Lipstick Stains

Tricia's Letters

Dear Papa,

It's been a while. I've missed you. There's not a day that goes by that I don't miss you.

I know that I'm not the only one who feels that way because Mama often touches the wedding ring on her finger, Ate Aika stops doing what she's doing because she suddenly remembers you, and Jillian unconsciously touches her necklace to assure herself that it's still there.

We miss you, Papa.

Sometimes, I'd look back on the days we had and I can't help but be sad. I know, I know, you've always told us not to spend our time crying or thinking about such things. But I remember you even in the littlest of things. That's why I try as much as I can to write to you. I hope you're not mad because it's taken me quite a long time since the last time I did.

You don't have to worry about us here though. Mama's doing well. Ate's doing great at work too. Jill and I try our best in school. For you and for Mama.

Continue lighting our path and being our guardian angel, okay? Labs na labs, Papa.

Forever your favorite,
Tricia

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Dear Papa,

Campaigning feels different when you're not around. That's because I'm used to going with you, Mama, and Ate to campaign. We were still so young then.

Now it's so different because Mama's running for an important position. It suits Mama well. She's compassionate and warm and people can't help but adore her. Of course there are people who don't like her but we can't avoid that.

I bring along my reviewers and notes with me so I can still be there to express my support. It wasn't very hard to review because Tita Risa's around to help me.

She's really nice and she looks out for us. I see her asking my siblings if they need help with anything. She holds Jillian's hands when she's nervous before singing onstage and she quizzes me. She's from Ateneo too, like Ate and I. We often tease Mama and Tito Kiko about UP losing to Ateneo in the UAAP.

Her kids are really nice like she is and we hang out with them most of the time because Tita Risa brings them along. It's nice and comforting to be surrounded by people like them.

Until my next letter, Papa. Labs na labs.

Forever your favorite,
Tricia

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Dear Papa,

We won! Mama's the new VP elect and I can't help but feel so proud of her. I know that you're proud of her too.

While I was looking at Mama kanina, I saw how happy she was for winning. She'll finally be able to help more people like she's always wanted. It's nice seeing a lot of people cheer for her. We've come a long way from our simple life in Naga.

It feels weird knowing that the next 6 years of our lives will be different. Mama and Jill will start living here in QC with Ate and I. We'll get to see them more often. I know that the next few years hold no certainty that things will be okay and go smoothly. There will be a lot of bumps on the road for all of us but most especially for Mama. So be her strength like always, Papa.

I miss you. Labs na labs.

Forever your favorite,
Tricia

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Dear Papa,

For you and Mama, it's always been serving the public and living a simple life. Clean track records and ambition to lead and to serve people through honest means.