I am Aling Teresa, 58 years old.
A simple mother, a market vegetable vendor, and a single parent to my son Marco, who was about to marry the woman he loved—Lara, a professional from a wealthy family.
Three months before the wedding, I found myself anxious—not about the lavish reception or the cost—but for one simple reason: I had nothing suitable to wear.
The Green Dress
When I was younger, I owned a dress I reserved for special occasions—a green one, modestly embroidered on the chest, its fabric faded with age and memories. I wore it when I gave birth to Marco, and again when he graduated from college.
Now, with the wedding approaching, I hesitated. It was old, slightly worn—but it was all I had. I tried borrowing something new, but it felt unnatural. I could only stay true to myself—to be the mother I had always been.
