Thank you

He left for Los Baños at around 3:00 pm; he arrived at 6:20 pm – almost three and a half hours ride from his place to the venue just to attend my graduation.

6:25 pm
Jopet: Tingin ka sa kaliwa mo.

6:26 pm
Jing: Ang guwapo mo naman.

Having seated in the front row, he asked me to look at my left where some of the guests stood, and there he was all lovely in his green polo. He waved. I smiled.

6:26 pm
Jopet: I’m so proud of you kahit pangit ka.

6:27 pm
Jing: Thank you, pangit ka din. I’m so glad you are here. I
love you.

He silently clapped his hands for me. I have never felt so loved and so proud to be where I was that time. I finally graduated after a year of cramming for my thesis. And he was there, with my family, sharing the glory with me.

I got back to my seat after receiving my diploma. He was there at the side again, clapping his heart out. He told me later that he was so proud of me and that I looked beautiful in my Filipiñana gown with sablay. I looked like a princess daw... prinsesa ng mga tribu (sabay tawa). I wasn't sure if he believed me when I told him that I super love the sound of his laughter – so sweet and sincere, kahit na puro kalokohan lang ang pinagtatawanan.

Later that night, I remembered thanking God for sending me someone to love.