Father to Father
Always several steps ahead, fathers will always be first to experience the happiness and harshness of life which make them great mentors to their children. While fathers can be very soft and patient to daughters, fathers tend to be playful with sons, building confidence and preparing them for the real world.
We often read how the young greet their dads on Father’s Day. This time, we want to hear the voice of fathers remembering their fathers. In the 1970 Cat Stevens’ hit song, Father and Son, it mentions a typical line a father says to his son: “I was once like you are now”. It may sound a bit righteous, but it is a loving truth that leads to wisdom through good and bad experiences.
We spoke to six successful Filipino fathers to answer one simple question that can empower us as they had been:
What was your father’s best advice to you?
1.
““My father was born in 1929 and life was very difficult financially for his family during that time. Later, having a family of his own became a huge challenge since my father was not a college degree holder. Good paying jobs for his background were hard to come by. He did his best to excel on whatever job he got to support a family. As such, his best advice to me was to earn a college degree, which I accomplished.””
Jun Fernandez and his father, Conrado Fernandez, Sr.
2.
““God created men equally, each of us can become who we desire to be. Believe and trust in Him for anything is possible with God. These were my father’s best advice to me.
My father (Virgilio S. Agustin) lost his mother at a young age due to cancer which presented numerous challenges to him as a child. Although he did not finish school due to financial struggles, he worked several odd jobs to support his family.
There was a time when he collected plastics and metals from trash in exchange for money just to keep us afloat. He told himself that he would not want his children to experience the struggles he endured.
While studying, I kept his advice close to heart. I am proud to finish primary and secondary schools with honours, completed my degree in engineering and passed the board licensure exams.
I have a secure job that not only supports my family but also allows me to support my father and mother like they did for me. Thank you, Tatay (Father), for your support and advice. God did create us all equally.”
”
Jay Agustin and his father, Virgilio S. Agustin. Photo by Jay Agustin
3.
““Actions speak louder than words. That was my father’s advice to me. Though articulate in his thoughts, my father, Architect Dionisio Rabadam, was a man of few words and he lived by his own advice day in and day out. Analysis paralysis was never an option to him; he showed his intentions by diving into direct action. This empowered me in my own life to act without hesitation, get immediate feedback, and embrace adjustments on the fly. Thanks Dad!””
Chito Rabadam
Graduation photo of Chito’s father, Dionisio Rabadam. Photo by Chito Rabadam
4.
““I remember a very simple advice from my father when I was seven. He said to me, “Be a better version of myself, Ed!”. To put context into this, my father, Ige Paraiso, was a carpenter who did not even finish his primary education but raised six out of seven smart children who earned a degree in universities through various scholarship grants. My father clearly reminded me that education coupled with the right values is the only wealth he can provide me, something that cannot be taken away from me, and is lasting through generations. This advice has taught me to live with a purpose worthy to the eyes of our Creator, to our loved ones, and to other people.”
”
Ed Paraiso
Ed’s father, Ige Paraiso
5.
““No matter how lowly your work is, be proud of it. Do not let the opinions of other people define you.” This was my father’s (Antonio C. Go) advice to me. He came from a very humble family and was raised in a poor environment. He did not finish any college degree, not even high school. He only finished Grade Six. But it did not stop him from pursuing opportunities. From the province, he tried his luck in Manila where he worked on various odd jobs - the lowly ones. I learned from him that there is nothing to be ashamed of as long as you’re doing it for your loved ones. My father died at 70 in 1983 and he was a respected printing press foreman.””
Sofronio Go
6.
““My father, Benjamin Francisco, did not speak much. But his actions spoke so loudly, it was hard to miss his message. As soon as his wallet gets filled, you can expect that it would not stay that way for long, for he would immediately, with a smile, give quietly to those in need and to us his children. And so, one of Papa’s greatest advice to me is one of joyful generosity: “Give gladly without counting the cost.””
Jj Francisco with his wife, Pinky
