My Aji-no-Moto Sister

Some people are blessed with good genes. Or have the money to have access to beauty. Or just plain lucky. Maybe my sister, Bernadette, is the last. When she was young, she looked like a Japanese doll—fair-skinned and chinky eyed.   If you had seen us four sisters together when we were young, you would definitely doubt that she was part of our clan. That’s why people used to wonder from what bunch could she have come from. Growing up, she was either praised for being cute, or teased for being an ampon.

There was this old Aji-no-moto commercial that featured a sweet, young Japanese girl when we were kids. The girl looked like little Midette, so we used to call her Aji-no-moto.

As years went by, her ‘prettiness’ DNA became more prominent. She was the tallest among us, and the thinnest. She could eat rice in a bandehado without feeling guilty about it--for not an inch would go to her arms, and waist, and hips. Even now that she has five (whoa!) adorable kids, would you believe that she could still pull off wearing a bikini? And a white one at that! She also has that ability to make an inexpensive dress look ten times more than what it's worth. Of course, the other wicked sisters would never accept that she’s the prettiest. Up to now, fierce competition still abounds in Casa Alvarez;-)

Her pride and joy

But since it’s your birthday, Midette, let me rest my scramble to the top and let you shine on this day (I speak on behalf of the other wicked sisters too!). You deserve all the love, happiness and blessings. Happy birthday, my dear beautiful sister!

Enjoy this day to the fullest. For tomorrow, My, Ben and I will be on the race for that elusive title again! Luv yah mmuch!!!



P.S. Happy birthday too to beautiful friends of mine:

Vicky Castillo-Mamanta--One of the the best friends I had in high school. She made me laugh and laugh without end...

Lowell Esguerra-Reyes--My beautiful UPCC batchmate. She had that refreshing glow in her, even after an overnight trip on the bus...

Monique Gatbonton--My GSMI friend. Her infectious laughter and positive aura despite the pressure of corporate life had been an inspiration...

Clarissa Perez, Pinky Cantuba-Castro, & John Kim...

Your presence in my life would always be considered a blessing.