I grew up in the historical province of Cavite, in a small town called Noveleta. My early childhood was happy. My parents owned a tailor shop right in the center of the town. They were very well known and had lots of friends. My sister Lina and I had a very close friend, Olive. We used to go to each other's house and play everyday. Olive's Tita Della was Lina's ninang.
Unfortunately, my parents separated when I was 12 years old and we were separated not only from our father but also from our dear friend. We saw Olive again twice while my sister and I were still both in the Philippines. Years later, Ninang Della's family migrated to Winnipeg and her oldest daughter Lanie contacted me. We were happily reunited and although Olive was still in the Philippines, we always asked about her. When my son Ryan was born, I asked Lanie to be his Ninang. Just last year, Olive, together with her family,also migrated here. How happy was that reunion! And just imagine the stories we shared. Olive has given birth to another daughter and she asked me and Lina to be godmothers.
