"Godmothers are a blessing from heaven sent to love an angel on earth." -Unknown
Ninang is a Filipino term for "godmother", someone who co-parents and attends to the needs of a child from baptism until when help and assistance are needed. Being one is more than just a title and a privilege. It is a responsibility. What I mean by having responsibilities with the child is beyond just giving gifts on special occasions. It is more about being a good second parent, instilling values in the child, looking after him/her if the parents are out, and much more.
I have become one of the easiest-to-commit-Ninang every time my colleagues and friends asked me to be. But for some reason, I have declined several offers to be one if I knew that I can't function well enough in my role due to distance, work, and other factors. (I can only count on my fingers the godchildren I have. I do not just confirm to be one knowing I can't be a child's second parent. Moreover, I do not have enough cash bullets to buy gifts, especially on Christmas Day. Lol!)
As a godmother, I must see to it that I am not just having the role on paper or during the baptism ceremony. I have to be present in my godchildren's lives. I must make time for them, for them to know me, that I exist, and that I am part of their lives. More than just being present on special occasions and giving them gifts, I prefer to give them my time and service. In times of problems or any shortcomings, I should be there, giving my support, functioning as their second parent.
EVE GOT BAPTIZED
Last Sunday, Eve made me her godmother.
I willingly said YES when the parents asked, "Will you be Eve's godmother?" It sounded like one of the best proposals I was asked about. (Aside from being my relatives, the parents were my elementary and high school classmates too.) This was also the reason why I failed to go to the Hive meet-up. Originally, the baptism fell on the 20th of May (the town's fiesta) but then it was rescheduled to the 21st for some reasons. I had to make a choice. They were both significant occasions but I was committed and said yes to the baptism first. Anyway, I can still attend future meet-ups but Boninay (my goddaughter's nickname) will be baptized just once. So, yeah, that's it.
THE CHURCH
We attended the mass first.
After, there was a short orientation on what's gonna happen during the ceremony.
THE NINONGS AND NINANGS
After the ceremony, we didn't miss the opportunity to take photos with Boninay and her milestone, being a Catholic.
We welcomed her with so much joy and happiness, wishing and praying that she will grow in hope and love, making God the center of her life.
It is also with a promise that as her Ninang, I will always be with her, sharing her pains and waves of laughter, celebrating her small success and victories in life.
I am ready to take care of her when her parents have other things to do, play with her, read her stories, and hold her in my arms until she falls asleep, just exactly what I did with her kuya, Vince, my another "inaanak" (the term used to refer to a grandchild.)
Boninay's kuya Vince
I have also prepared my answers in case people would still ask me questions like when can I have my own and when will they become my child's Ninong and Ninang. Hahahaha.
And of course, the celebration wouldn't be complete without lechon and karaoke afterward.
Here are some of the photos of my Ninang moments.🤗
This is all for today's blog. Be well. Be safe. Until the next writing.
(Some photos were Fb tagged on me.)