Last night was Daddy’s day out because it was papa’s 70th birthday.
Papa (in red polo) with my mama surrounded by their grand kids. Parang "Mano Po"!
We celebrated it at Mr. Choi’s Kitchen in Robinson’s Galleria in Ortigas.
Papa was a passionate man who would willingly throw his life into something if he knows it’s worth all the time, effort and energy.
When I was a young boy, I remembered him buying us (and my siblings) a children’s illustrated Bible with a title Bible, a Book For Everyone.
It was my first Bible as a child and it was also my first encounter of Bible characters like Adam and Eve, David and Goliath, Jesus and Apostle Paul.
Though during my early childhood days, papa was still a polytheist because he worships various idols, he was the first person who introduced me to God as well as teaching me the virtue of loving my siblings.
In the summer of 2003, papa surrendered his life to Jesus completely. One of the things he told me when he got water baptized after Victory Weekend at U-Belt was that God gave him the power to kick out of his system his habit of smoking.
He used to be a chain smoker and curses from time to time, but when he began reading his Bible, praying and get into a small group, his life began to make a radical turn.
Sure, there are still numerous challenges he faces, that at times, discourages him, but I could just see how God’s grace work powerfully in his life.
Papa, thank you for being such a wonderful dad to us.
We salute you for being such a great example to us, and an inspiration as well to your 12 grand kids!
Happy birthday!