‘Basta’t Maghintay Ka Lamang’: Sons sing for Mary Jane Veloso

Voltaire Tupaz

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‘Basta’t Maghintay Ka Lamang’: Sons sing for Mary Jane Veloso
(UPDATED) Mary Jane Veloso's son, Mark Daniel, 12, says the song keeps him and his younger brother strong and hopeful because it reminds them of their mother's voice

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) –  The children of Mary Jane Veloso, a Filipina facing execution in Indonesia, sang a Filipino song their mother taught them: “Maghintay Ka Lamang (If You Just Wait).

Mark Daniel, 12, and his brother Mark Darren, 6, dedicated the song to their mother a day before they flew to Indonesia on Thursday, April 23, for what they fear might be their last reunion. (READ: Sons to reunite with Filipina maid on death row in Indonesia)

The song was written by Vernee Saturno and popularized by Ted Ito.

Mother’s voice

Mark Daniel said the song keeps him and his younger brother strong and hopeful because it reminds them of their mother’s voice. 

Veloso had a bittersweet reunion with her sons on Saturday, April 25, at the Nusakambangan Prison Island. (READ: Mary Jane to eldest son: ‘Be proud of your mother’)

To 12-year-old Mark Daniel, Mary Jane said: “Wag mong isipin na namatay ako na may kasalanan. Maging proud ka na ang Nanay mo namatay dahil inako niya ang kasalanan ng iba.” (Don’t think that I died because I did something wrong. Be proud of your mother because she died owning up to the sins of others.) 

She asked 6-year-old Mark Darren, “Naiintidihan mo ba nangyayari? (Do you understand what’s happening?)” Darren shakes his head. “Pag hindi ako nakauwi, ibig sabihin kasama ko na ang Panginoon. Naiintidihan mo ‘yun? (If I don’t go home, if means I am already with the Lord. Do you understand that?) Darren nods. 

Veloso is on Indonesia’s death row after being convicted in 2010 for attempting to smuggle 2.6 kilograms of heroin into Indonesia. According to her parents, Veloso was tricked by her recruiter Maria Kristina Sergio, who also happened to be her godsister, into bringing the suitcase containing drugs). (WATCH: The fate of Mary Jane Veloso) 

The 30-year-old Filipina is due to be executed anytime from 5 pm onwards on Tuesday, April 28.  Rappler.com

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