Usapang Tatay

Yes, this post is primarily dedicated to all fathers in the world. Unsurprisingly enough, the word father would go beyond as a reference to a man who has biologically sired an offspring, for at one point or another in our lives, we meet people who act like real fathers to us. To all of you, HAPPY FATHERS' DAY!

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And for the occasion, allow me to talk about my fathers. :)

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HEAVENLY FATHER After several attempts, I had finally attended a Christian service at the Victory Christian Fellowship (VCF) U-Belt. Thanks to chummie Marga for the invitation! It has been four long years since I have attended one, because of my preoccupation in school. I think it is about time to renew my relationship with my Creator (if the word renew is even valid).

I instantly embraced the atmosphere & was happy to see young people who comprised the biggest portion of the crowd. Not to mention, the pastor had been very didactic & effective. I was a bit emotional though as I listen to his words. It was VCF's Fathers' Day Special. I just have one realization: I have been too busy to enrich my spiritual life. I am thankful to the fabled FEU Chapel still for the open arms whenever I feel the need to have solemn moments with my God.

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MY FATHERS IN SCHOOL In FEU, I have two people I reckon fathers. One is Prof. Jose V. Faustino, Tatay Jo, & the other one is Michael Alexander Pamular, dad mike. Allow me to talk about them separately.

Tatay Jo (Prof. Jose V. Faustino) is the current coordinator of the Bisig Tamaraw, the community service arm of the Far Eastern University. He was actually my first professor in college, being my Economics with Taxation mentor. As three-time officer of the FEU Tamaraw Volunteers, I apparently had close encounters with Tatay Jo as he at the same time serves as the senior adviser of the organization.

Tatay Jo & I during FEU's 80th Commencement Exercises

As my tatay, he was able to teach me significant lessons. As a student journalist himself during his college days, he would remind me to adhere to journalism tenets which I sometimes tend to disregard, either consciously or unconsciously. He would tell me to focus on making sustainable community service projects & remind me how important task distribution is esp. in times when he see me doing multi-tasking with no one beside me. With no question, he has been a perfect father figure to me: a friend, a confidante, and a mentor.

My second tatay is a tatay to many, for he had served as the President of the FEU Central Student Organization in 2006-2007. I first worked with Michael Alexander Pamular, Daddy Mike, in the FEU English Language Circle, the academic organization for AB English Language students at FEU.

Joma, Marga, Ira, Dad Myk, & I during the 32nd YMCA National Congress for College Students in Baguio

Having worked with him in the earlier years of my being a student leader, his influence to me is in terms of leadership style. During our term in ELC, we pioneered the Grammar Fest, English across Barriers & Speak English Campaign. As a person, he is thoughtful & loving. :)

I AS TATAY It is surprising how one can be a father even at the age of 20. I was a tatay to my organizations: FEU Tamaraw Volunteers, FEU English Language Circle, FEU Altruist, & FEU Paragon; a role which helped me grow as a person. I was a tatay to the ponkans and happy to have sired: Alex, KG, Will, RM, & Nerrie. Ang sarap pala maging tatay. :)

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This post could not be ended without me talking about my real tatay. Papa was a member of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. You think he's scary? Well, he definitely is. In fact, I credit him for me being so disciplined, sometimes to the extent of wanting to please every people I meet. Everybody. That was the setback. Want to know if I love him? I will now. :) It's funny how a preacher's talk, who do not know anything about your life, could go straight to your heart.

He is not a perfect father: he smokes, he drinks, he even womanized. Want to tell me you can relate? Well, every situation is an isolated case. I used to hate him like nobody in this world. He would cause mom heartaches and headaches. They would yell even during the unholy hours. He would observe every minute action we would do. And I loathed him for that.

But as a grown up, I have learned to understand things in a clearer view. Now I am ready to start our relationship anew, for at the end of the day, he is partially to blame why a JOHN PAUL UMINGA exists. Thanks to the VCF Pastor for reminding me that by honoring our father in Earth, we honor GOD.

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Again, HAPPY FATHERS' DAY to ALL! (for at one point or another we act as fathers to our friends, to our loved ones, to our community) =)