Issa’s POV
It was a late-afternoon nuptials in October that took place. There was a stunning view of the setting sun from this vantage point. At the end of each aisle, a string of candles fragrant with jasmine was hung from the branches of naked trees. A path of white petals stretched as far as the eye could see. My cheeks were brushed by the ocean breeze, and my hair was swaying in time with the waves. All of us have just returned from the wedding ceremony, which took place at a beachside venue.
“So now, may we request the bride to deliver her message for everyone in the room”
It’s my time now to speak. I felt nervousness creeping up on me. I don’t know why since I’m used to speaking in front of the public.
“Let’s give a round of applause to the ever dashing bride, Isabella.”
“Thank you Lana. You look stunning tonight”
“Kinakabahan ako ng bongga. I don’t know why but maybe because my two moms are in front of me. First of all, Thank you everyone for joining us in celebrating our marriage. Kayo yung mga taong andyan since day one of our relationship. To my Kuya Kiko, and to my sisters, Ianna and Sinta, and ofcourse to my other sisters, Ate Aika, Trish and Jill, thank you so much for everything you have done for us. To my Mom and Mama Leni, you guys are my inspiration. You’re the living definition of how love should be. Of how love looks like, feels like. I love you both.”
Mom and Mama Leni’s story is one of a kind. It’s controversial to say the least. Madaming bumatikos, nagsabi ng mga masasakit na salita laban sakanila at kanilang pamilya, sa aming mga anak nila. But despite everything, they remained unbowed. They remained unbothered. Their relationship is THE standard of love.They are the epitome of true love.
“In the days leading up to my marriage, I pondered the meaning of love. Love, as I see it, is nothing more than a fervent affection for the person you share your life with, and that is how I view our entire relationship. If the other person brings you joy, then you have found true love. That was until one night, when I was in the kitchen with my Mama Ris and Mama Leni. Mama Risa sits on the counter while Mama Leni bakes a cheesecake with blueberries in it. Sa lahat ng nakakakilala kay mama, she loved blueberry cheesecake. It’s her comfort food. It makes her heart fluff. But she doesn’t know how to make it. When I asked her earlier why she didn't make them more often since she enjoyed it so much, she answered that whisking, mixing, and baking is the one part of kitchen tasks that she despises. She said It's a total disaster. It takes a very long time. But Mama Leni learned the necessary things to prepare it for Mama Ris. Para kaming nag food tasting sa bahay every night because Mama Leni wanted to make a perfect blueberry cheesecake for my mom. It took her time. Sometimes, it’s too sweet. Sometimes, it's too sour. It’s messy. Ingredients were not complete. The cream was too soft. Too hard. She had a lot of failures along the way, but in the end, she came up with her own perfect technique. My mother always said, "Now there is no blueberry cheesecake on earth that is more delightful than yours, Lalabs." And she was right.
Minsan, kapag badtrip si Mama because of work, or kahit Mama is having a tough time, Mama Leni gets out the flour, eggs, blueberries, graham crackers and other ingredients, and she painstakingly whisks everything, mix the ingredients until it’s ready to freeze. She makes the most delicious blueberry cheesecake with Mama’s favorite blueberry syrup.
Friends, my moms taught us what love truly is. There are times when love takes the form of a diamond engagement ring, a wedding, a passionate kiss, or a spontaneous vacation. Sometimes love is a joint battle, an improbable triumph, and an unconditional relationship with another person.
And sometimes, love is a blueberry cheesecake."
“Hindi ko alam kung kasal ba nila to or what. But that's what they taught me and my siblings. A love that is simple yet full of meaning. Palagi ko ngang sinasabi kay Migz na I want a love like my moms. Kaya Migz, please learn how to cook because just like my Mama, i also hate mess especially when frying.”
The night ended with lots of laughing and lots of love. I hope that one day, you will all find a love as powerful as the one shared by my Mama and Mama Leni. Love reminiscent of a cheesecake topped with blueberries.
