Nanay Noneng was mama's eldest sister. Among the siblings, she was the only one who did not finish college because she helped my maternal grandparents earn a living to put all her other brothers and sisters to school. Her not finishing college did not mar her though. She was a highly successful textile retailer and wholesaler in Divisoria during its heyday. Nanay Noneng was rich! At least that was how I perceived her to be. She had a big house and maids who called me señorita. She had about four cars and a sprawling rest house in Antipolo. Christmas was never Christmas without Nanay Noneng's "shop-till-you-drop" or "pick-the-toy(s)-you-want" binge either at Cartimar Market or Sta.Mesa Market.
The much-awaited day usually falls a day or two before Christmas, after Nanay Noneng's store closes. Usually, my older cousins couldn't make it and it was only the younger ones who benefit from this practice. Since Tiya Viring also had a shop in Divisoria, she usually tagged along too - making us kids have two benefactors. I can still remember the excitement of going from store to store choosing the right toy. There was usually an inner struggle on what one toy to choose, or make that two because of Tiya Viring. Because I was my usual self even back then, I end up having 2 or more toys than my cousins.
Once the toys have been bought, Nanay Noneng had them wrapped, then put under the big fresh pine Christmas tree at home.
Life was so simple then. Christmas, happy.
The much-awaited day usually falls a day or two before Christmas, after Nanay Noneng's store closes. Usually, my older cousins couldn't make it and it was only the younger ones who benefit from this practice. Since Tiya Viring also had a shop in Divisoria, she usually tagged along too - making us kids have two benefactors. I can still remember the excitement of going from store to store choosing the right toy. There was usually an inner struggle on what one toy to choose, or make that two because of Tiya Viring. Because I was my usual self even back then, I end up having 2 or more toys than my cousins.
Once the toys have been bought, Nanay Noneng had them wrapped, then put under the big fresh pine Christmas tree at home.
Life was so simple then. Christmas, happy.
Those were the days....does somebody still do that in your family? Iba kasi ang tuwa pag ganon noh? I had an uncle naman na super galante sa pera...yun lang gusto kong puntahan nung bata ako kasi sulit....hahaha.
ReplyDeleteHuling
huling: wla ng manager ngayon eh. when my papa was still alive, may manager pa. my mother-in-law did the same kaya lang na ma stroke, hindi na.
ReplyDeletei did the same to my kids when they were small.
Yumayaman ako pag Pasko sa dami ng kamag anak namin.
ReplyDeletedomjullian: at least yumayaman ka, ako naman naghihikahos sa dami ng kamag-anak ng asawa ako!!
ReplyDeletenoon po yun. pero ngayon na nasa kabilang side of the table na ako, the giver side, its tough. but its OK kasi once a year lang naman and its nice to make people smile no matter how big or small the gift.
ReplyDelete