Since Father’s Day is around the corner, I find myself reflecting more deeply about the men who shaped my life. Today, I want to write about a man I respected, honoured, and loved dearly — my Lolo.
It still feels surreal to think that 16 years ago, he brought me here to Canada when I was only 19 years old. Back then, this country felt foreign and unfamiliar, but eventually it became home. Through all the ups and downs of life, I always carried with me the lessons and wisdom he left behind.
My Lolo was not a perfect man. He was straightforward, sarcastic, and brutally honest. His words could pierce you sometimes, but if you truly knew him, you would understand that his heart was pure. He believed in helping people, working hard, standing up for yourself, and taking care of the people around you.
More than anyone, he was one of the first adults who truly believed in my strengths when I was still young.
I still remember one day when he looked at my palm and told me, “You have a brighter future, and these hands will work their way into helping people in need.”
He was not a palm reader, but somehow he had this gift of discerning people. He could see things in people before they even saw it in themselves. Looking back now, I understand why his words stayed with me all these years.
There are countless lessons I learned from him, but here are some that shaped me deeply.
1. Help People — But Do Not Let Yourself Be Abused
My Lolo was generous. He genuinely loved helping people. Many people came to him for advice, work, financial help, or simply guidance. But one thing he always reminded us was this: help people, but never allow yourself to be abused in the process.
As a child, I did not fully understand this lesson. Now as an adult, I realize how important healthy boundaries are. Kindness should never mean allowing others to take advantage of you. You can have a good heart while still protecting your peace and dignity.
That lesson alone has carried me through many seasons of life.
2. Speak for Yourself and Fight for Your Dreams
My Lolo was never afraid to speak his mind. He taught us not to shrink ourselves just to make others comfortable. He believed that if you wanted something in life, you had to stand up for yourself and work hard for it.
Coming to Canada at 19 years old was not easy. There were many moments when I doubted myself, but I often remembered his voice reminding me to be brave and to fight for the life I wanted.
He taught me that dreams do not simply happen. You work for them. You endure for them. And sometimes, you fight silently for them when nobody else sees your struggles.
3. Hard Work Is a Way of Life
My Lolo owned numerous farmlands in the Philippines. He also had a rice mill and worked in buying and selling rice. Many young lads worked for him doing heavy rice labour — drying rice under the scorching heat of the sun, carrying sacks, and preparing everything before sudden weather changes.
And believe me, if rain suddenly came, nobody was allowed to just sit around and watch.
Every member of the family had to help.
I remember being in Grade 5, soaking wet under heavy rain while helping put rice into sacks as quickly as possible. At that age, it felt exhausting and chaotic, but now it has become one of my favourite memories.
After the work was done, I remember running freely in the yard, drenched in rain while the hot Philippine weather mixed with the cool storm pouring over us. There was laughter, chaos, hard work, and joy all happening at once.
Those moments taught me that hard work was never something to complain about. It was part of life. It built character, resilience, and appreciation.
4. Reward Hard Work and Celebrate People
If you knew my Lolo personally, you would know how much he loved connecting with people. He spoke from the heart and always had wisdom, humour, and stories to share.
One thing I admired deeply was how well he treated his workers and helpers. After long days of labour, he would gather everyone together and reward them with native wine made from sugar cane or coconut. He had this large clay jar filled with wine, and he loved pouring generous pitchers for everyone.
Then everyone would gather around, laugh, talk, and celebrate the hard work they accomplished together.
As a child watching all of this, I did not realize how meaningful it was. But now I understand that my Lolo valued people. He knew how to make workers feel appreciated, respected, and included.
It was not just about business or labour to him. It was about human connection.
And honestly, there was something so authentic and beautiful about that.
5. Take Care of Yourself and Live Simply
Across the house was a beautiful garden filled with vegetables — malunggay, bitter gourd, sweet potato leaves, eggplants, papaya, beans, squash, and so much more.
I remember being around 10 or 11 years old, picking vegetables from the garden and cooking meals for my grandparents. They loved eating fresh vegetables every day, and I truly believe that is where my love for healthy and simple living came from.
Cooking for them became one of my favourite things to do. It made me happy knowing they were eating well and staying healthy.
My Lolo himself was a very active person. Gym memberships did not exist in his world. Instead, he woke up early every morning before the heat of the day, swept the yard, checked the garden, and picked fresh vegetables.
Then we would go to the ” palengke” the local market where he bought the freshest meat and fish. He walked through the market with his gleaming smile, greeting vendors, joking around, and making everyone laugh.
Looking back now, I realize that he lived a very simple but meaningful life. He worked hard, stayed active, ate fresh food, connected with people, and found joy in ordinary moments.
Final Thoughts
These are only a few of the many lessons I learned from my Lolo. There are honestly so many more stories I could share about him, his wisdom, and the life he lived.
As Father’s Day approaches, I simply wanted to honour a man who left a lasting mark on my life.
Thank you, Lo, for believing in me before I even believed in myself. Thank you for teaching me strength, resilience, generosity, and hard work. Most importantly, thank you for reminding me to never forget my roots.
I will share more stories another time… but for now, I need to go to work.
Leave a Reply