborate much then because the blog focused on me and my Ate. ANd now, since it is our birth month, I'm taking the time out to write and share my Kuya story.

I remember a friend and a former co-teacher that mentioned that they prefer a girl for their first-born because generally, girls are more responsible. They said whoever is the first in the family will really play a big role on how the younger siblings will act. I am a girl and I can say I agree with them that girls seem and are indeed more responsible (hehe sorry guys) but I disagree when they said their gender preference for their first-born. Why? Because probably I have been blessed with a responsible Kuya (and my husband is a first-born as well, who is also a very, very responsible and disciplined man as well).

While growing up, I experienced being compared to him maybe because among the girls, I was the one who also showed promise in the field of academics like my Kuya. This probably the reason why I harbored some ill feelings towards my parents (especially my Mama, but happy to say that I'm way over that already, it was their way to bring out the best in me :)). The height of the competition reached its peak when I got to high school and I tried in vain to get the same awards and achievements my Kuya had when he was in high school. It didn't help that we both went on the same school and most of our teachers were the same. Award after award, it was till not enough and I was getting tired! But despite all of these (and him being Mama's favorite hehehe)he didn't abuse it, meaning he didn't abuse the fact that he was my mom's favorite. During times of argument with my parents and I'd end up crying, he'd be the one to console me and process the entire thing. I felt loved.

Birthdays have been an issue as well. I always felt my Mom was more excited with what to do with his birthday, considering that my birthday goes first. I on the 30th and him on the 31st. But as I have mentioned that's a thing of the past now. Now, we usually celebrate our birthdays together.

Our similarities does not end in our achievements. As my sister-in-law (my Kuya's wife)told Alvin when we stayed at their home last year, she has never seen two people, being sooo similar in practices, mannerisms, attitudes and the like. Of course, she was referring to me and my Kuya. Okay, okay, I admit he has more charisma than I do hehehe :)

I really look up to him. He has touched my life and inspired me to do my best in everything that I do. When blessings come in, he is a constant reminder that we should share those blessings and be reminded always of the people who have been instruments of those blessings. I won't elaborate the things that he has done for the family (friends and relatives at that) but if people will only know all these stories I'm sure he'd have a fans club of his own. He is a very generous (this is one aspect I can't follow hahaha but I'm trying!) and selfless man. He never gets tired of helping family and even friends who are in need. That is why I think the blessings that they receive are endless as well. I am pretty sure my parents, just like me and my other siblings are very proud of what he has become now. He himself had a very colorful journey! I am sure, humble that he is, he wouldn't want the things he has been through and what he has brought to the family be announced to the whole world (baka sakalin niya ako when I publish it). But I will remember. And we will remember.

I am blessed to have a Kuya like him. I thank God that He chose him to be my Kuya. Happy Birthday Kuya! We love you!

Sisters' Act

I have two sisters. Looking back, I think I was closer to the boys in the family -- my Kuya and our Bunso, Beloy. I guess the three of us had more similarities than me with my sisters. When my Ate started working, things began to change. Both my Kuya and her were very responsible and showed the extent of their generosity by sharing their resources to the family. When they got to try out a new resto, they made sure that the entire family will also get to have the opportunity to eat or dine there. I remember having to travel in our small Volkswagen all the way to Megamall just as so we can try out this new Thai restaurant. Of course, after eating, we all can't fit anymore so my Kuya had to commute already going home! (such happy times :)). We also had the chance to spend family weekends every now and then in the different hotels in Manila, c/o my Ate. I will treasure these bonding times forever.

My Kuya story is another long story, so let me focus now on my Ate. When she migrated and soon decided to settle in Sydney with her family, of course, the family was sad. But as they say (and I know now) that you have to be ready to make sacrifices for your family. To make the long story short, the whole family supported her decision, not knowing that soon my Kuya's family and my own family will be migrating as well.

During the time that I was still in Manila, I guess, our relationship became more mature, especially when my Kuya's family arrived in Sydney as well. We exchanged emails and had nice (but short) phone calls. Me reporting to them what was happening to us and my other siblings who were in Manila. When we finally received our PR visas, she was one of those people who were very excited for our arrival. I was excited, but not that too excited hehe. Good things have come our way since arriving here, one of which is the opportunity to bond with my siblings and become closer to them and their families, more so with my Ate.

My journey here in Sydney is not really a bed of roses. During those times that I needed someone to watch over me (when I am sick), or talk with me, or listen to me (especially on topics that are too emotional or shallow for my Kuya to hear, hehe), she is there. The past days, I have been wanting a break. I felt I needed to go out and have a break. My girlfriends are back in Manila so how can I have that break? My Ate knew (and understood) what I was going through so after sending me a simple SMS, we decided to have coffee yesterday afternoon. She picked me up at home and we headed to the nearest shop. It was a good one. We laughed on silly stories, shared stories, and I listened to her "words of wisdom" on areas I know she knows more than me. I am thankful that during the time I had to expereince these struggles, she is just a phone call away. Our closeness is still a work in progress, but I thank the Lord for allowing me to have this opportunity to bond with her, especially now that we are both grown-ups and have families of our own. Looking forward to more sisters' act in the future!