[Father’s Day] Thank you, Papa

MANILA, Philippines – My dad is the most impossible person to find a gift for.

Whenever it’s Christmas, his birthday or Fathers’ Day, my siblings and I always find ourselves at a stalemate on the gift-picking front. After all, you can only buy so much engraved pens, desk organizers, ties, socks and handkerchiefs.

The great thing, though, is that my dad never seems to mind. In fact, he doesn’t even think much about receiving presents at all. He always appears enthusiastic and happy with whatever we give him, even if it’s just a measly card or a greeting.

It’s giving presents that he becomes all excited for. When it’s our turn to celebrate, he always showers us with gifts and favors. When he goes out of town, he always brings back plenty of pasalubong. He would always find a way to oblige our wishes and requests, hardly ever saying a flat out no. He loves to spoil us, basically, which is a real treat (although our mom’s not very happy about it, haha). 

Of course, it was not always like that.

There was still that “disciplinarian dad” phase during our younger years wherein the dreaded punishment for any misbehavior was the traditional palo with a leather belt. Needless to say, we easily straightened out our naughty ways and grew up right.

I’m proud to say we kids were brought up well, thanks to the efforts of both our parents. We were taught good values like being responsible, being considerate of others, being simple and being thankful for what we have. Papa especially reminded us to always value our education, respect other people and to take care of each other. 

Papa also taught us to be hardworking and he showed it by example.

For as long as I can remember, he has always been busy with work — leaving early in the morning everyday to get to the office on time and then coming home at night, drained, after braving the rush hour traffic. Sometimes, on weekends, he still has some work spilled over that he has to do.

I know how taxing it must all be but Papa doesn’t seem to mind. When he comes home, he never fails to stop by our rooms to say a cheery hello and to ask about our day. 

I know he gets tired of it all but he’s never failed at being a great provider, making sure we always have everything we need and more. 

We may have had our fights, troubles and disagreements in the past but I’m glad my dad has always been ready to forgive and conveniently forget (or at least make me feel like he has) all the things I’ve done that I’m not proud of. He’s always been a sweet, caring dad, proud of us kids no matter what. He supports us in whatever we do and is always there to give encouragement, making sure we know he’s behind us all the way. 

Dear Papa, I know I don’t say this much but: I’m sorry, thank you and I love you. Happy Fathers’ Day! – Rappler.com

(Join us on Father’s Day, June 17 at 3 PM, for a live tweet convo to honor our dads. @rapplerdotcom #loveyoudad) 

Click on the links below for more.

• [Father’s Day] Two lessons from my politician-dad
• [Father’s Day] My first editor’s joke
• [Father’s Day] In memory of Tat
• [Family] House tatay or house tambay?