ISN’T it a great thing to be “quoted” for something good and noteworthy that you uttered? Many great speakers start their speeches with an inspiring quote and continue on from there, developing their message.
I remember my late Dad telling me, and I quote, “Angie, just memorize a few good quotes and bible verses that can guide you through life.” His favorite was the acronym AMDG, which means Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam – “For the greater glory of God.”
Why am I suddenly remembering my Dad, with great nostalgia? My Dad loved reading a lot. Many of his old books had tattered leaves, from obvious overuse. They were also seemingly dirty. Why? He did not only mark with a highlighter those quotable quotes he liked, he underlined them also with whatever pen he was holding while reading. He always read with a pen on one hand, ready to write on the margins of the book he was reading. The better to remember whatever idea he wanted to keep.
He loved memorizing poems, quotations and even bible verses. He admitted that memorizing was his weakness, but it didn’t stop him from trying, and even encouraged me to do likewise. I thank him for one of the great legacies he passed on to me – the love for reading and for inspiring quotations.
Another thing I inherited from my Dad is his love for music, art and nature. Whenever he had extra time on his hands, he tinkered with his violin, his brush or his garden. I learned much later that his oil paintings were done following numbers. Hehe. Now, I feel more affinity with him as I play the piano or listen to music, create doodle art, or grow succulents in pots. These must be the reasons why I feel my Dad’s presence so much nowadays, especially when I am at Quoted Café.
Over a month ago, our two youngest children, David and Jessica opened “QUOTED CAFÉ,” located at V Hotel and Apartel at Bukaneg Street. The café is still in its soft opening stage and it gives Mike and me great joy and pride to see our children’s “BABY” starting to make ripples in social media. Hopefully, in a few months, these positive ripples will turn into more positive waves.
I hope that you will all try and visit Quoted Café soon. Feel its relaxing ambience. Let your bodies be fed with their delicious selection of food and drinks, and your spirits be nourished with the engaging positivity that surrounds the place. And when you visit the cafe, maybe you too, will remember my Dad as you see the many inspiring books, positive quotations and potted succulents that beautify the place.
My dearest David and Jessica,
Seeing you give your very best to the creation and development of your “BABY,” gives your Dad and me so much joy.
Congratulations! We are soooo proud of you. We will pray that you will continue to give your very best in everything that you do. We know that you still have a few more projects up your sleeves. Just remember all of your Dad’s advice and if I may quote my Dad, your Lolo Ne, “AMDG” – Do everything “for the greater glory of God.”
