HAPPY FATHER’S DAY
503, 06/13/2018
This poem is dedicated to Papa and our twin boys — Matthew and John. Papa left his home in 1948 at the age of 20, with a hundred dollars in his pocket. In real “Bleak and bitter” conditions. Overcoming life’s obstacles, raised his family. I can only dream to be ‘half the man” that he is. As a son and a father, I pray that “the fruit doesn’t fall far from the tree”.
My friend, Douglas Haines, wrote the melody and shared vocals to complete this song. I dedicate this song to my brothers – William, Walter, Wishing John, Windell and Winston. And to all the fathers and sons of the world – Happy Father’s Day.
Left home at 20,
sailing south to the thousand islands.
Orphaned and abandoned,
with pennies in his hands.
Docked in a strange land,
bleak and bitter conditions.
Yet pain and agony,
no match to his convictions
Became a teacher, then a trader,
served his term as a governor.
Behind the scene, God’s calling –
to be a self made pastor.
Only God knows why,
as I sat down and cry,
how deeply I am blessed,
mere words cannot justify.
I can only dream to be,
half the man I try to imitate,
Higher than Mt Everest,
a father’s love so great.
This is my message to you,
my dear sons and daughters.
A father will forever be,
come heavy rain or high waters.
Like the man before him,
and my father before me.
I pray the fruit
doesn’t fall far from the tree.
Father’s kindness and affection,
in my heart like gold.
Your patience and humility,
sealed in spirit I hold.
Only God knows why,
as I sat down and cry,
how deeply I am blessed,
mere words cannot justify.
I can only dream to be,
half the man I try to imitate,
Higher than Mt Everest,
a father’s love so great.
My legacy, my heritage,
my gift I bring unto you…
My son my son,
soon you will be a father too.
505- 06/17/2018
Happy Father’s Day to you too, my brother.
An apple tree will always produce an apple fruit. But to make it a good apple, our kids need to be taught and guided just like what our father did to us. It is not an option but an obligation of ours, to help them be the best version of themselves.
Happy Father’s Day to all.
Windell, 06/18/2018
Belated Happy Father’s Day to all.
One of the most memorable experiences I had with Papa is when he accompanied me to watch a movie “The Last Emperor” during my college years in Manila. He tried to explain the chain of events regarding the last emperor of China while watching the movie so that I can easily understand the whole story. Another experience I had was when Papa accompanied me and kuya Wishing to ride a ferry’s wheel at Magallanes Street, at the back of San Pedro Street, when we were still young. The three of us rode in one cabin that is only good for two. We were scared because the cabin was constantly swinging downward. When we reached the top, we felt that the cabin was pointing to the ground. We tried to shout to the operator to let us go down immediately because we’re afraid that we will all fall off (probably because I was overweight). I cried because I realized that I miss Papa. Coincidentally, you emailed us about Papa and I want to thank you for remembering him too.