Siblings Tal and Bacheng took the opportunity to let their overseas Filipina worker (OFW) mother in Oman see fruits of their hard work by bringing with them their medals and school certificates when they went onstage as contestants of variety show Wowowin.
The two also brought with them their jolly personalities that masked the struggles they had growing up. Their father was often busy at work, so Tal and Bacheng were always left at home with only each other’s company. The fact that their parents are also separated did not help them either.
The siblings, however, understand their family’s situation and have chosen to move forward.
They also have a message for their OFW mother who is working overseas to be able to send them to school.
“Ma, thank you sa lahat kasi nagsasakripisyo ka para samin,” Tal said.
“Ma, sobrang thank you po kasi sa loob ng almost 7 years po Ma, tinitiis mo po na malayo ka samin para may pangtustos kami sa pangaraw-araw lalo na po sa aming pag-aaral. Wag ka mag-alala, Ma, malapit na, teacher mo,” an emotional Bacheng said.
Bacheng also expressed how hard it is to grow without the guidance of their parents.
“Ang hirap lumaki nang independent na walang gabay ng nanay o ng tatay. [Pero] ang hirap pong lumaki ng walang magulang. Naiinggit po ako sa mga kaklase kong kapag may mga orientation tapos kasama nila ang Mama nila, ako kailangan ko pa pong maglaba ng uniform ko sa gabi bago ako pumasok kinabukasan pero naiintindihan ko naman po kung bakit si Mama nasa ibang bansa. Sobrang salamat po sa sakripisyo na binigay ninyo sa amin. Kaya malapit na, konting tiis na lang, konting kembot na lang, may teacher na po kayo,” Bacheng said.
Meanwhile, their father Roger, apologized for his shortcomings as their father.
“Proud na proud ako sa inyo kasi kahit wala ako sa tabi ninyo, lagi kayong nandito sa puso ko. Mahal na mahal ko kayo,” he said.
“Maraming salamat Papa kasi di mo kami iniwan kahit magkahiwalay na kayo ni Mama hindi mo kami pinabayaan,” Tal responded.
