Last Sunday, June 18 was Fathers’ Day. The text joke most circulated on this day was: “Fathers’ Day ngayon, oras naman ng pahinga para sa mga papa. Pahinga sa paglalaba, paglilinis ng bahay, pamamalantsa, pagluluto…” (It’s Fathers’ Day today, so it is time for dads to take a rest. Rest from the laundry, house cleaning, ironing and cooking…) 

Well, of course - that is only a joke… though I would say there may be some truth in it. haha! Pardon me, daddies… : )

Fathers have always been stereotyped as tough guys. Mothers are naturally more ‘malambing’ (caring, nurturing). They tend to pamper and spoil their kids too.

But I have realized - fathers are not really made of rock and stones. I remember when I was young, there were decisions which my mother would stubbornly cling to - and she would not budge with any compromise. These decisions ranged from simple ones - like - would I be allowed to see a movie with classmates, to the more important matters - like - would I study in a local school or go to Baguio or Manila to pursue my college education?

Well, when Mother would not approve, there was always Father in the Court of Last Resort. And truly, when Mom says no, go to Dad for a sure yes. 

Now that I have a family of my own, admittedly - the same applies to us in many situations. I fume inside whenever my kids, being unable to get my nod for their caprices I don’t approve of, run to their father and ask for the rubber stamp. So you see - there are red tapes even in families! LOL!  

Anyway, to my father, my brothers, uncles, nephews and of course my hubby - here’s wishing you the best!