When I was little, we lived on top of the mountain and we needed to walk three hundred stairs going down to the main road that has the store and other facilities like market. Going down was easy but not walking up specially when we were carrying things. My father carried all the heavy loads we bought from the store. He was a little fat but he was strong. He carried half cavan of rice going up to our home and sometimes I helped him to carry the little things. I went with him when he went out to fetch water and I would carry a jug with me. If I wanted something, he would not hesitate to buy it for me. To my loving father I love you and always missing you. Always be careful of what you eat and do. I love you so much.
— Regine Lopez
My dear father, you have been a good parent to us. You were really so hardworking that when you were at work, you would forget to eat or rest. You were wet under the rain but you insisted on finishing your work. I could see the tiredness in your eyes but the happiness in your face as you enjoyed helping people. You took good care of your nieces, nephews and siblings. You showed kindness to our neighbours and was a peacemaker in our village. You brought us to become good citizens. You taught us how to value things and reminded us of what is right and wrong. You have taught us how to be steadfast in the challenges of life. We love you so much. You are the best daddy for all of us.
— Nalie Malpal
My father was an intelligent man. He was the valedictorian when he graduated from elementary school. Because of poverty, he was unable to further his schooling. When my father married my mother and had his own family, he was hardworking so as to support his ten children. Before he went to sleep he would count all of us to make sure that no one was lost. My father was a carpenter and the house we lived was built by him. He was a fisherman too. He knew different kinds of work. But because of hard work, my father suffered from stroke. Despite that, he still went to the sea to fish to earn a living for the family. I saw how much my father loved his family. He returned to the Lord at the age of 52. We thank the Lord for giving us a loving and responsible father. Papa we love you.
— Aida Mayores
Memories with my tatay (father) never fade and lost, it will remain in my heart forever. He was a great provider for our family. He never neglected us. I sometimes regret that he cannot receive what we could have given him in return for the sacrifices he made for us. But I know in my heart that he is happy in the Kingdom of God. I’ll always treasure the memories when I was a little girl, having quality time with him while he made ice deliveries (our small business during that time) to his customers on his handcart and I would ride on it. My father enjoyed playing his guitar while singing and I would make noise using a bamboo stick to the tune of his guitar. He had a good voice, and maybe I inherited that. He also played the piano. There was once I dreamt dancing with him to the song Dancing With My Father and he whispered in my ear that he missed me, and my tears fell and I cried so much, that my mother had to wake me up. I immediately whispered a short prayer for him and felt calm. Tatay, you will always be my love forever. Happy Father’s day in Heaven.
— Merlinda Mercado
To our most loving father, Leoncio “Nonoy” Villanueva Jr., Happy Father’s Day in heaven. We love and miss you so much. On this day I want to reminisce the times when you were still with us. We had happy days then. You always had a solution for every problem. I remember how strict you were and your instructions were a mandate that none of us dared to disobey. But you also possess a sweet and romantic side. I remember how you would date mom for a movie and a meal on Sundays. Like young lovers, you would walk holding hands and even feed her. You were also helpful and generous to those in need. We love you so much tay (dad), do not worry about mom because we will take good care of her.
— Mafe Villanueva
