Lucky Girl: Papang and me in Davao City; 1978

Writing about the one special person whom I consider as the one who loved me the most is a challenging thing. For quite some time now, I have been planning on writing a special article for my father but always find it a very difficult thing to do. I always get overwhelmed with emotions to describe and recall those times– those many times I have always felt lucky to be the daughter of such a wonderful man.

Four years after Papang passed away, there are still a number of times that I wish he’s still here. I have always been financially dependent on my father. Ano kaya ang mararamdaman nia now that I am financially independent? sana nakita niya man lang ang mga cheke at receipts ng suweldo ko.

Papang used to tell me na isosoli ako ng asawa ko kasi hindi ako marunong magluto, ano kaya ang sasabihin nia kung natikman nia ang mga luto ko ngayon? Sana man lang natikman nia ang spaghetti na luto ko.

I have always been a stubborn child. Tatawanan nia kaya ako if he realized Kulay and I have the same characters and attitude? Would he be supportive of me deciding to become a full time mother?

Marami akong atraso sa tatay ko and perhaps I will forever bear the guity conscience of not being able to show my father the love that he needed and deserved.

Still I will always feel privileged and honored to be the daughter of the man I call my father.