I love you, papang

We grew up without a father to guide us because he was no longer by our side when we were young. When we were teenagers, we looked for him by sending letters to the address our mother gave us, but we never received a reply. We could not go to the place where he was because we had no money. I wanted to see him and get the answers to all my questions. Why didn’t he come back? Why wasn’t he there when we needed him? We had saved enough money to go to his place in the province. That’s when we found out that he had died six years ago. I burst into tears. Suddenly all the hatred in my chest disappeared. We would no longer be able to talk to him, see him or at least feel his embrace. Almost all my questions seem to have been answered. I realised then that there was a reason why we had to be separated. And I also realised that even though we didn’t grow up with a father, I should be grateful to him for bringing us into this world. And I’m grateful that we weren’t abandoned by a real father, and our Father in Heaven has guided us, especially on our treacherous journey. We grew up well, with trust and faith in him.

— Marilou Garcia

A father is usually described as a pillar of the home, they play a very important role in their child’s life, their influence can affect and shape their child’s future. A life journey with my dad is for me the best blessing and the best story I’ve always told my children. To my tatay in heaven, if God gives me a chance to be reborn, I would and always will choose you, thank you for being the best tatay.

— Ma. Shella Jimenez

Cheers to my papang or “pillar of the house”. Thank you for being there for me every step of the way, for your guidance, for your support, for shaping me into who I am now, and also for your unwavering love. I am so grateful and blessed to have you as my father. As a child I always received your reminders and advice, you always had a big heart not only for your family but also for others. I’ve learned a lot from you.

To my father, my friend, advisor, teacher, healer and role model in Christ with eternal love. I’m grateful for your love, I love you and I miss you more than words can say today and always.

— Novy Bonifacio Paglinawan

My father is the epitome of the strong pillar that truly holds our family together. Whatever trials come into our lives, he is there to help us in every way. He is my anchor, my inspiration and my guiding light. A man with principles in life, a true disciplinarian yet fair. He taught me to treat people not for what they have, but for who they are as human beings – to be respectful, kind and generous, especially to those in need. He is the first person to truly believe in me, applauding every achievement I’ve made and rewarding me with the best things he could afford. Above all, he is a father with an extraordinary soul, with a strong faith and belief in the existence of God. I am so proud of my father and forever grateful to him.

— Sonita Piojo

I could not have asked for a better father. I know that at some point in his life I let him down and yet he was still there to understand and support me. I am truly blessed to have him as my father, even now that I have a family of my own. He is still present in my life, supporting and loving me.

On this Father’s Day, I would like to express my deepest gratitude for all the sacrifices he has made and the endless support he has given me. He may not be the perfect father, but he has given everything to make his children feel loved and that is enough for me.

— Lenelisa A. Quinones

If I could write a story, it would be the greatest story ever told about a kind and loving father who had a heart of gold. I could write a million pages and still not be able to tell you how much I love and miss him every single day. I will remember everything he taught me.

The last word I heard from him at the hospital was “Thank you Mila”. My eyes were filled with tears as I told him I love you dad, get up soon. Then after that he was gone.

Happy Father’s Day in Heaven Dad! Your legacy of love and kindness will never be forgotten.

— Maria D. Santander

To the man who always loved me more than I deserved, who always gave me more than he could afford, who always held my hand when I was about to fall, who always sacrificed his needs to make my smile brighter, who never showed his emotions, who never told me his pain, his struggle, who always took care of everything in silence, who always deserved a better child and who always was the best father. Today and forever, to the most handsome man ever, to my first hug, first kiss, to my hero, I am blessed to have you as my father …thank you for everything…
I love you.  

— Emeliza S. Yongco