My Father’s First Daughter

When I was younger, I was my father’s shadow. I did the same sports as he did, ate the same food he did and even copied some of his mannerisms. He was the person I looked up to the most – it seemed as if he was unstoppable, like the hero in most movies. During my youth, I never felt as if I was missing out on what other kids had. I was contented and happy in my little home.

However, the inevitability of growing up made me realise that my dad was not as perfect as I previously depicted him to be. Nonetheless, he imparted values and lessons that have shaped me to become the young woman that I am today.

With my mother getting pregnant at 20, my parents did struggle to make ends meet. My dad not only worked multiple jobs but eventually, he had to migrate to Singapore for work in 2006. Like most Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), he gave up the comfort of family and familiarity; in hopes of providing a better future for his daughters. Although he would come home for Christmas, I always felt his missing presence at my home. Imagining how lonely he must have felt having to come home to an empty room. He showed me the true meaning of selfless sacrifice.

Today, my father is the CEO of his own company yet he is still one of the humblest men I know. As a sportsman, he taught me never to brag about my achievements or look down at my defeated competitors. “Sportsmanship and Humility makes you a true winner, not the number of trophies or medals that you have,” he said. Until this day, I live by these words, not just in sports, but whatever victory I may achieve.

Additionally, I do not splurge or spend excessive cash on branded goods as my dad taught me that being materialistic and buying from high-end brands should not be where your money goes. My father is a firm believer that when it comes to food, you should never worry about the costs as food is an important aspect of one’s healthy life. Therefore, I also inherited my father’s insatiable appetite.

Just like any other person, my father has had his fair share of rejections. When I came to him, troubled by my university results. He did not scold or reprimand me. Instead, he urged me to believe in myself. He convinced me to keep trying and never to look at my failures as a sign to give up. My parents have always been my biggest supporters. I started believing in myself when I realised that my parents trusted me to succeed. I learnt that failure does not define a person, but how many times you get back up and try again. If it was not for my father, I would never have the ability to push myself to always strive for better.

Although my father and I have our differences every now and then. Our similarities shine through. Sure, I do not see him as the flawless hero that I once believed him to be. However, he is still one of my heroes who envisioned a bright future for me, even before I thought it was possible. He has overcome so many trials and tribulations, yet, still strives to put a smile on the faces of people that he come across. This Father’s day, I hope to let him know that his sacrifices for my sisters, and I do not go unnoticed; and that no matter, where I go, he will always be my first love.