[Father’s Day] My first editor’s joke

Ma. Anna Katrina C. Manapat

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Her father passed away too early, too soon.

MISSING MAMA. Katrina's father plays the guitar on the 40th day of her mother's death. Photo from Katrina Manapat

MANILA, Philippines – “When I die, please mix my ashes together with your mom’s.”

“Quit joking that way, Papa. You’re absurd. You’re not going to die yet.”

That was probably the most memorable conversation I had with my father before he passed away. His words stood for how much he loved my mother.

I liked hanging around my father more than I did my mother; though that doesn’t mean I loved her less. 

It’s just that….

My dad was my constant companion after my mother died — for approximately two and a half years. He was my first editor because I did poorly English and grammar. Little did he know that I would be taking his teachings with me all the way to college. 

He introduced me to the wonderful world of John, Paul, George and Ringo, and inculcated in me some of life’s greatest lessons — effortlessly and entertainingly through The Beatles’ lives, words and music.

A musician and artist like the Fab Four, my dad did not only light up a keen interest on the world of Arts in me; he also showed me how to sow seeds of goodness in his friends and relatives through his craft, as part of our church’s music ministry. Ever the selfless parent, my dad gave me the right to harvest the fruits when he passed away. I was able to go to high school for free because he created the music of my high school alma mater’s hymn. 

Above all, he was the epitome of the principle, “Go where your heart desires” — which has always been the cornerstone of my life decisions. 

If I had to live my life again a million times over, I will always choose to have Alejandro Colaba Manapat as my father. It’s just unfortunate that I was not able to know him more.

Papa, don’t worry. I fulfilled your last request even though I thought you were joking (dying on April Fool’s day and 3 days before my graduation from elementary school was such a big, bad joke).

CHILDHOOD MEMORIES. Katrina with her father on her 7th birthday. Photo from Katrina Manapat

I look forward for our next meeting. I’m sorry for my shortcomings as a daughter; including my insensitivity, selfishness and failure to keep some of the things you treasured most. I’m sorry I was not able to buy you that 12-string guitar like John Lennon’s that you yearned for.

Let me say this, dad: part of you will always stay in every word I write. I offer this article and my achievements as a journalist to you, my first editor. – Rappler.com

 

(Is there anything you want to say to your father no matter where he is now? We’re here to listen. Send us your Father’s Day message and photos with subject heading WORLD’S BEST DAD to desk@rappler.com.)

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