“Distance means so little, when someone means so much.” ― Tom McNeal

Different Filipino families have gathered at the warmth of their home to spend some quality time with each other, as they share a meal together at one table today. As it has been issued by the Memorandum Circular (MC) 64, the Malacañang shortened the work hours in order for each working individual to have an opportunity to spend quality time with their family.

However, not all families are fortunate enough to sit at one table today. As the school year has started, many of our fellow students, especially from college are not able to return to their respective homes, as they are stuck with their continuous piled up work in their boarding houses.

Denise Canete, a student from BAEL 3A, shares her experience as she was also saddened that she was wasn’t able to be with her family for today’s celebration, she states, “Reflecting upon how is it different to spend every day with your family by your side and my situation recently, I’d say time is indeed so fast. The thing is we tend to not appreciate the days when we still have tons of time to be with our families. Then sooner, you’ll just wake up missing how things used to be.”

But she also understands at the end of the day on why she has to stay, because she is also working hard in order to benefit herself and her family especially, in the future.

“Take things easy, anak. Don’t be hard on yourself. “

This was the message that Denise received that day, and it is such a simple reminder that we get from our family, but it holds so much significance to those students who are currently struggling in their college journey.

Daisy Atienza, a student from BSARCH 4B, also shares her perspective on today’s celebration as she states, “Sad, kay waray makaupod haira, pero bagat diri gihap surprised kay aadi mn ak ha tac, hirayo man ak haak fam. However dre hiya masyado big deal haak, kay everytime man ghap na makakauli ak, gin mamake sure ghap nam na everyday is fam day, bagat dre la kami nag huhulat na magka mayda Kainang Pamilya Mahalaga Day para mag urusa something sugad.”

Indicating that we should always try to give quality time to our families and make most of every moment we have with them. She also mentions that her family also takes time to spend time with her, as they also visit her in her boarding house from time to time.

Even with their families being miles across from them, and even if they aren’t able to be with them on this day, they are always reminded by their families that they will wait for the days they can spend time with each other again, and that they continuously support us no matter what.

Let today’s celebration be also a reminder of how even love could reach us from miles across, especially when it comes to our family.

Happy Kainang Pamilya Mahalaga Day, EVSUnistas!

Article by Princess Anne Adona