MY FAMILY

My family is a cross bred of two different people raised in two different environments. My mother is an Ilongga who grew up in Alicante, Negros Occidental. My grandmother is a grade school teacher while my grandfather is a Civil Engineer by profession. They were raised in a barrio where my grandmother teaches. My mom is the third in a brood of seven, three boys and four girls. One of my aunts died of a coronary disease when I was two years old yet. My two aunties are nurses, one of my uncles is a pastor and the other one is a Civil Engineer. They are in Negros Occidental and I can have a chance to visit them during vacation days. They’re all married with children of my age.

My father is from the southern part of Cebu, Alegria. He came from a big family of thirteen children, three boys and ten girls. I have not seen my grandfather on my father’s side but I have the chance of living with my grandmother. I was in my third grade when my grandma died. I cried a lot that time because she was a very good and great grandmother to us. She has a sari-sari store and oftentimes, she gave me something to eat. I also miss her at times.

Both of my parents are commerce graduates majoring in Accounting. They were worked in LBC, fell in love and got married. My mother resigned from her job when we were small so she can take care of us. My dad was left in LBC where until now he still works. He is the team leader of LBC Sto. Niño Team. He is in charge of the whole branch.

We are born-again Christians. Our family attends church, God’s Heritage Fellowship, at the second floor of the N & N Bookstore in Ranudo, Cebu City. We have a Sunday School and worship services. My dad is in charge of the music department where I am also a member. I sometimes lead in songs just like my dad. My mom is a Sunday School teacher. We have also our Youth Department and we usually meet every Sunday afternoon. Our pastor’s wife is in charge of the youth.

I am the eldest in a brood of three. My younger sister is in Grade Six as well as our youngest, a boy who is in Grade Five at the Mabolo Christian Academy.

We live in Tisa, Cebu City. It is located in the upper portion of the city. Our place is hilly, overlooking the big buildings of the city. It is like living in the province because the place is not crowded. Our neighbors have cows, goats and chickens. My aunts, uncles and cousins are our immediate neighbors. We are a big family in our place. During birthdays, we gather together and celebrate. Birthdays starts during the month of March until December. We have been together during those days. Birthday starts with morning singing, the typical “painit” after singing and by evening is the celebration with dinner together. By December, we have our family reunion. We spend time exchanging gifts, gift giving by our aunties and then eating together. I enjoy having my relatives around us.

At home, my father is the disciplinarian but he does it with love. He makes sure that rules set are followed. He believes the Bible and he teaches it to us. If we commit mistakes, we will talk and if an action is needed, he imposes it. If there are problems, daddy asks for our opinions. He also respects our decisions as long as it does go against our basis, the Bible.

My mom is the homemaker. She does the household chores, cleaning, cooking and washing for us. She also assists us in our studies and school activities. My parents are both supportive of us, especially now that I am in UP. They make sure that one of them is around if ever their presence is needed. I love my family very much and I praised God for giving me a loving family.