Thanks, Dad.

I used to say …When I grow up, I’d want to be like my dad. Now that I’m all grown up, I realized what was I thinking?

I did say I want to be like my dad. I never said I wanted to look like him. Everyone says that I am a spitting image of my father. *Slashes wrist*

Just kidding. Okay okay, so I didn’t get my mom’s mala-espanyol na ilong nor her slender physique, I did get my dad’s brains and eccentric personality I guess. If that’s any consolation. I’m not saying my mom was not smart or anything. Don’t get me wrong. It’s like Beauty and the Geek or rather the Hippie and the Chick. 

Growing up, I remember that dad used to take me to his classes and would always bring me coloring books when he came home from Legaspi (he was taking his Master’s then). I get to bring the coloring books too when I sit in in his classes. 

He used to read me bible stories — most of them are edited and delivered with humor. 

I love going to school with him –not because Ateneo HI was an all-boy school. I just like watching him teach.  

We would always have our bonding sessions over movies and music. However, I never learned to sing well or play the guitar as good as he does.  But as early as three years old, he recorded my voice singing the nursery rhymes they taught me. Not bad.

Dad wasn’t the typical, authoritative figure. In fact, I use to bully him. Well, I guess he let’s me bully him. Thus, the boyish attitude which appalled my mother.

Dad wasn’t too lenient either. When he looses his temper, he’s like the incredible hulk. You would wish you’ve never been born. It’s like rousing apocalype…which is why he seldoms get mad.

Dad was and still is a budget-conscious person. Kuripot kung baga. My mom’s the one buying me the expensive stuff. I usually receive books from my dad –some from booksale or second hand bookstores but nonetheless, he is generous. After all, I’m his only daughter (I hope).

Dad has his way with women (ang sabi!). Although, I highly doubt this because I heard that Mom’s his first and last. Oh wait, I still need to confirm that. I guess he is charming and from what I heard from old stories he is a hopeless romantic…which is probably how he got my mom into marrying him.

Once, I saw the love letter he wrote to my mom. Boy, was it worth a bucket of cheese. I say it was the ultimate cheese fest. But o well, that’s how he rolls.

Dad is not the perfect that. Dad was never too hard on me. I say, I was spoiled. I say, I get to have some things done my way–just how I want things to be. 

Dad taught me to exercise my free will at the most and learn to suffer its consequences. He let things be, maybe because he trusts me too much. And so I cherish and respect this trust.

He taught me not to abuse free will and power.  He always reminds me to stay grounded. Bask in your own glory without people seeing. Keep it cool. Don’t be a pompous ass because asses  kicked anyway.

Dad tried hard to be the cool Dad–pretended that he knows how to draw and do math. Well, at least he tried.

I am sorry though, if I’ve ever disappointed you in any way. Well, here are some things I am sorry for:

1. vehemently refusing to acknowledge the fact  that I am your carbon copy.

2. Not buying you that 60’s collection cd thing. I wasn’t broke. I just felt selfish at that time. 

3. getting cash from your wallet withiout asking for your permission or not saying the exact amount that i got [but you’ve probably figured that out already]…and not paying you back.

4. criticizing your sense of fashion. I don’t think you look good in skinny jeans.

5. bullying you all the time.

Dad did not raise a daughter  but a son (hahahaha) . No,  I think we both raised it other. He’s always been a friend than a Dad.

He gives me advice which I don’t end up using because I am too stubborn. Still he let’s me be his daughter– his little devil’s advocate, his sidekick, his apprentice and his worst critique.

So thanks Dad. Maybe I’ll get you that plasma tv we saw last time. Hopefully, I get to save enough (sana malaki semi-annual bonus ko).

For now, here’s my pathetic attempt to give tribute to you. I say it’s far mediocre from what I am envisioning but all things starts from scratch I guess.

I am raising my goblet of rock to you! Cheers and maybe someday, I would cut you some slack and make a better website..appropriate for the Music Mafia that you are. 

And happy father’s day to all the dads!