Mom, manager, leader, ‘habibi’
Habibi!
In 2011, the Orlina family went on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. It was one of my mother’s dreams to be able to visit those holy sites. For the whole trip, the tour guides, the vendors, the restaurant staff would call you habibi.
It was the first time I had ever encountered that word, so I asked my mom what they were saying and if she knew what it means. She said it is an Arabic word and it’s a term of endearment for any loved one. It can be used between lovers, friends or family.
It has been 15 years and we still call each other habibi. It’s even in our contact names on our phones. This word has meant so much to me throughout all these years, and allow me to tell you why.
My mother habibi, who also goes by Lay Ann, is kind, loving, God-fearing, generous, and all the good words you can think of.
She is also one of my best friends. We love watching TV shows together, chat about anything, and mostly share everything, too. (I just keep my stories about my nights out a bit more PG. I’m always responsible, though!)
She also has provided so much for my family. She keeps us believing in our faith. She has fostered strong relationships between us. She always makes us laugh. She has helped my dad, and now my sister Anna and me in our artistic paths in countless ways.
Lay Ann, who grew up in Malaysia and studied and practiced law in England, is a woman with smarts and tenacity, but also a heart full of love and care for those around her. I have always admired how she is actually a leader. I actually don’t think she envisioned that she would work in the arts before. But she met my dad, and she did the best job ever.
When I speak to others in the arts, they say she is so kind and a wonder to work with. She lifted up my dad, and they worked together through the hard times and into great success. I am forever grateful for that. A lot of people have been asking me, too, about her role as the now “mommager” of the Orlinas. What I can say is she is the best arts manager that I know. That should be big praise coming from me, an arts management graduate.
It’s wonderful to be able to learn from her just as I learn from my dad Ramon. I learn many things about creating glass sculptures from my dad. I learn how to be an arts manager and run the business from my mom.
Devout Catholic
Remember what I said about her dream trip to the Holy Land? Lay Ann is a devout Catholic, and she holds a leadership position in Serviam Catholic Community. She has given so much to the Lord and does it so full of love and faith. She shares not only her knowledge but her time with those in her community.
We sometimes get into conversations about faith, religion, and the Church. It’s great that I am able to confer with her about these topics. Oftentimes, I see her sitting down at her desk, typing away, and I just know she is writing and practicing her prayers for when she leads worship at Serviam. I ask her about it and even if she says she is feeling tired, she always does it smiling and praying.
It also amazes me when I see people go to her for help and advice. It makes me happy knowing that she shares that love not only with her family but her friends, too.
As of recently, the Orlinas have been on a roll. We’ve had successful exhibits and a lot of press releases. The writers unsurprisingly always say they want to feature our mom, as well. They want to write about her. My former college professor even once asked her to come to my school and give a lecture. She declined, but I think it’s because she’s so selfless, and I think seeing us succeed and get recognition is better than any article about her. Except this one, written by her son. When Inquirer Lifestyle asked me to write this, I was so happy because I want people to know, too, how amazing she is and what a wonderful mother and grandmother she is. I’m also not so much of a gift-giving person. I show my love usually with quality time and acts of service. I hope, though, these few words will also show my love for my mother. She is one of my biggest inspirations, and I love her so much.
Happy Mother’s Day, Habibi. I love you.
