When we were still very, very young, my mother once asked each and every one of us what we wanted to be when we grow up. Most of us girls, except for one, said we wanted to become teachers someday . The exception said, she wanted to become a " katulong " in the future. We all laughed at it , including my mom, and at the same time we were all in "awe" and said, "HUH??? Why??? "
Well, God gives the desires of our heart. And as she wishes, God granted Evelyn Soriano Baladjay y Arciaga ( a.k.a. Bengga ) what she wanted to be in life. For me, Bengga really ended up as a " katulong " to the family and to so many others including her neighbors and friends.
Of course, by the word "katulong", I do not mean that Bengga ended up as a domestic helper or a housemaid. Totoo, napakasipag niyang maglinis at mag-ayos ng bahay. Kung minsan nga, kahit hindi niya bahay ay nililinis niya. Not only in the Philippines, hanggang sa London, naglilinis siya ng bahay kahit alas kwatro pa lang ng madaling araw (to the ire of the british students, including my son-in-law, in the boarding house ) LOL.
On a serious note, Bengga finished an Accounting course from Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila and spent the best years of her life at San Miguel Corporation until she retired from the private service a few years ago. She's happily married to Anthony ( also an executive at the UNILAB ) and an accomplished mother to three young professionals in their respective fields. At the moment, she's just playing ( with stocks) and traveling (all around the world). I guess, at this time she is still out of the country for a birthday trip to Singapore and Indonesia. On the sideline, she's a " katulong" to so many of us who needs help. She's always ready to lend a helping hand to ANYBODY. She's very sensitive to the needs of others and she can do and will do anything for you if she thinks the situation warrants. That's where she finds true happiness.
She's not only a " katulong sa lahat ng oras " but she's also very, very thoughtful. She never fails to greet you or buy something for you on your birthday or even for no occasion at all. When she comes back from her travels, well, may kasalanan ka kung sakaling wala kang pasalubong buhat sa kanya ... hehe.
As a church worker, she's superb! I am a witness to her sincerity in giving her best service to the Lord. And as her sister, I couldn't ask for anything more.
Bengga, on your birthday, I just wanted to thank you. My family and I are so blessed with you. As I have said before, ikaw ay tunay na MAKADIOS AT MAKATAO.
On your birthday today and all throughout your life, we will be praying for your continued happiness!
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| We cleaned one of these houses in Fairbridge, London as early as 4 a.m. . . . lol |
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| And this was the result . . . |
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| And so with this... |
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| Bengga spearheaded the preparation of these give-aways for Rein's Bridal shower in Fairbridge, London |
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| Bengga was so excited to be the most beautiful amidst the lovely flowers at the Botanical Garden in Northern Ireland |
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This is the first thing that Bengga looks for in a new country she visits . . . STARBUCKS and the mug ( Belfast )
and now , pag hindi ako kasama, pati tindahan ng souvenirs for my THIMBLE...LOL
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When she arrives at the hotel . . . picture .... picture
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At the Rose Garden in Belfast, Northern Ireland
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Mga " Israelitas " on their way to Holiday Inn, Belfast at about 7 a.m. UK time ( 12 mn Phil. Time)
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At the Riverside Museum in Glasgow, as if waiting for the Glasgow River Bus ( a cruise ferry boat )
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Inside the Riverside Museum - a transport museum in Glasgow
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On our way to Marriott Dalmahoy Hotel and Country Club, Edinburg, Scotland
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Bengga, the jetsetter, on her way to Northern Ireland
At the Botanical Garden in Belfast with the Black English retirees on the background
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