Bold
Last Monday was such a special day, my daughter celebrated her very first United Nations Day at school. She’s only three, but the excitement she showed made it feel like a grand event. From the moment she woke up that morning, she couldn’t stop talking about her dress and how she was going to “wave her flag like a queen.” She represented the Philippines, and I couldn’t be prouder. Seeing her celebrate her own country at such a young age filled my heart with joy. The night before, our living room looked like a mini salon. Her tiny and vibrant white Filipiniana dress was laid out neatly. I brushed her hair carefully and placed a Philippine flag inspired headband on her. She looked at me with bright eyes and asked, “Nanay, am I pretty?” “You’re beautiful,” I told her. “You’re the princess of the Philippines today.”
When we arrived at school the next morning, the whole place was bursting with color. Flags from different countries hung everywhere, and cheerful music played in the background. Parents stood ready with their phones, excited to capture every moment. It was heartwarming to see how much effort her teacher put into the celebration.
Then came the parade. One by one, the children marched proudly, each wearing their country’s costume. When my daughter’s name was announced “Representing the Philippines!”, I felt my chest swell with pride. There she was, waving her tiny flag with the biggest smile. She looked a little shy, a little unsure, but so full of joy. It wasn’t a perfect walk, she forgot to bow and almost tripped on her skirt, but to me, it was perfect. Her happiness was contagious. Every parent in the room smiled as the children danced and waved their flags together. For a few minutes, it felt like the world truly was united, innocent, colorful, and full of love.
After the program, the kids gathered for pictorials. The school was filled with laughter and tiny footsteps. She ran to me, waving her flag and saying, “Nanay, I was the Philippines today!” “Yes, madam,” I told her, hugging her tight. “And you made the Philippines proud.”
That night, as I tucked her into bed, she whispered, “Next time, I want to be Japan.” I laughed softly and said, “We’ll see. But tonight, you were amazing.” Moments like this remind me how fast our children grow. One day, they’re learning to walk. The next, they’re walking proudly on stage, showing the world who they are. My daughter may not remember every detail of her first UN Day, but I know I will, because it wasn’t just her celebration. It was mine too, as a proud nanay of a little girl discovering the beauty of the world.
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