20/08/2025
The past days have been an amazing treat for our inquisitive and curious John Gabriel. A rare opportunity we definitely celebrate as parents too.
John thought of meeting in person the people whose photos he would often see in posters and vehicles (he even memorized the numbers and names in campaign posters), he would ask who won in the election and who is running for which position, he looked forward to stepping in the very hall where the SONA was delivered (yes he watches the news), and he wanted to see what mommy meant by executive, legislative and judiciary. Judiciary is quite familiar as he knows law schools and Halls of Justice where mommy goes for work where he have the chance to meet members of the legal profession. Yet, it was definitely the first executive and legislative experience for him.
Interestingly, he just wanted to walk around and greet people, exchange stories with public officials and ask them questions (like, are you from Party-List?). Oh, he is amazed too that he could see himself in the big monitor of the Plenary Hall. We explained to him that the people around him are celebrating his achievements in the international taekwondo competition that he joined in Thailand.
Most memorable for us as parents is the refreshing moment seeing a little boy showing unabashed joy and sincerity meeting, greeting, shaking hands with and blessing the hands of public officials and lawmakers. It is definitely one for the books, something we will never forget.
Today’s Catholic Daily reflection says generosity is not just sharing of material things, but also generosity of celebrating other’s blessings and accomplishments. We felt that through the people who shared the happiness of and with our son. We celebrate also the gift of parenthood. May we all continue supporting our children, prioritizing their happiness and welfare while balancing it with experiences on character and value formation. Above all, the very basic right of the child to play. May God bless us all!
📷 John Kyle Oliveros
