Three people share God's blessing as they celebrate their natal day today, July 25.
First in the list is Laurentino "Tito Larry" Albano, my father's older brother. Tito Larry is the third child of Lolo Paul and Lola Piling. An excellent basketball player, he used to be the Coach of the Basketball Team in Letran Manila. Our family would normally watch the games then to give my uncle and his team moral support. Little did I know then that I would return to watch similar games years later - as a student of that august institution. Apart from coaching, he was also the President of the family business. Because two of his older brothers were in the States, Tito Larry acted as the panganay among his siblings in Manila. Following the footsteps of Lolo Paul, he became Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus (St Joseph de Gagalangin Parish) for some time; he was also Vice President of the Parish Pastoral Council during the late Msgr Feliciano Santos' time.
I used to hear people call him "Godfather", but until now I'm still in limbo as to how he got this monicker. I asked folks from the States, but it got more murky as another uncle is called the same from their end. There are still those who call him "Tata Larry" (Tata is an Iluko word for 'father'). Indeed, he was looked up as a father by his employees.
Tito Larry's kids - Banjo, Champ, and Leia particularly - were our kalaro since we all grew up together. In the early 80s, Tito Larry and later his family moved to the States. Yet, we continue to get in touch through letters, pasalubongs (of which they are very thoughtful), and e-mails. Tito Larry was one of the first in the second generation of Albanos to go 'online'. I could feel his fatherly guidance and assurance whenever I read his e-mail, regardless if the message were brief or not. One e-mail I cannot fail to forget was when I thanked him for his kind words upon hearing the news that Chiara was born. His reply? "But of course she (Chiara) is our grand daughter!". I may be sentimental, but his message was really inspiring particularly that we don't have any family members near us when Nidz gave birth.
Cheers to you, dear uncle, on your 70th birthday! May you continue to grow in God's grace, mirroring His fatherly care to all whom you meet!
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Second in my list is Sancho "Tito So" Castro. He is the youngest child of Lolo Tony and Lola Urs. Like our first honoree, he is also active in church, serving as a Lector/Commentator at the St Mary Magdalene Parish (Kawit, Cavite). A faculty member at the De la Salle University (Dasmarinas), Tito So is also active in a male chorale group. We see each other very often in parish celebrations whenever I come home. We also keep ourselves updated from time to time in Facebook. Tito So as well as his siblings continue to bring the light of Christ to the people of Kawit.
Many happy returns on your special day, beloved Tito! Keep up the good work in the Lord's vast harvest!
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Last, but not least is Hershey Joy Mauricio-Reyes, the newest member of the Samaniego-Reyes clan, the wife of my first cousin Eldin. I have not yet met Hershey, but I have in touch with her through social networking. Thanks to her, I was able to send a message to Tita Lilia through Voxer. I was also able to hear my aunt's voice using the same technology.
Wishing you all the best, Hershey! This year is truly a great year - in January you and Eldin tied the knot; this December you will both be welcoming your bundle of joy! Looking forward to see you all soon! God bless you 3!
