My riches.

Last weekend me and my kins were strolling along Greenbelt in Makati. It is a mall for affluent people where every single item sold are way too expensive, even when they don't look nice - at least to my eyes!

I cringe at the cost of a simple blouse which is around 2,400 pesos or $50. Damn I can buy 4 blouses with that amount! I don’t obsess over fashion sense or having the latest whatever. Maybe that’s just who I am, or maybe who I am is because of how I’ve been raised. We have never been rich, though there was a time when we were better off financially.

Or maybe I thought we were rich because as a young girl, my perception of poverty and affluence was a 10 centavo coin inside my pocket. And I felt rich. Kidding aside, I was very happy when my auntie gave me shopping money, but I am a window shopper, and it’s very hard for me to decide on something to buy because I don’t shop often. I try not to spend the money I’ve saved, and despite the manna I got from her, I just can't wrap my head around buying an incredibly expensive shirt.

They bought some few things there, and then off we search for a restaurant to dine. There was some struggle here as they cannot decide between a Thai or Korean or the sizzling beef dishes. Finally we settle for Thai foods.

While I sit there waiting for our food to arrive, I cannot help but look around me. Sure the ambiance seemed cushy and elitist, adding to it are the classy people hurdled in every corner. But it's not the place or the food that makes me feel rich. I can have all the money in the world, but I can’t be truly rich if I don’t have love, laughter and support from people I love.

So as we take pictures and poke fun at each other, I also take an inventory of the people in my life who love and supported me. I know I am blessed with a wonderful family. I don't get the chance to see them often and the few times that we did it is always a truly memorable time for all of us.

Hope you also recognizes the people who give you love, kindness, and support.