Three Kings

WHAT'S in a name? Everything! In the summer of '69 I was born into this world. I was given a name like that of my dad. A name that had 8 letters, just the way I wanted it. See, that early I knew I wanted my dad’s name.

My only regret was not doing too good in my university days, knowing all too well who my lolo and dad were in U.P. Well, my lolo happened to be one of the pioneers in the establishment of U.P. in Baguio as the registrar.

My dad, I know, earned the respect of everyone even the administrators, during his university days. In fact he had such good reputation that I heard stories where my dad had to take the fall from certain misdemeanors perpetrated by friends and family because he knew that the administration would let him go off with just a warning. The others had already multiple offenses that might have warranted a suspension or worse, dismissal. And so he always took the fall. So who was I in U.P.? Hehe, no one...nobody rather. My only high was being selected to deliver the freshman acceptance speech despite being the youngest as I had just turned 15 that time. Yes 15!

My son will be attending university (college) soon, to take up Accountancy, just like his mum, but in De La Salle. I'm so proud of my son, he is my favorite son (I have two other girls) Hehe. He has a display case full of medals (approx. 300) mostly gold I will assure you. From academics and sports. I would have been happy with a bronze but had none. He surely surpassed everything I was when I was his age. He likewise has the same 8-letter name like that of his lolo and mine. All three, all the same.

What kept me in public office was the thought that I could because of my name. It’s the very essence of why I have all these "blessings." I believe that all blessings come with a purpose. The Lord made it so! We have been brought to this world because He planned it so. There are no accidents. I wasn't born to this world to outdo my dad or compete with all the accolades of my son. It was all according to a plan. HIS plan.

I now get to spend time with my dad, something I didn't and couldn’t do then. In fact our time together just now surpasses the total of all the time I spent with him then. I’m definitely celebrating the name I have; but it's beyond me that I greet my son for I became a dad today 17 years ago. And so too with my dad who tomorrow 72 years ago was destined to be a dad also for the first time. As it was in GOD's plan, and because of His plan, I greet my dad and my son... HAPPY BIRTHDAY.