Mother's Day

Tomorrow, May 13, 2007 is Mother's Day. Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers out there.

I hope all mothers will have a good celebration wherever they may be. Makakapagpahinga ka ba dahil Mother's Day? Siyempre, hindi. Nanay ka e. (Will you be able to rest given that it's Mother's Day? Of course, not -- you're a mother.) Despite all the demands and responsibilities that come with motherhood though, am sure, none of us would exchange it for anything else in the world. =)

As for individuals who are lucky enough to still have their mothers around (just like me), make sure to greet them and show your appreciation for all that they have done for you, not only tomorrow but every day that you live if possible. And no -- don't even think that you can do anything to repay them -- that just isn't done and is virtually impossible.

As I heard a priest say once: "Ang utang, binabayaran. Ang utang na loob, hindi nababayaran. Tinatanaw." (A debt is repaid. An inner debt, though is never repaid. It is just acknowledged.)

In the Philippines, we have this concept known as "utang na loob." It is a sense of gratitude felt when another person does you good. It goes beyond the monetary sense (e.g. someone lent you money or helped you out when you were in trouble) and never really gets canceled.

In a way, that's what children usually have towards their parents -- "utang na loob." In reality, parents really do not and should not expect anything from their children but as we all age, we all realize that our parents have sacrificed so much just to help us become who we are today.

So for all the mothers out there -- Happy Mother's Day. A big thank you goes out to all of you. We, your children, can't do enough to repay you for all your kindness and love. We will forever be indebted.