The Isip family: (from left) Jelynne, Roland, Anna and Jaclyn. Photos collated 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 (second batch): (1) How does it feel to be a father? and (2) Define fatherhood.
The respondents’ replies are as follows:
Pastor Roland Isip: (1) “I’m blessed to have my wife Anna and two wonderful daughters Jelynne and Joy and seven grandchildren. God gave me a purpose in life and a lot of good things to look forward for all His glory, honor and praise. In Psalms 127:3, my children are heritage, gifts from God; in Verse 4, they are “arrows” for me. It’s really a joyful feeling for me when I am privileged by God to be a father and at the same time living our life in the whole counsel of God.” (2) “As a father, I must have the wisdom from God. Proverbs 9:10 states that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. I could have not been better bringing them up when they were young without the guidance from God. Proverbs 22:6 also says that ‘train up the children the way they should go so when they grow up they won’t depart from it.’ As a God-fearing father, I have demonstrated the fruit of the Holy Spirit which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness and long suffering. There is nothing more perfect way to fatherhood, except doing it diligently within the whole counsel of the almighty God.”
Vallejo-based fashion designer and wedding consultant Henry Roxas Ayson: (1) “I feel blessed to see my children thriving as a result of my efforts as a father, and I believe being a loving parent is a wonderful way to show appreciation for the love I’ve received. A beautiful way to honor God’s love.” (2) “A father’s role as the pillar of the home means he should provide a stable foundation for his family and set a positive example for his children to follow. A father’s love for his family transforms his responsibility to provide for them into a heartfelt desire to give them the best life possible. When a father loves his family, his desire to give them a good life becomes a natural extension of that love, rather than a sense of duty or obligation.”
Joselito Constantino, former library assistant at Ateneo de Manila University and father of singer Yeng Constantino: (1) “Ang pagiging isang ama ay may magkahalong damdamin. Masaya sa dahilan ang bawat anak ay biyaya ng Diyos.” (2) “Ang pagiging ama ay may kaakibat na malaking responsibilidad na dapat mong gampanan upang sila’y mapalaki ng maayos at huhubugin sa magandang ugali. Para sa ikabubuti ng mahal mong anak, nakakaangat ka man sa buhay o hindi, ito ay malaking pagsubok.”
De La Salle University lecturer Atty. Lorenzo “Erin” Tanada: (1) “Your life changes because you have to make sure that you are able to provide for your children’s needs.” (2) “To be a father means to be there for your children when they need you and know when to give them space for them to learn from their mistakes.”
Former press secretary Ignacio “Toting” Bunye: (1) “When I became a father, I felt an overwhelming mix of joy, responsibility, and deep love in ways never imagined.” (2) “To be a good father, I need to be patient, to be a mentor and a guide, and to foster a nurturing environment where my children would feel safe, loved, and empowered to grow into their best selves.”
Al Marquez, retired Master Chief Petty Officer of the U.S. Navy: (1) “Becoming a father is a big responsibility. After trying for two years, finally my wife became pregnant. I was so excited and overwhelmingly joyful. But being in the military, I had fear because we never knew when was our deployment and leaving my wife and child behind for six months.” (2) “Fatherhood is a divine calling and a powerful opportunity for a father to show his love, care and guidance.”
Entrepreneur Ronnie Benjamin who lives in Vacaville, California: (1) “A feeling of goodness, gratitude and praises for my Abba Father who has shown me His faithfulness and mercy. His power overwhelms me. I am thankful that all my children are successful and have their own children and are good parents in their own lives.” (2) “My Abba Father has shown me what a good father has to be: loving, caring, forgiving and self-sacrificing for the sake of our children as exemplified in His sacrifice to let His own son Jesus to die for our sins and healing. Praise and glory I give Him everyday!”
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Alan and Jelynne Valentin’s eldest son Josiah made a recent profession of his faith in Christ. The couple praised God for His saving work in Josiah’s life and a new heart and desire to live for Him. They thanked their family and friends who came to witness this special day.
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Cheeya Racelis-Isip reminisces that some years ago world boxing champ Manny Pacquiao joined them in a Bible study after his training in Baguio City.
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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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