Father's Day Reflection

This reflection might be late (I was busy writing about our Palawan Vacation) because Father's Day in the Philippines and the rest of Asia was celebrated last Sunday, June 20. But I still have the urge to share my reflection, anyway Father's Day is not yet celebrated in other part of the world. For instance, Father's Day in Australia and New Zealand will be on September 5.

This was my first Father's Day Celebration (my daughter was born last October). No fancy celebration, we went to hear mass (I was waiting for the presiding priest to give a special blessing for fathers like me, but there was non), we ate our breakfast at Pan de Amerikana and my wife bought a cake for me and my father-in-law. While we were enjoying our breakfast my father-in-law and I played 2 rounds of chess, I won both rounds (yahoo!, to date we're 5-0).

Later in the afternoon, I went to a mall and found out that there was a simple treat for fathers like me. It was almost on the final stretch of the program but still I joined them. We played the longest line using only coins and our team lost. How could we win when I only have 6 loose coins in my pocket, the same with my team mates. Later, I was forced to join "Pinoy Henyo" (A famous game from a noontime show). We were all laughing and we lost again. The the mystery word was “peluka” (wig), my team mate thought it was “pelikula” (movie).

After buying a book (Percy Jackson Book 3), I went home then I played with my daughter. It was the most memorable moment for me. When I am in the office, I am striving to be the best project manager. When I am serving the Lord through music, I am striving to be the best guitarist. When I hold my camera, I was transformed and become a photographer hoping to shoot better photographs. And when I am home, I am a cool father to my daughter and a loving husband to my wife (I know my wife will agree). But this is the role I like the most, I don't need to please anybody and pretend to be someone. All I need to do is embrace my wife and daughter, play with them and have a wonderful chat with them and be myself. Their smile gives the greatest joy here on earth. It is fulfilling knowing that I am already a father. It is challenging sometimes but nothing compares with the joy my daughter give me and my wife.

I visited my father's grave to offer some flowers and a prayer. I always missed my dad, specially on special occasions like this and it was just right to visit him and give him praises (I know he heard me in one way or another). I owe everything to him (and mom) for who I am and what I become. He built a strong foundation that no one can take away. I have grown up with his values and dedication. He was not perfect but I never imagined myself having a dad aside from him. With this, I thank my dad once more.

My dad was truly a D.A.D.* father. He is my hero and my idol and I hope someday my daughter and future kids will tell me the same thing.

Happy Father's Day to us all!

*Dedicated And Devoted