Remembering Tatay...

One of the most vivid memories I have about Tatay is the day I attended a scriptwriting awarding. When I went home, I told him, "Tay, 3rd yung story ko sa division of city schools". He was already bed-ridden then. He could barely move. He spoke to me through his eyes and he smiled. I couldn't stand the scene so I went out to cry... That's my Tatay, always proud and happy for me...even on the lowest time of his life.

God is really good. Though Tatay left us early at the age of 49, God enfolded him with his Love. His suffering only lasted for about a month. I have heard stories of cancer patients suffering for years. But Tatay is lucky not to suffer that long.

I miss his laughter, his smile, his poems, his wisdom...

I miss his carpentry and his plumbing...

I miss his cooking...

I still know the taste of his caldereta and adobo....

I miss his usual attire...long sleeves

I miss travelling with him....

We used to do that when I was a kid.

I know Tatay's only wish is to finish our studies and to have a good life because he was just in Grade 2 when he stopped studying. He needed to get a job for his mother and siblings at a very early age. Poverty stole his youth....It's a pity he didn't have money to study. He was good in Math. He writes great poems. I often used them in contests and I used to win because of those. He was very skilled. He had a scientific mind. One of my science fair projects, "Makabuhay Plant as Ant Repellant", was his idea. He was very observant about everything surrounding him.

Tatay is a good man. He used to chase thieves along Augusto Francisco St in San Andres. He used to help his siblings eventhough some of them are ungrateful. They just accept and accept without giving back. Hayyy! I can also remember when one morning, there was a commotion at home (F. Munoz, Malate) because my mother said that Tatay is in a police station. He surrendered after having shot a relative of his landlord. Yeah, he shot him. I think the guy declared hold-up at our bakery in Zafiro. Tatay just had an operation back then (ulcer) and he could barely walk but the guy had a knife and was about to stab him...so he fired. The guy was under the influence of drugs. He helped the guy have medical attention before surrendering.....His last employer liked him very much. His boss used to give him extra money for our allowance. He was good employee....honest and dependable.

Tatay is good in Judo Karate. I can still remember, there were days when our place had become a karate gymn. A lot of people come to our place in Zafiro to be taught of Judo Karate.

Tatay is a good baker. He baked the best enseymada.

Tatay never missed his Friday "panata" in Quiapo Church. I can still remember the Hot Chocolate and the Pandesal with Menudo that we used to eat after going to Quiapo Church. He was and I know he is always with God.

So many good memories....Thank you, Tay...We love you! We know you're with God.

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