'Batang 90s' Dad Will Watch Dream Rivermaya Reunion Concert, Thanks To His Misis

Parenthood requires us to put our children's needs first, and everything else in the backseat. When we become parents, we gladly put our ambitions, dreams, and careers on pause and make way for the family. However, a couple from Quezon City is changing the narrative and showing us that parents can still have dreams for themselves, like attending a concert, and make them come true, too.

On Facebook, dad of one Denison Manuel shared an appreciation post for his partner, Mikee Pascual, for securing him tickets to the much-awaited reunion concert of Filipino alternative rock legend, Rivermaya.

Wife fulfills partner's dream to watch Rivermaya reunion concert 2024

"Nakwento ko noon kay misis na kapag nag-reunion itong Rivermaya na sila Bamboo, Rico, Nathan, at Mark ay pupuntahan ko talaga, sinabi ko ito noon nung wala pa kaming anak," Manuel wrote in a post on January 24.

Denison, 38, and Mikee, 29, have a 6-month-old child together, named Tala Likha.

"Pero nung lumabas na si Tala Likha sa mundo, nag-iba na ang priority ko sa buhay, isinantabi ko na ang pangarap na concert."

That's why Manuel couldn't believe when his partner surprised him with a VIP ticket to the concert, where he can listen and sing live to award-winning hits like Himala, You'll Be Safe Here, and Umaaraw, Umuulan. 

A VIP ticket to the Rivermaya reunion concert to be held on February 17 at the SMDC Festival Grounds costs P14,750.

"Sabi niya, 'Eto 'yung pangarap mo diba, i-enjoy mo 'yang araw na 'yan.' Nagalit ako kunwari pero masayang-masaya ako."

He thanked his partner for fulfilling his dream to watch his dream concert.

"Kita kits mga sir," he concluded, and tagged the Rivermaya band members, Nathan Azarcon, Rico Blanco, Bamboo Mañalac, and Mark Escueta.

Rico Blanco, Rivermaya's founding member, shared Denison's post on his Facebook page, with a red heart emoji in the caption. His post has over 6.9k reactions as of writing.

Netizens say, "Sana ganyan lahat ng misis, ang swerte niyo sa misis niyo po."

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Why couples should support each other's dreams

In an interview with Smart Parenting, Denison shared that he has always been in awe of his partner's generosity and support, "Noon pa naman, hangang-hanga ako dito sa asawa ko, sobrang naa-appreciate ko 'yung mga ginagawa niya, maliit man o malaking bagay ito."

Masarap sa pakiramdam na nasasabi mo 'yung mga pangarap mo sa asawa mo, tapos sabay ninyo itong tutuparin." —Denison Manuel

Denison shared that he got very excited when his favorite band announced their reunion concert, "Sobrang tagal kong hinintay na magsama-sama ulit sila. Sabi ni misis, 'Puntahan mo 'yan ha,' sabi ko hindi ko na ito priority, mas uunahin ko ang mga pangangailangan ni Tala at mga gastusin natin, mas uunahin ko kayo."

He reflects, "Ganun pala talaga kapag nagkaroon ka na ng sariling pamilya, uunahin mo na sila kaysa sa pansariling interes mo."

Denison didn't expect that Mikee would buy him a ticket, "Sabi niya, alam kong magagalit ka dahil binilhan kita ng ticket, pero pangarap mo 'yan, diba? Ayokong mamiss mo 'yun. Susuportahan kita tulad ng pagsuporta mo sa akin."

"Madalas, suporta ang isa sa pinakamahalagang bagay na mabibigay mo sa asawa mo." —Mikee Pascual

She added, "Pagbigyan mo na ako ngayon, gusto kong maging masaya ka, 'wag mong kalimutan 'yung bagay na nagpapasaya sa'yo."

Mikee shared with Smart Parenting that she is a dedicated breastfeeding mom to their baby, and her gift to Denison is her way of thanking him for his support, "Breastfeeding mom ako, at 'yung pagsuporta ni Dens sa akin 'yung major factor kung bakit nakakayanan ko 'yung pagod at hirap ng pagtatrabaho sa umaga at pag-breastfeed sa gabi."

"Sobrang dedicated ako sa breastfeeding journey namin ni Tala, pero kung hindi ako sinasamahan sa hirap ni Dens, baka hindi ako nagtagal," she continued.

READ ALSO: Hindi Puro Si Mama: Dads Can Provide Major Support In Your Family's Breastfeeding Journey

For the couple, they say that supporting one's partner is one of the greatest things you could give to them. "Kahit pa may pera ka and all other means to achieve your goals and dreams, mahirap mag-succeed kapag walang suporta mula sa mahal mo sa buhay, lalo sa asawa," Mikee said.

That's why she didn't think twice about fulfilling her partner's simple dream.

"Sabi nila, mawawalan ka ng buhay pag nagkaroon ka na ng asawa at anak. Para sa akin, mas nagkaroon ng buhay 'yung buhay ko kasi may katuwang na ako," she explained.

Message to parents to keep having dreams for themselves

Denison has a message to parents who feel like they are no longer entitled to have dreams of their own, especially to dads whose main focus has become their family.

"Para sa mga tatay, importante 'yung ugnayan ninyong mag-asawa. Masarap sa pakiramdam na nasasabi mo 'yung mga pangarap mo sa asawa mo, tapos sabay ninyo itong tutuparin."

He continued, "Mabagal man o mabilis man ang pag-usad, tuloy lang sa pangangarap. Tandaan palagi, pag nag-asawa ka, lahat ng bagay katulad ng pangarap mo at pangarap niya, ay magiging isa."

Let this be our reminder that even as parents, we should not forget to nurture our own dreams and aspirations. It's not selfish if we pursue our dreams, no matter how big or small. It even sets a positive example for our children, when their parents are able to provide for their family, and achieve their dreams, together. 

Here's a story of a mom who watched the recent Coldplay concert in Bulacan with her child.