Last Saturday, we celebrated Kali’s 18th birthday at Kamura Fusion Resto. It was a small, relaxed gathering. The only goal was simple: let her enjoy the night with the people who love her as she steps into adulthood.

Of course, I came prepared. I had a speech written and ready. I already knew I probably wouldn’t get through it smoothly—I’m the kind of parent who cries at moments like this. Still, I thought having something written down would help.

Then, right before it was my turn, I changed my mind and decided to just wing it.

Bad idea. Lol.

I managed to say most of what was in my heart, but later I realized I skipped a few parts that would’ve helped people understand where I was coming from. So I’m sharing it here—the speech I meant to give.

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I knew I wanted to be a mother at 24. But the universe had a different plan, and I became one at 29. It wasn’t a straightforward pregnancy—we only conceived after going through an expensive fertility test at St. Luke’s, which wasn’t even covered by our HMO. Not many people know this, and Kali herself only found out a few months ago.

Suffice it to say, she was a gift we long waited for.

Why did I want to become a mother at an early age, you ask? Well, in those days, people would say that the closer your age is to your child, the better it will be, relationship-wise. But I guess they missed the memo.

Maybe the years we missed conceiving her are the reason why we don’t always jive like jelly. Or maybe I’m just making excuses. The truth is, we’re not alike. In fact, we’re polar opposites in so many ways. And I think that’s okay.

I once read that you can be best friends with your kids, but if that’s not the case, Que sera sera. Even if we aren’t the closest, I make sure to impart everything I know to her—all the values she’ll need when she faces the real world. I’ve tried my best to equip her with the tools she’ll need, albeit the hesitations.

Soon, she’ll be out there in the jungle. And I’m confident that whenever she’s faced with a dilemma, she’ll look back and say, “Sabi ni Mama, ganito daw gawin ko.”

I am a proud mother of a beautiful and smart girl. I’m sure she’ll reach her dreams soon. She’s hardworking, she perseveres, and she is relentless. If you only knew how much she’s so hard on herself sometimes. You’ll be amazed. I could never.

I’m confident, and I don’t worry at all— That is, if she could just wake up to the sound of her alarm.

Happy birthday Kali, I love you and I only want what’s best for you

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