It’s never easy to be far from your family. Every day that passes, you, Dad, continue to be strong despite the loneliness and longing—all for our future. On this Father’s Day, allow me to dedicate this letter as a tribute to your tireless sacrifice, love, and resilience—and to all Filipino fathers working overseas, regardless of your job.
The courage to leave
Hindi biro ang magdesisyong iwan ang pamilya.
I know you never dreamed of going away, but you chose to face the challenges of a foreign land just to give us a better life. Every goodbye at the airport, every hug filled with promises—I feel the weight on your heart. But your love and sense of responsibility always prevail.
Fathers in different fields
There are many forms of sacrifice among fathers abroad. Some are seafarers—spending months at sea, far from family, enduring dangers and exhaustion just to send support.
May mga tatay na cook, who cook for others while often eating alone in their staff quarters. Some are construction workers, braving heat, dust, and risks daily to build structures abroad while also building a better future for their children. Others are drivers, navigating unfamiliar roads just to send money home.
Hindi mahalaga kung ano ang trabaho mo, Tatay.
The mud, sweat, and fatigue don’t matter. What matters is that we live better lives because of your perseverance and sacrifice.
The impact of your sacrifice on us
Dad, you didn’t just give us a better home, education, and food. More than that, you taught us the true meaning of love and dedication. Every remittance you send carries lessons of patience, discipline, and faith. Every phone call, even when you’re tired, shows us your care and concern.
Even if we are not always together, you have become my inspiration to work hard in life. I learned to value every cent you earn and to dream big—because I know all of this is the fruit of your sacrifice.
The times you are absent
Sometimes, I envy classmates who always have their fathers present at school events or family gatherings. But I learned to accept that your love is not measured by presence alone but by every sacrifice you make.
Sa bawat Pasko, kaarawan, o mahahalagang okasyon na wala ka, mas lalo kitang hinangaan. Because even if you are far, you are the reason our family remains whole and strong.
For fathers who have passed away
Not all stories have happy endings. Some children, like me, will never see their fathers again. To the fathers who passed away while working abroad or away from home, thank you for your heroism. Your sacrifices were not in vain. Every sweat, tear, and effort you gave became the foundation of our future. Every success we achieve carries a part of you.
Hope and dreams
Dad, I know life is not easy for you there. Sometimes, there’s discrimination, loneliness, and homesickness. But despite everything, you never gave up. You continue to hope that one day, you will come home and be with us again. You dream of seeing us succeed, and that is what gives you strength every day.
A big thank you
On this Father’s Day, I want you to know how proud I am of you. Even if I don’t always say it, you are my hero. Thank you for all your sacrifices, your endless understanding, and your love that cannot be measured.
To all Filipino fathers working abroad—whether seafarers, cooks, construction workers, drivers, or any profession—saludo kami sa inyo. You are the true pillars of the home, even from afar. You are the reason why Filipino families continue to rise.
In closing
Tay, sana dumating ang araw na hindi mo na kailangang lumayo pa. I hope the day will come when you no longer have to be away. I hope you can join us in every celebration, every success, and every simple dinner. Until that day comes, take care and stay strong. Mahal na mahal ka namin, and we will never forget all that you have done.
Happy Father’s Day, Dad—this day is for you, and for all Filipino fathers around the world.
Maligayang Araw ng mga Ama!