My Lola

Hello everyone, I apologise for not being there in Calgary right now to celebrate the life of my Lola with you all. She is a wonderful human being who I love dearly. The following are some of my fond memories and thoughts of about Lola.

One of the things that sticks out from when I was growing up are the sleepovers I used to have at Lola's house. It was back in the day when Lola used to make those gigantic, fancy wedding cakes. She would always want me there to the night before to help with misc. things, such as move this cake here or there, put this icing into that bowl, or simply just to give her support and company. I would love watching her in action, I could always tell that she loved what she was doing. Every single cake she ever made was a masterpiece, with coloful flowers, icing, waterfalls and little miniature figurines that she always had to re-paint to match the motif.
At the end of the night, she'd sit back and go "Wowie, Wowie, its so beautiful!" and I'd reply "Yes Lola, its beautiful". We would then retire in her old beige couch, which was passed down by Tito Caloy, and fold it out into a mattress and fall asleep side by side.

Whenever Lola had a special occasion to attend, such as a wedding or a senior's party, she would dress up to the nines. I love that she still took the time to pretty herself up with make-up, jewellery and shiny sequined dress. You go Lola!! You'll be the prettiest one in Heaven!
Lola was so generous and considerate, she was always willing to share and give whatever she had. It seemed like she had a constant supply of cookies, chocolate bars and her icing flowers ready for whenever I came over. Although it never seemed like Lola ate them herself. When Mom would be on holiday in the Philippines, she would always cook for us kids to make sure we were eating well and not the junk food that Dad was buying us. Even when Mom was home, she'd still cook and share her ullam with us, saying that Mom's had a busy workday and should be resting.

During Halloween and Easter, she would always have a goodie bag put away for Kuya Mabla our cousins and me. She only stopped doing this a few years ago. Lola had such a holiday spirit, she wasn't made out of money but at Christmas time, she had a present for everyone. Her floor would be covered in gifts that she'd been buying since the summer. I always had the privilege of being Santa Claus and got to separate them by family and distribute them. Her house would always have some kind of a Christmas tree, little decorative knick knacks displayed on her counter and those 12 or so lights in her window that she always insisted plugging in each year.
I don't remember much from the ages of 0-5, but I do know this is when Lola lived with us and helped raise me. However, I do remember when Lauren and Michael were babies, Lola would always hold them so dearly and care for them with so much love. She would always sing "Do-re-mi" as a lullaby and pat them on their diapers. Thinking of this now, I know she did the same with Mabla, Kuya and me, with the same amount of love.

For most of my life, whenever Lola and I were in a public environment with her friends, she would always call me over. I always knew what was coming and I’d be shy and reluctant. Lola would wrap her arms around me and introduce me as her “Apo” and then brag about me for the next five minutes as I smiled and tried to squirm my way out of her hold. I would always be so embarrassed. Only now do I realise how proud Lola was to have me as a grandson and wanted to show me off. As I get older and grow into a mature adult, I realise that having some one who’s proud of you starts to become a rare thing and I should be grateful to have a grandmother who’s excited to brag about me.

The last day I saw Lola was on Oct. 14, 2003, the day I left for my travels. Lola sat me down and talked to me for a good 90 minutes or so. In this time she gave me some advise about friends, family and life. I learned a lot of things in that time. Firstly, I realised how much Lola really loves me and my Mom. Lola always put Mom before herself. I also came to the realisation that the woman sitting in front of me is not just a sweet old Grandma, but a person who’s lived 85 meaningful years and has the wisdom to prove it. She loved life and each morning she awoke, she would say, “Thank-you beautiful Lord for giving me another day!”

If anything, I should be the one who’s proud. I am truly proud to have had a Lola as wonderful as my Lola

I would like to believe that the other day when Lola got into Heaven, all her friends and family that since passed, were there to greet her, all dressed up in suits and dresses. They threw her a welcoming party, with lots of Filipino food and deserts. As well as a DJ to play songs like the “Macarena” and “Achy Breaky Heart” for all of them to dance the night away. I’m sure Lola had a great time!

Lola, I love you and thank-you for loving me.

Your Apo,
Deannie.