Physicist Michael Joseph Lobusta with his son Milokai. Photos compiled by Rogelio C. Medina
As we celebrate Father’s Day on June 15, allow me to feature fathers from all walks of life. I asked seven fathers (first batch): (1) How does it feel to be a father? (2) Define fatherhood.
The respondents’ replies are as follows:
Fairfield-based physicist and former U.S. Navy member Michael Joseph Lobusta, who was with the U.S. Department of Defense: (1) “The feeling of fatherhood is an unexplainable love for my children. There is a sense of desire to provide, to protect, to support and to nurture for my children. Being a father feels overwhelming at times, but this creates an opportunity for me to call on the Heavenly Father to provide me strength and motivation to help my children live fulfilling lives.” (2) “I define fatherhood as a fundamental human role, whereas I, as a father, take on the responsibility of building a healthy relationship with my children, being present for them while I walk this earth with them. Fatherhood is being the role model of unconditional love and trust for my children.”
Quezon City-based driver Emmanuel Malasa: (1) “Para sa akin bilang isang ama na may pitong anak ang aking pakiramdam ay nag-uumapaw na kasiyahan. Masaya at puno ng pakikipagsapalaran sa buhay ang pagiging ama.” (2) “Dito ko nakikita ang pagiging tao, ama, magulang sa kabila ng mga responsibilidad na nakaatang sa iyong mga balikat: pagpapakain, pagpapalaki, paggabay at paghubog, pagdidisiplina, pagpapaaral ayon sa pagsisikap mong matugunan ilan lang sa mga obligasyon mo bilang Isang ama. Maligaya ako at nasusubaybayan ko ang kanilang paglaki sa kabila ng mga suliraning dumarating na aming nalalagpasan sa kabila ng mga pagsubok. Dasal lang sa Diyos ang aking panlaban, dumating man na kaya na nilang tumayo sa sariling mga paa. Masaya ako at kanila ring gagawin pag dumating na sila naman ang maging magulang at ama.”
The Medina family: (Clockwise, from top left) Aldrin, Liz, Aries Aldrin, Mary Elizabeth, and Prince Aldrin.Papua New Guinea-based forester Aristeo “Aldrin” Medina V: (1) “I feel grateful and so blessed for being a father.” (2) “Fatherhood is the actual and ultimate fulfilment of man’s sacred gift or blessing from God as a human being designed to lead, raise, guide, provide for, and mold his offsprings into productive individuals under His Divine wisdom.”
August Twenty One Movement leader Volt Bohol: (1) “Being a father changed the way I look at the world. It gave me a greater purpose to continue living in this world. I can be too selfless at times that I really don’t care for myself that much. Health-wise especially. Ever since I became a father I suddenly started eating healthy foods more because I wanted to live a longer life and spend more time with my son as long as I can.” (2) “Fatherhood is the ultimate high for me. It’s meant to make you more selfless.”
Japan-based Bryan I. Kato who works at the U.S. Naval Ship Repair Facility and Japan Regional Maintenance Center: (1) “It felt heavy (responsibilities, etc.) at first, but somewhere along the way things got better in life. As they grew older, I started to feel thankful for having this opportunity or privilege of being a father of two daughters.” (2) “Though my two daughters are still in their early 20’s, they have left the nest and started living on their own. I’m not a perfect father but I feel that I have equipped them just enough knowledge to survive this world, and having faith that they would mature in God’s timing just as I did when I was at their place. Whatever I learned starting from their birth until they grew up, I feel responsible for helping them with what they need to know and how to apply it in their life. One day, they would go through this life’s cycle, and they would be making their own decisions when it is my time to go. Being a father is a blessing from our Creator and thinking about other people who are unable to be a father, I always feel thankful to God on what I am right now.”
Bulacan-based Paulo Xavier Ilano, married, father of two and client account manager of a BPO firm: (1) “Ang maging isang ama para sa akin is a blessing and an inspiration. It brings me happiness dahil parang mas nagkaroon ng purpose ang buhay ko, mas nagkaroon po ng direksyon.” (2) “Para po sa akin, fatherhood is a gift from God. Sa pamamagitan po ng pagiging ama, binigyan po ako ni God ng pagkakataon na maging kasangkapan sa paghubog ng buhay, nurture faith, and spread goodness within the family. Ito po ay isang responsibilidad that comes with deep joy, sacrifice and incomparable reward.”
Arvin Tanjuaquio, a product of the University of Redlands (MBA and Masters in Information Systems): (1) “Being a father is tough but very satisfying — every challenge has meaning when you understand the purpose behind the hard work. It’s not just about providing; it’s about building something eternal. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of coming home after a long, draining day, and seeing my four-year-old son runs into my arms and my wife gives you a warm embrace. That moment alone makes every sacrifice worth it. Raising a family isn’t just a responsibility — it’s a calling. Establishing a strong faith in the Lord as the foundation of our home is above all else. There’s no greater joy than seeing your family grow, not just in love, but in the fruits of the Holy Spirit — living each day to honor and glorify God. That’s the kind of legacy worth building.” (2) “Fatherhood is not just about providing — it’s about building a home grounded in love, rooted in God, and held together by genuine care for one another. It means leading with faith, serving with humility, and nurturing a space where love, trust, and the presence of the Lord are always felt. It’s the daily choice to raise a family not just in strength, but in spirit — shaped by grace, guided by truth, and united in purpose.”
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Vocabulary word for today: Vulnerable.
To be vulnerable means being susceptible to harm or attack, either physically or emotionally. Someone who is vulnerable is easily hurt, weak, and unprotected. It can also mean being open to criticism, temptation, or having weaknesses that make you more susceptible to being harmed or affected.
Vulnerability can also refer to the willingness to show emotion or allow one’s weaknesses to be seen, even if it’s uncomfortable.
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The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
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