Good food and the Mama's boys

We are Mama’s Boys. Yes, you heard that right. And if there’s one truth we hold close, it’s this: no matter how old we become, there’s a part of us that will always seek out our mom. We may be taller, busier, more independent—but the longing, the love, the need… it never fades.

There was one special moment, just before our mom’s birthday. We planned a surprise not grand, not extravagant but honest and full of love. We told her we were just going to hang out, to “mulaag” (to roam around a little). She probably thought it would be casual—snacks, light errands. But we had something else in mind. We wanted to share a dinner with her—a dinner where we could spend time, laugh, tell stories, celebrate her. And then, when she least expected it, surprise her.

There are nine of us siblings in total four brothers and five sisters—but at that moment not all could make it. Some were away, working, even abroad. So it was just three of us who made the trip, showed up early, planned everything in whispers and small details so she wouldn’t suspect. It might seem like a small gesture, but to us, it mattered so deeply that we—her children—made the effort.

We chose Pagatpat Seafood Restaurant in Sta. Fe, Matalom, Leyte. It’s a special place: fresh seafood cooked simply to bring out its natural flavors, huts and cottages built above shallow water, some floating cottages, bamboo boardwalks weaving among mangrove trees. The water gently moves below, a breeze lifts the brine in the air—and you can see the trees reflecting in the water. It feels native. It feels calm. Very fitting for what we wanted: warmth, peace, family.

Key food options and dishes:

Fresh seafood, Prepared dishes and Seafood Budol

We choose seafood budol- This is popular boodle fight style platter that is highly recommended. It typically includes a variety of seafood served on a native flat basket lined with banana leaves.

I have an allergy to shrimp. But when I saw (and smelled) how everything looked… I couldn’t resist. I took precautions, but I ate anyway—because memories are made sometimes by giving in to joy. That’s how much it meant.

One of our favorites menu: Kinilaw na isda or Fish ceviche, Fried Calamari, Crab in coconut milk, Scallops, and squid. They also offer non-seafod.

We got there early. The restaurant wasn’t crowded yet. It was quiet, warm, full of possibility. As we waited for her reaction, our hearts were pounding—not exactly from nervousness, but from excitement. From knowing this simple dinner would bring her joy. From imagining her face when she realized that “mulaag” wasn’t just roaming—it was a plan to honor her. A smile. Maybe some surprise. Maybe a few tears. Those moments are priceless.

Even though we weren’t all there—in that moment—just being able to share that time was enough. It reminded us: family isn't about perfect timing or being complete at every event; it's about presence, effort, love. It’s about showing up, even when all of you can’t. And doing what you can, when you can, to make someone you love feel honored and special.

So yes, we are Mama’s Boys. Young or grown, near or far, busy or idle—we will always look for our mom. We will always try to make her feel loved. Because some bonds are never too big to let go, and some love never gets old.