The Marcoses: Memories from the North

Chapter 27

Jade's POV

Today is Nastya's third birthday. After almost a week of preparation. Sandro and I decided to throw the party sa palasyo.

Actually, I wanted an intimate celebration. But Daddy Bong insisted na sa Palasyo kami magcelebrate at mag invite ng mga bata at iba nilang mga friends. Ngayong araw din ay ipapakilala nila si Nastya bilang isang Marcos, officially.

"Daddy, am I going to change my name na? I'm not a Montefalco na?" Napatingin naman sa akin si Sandro. Ngumiti lang ako sakanya at bahagyang tumango as if telling him that it's okay.

"You'll always be a Montefalco, sweet heart. Just that, we're going to add Daddy's surname." Paliwanag ni Sandro.

"I know it is difficult to understand now, but soon, when you grow up, Mommy and I will explain it to you. Is that okay?" Tanong ni Sandro dito.

Ngumuso naman si Nastya. "How many sleeps pa for me to grow up?" Inosenteng tanong nito.

Natawa naman si Sandro at binuhat si Nastya. "A lot of sleeps pa. For now, don't think about it too hard, okay? I want you to enjoy. It's your birthday today." Sagot lang ni Sandro.

"Hmm okay!"

"And Nastya, I want you to be a good girl there okay?" Bilin ko naman sa anak ko.

Sobrang ganda niya talaga. I can't believe it. It's been three years since this baby came into my life.

"Yes mommy. I don't want bunso to be stressed as well." Nakangiting sabi naman ni Nastya.

Yes, we told her already that she's going to be an Ate na. Mind you, she was really happy and kept on asking Sandro why the baby is in my tummy.

"Good girl." I just told her and kissed her on the forehead while Sandro is carrying her.

When we walked out sa garden. Guests stood up and clapped their hands upon seeing Nastya.

And my baby girl is loving the attention.

Sandro made her sit on one white single couch before he grabbed the mic and stood up on the mini stage.

My man's wearing a barong tagalog as usual, and the rest of the Marcoses men. While us, we wore terno. Hinding hindi talaga ako magsasawa titigan si Sandro.

"Bago po ang lahat, I want to take this opportunity to thank you all for coming and celebrating the life of my daughter with us. Although marami sa inyo ang alam kong gulat pa din hanggang ngayon because of the fact that I already have a child. Guess, hindi naman na maitatago pa." Natatawang panimula ni Sandro.

"My wife and I initially decided not to disclose my daughter's identity in public since we don't think it is necessary naman because she is a private person. But since my Dad, President Marcos was very uncomfortable with the situation, we have decided to formally introduce you a piece of our life. Our daughter Anastascia Montefalco- Marcos."

The guests applauded. Sandro was just proudly smiling.

"Standing before you is a proud father and a proud husband. Sa tingin ko, ay wala na akong mahihiling pa sa buhay na ito. I have a perfect family. A perfect wife, Attorney Jade Montefalco and a kind adorable daughter Anastascia. This is the job that I can never resign and I can never be tired off."

"and I know, my daughter couldn't understand things right now that I am about to say, but I hope, when she grows up, she watches this memorable event that we are filming right now."

Sandro looked at Nastya and Nastya just smiled at him and waved her hands.

"Nastya, anak. I know daddy wasn't beside you for the last two birthdays you have celebrated. But I am really really thankful that we were able to celebrate this now altogether. Thank you for being daddy's inspiration, for being daddy's motivation to get up from bed every morning regardless of how tired I was the day before. Thank you because daddy learned how to cook Russian foods because that is your preference. Thank you for being daddy's reason to stay safe because I need to come home to you and to your mom." Sandro emotionally said.