This is my sister Doree Joy and her Ninang (Godmother) Liz.

Wikipedia says: Traditionally, godparents were informally responsible for ensuring the child’s religious education was carried out, and for caring for the child should it be orphaned. The modern view of a godparent tends to be an individual chosen by the parents to take an interest in the child’s upbringing and personal development.

Of all my siblings, Joy is the only one with a godparent. Why? Because ninong/ninang wasn’t really a part of our tribal culture.

Still, I am so envious. I have no one to call ninang, no one who’d take interest in my personal ”development” and no one to compulsory give me money and gifts on my birthdays and on Christmases.

I wish I had one.