Our staff would like to greet all fathers a Happy Father’s Day!
They took some time to share their memorable moments with their own dads.
Cottie Del Rosario
Ideal? I never compared my Dad to others, so I cannot say he was or was not ideal. I could just recall that he did what he could ---being a father to his children. In my early college years, I confirmed that he had another family. Honestly speaking, it did not surprise me since my Daddy was POGI (good-looking), a people-person and he came from one of the best schools in town. But then, I felt challenged to always prove that we should be entitled to all that Dad had to offer us, being a part of his original family.
This feeling remained in my heart and mind, and I thought it was harmless. But all the while, I was not aware that this led to a decision which changed the entire course of my life and I, of course, suffered the consequences.
But going back to my Dad, he was strong yet weak. He balanced his time between his families and I am sure he had such difficulty in doing such. I remember what my eldest sister said when Dad suffered a heart attack, “It was his choice, and he could have had a better life”.
My Dad made me feel that I was his favorite, but in the end I found out that we were all his “favorites”.
Everyone was his friend …it did not matter whether there were more females than males. He was the wind beneath his siblings’ wings. He was a joker (as described by his classmates in his college yearbook).
“Dad, if you can still hear me, we are doing okay with your other children from your other family. I give thanks to God and social media (FaceBook). God gave you the chance before you left and I remembered you telling me that you were ready to meet HIM. Happy Father’s Day Daddy. I love you.”
Isobel Hernandez
I guess I'd like to start with his last birthday celebration with us. He never shied away in celebrating every milestone when able to do so.
Dr. Nanette Cruz
There are a couple unforgettable memories I have with my Dad. When I was young, he was the one assigned to cut and comb my hair, apple style. As a child, he’d carry me to church when my feet were tired. At every graduation, he would be the one who’d go up the stage with me whenever I’d receive an award. Ever since I could remember, he would also drop me off at school---way up until med school. With that I am thankful.
Carmel Vicencio
This is me and my Tatay. Although I can't remember what exactly happened that day, this still tops as my fave photo of all time. It’s a classic: color, nature, clothes, and food. But, what he wouldn't know (until now, if he reads this) is how I see through this photo’s timeless meaning.
1. He supports what I do with his pouted lips.
2. He feeds me with what is necessary---which is a mouthful.
3. He's more of the strong animal behind me, but is the thoughtful Tatay beside me.
4. I mean the world to him--- his looks would tell.
5. Nothing cheesy, but I know we share the same palate for food.
These are good times. And, I'm grateful that these surpasses the bad ones. Hey, who has none? But, I'm just really, really grateful that I get to spend my life learning from this jack-of-all-trades Tatay of mine.
If you're reading this, please know that I am always proud of you and what you do. Sobra. Thank you for everything. Love, Mamel
Abbey Cuanico
If my Papa would have known grandchildren were this fun, he would have had them first. Happy birthday and Happy Father’s Day to my first love, and the Lolo of my children....my Papa.
Mikee Hafalla
My Papa would take us along whenever he’d sing with the Baptist Hour Choir. This photo was taken at one of their Christmas concerts. His love for music is of one of the things he passed on to us. God gave him daughters, so he taught us how to handle power tools, fix cars and other tasks. We grew up in a music-filled, DIY, God-loving home, and with that I am grateful.
Dr. Mae Corvera
My Dad taught me how to use a hammer, saw and air gun. He passed on to me his love for fishing and boxing. He was my driving and singing instructor, but most important of all he showed me, through his life, how to love God with all my heart.
Dr. Marianne Maritana
I would always cherish all the Christmas Eves and New Years I have spent with my father. We would eat together and we’d light a fire (mimicking a bonfire using our outdoor grill) and melt the used candles we used, to pray for the entire year while we said our prayers as we welcomed the upcoming year. During this COVID season, I will forever cherish all the video calls we have, adding FB stickers for fun. :)
Virgie Roldan
I have learned a lot of things from my Tatay. He taught me how to use a typewriter when I was just an elementary student. He taught me how to recite poetry and how to earn a money at my very young age. Kapag nagpapabunot siya ng puting buhok, 25 cents ang isa, less 25 cents kapag may nabunot na itim :) Kapag pina-recite ako ng tula sa harap ng mga bisita, may bayad na piso. Pag dumarating siya from work at tatanggalan ko ng medyas, may piso ulit ako. But what I appreciated most was that he was a good provider for us. We were not rich, but he made sure that we were all able to finish our degrees. He kept on saying na education lang ang maipapamana niya sa aming magkakapatid, walang kayamanan. I still have with me the values and principles that were he nurtured us with. Thank you, Tatay for all the lessons in life, bitter or sweet, it made me a better person. Happy Father’s Day in heaven. I love you
The Borrowed Name By: Lira Bulalacao Tañamor
A father gives you his name and love but what if you just borrowed the family name you have? My biological father, Papa Jose, abandoned my mother when she was pregnant with me. Being young and unprepared to be a father he chose to escape from his responsibility and follow his dreams. My mother was devastated and angry but a co-worker, Papa Ramon, who had been keeping a secret affection for her offered his support. Papa Ramon gave me his family name Bulalacao and loved me as his own daughter as what my mother told me. However, my mother couldn’t reciprocate the love he had for her and so they separated when I was more than one year old. I grew up believing Papa Ramon was my father though I haven’t see him. When I was 11 years old we met again and he did everything to be a father to me and introduced me to his new family. But fate separated us again when I studied in Manila. The truth about my real father was revealed to me by my mother when I was 13. I knew my mother was telling the truth when I met Papa Jose as I could see my reflection and smile in him. But Papa Jose couldn’t be that much loving like Papa Ramon because of his family. I met my half siblings and they recognized me as their eldest sister. I reached adulthood and had my own family without seeing my Papa Jose much. In 2015, I got in touch again with Papa Jose and this time he made his presence felt by calling and texting me often and repeatedly asking for forgiveness for abandoning me. I had that feeling that it will be the last year I would see and communicate with him. And so in 2016, he passed away. It may had been short that I felt his presence but it’s worth it when I was able to forgive him. Then, in 2019 the daughters of Papa Ramon searched for me in Facebook to inform me that he passed away. They told me Papa Ramon had been longing to see me. Papa Ramon’s daughters considered me as their Ate even though we are not blood related. My childhood may not be that perfect growing up without a father but at least I can say that I have been loved from afar by two fathers until their last breath. My gratitude will always be there for Papa Ramon for giving me his name and unconditional love.
Dr.Arabelle Coleen P. Ofina
My dad is a movie addict. He likes watching them with us. We didn't watch movies that much when we were younger but I remember him bringing us to the old Pizza Hut Store in ATC (Twin Cinema pa siya dati). He loves to eat out! He even brought us to the oldest Chinese restaurants in Binondo. Kaya malaki ang influence niya sa mga kinakain ko :) Pa, I will make up for all your generosity! Love you!
Pepsi, Elvis, Kobe, Sasha, Matilda, Coco Roldan
Woof, woof, woof. Grrrr. Yip, yip. Woof, woof. Oooof, Aaaw, ooooww.
Translation: Happy FurDad’s Day! Feed us, hooman Daddy Dan.