Happy Birthday, Mama Helen & Tess ❤️🎂
Today, August 16, is a day filled with both joy and bittersweet memories for our family. It’s the shared birthday of my beloved mother-in-law Mama Helen in the Philippines, and her youngest daughter, my late wife Tess.
Fate has a funny way of working. Long before I even met Tess, I had already planned a week-long vacation for the week of August 16. Then, on May 16 of that same year, Tess came into my life. Lo and behold — it was a perfect match. That week, which I had set aside for rest and fun, would soon become one of the most meaningful times of my life, forever tied to celebrating two incredible women.
This year, we remember them through a flashback photo from August 1999 in Chino Hills, California. It was taken right after we returned from a weekend in Las Vegas to celebrate their special day. The smiles in that photo say it all — love, laughter, and family togetherness that distance and time can never erase.
A Bond Beyond Birthdays
While birthdays usually mean cake, gifts, and celebrations, August 16 for us also means reflection. Mama Helen and Tess shared more than a date on the calendar — they shared a deep connection as mother and daughter, rooted in unconditional love. That bond continues to inspire us today.
For Mama Helen, who is in the Philippines, we send our warmest greetings across the miles. We wish you continued health, joy, and blessings. For Tess, though you are no longer physically with us, your memory is forever alive in our hearts. We carry you with us in every family gathering, every shared meal, and every moment of laughter.
Las Vegas 1999: A Celebration to Remember
That Vegas trip was classic family fun — bright lights, endless buffets, and slot machines that lit up the night. But what made it unforgettable wasn’t the city; it was the company. Spending that weekend with Mama Helen and Tess was a gift in itself, a memory that grows more precious with time.
Happy Birthday, Mama Helen 🎉
From California to the Philippines, our love reaches you today. We hope you feel celebrated, cherished, and deeply appreciated — because you truly are.
To both of you — Mama Helen and Tess — thank you for the love, laughter, and legacy you’ve given us. We honor you not just today, but every day.
Tags and Labels
Labels: birthday, family, love, philippines, california, las, vegas, chino, hills, august, 16, celebration, remembrance, tribute, mother, daughter, flashback, weekend, trip, memories
#Hashtags: #HappyBirthdayMamaHelen #HappyBirthdayTess #FamilyLove #LasVegas1999 #ChinoHills #PinoyFamily #BirthdayTribute #August16
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