My Father, My Hero, My Lifesaver

On December 3, my Dad is turning 60. He's treating our clan of 40 people to a few days in Discovery Shores Boracay, where there'll be a series of spa treatments, beach sports, meals and programmes ... all of which I'm missing out. My clan launched a contest of The Biggest Loser, so everyone was hyped up to run and hit the gym before heading out to the beach. The person who loses the most weight gets an all-expenses-paid trip to Hongkong.

So what do I give my Dad, who already happens to have everything and more? The best gift would have been my presence. I can't fly there until December 21. Sigh.

So what else can I give him? Trust me, I've spent months thinking, brainstorming, tossing, turning. In the past, I've always given him books. I became a bookworm because of him. But somehow, just another book doesn't seem to cut it for his 60th birthday. Maybe a book I've written myself, but it's too late for that now ... his birthday is tomorrow!

He's a lawyer, an entrepreneur, a husband, a father of four and a grandfather of five. He's been everywhere. He's done everything. He's eaten all his dream meals. If he needs or wants anything, he can make it materialize. He's a lifesaver.

Should I give him a simple letter of appreciation? Should I give him my time? My friendship? (Because we're always in a dispute). Knowing my Dad, a sincere "I love you" would be enough. The gift of love is still the best gift.



Last March, I took this photo of my parents walking together into the sunset.