Every family has their own superhero. Yes, a tatay (father) as we call or any endearment still the sweetest word to hear.
My father may have flaws and imperfections but still he is the best gift God has given us. There is still something in him I admire and look up to.
My father is the best cook or shall I say the chef of the family. He loves to cook for us and I think this was one trait I have inherited from him. I just love to watch or observe every time my father cooks especially when there are family occasions. I have truly applied everything I learned in cooking before I got married.
Good food is a way to a man’s heart. I truly believe that your partner will love you more when their spouse is a good cook. It may not always be expensive. It can be just simple food but nutritious, such as those freshly picked from the garden to the table.
I see all the hard work of my father in the farm. Waking up at dawn before the sunrise to pasture his cows and carabao since we were small up until now. My father endured the heat of the sun and the cold rainy days to tend his farm animals and plow the fields. This is his daily routine. Even in his old age we cannot stop him from what he loves doing. Farm is already his life and this is his happiness.
In other countries where farmers can be quite rich as they are supported by their government with their high and advanced farming technologies. But it seems being a farmer is a kind of hand-to-mouth living here in the Philippines. A farmer is considered the lowest sector of the society. There is no fixed income for them. Most often their farm production is bargained in cheaper price not enough to compensate for all their labours and high cost capitals for fertilisers and pesticides. I think this is high time for our government to pay attention to our local farmers.
I want to thank my father for all his love and sacrifices for us. I may not always say “thank you” or “I love you” but deep in my heart I thank God for the gift of tatay. We love you tatay.
To all fathers in the world may God bless you health and happiness with extra strength and courage to lead by the example of the family God entrusted under their love, care, protection and provision for the family needs.
As we celebrate the 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines. The Chaplaincy to Filipino Migrants organises an on-line talk every Tuesday at 9.00pm. You can join us at:
https://www.Facebook.com/CFM-Gifted-to-give-101039001847033
Lynn Salinas-Batoliño
The Philippines
