Where Love Begins: Mme. Annie Abucay on Familial Love

Mme. Abucay, wearing a Filipiniana attire, smiles to the camera in the Senior HIgh School Administrators' Office.

Our dearest principal, Mme. Annie Abucay is clearly family-oriented, having a family of her own at home and another big family at school consisting of teachers, staff, and students. It is fair to say that we can trust her with what she has to say about family and familial relationships. This Valentine's season, "Love, Prime" features Mme. Abucay as she shares about familial love and how a family stems from the essence of love.

1. What is the most important part of familial relationship?

Familial relationship needs to be anchored on love and nurtured by prayer, affection, compassion, and forgiveness. The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph can serve as the model and inspiration.

2. Do you believe love for family changes someone? Why or why not?

Love for family changes one for the better. It ignites. It inspires you to become the best version of yourself and to nurture your gifts and talents to be shared with others as you influence lives. You also rest in knowing that you are loved no matter what.

3. What lessons do you wish to impart to Ateneo Hearters on familial relationships?

No family is perfect. It has its own problems, trials, and challenges. Let's never forget to say "thank you" for the grace-filled moments and the day-to-day actions of caring and sacrifice. There are times we even fight within the family, but let's never end the day without making peace and saying, "I'm sorry." May the joy in your home be shared with others. And may you be God's HEART each day, radiating LIGHT and HOPE.

4. Describe familial love in 3 words.

Mirror of the Holy Family