DADvice

If there is one thing that I find both disarming and heartwarming (and maybe a tad bit envious) when I talk to my non-Chinese friends is when they share how their relationships are with their dads – I do not know if my perspective is correct, but it seems as though they have a warmer, closer, and a more emotional bond in comparison to mine.

While growing up, I vaguely remember confiding and sharing jokes with my dad, especially during my teenage years to my late 20s. His role has always been to be the breadwinner, the last line of discipline, and the kind of father who could just give you a stare and you would immediately stop everything or anything that you’re doing. My form of communication with my father has always been through my mother, and she would relay the messages to him. Hugging, nurturing, and saying “I Love You” was never the norm. Don’t get me wrong, I do not feel anything bad towards my dad, I’ve just always thought that these types of behaviors were normal.

One day my mom asked, “How come you and your dad are not close? Back when you were little and in kindergarten, your dad would pick you up every day from school and you would be so excited because he would take you to get Coney Island Ice Cream in Greenhills (A popular mall in the Philippines). You would talk to him about all of your teachers, how happy you were, and how you looked forward to him picking you up (and allegedly I would be skipping and holding his hand when he arrived)! Currently, as an adult, I would recall those times and it would make me emotional. I have realized that the things my dad and I would bond on were solely based in relation to food. I would always remember him saying:

“Do not ever skimp money on food.  Good food is very important. Having food for your family and friends is important.”

To this day, even while miles apart, it’s food that we would often discuss. He would mention what he cooked, ate, what recipes I need from him (because he just developed a natural affinity to cooking in his later years), the supplements I need in order to stay healthy… and the supplements I need to buy for him also. LOL! In a lot of ways, food has remained the glue that binds us together. It’s also the reason why I have a healthy appetite!

In celebration of Father’s Day, join me in celebrating these special moments, memories, lessons or #DADvice that we will never forget. As we toast to the first man we’ve ever set our eyes on and love, here are more stories from friends that maybe you can relate to, laugh to, or even shed an emotional tear or two:

“Be faithful in the little things’ and ‘In everything, give thanks.”
– Geolyn

Hallelujah!

“Do not ever be embarrassed to show your affection towards your wife in front of your children or in public.”
– Louie

Yes!!! I stan for this 100!

My dad to his fave daughter (that’s me!!!): ‘If he didn’t ask you for a date – you are not dating!’”
– Ayin

To the ladies everywhere… Take note! #dadvice to #lovevice?

“Something that I learned from my dad is to do what you love. Whether that is a job or a hobby.”
– J

This is how you always give your best in everything.

“My dad taught me how to use tools and other things, but he also always made sure I knew how to operate them safely. He especially made sure to let me know which tool could KILL ME if I wasn’t careful.”
– CK

Very sound life advice don’t ya think?

“Money will return to you but time won’t… just go.”
– Samantha

My dad has been a huge reason I’ve been able to travel around the world as a child & now that I’m an adult I would always make sure that I save enough money to see the wonders that God created and embrace other cultures. The world is too big and too beautiful to just stay in one place forever. (GO #DADVICE! THIS!)

As part of the cycle of life, parenting and advice…
here are some nuggets of wisdom that a dad friend
is passing down to his own kids:

“Anything worth doing is worth overdoing.”

“It’s never okay to do the wrong thing.”

Amen!

“If it was easy, it wouldn’t be special.”

Yes… and that is why we dream, work hard, and strive for our goals!