I'm going to love you forever.
Let's just start with that.
I brought you and Tita Dei to Manila Ocean Park. It is absolutely my favourite place in the world. Hopefully, you finally know why.
You should know by now how I am in terrible awe of the beauty that is the sea. However, what fascinates me the most about the sea is how it gracefully dances its tides. In life, there will be insane amounts of downfalls. It might be the first you tried to walk yet fell down, or the moment you failed an exam you studied overnight for. It could be minute or it could be the big ones that change your life entirely. Whichever it is, I hope that you embody the best characteristic of the sea: its grace and its ability to adapt.
It's funny how spontaneous trips get pushed through the most. I've always wanted to bring you places because as much of a homebody I am, I adore trips. Even when you were a little smaller, you've always had an eye for aquariums which is why Manila Ocean Park was the best place to start our Educational Trips.
You were in love with the park, my love. Your eyes cannot stop looking everywhere albeit there is no better view than the reflection in your eyes trying to devour it all in. Tita Dei asked me how come the fishes don't each other. Then it suddenly came to mind that in terms of contentment, I wish the people were like fish; that for as long as the get the food they need, they will not harm the inferior fishes. How simple their lives are. Imagine if humans had the decency to abide to the same rule. Surely, this Earth would have no man standing with an empty stomach because there is always enough for everyone, it's just that some greedy assholes think so selfishly they do not really consider others. Depressing. I hope your generation changes this. I hope that there are more and more children who are taught to be generous and selfless. I hope that the light in your future is clearer than what I have now.
It is absolutely crazy how relaxing staring at the aquariums were. It gives me a sense of relief that there are beauty in places we didn't expect. That's the thing about visiting aquariums, you never knew you were missing out on so much until you've finally been into one. I personally liked the Jellies Exhibit better than anything. I think the best place to go whenever you're feeling sad or out of sync is the ocean park. Everything in it provides the best comfort - to think that you're literally going to spend the day walking.
There was an attraction there where I had to think twice before going in for it was freezing cold. But I thought we're hardly ever here and the ticket was damn expensive so we might as well. Although regretting it right after because the moment you got home, you were burning. It was that or because of the fact that I gave you a shower that night. I blame it on the penguins. You got sick for 5 days. I had to give bring you to your pediatrician just so we'd know it was nothing serious. It was all worth it though. We had the best time.
It also came as a surprise to Dei that she actually enjoyed Manila Ocean Park. I told her that is is impossible not to. But I am not sure if that was just me. We had late lunch at Pancake House and they gave you crayons and papers to play with. I've dreamt of doing plates in that Pancake House branch. If only cab rides weren't as expensive, I would have probably stayed there during breaks. HAHAHA.
When you grow a little older we will come back and we will gush crazily over these fishes and you will tell me your favourite. I hope you know it is a dream of mine to bring you places. We're going to visit all the museums and all the parks and I'm going to be that boring mama where we will do nothing but anything educational. And hopefully, you'll see something fun in that.
Even if it was exhausting and even when I must have carried you half the time, I enjoyed the day. I believe we all had a good time. It was surreal bringing you to my favourite place on Earth and expensive but you are all sorts of worth it. We're going to do this again and this time around with a yaya. Hahahaha.
Always remember that I am going to love you long after the fishes ran out.
Love always, Mama
