5 things dads say (and what they often mean)

It was early morning, I was running late, my school service was already waiting for me outside the gate, and my bag was nowhere to be found.

“Late ka na naman!” my father exclaimed. “Hindi ka na nahiya sa school service mo.” (Late again! What about your school service?) He was staring at me disapprovingly. Naturally, I slipped.

Thug-thug-thug, I went, my back sore and my shoulders painful. But then I wasn’t thinking of the pain – I was thinking of what my father would say to me.

Instead of shouting at me, my father hurriedly followed me, checked to see if I was hurt anywhere and hugged me softly. He then smiled and said, “Mag-ingat ka nga, anak.” (Be careful, my daughter.)

Our fathers have this intrinsic need to show the world that they’re manly and strong. You may relate to this, too, if you feel that your father is someone who doesn’t like crying and displaying affection in public.

Some fathers tend to hold their feelings back. As a result, they cut back from saying cheesy, sweet and adorable fatherly statements. Instead, they say the following:

1. “Wala namang lumabas na kanin. Malayo ‘yan sa bituka!” (Not to worry, you’re safe. It’s far from the gut.)

Whenever you get accidentally cut by something and you bleed, you would mope and cry about it, wouldn’t you?

Imagine this: you’re sitting on the road with dust in your hand, a bleeding cut on your leg and a few looks from the passers-by headed your way. Your father would console you in an effort to make you stop from crying, but instead of hugging you or saying heartfelt words, he says this.

What it really means: Please stop crying. I’m not good with comforting people I love.

2. “Mana ka talaga sa akin, anak.” (You take after me.)

Recently passed the bar or the board exam? Just scored that dream job that you were aiming for?

Whatever it is, as long as you’ve done something that made your family proud of you, you can definitely expect to hear this from your father.

What it really means: I’m very proud to be your father. I can’t believe how amazing of a child you are now. Words can’t say how much I’m happy for you.

3. “Wag magpapagabi. Umuwi ka nang maaga, ha?” (Don’t stay out too late. Come home early, okay?)

This particular statement is often preceded by you letting your parents know you’re going out. After telling them where you’re headed, they’d then ask you who you’re going with, what their SSS or TIN is, where you’re going and what time you’ll be back home.

If your parents are anything like mine, most likely, they’d also ask for “pasalubong.” (souvenirs)

What it really means: I deeply care about you, of course. Please keep safe. And maybe try to text or call us from time to time? We can’t help but worry about you, you know.

This Father’s Day video is all about all those times we called out to dad…and didn’t he always answer back? (READ: 10 things to do for dad on Father’s Day)

4. “Alam mo, noong nasa college ako, nag-aaral na ako, nagtatrabaho pa ako…” (When I was in college, I was working and studying, too…”)

My father was a working student  so this is one of his favorites. 

Whenever you ask for an increase in your allowance, or a shiny-looking gadget, or a free treat to a local tourist destination, your dad will start a lecture about having to work hard for you to reach your dreams.

He’d mention that 50 centavos was already enough for him to get by. (Don’t lecture him back about inflation.)

He’d say that he juggled between work and school, so he expects you to do the same thing. (Don’t mention that it was different back then.)

He’d talk about failing in class because his notes and books were all wet as he walked back home during a rainy afternoon. (Don’t make fun of his weird hairstyle back then.)

What it really means: I’m not giving you a sermon, so don’t be defensive. I just want to reminisce the good old days and share with you the memories I treasure.

5. “Ako na bahala.” (I’ll take care of it.)

This statement carries a lot of weight and so it amazes me why fathers are able to say it and actually commit to it every time.

You need money to fund your education? Your father is working hard and sacrificing his prime years so that you can go to college.

Your grandmother is hospitalized, so you need to pay the medical bills? Don’t worry, your father understands this, and so he puts in an overtime every chance he gets. He’ll miss the sibling fights, the corny jokes and the home-cooked meal. He knows he’ll miss you guys for dinner, but he sacrifices it and promises to make up for it anyway.

You want to order two pieces of burger steak, but your mother told you to buy only one? Don’t pout. Your father will order two anyway. He’ll even add regular fries and a sundae just to show you how much he cares.

What it really means: Leave it to me. You’re my responsibility. It’s my obligation to give you the best life that I know.

Your father may not be able to tell you he loves you from time to time.

That’s because he’s too busy showing how much he loves you every single day. – Rappler.com

Photo of father and son via Shutterstock

Lianne Martha Maiquez Laroya writes to enlighten you and empower you to take charge of your finances. As a financial advisor, Lianne is also the founder of The Wise Living, a website dedicated to money management and early investing for 20-somethings. She’s also the author of OMG! Where Did Your Sweldo Go? Connect with her on Twitter, @MsLianneLaroya or email her at liannemarthamlaroya@gmail.com.