Who says that only politicians and showbiz personalities are
public properties? I like to think that parents too are public properties. It becomes evident when our kids (or grand kids, if you have one) pick up what they see us say or do.
Being fond of classical and traditional Filipino music, I
would listen to either of these while driving or at home. Chiara, who would often hear these, has shown
some interest too. I once watched on YouTube Nyoy Volante impersonating Sylvia
La Torre in “Your Face Sounds Familiar”, a contest organised by ABS-CBN. Nyoy
was singing “Sa Kabukiran” to the glee of my unica hija. She was more delighted
when she listened to Sylvia’s own rendition of that famous song (and more).
There is a feeling of satisfaction when she picks up something
positive. Conversely, there is disappointment when it’s something negative that
she imitates.
One wintry evening, as I was about to fetch Nidz from work,
our old car won’t start. Annoyed, I swore three times. Suddenly, Chiara
repeated what I said. I felt remorseful after that event. Ditto those moments
such as when she asked me while I was parking
somewhere , “Daddy what is that?” and I could not respond because the sign says
“No parking”. I recall what Tita Lilia
Reyes would often say “Ipakita mo na sa matanda, huwag lang sa bata”.
Because our kids ‘own’ us, it comes as a daily challenge to
be their role model, to nurture them in a responsible and Christian way. Gone
are the days of buhay binata. These are
the times of sharing, of putting the house in order.
I have been involved lately in a project collecting 100 anecdotes in honor
of my Lola Piling Valdes-Albano whose
100th birth anniversary is celebrated this year. A few anecdotes
that I came across mentioned the Sacred Heart of Jesus to whom Lola was devoted
to. She once advised the Apostleship of Prayer members in Gagalangin to say “Sacred
Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in Thee” 33 times (in honor of the number
of years the Lord stayed on earth). As the project is due to conclude tomorrow,
I felt a rediscovery of this devotion particularly that beautiful prayer.
Entrusting everything – my vocation, family, work, etc. – to the Lord’s Sacred
Heart is key to become a nurturing father, a good role model.
To all fathers out there, here’s wishing us all a Happy
Father’s Day this Sunday! May our hearts
be like that of Jesus so that our children and others who look up to us may
find life and have it to the full (cf. John 10:10).
***
As I write this, I cannot fail to remember Lolo Paul Albano,
whose 104th birth anniversary is commemorated today. One afternoon,
many summers ago, as I was playing in their bedroom, I saw him apply something like
a roll-on stick on his hair and combed it.
When he left I mimicked my grandfather, however I struggled to comb my
hair as smoothly as he did his! The maid has to wash my hair to get rid of Lolo’s
pomade! The sticky pomade is all gone, but my Lolo’s memory, his religiosity, devotion
to family and service to the community continue to thrive in my veins. Thank you, Lolo
Paul! Happy birthday po!
