Tatay's Day

i can't remember when, but my two younger siblings started the habit of calling Tatay, Dad. But before that he was just Tatay.

Tatay is such a story teller. It is amusing how he could tell a story more than a thousand times and with the same lines and intensity as if telling it for the first time.

He would always tell me how small I was when he first saw me. How he thought I would not survive. How afraid he was to even hold me as I might break.

He would remind me of the attention I sought from him at a very young age when I'd engage him in a melodramatic tantrum every night as I replace my mom's role as a nagging wife everytime I think he has not gone home straight from work... or when I simply feel like it.

We were the original partners. I was dethroned of course when my younger sister came. But Tatay has a way of assuring me, that despite the many taunts I hear that he loves Baby more than me now, I am still his first love.

Oh, he was not easy to deal with all the time. Looking back, life was not easy on him and he is not about to baby us into a charmed life. I remember how, when I was not as small anymore, i would feel fearful when he comes home at night as I have to watch my steps already.

But despite that, Tatay is thoughtful, although his ways are different. Only a deep knowledge of him would reveal this to you. He thought me how to be charitable without being known. His simple goodness and purity of heart is not evident in the way he carries himself. He is always unassuming and seemingly uninterested. But he notices every single thing around him. He is sensitive to the needs of others... very unlike him at first glance.

I think I know my dad better now that I am also older. He is no superman. He is no saint. But I love him because he tries to be both to us. HE TRIES. And most if not always succeeds.
He still would not spend money to treat his family to an out of town trip. He still is stubborn although he keeps his opinion to himself most of the time. He is still the best salesman. He laughs more now. He is older, wiser...more human.

Tatay is now Dad. He is now a friend to us more than just a father.He simply endeared himself to us even more.

Dad here with my ICA Barkada in Hong Kong.

Dad, I'm still as stubbborn as you. Probably more opinionated. Definitely more outgoing. But am a mere apprentice to your guts, gusto and goodness.... and despite the ever present argument and mellow dramatic tantrums I still engage you with... I love you... very much!