Luna

Luna graced our lives in the early months of 2021, bringing with her the pure joy of new beginnings. A delightful girl, she made her entrance at St. Luke’s Hospital, and within just five hours, she was peacefully asleep, adorned with a radiant smile—a moment beautifully captured in a photograph.

Her beauty and serene smile never fail to bring a profound sense of calm to my heart. As a father, the indescribable feeling of parenthood envelops me, and I am dedicated to protecting and cherishing her throughout my life.

Luna embarked on a new chapter of her life when, at the tender age of one, she, my wife, and I made the journey to Turkey. Our decision was fueled by a desire to escape the challenging grasp of the ongoing pandemic. Born during the throes of Covid-19, Luna experienced the stringent restrictions that clouded our days in South East Asia, compelling her to don a mask whenever we ventured outdoors—an unsettling norm for such a young soul.

As a concerned father, I couldn’t shake the worry about the potential impact on her health. It was then that we collectively chose to find solace in the enchanting landscapes of Turkey. The allure of this beautiful country, coupled with the uplifting news of the easing of Covid-19 restrictions at the dawn of 2022, beckoned us toward a fresh beginning. In Turkey’s embrace, Luna found not only a picturesque environment but also the freedom from the shackles of pandemic constraints, allowing her to explore the world unburdened by the constant reminder of a mask.

When Luna reached the age of around two, I brought her back to the Philippines for a brief period to attend nursery school. A captivating moment captured in a photograph unfolded in a Lego shop, a place she adored with immense delight. Luna’s visit to the Lego shop was a testament to her vibrant imagination, a quality she possesses in abundance.

Her time in the Philippines not only exposed her to the rich cultural experiences but also became a canvas for her rapid learning abilities. It was a joy to witness her soak up knowledge with remarkable speed, a testament to her insatiable curiosity and eagerness to explore the world around her.

Luna and I reunited in Japan during the winter holiday after an extended six-month separation. As a father, this time apart allowed me to witness her remarkable growth and development. Despite a noticeable decline in her English proficiency, Luna demonstrated an impressive expansion of her knowledge in various areas, including ancient poetry, logic, and basic mathematical concepts. Her exceptional ability to memorize and recall information accurately was particularly noteworthy.

During our stay in Japan, we explored numerous captivating locations in Osaka, Kyoto, Nara and Shirahama. Our adventures included visits to OSAKA Tennoji Zoo, Osaka Castle, Osaka Tsutenkaku, Osaka Kids Plaza, Kyoto Kiyomizu-dera, Nara Park, Shirahama Beach and Aquarium, as well as Kyoto University, among other places. These experiences created cherished memories, and I am optimistic that Luna will retain these moments as she continues to grow. My hope is that the diverse range of activities and sights we encountered during our time together will contribute to her overall development and serve as a foundation for future learning and appreciation.

It’s been a span of two months since I last beheld Luna in person. Remarkably, she has undergone rapid growth and assimilated a wealth of knowledge. Presently, she adeptly articulates her emotions with a sophistication beyond her years and exudes kindness towards all. Behold this image: she has been bestowed with a Certificate of Commendation from her kindergarten, radiating an irresistible charm. While her proficiency in English may have experienced a slight setback, it’s a trivial concern as her immersion in an environment exclusively English-speaking, upon joining me, will catalyze her swift acquisition of the language. Beyond linguistic prowess, she now exhibits independence in her ability to self-feed and tidily organize her playthings.

I earnestly yearn for the opportunity for Luna to reside with me indefinitely. Regrettably, my current commitments prevent me from dedicating myself entirely to her holistic development. Gratefully, my wife, Olivia, has assumed the responsibility of nurturing her with utmost care. With Olivia’s devoted care, I am confident that Luna will continue to flourish and evolve exponentially. See you in summer, both of you. I love you.