Tata One Year Later

JJ Yulo reflects on the pillar of strength that his grandmother, Imelda Ongsiako Cojuangco was, who despite her fragile appearance, held the family together and impressed upon them the riches truly worth valuing.

It’s been a little over a year since my grandmother, Meldy, whom we affectionately call Tata, went back home to our Creator.

It was certainly an interesting year, to say the least, even tumultuous for some. I suppose we all coped with her sudden departure by scurrying off into our own corners, living our lives, and mourning in our own personal ways.

Whether we were aware of it or not, she left an indelible print in the fabric of our lives. In retrospect, she was the one constant we had. We’d see her at least once a week, holding court in her home as we gathered around her for weekend lunch. This went on…oh, ALL MY LIFE.

All the key moments of my life, and dare I say everyone else’s, unfolded in that table. My revelation of first crushes; permission to host my first party—with (gasp!) girls invited!—which Tata slept through, by the way; my lolo getting sick and passing away; my struggles in school and in life; my girlfriends; my getting married; and eventually, her first great grandchildren. All those cards lay on that table.