What's your #KwentongTatay?

ON JUNE 21, 2020 Father's Day, our social media timelines were flooded with appreciation posts for the men who molded us to be strong, wise, hardworking, and loving.

Last week, we posted a Father's Day special activity on our social media accounts calling people to participate in our campaign -- #KwentongTatay, wherein netizens will send their unique and heartwarming stories about their fathers (biological or not) for a chance to win special prizes from Durian House by Apo ni Lola and an opportunity for their stories to be printed.

Out of all the entries, these two caught our attention -- Mary remembering her late father and Crissa honoring her "transman" father figure. And because we are feeling generous with our print space, we also included a couple of stories we deemed worthy to be printed. Happy Father's Day!

WINNER: Mary Ann Ygoña Matuguinas

This is my first and last picture kauban si Papa. It's almost four years since nawala siya. This is my most treasured and memorable picture. Why? Akong Papa grabe ka workaholic, even Sundays motrabaho jud siya, miskag senior citizen na ga-trabaho gihapon siya. As far as I remember, ka isa lang jud siguro mi nakalaag og mall nga kauban among Papa. Si papa, medyo strict na naay pagka luoran. Kani na picture kay graduation nako sa High School. Since kinder to high school, mao lang jud ni nga time nga si Papa akong escort. I'm a consistent honor student and I always asked him: Pa ikaw taod sakong medal ug ribbon pa ha, and ang iyang always tubag kay "Naa koy trabaho." But during my graduation, he surprised me. Habang naga paso nami sa ground padulong sa gym, nisugat akong Papa, nakahilak jud ko sa kalipay. It's been four years since you passed away, I MISS YOU AND I LOVE YOU SO MUCH PAPA MANING!

WINNER: Crissa M. Edullantes

My biological dad passed away last April 11, but I would still like to cherish this Father's Day celebration by giving recognition to my second father, Ante Meldong, he is a transman yet he took care of me and my Kuya Biboy (cousin) as if we were his children.

In my nine years here in Davao City, he takes good care of us, he makes sure no one can harm us and he serves as my kind of "one call away" person when I do have problems. It's amazing because sa iya murag naa nakoy 2-in-1 person, like his feminine side was there sa mga personal problems nako na need og ka girl talk and his masculine side when someone bullies me. So even nawala man akong Papa, naa man puy gihatag si Lord nako na replacement ug temporary replacement kay Mama since naa sya sa layo. Ante Meldong broadens my knowledge and understanding when it comes to our fellow LGBTQIA+ family!

Mi Yay

After 25 years, I finally first met my father. It was on June 14, 2014 in Intramuros, Manila.

I grew up without him. I was determined to finish school as a scholar because I believe that if I graduate, I'll have more resources to look for him. And luckily, the school where I got my scholarship becomes our bridge. My father was not with me while growing up but he inspired me to work hard, to finish my studies, get a diploma, and secure a better job. Indeed, God uses my father so that I will grow strong and determined.

Novalyn Duterte

The best papa in the world! My father takes good care of my mom since she had a mild stroke. He's the one who cheers up and keeps my mother strong! I salute my father for being the hero of our family! He is indeed the best. Hindi sya nag hanap ng iba talaga despite sa nangyari kay mama. One and only love nila talaga ang isat isa! Maka proud masyado! He really works hard to make us successful one day. Happy father's day dad even though we're miles away from each other.

Samantha Gonzales

My Tatay passed away but his legacy will live on. I will forever keep the lessons he taught me.

He was brave and selfless. For me, my dad was the proof that a hero did exist in my life.

He was:

H- ardworking (I know he was tired. But he never gave up.)

E- nergetic (He still had the time and energy to play with me and help me with my studies despite his busy schedule.)

R- esourceful (He always finds ways to provide for my needs and wants.)

O- ptimistic (In spite of the terrible things that have happened in our life, he reassured me that everything will be back to normal in time. And that I just had to keep my faith in God.??)

He was brave not because he wasn't afraid of the situation but because he knew he could do it for as long as the heart was pure. Happy Father's Day in Heaven, Pa! ?? You're the best! I love you. I always do. I am more confident to face the world because I know that we'll fight together.