"Welcome to New York Time Square! Today we celebrate the grand opening of our Clothing Brand business. We are so thankful to so many of you, who have been with us every step of the way, so that this day would finally come. My name is Olivia Polarice B. Evans, and I am the owner of Hanalia." Everyone applauded, and smiled at me while I stood in front.
"I would like to introduce a few special persons to you, My family, Mr. Oliverious Beltran and Aberry Beltran together with my siblings, cousins and relatives. My husband, Director Hector Evans, and my lovely Daughter Hanalia Evans. They are the people behind my success." sumulyap ako kay Hector ng marahan niya akong hinila papalapit sa kanya habang buhat-buhat nito si Faye.
My heart is pounding so fast, while seeing my whole family and friends spending this important day with me. Finally, after 5 years, natupad lahat ng binitawan kong pangarap sa aking mga magulang.
"Next on our agenda is the ribbon cutting ceremony, which will be followed by a tour or opening of our facility" Halsey said when I handed her the mic and everyone braced themself as Hector and I stood in front of the shop.
Tumingala ako at pinagmasdan ito ng mabuti, hindi na ito panaginip at pagpapanggap. Totoo na ang lahat ng ito, "I'm proud of you," he whispers, making me look at him with a genuine smile all over my face.
"I love you," bulong ko at nilingon sila Mom and Dad sa 'aming tabi.
"Let us now cut the ribbon." Sambit ni Jalsey, inabot sa akin ni Hector ang gunting at hinayaan akong gupitin ang ribbon. Lahat ng tao na nasa aming likuran ay nag palakpakan ng buksan namin ni Hector ang malaking pinto ng Hanalia Shop.
He wrapped his arms around my waist, kiss the side of my forehead. Hindi ko naiwasang maluha habang pinagmamasdan ang mga naabot kong pangarap.
"Mii," Faye mumbled and pointed her little fingers at my tears. I chuckled and kissed her while she's in Hector's arms. Inabot sa akin ni Jalsey ang mic at hinayaan akong magsalita.
"On behalf of Hanalia Clothing Brand, we would like to thank each of you for taking time out of your busy schedule today. Thank You and welcome to Hanalia." sambit ko, sunod-sunod nang pumasok ang mga tao sa shop.
Nilapitan ako ni Mom at Dad, niyakap at hinalikan nila ako bago kunin ni Mom si Hanalia kay Hector. "We are so happy for you Oli," Dad uttered as he shook hands with Hector and look at Hanalia.
"You guys are talking to me, but your attention is on my daughter." natatawa kong sambit, dahil parang kinakausap lang nila ako para makuha si Faye sa amin ni Hector.
"That's the plan, pasok na kami," natatawang sambit ni Mom at agad nilang tinanggay ni Dad si Faye papalayo sa amin. Napailing na lang ako at pinanood ang mga taong bumibili ng mga shirts sa loob.
Hindi ko inaasahan dadagsain kami ng maraming tao ngayong opening ng shop. I only expect few customers and some of my friends but it's a blast, punong-puno ang tao sa loob at mahaba ang pila sa labas.
Hindi ko maipaliwanag ang saya na aking nararamdaman ngayon.
"I'll just check something on the car," bulong ni Hector, tumango ako at hinayaan siyang umalis sa tabi ko, at naiwan ako mag-isa dito sa gilid ng pinto.
Every person who enters the shop, they all smile at me and take a picture with me. "Your brand is so beautiful, the clothes I bought are so worth it," some of the foreign customers said before they left the shop.
"Thank you so much," sambit ko at nakipagkamayan sa ibang customers na pumapasok.
3 years ago, after Hector and I got married, a year after I gave birth to Faye, we both decided to go back here to New York. The first reason is, I want him to pursue his job again, and the second reason is that, I really wanted to live where it all started and lastly to aim this dream I left in New York and will always be in New York.
