"The heart of a father is the masterpiece of nature." - Antoine Francois Prevost
In honor of fatherhood and those who have taken on the role of a father figure when no one else could, the love and responsibility they have demonstrated by being the haligi ng tahanan or serving as the pillar that held our families together is the most commendable task they could ever possibly take on. As hardworking laborers or busy homemakers, their presence in our lives greatly impacted how we perceive male interactions and relationships; our fathers are the first male figures to inspire us, and some even being the first man they've ever loved.
To each his own, every father has a distinct way of showing affection and supporting their family. Some men are expressive and open in showing their support and love for their children. However, others take the opposite approach and act more reserved—afraid to openly share their thoughts and feelings. In spite of that, the love they have for you never ceases from the moment you were born to the exact moment you read this article.
As a way to commemorate Father's Day, we reached out to the CASAn community to look back at a time when their fathers had a significant impact on them and asked them the question: What is your favorite memory with your father? Here's what they had to say:
Maria Cathrina Aquino - 1COM1
 |
| Photo from Maria Cathrina Aquino |
On May 1, 2018, former One Direction member and now soloist, Harry Styles performed at the Mall Of Asia Arena for his Harry Styles: Live On Tour concert here in Manila. Being a loyal “Directioner” and avid fan of the singer himself, getting tickets and witnessing him perform his songs live was absolutely necessary [much] like how we breathe everyday. Knowing this, my father supported me by sponsoring the tickets, signing up to a VIP ticket giveaway held by Globe and even going as far as to come with me to the actual concert [which] that really surprised me. During that night, I was deeply grateful for having to live a life where I get to be with the two most important men in my life as of that moment, and share that experience with them. With that surreal moment, I’ve become enlightened to how my father would do anything for the people he truly loves.
Kim Angelo Atienza - 1COM1
 |
| Photo from Kim Angelo Atienza |
It was brief yet it lasted enough, It was just the three of us on a shopping spree at SM San Pablo. Celebrating Father's Day has always been a trivial topic in my life, it was never an easy subject to talk about. However, I am genuinely thankful for the individuals who stood as Paternal Figures in my life; my mother being the strong-willed person that she is, was able to raise me well and just downright fill-in what my father wasn't able to compensate for, and my Uncle Lazaro, who taught me how a man should act and compose himself in this world we live in.
Aeren Trinity A. Varona - 1COM3
 |
| Photo from Aeren Trinity A. Varona |
My father is a seaman, and ever since I was 1, I was already used to seeing him only after a year or two. But despite the distance and time, he always tried to make up for those missed moments whenever he would cook for us—he always knew each of our favorite dishes. Hence, cooking my best-loved chicken empanada would be my favorite memory with my dad. We both loved bread, and knowing that this was my favorite, it has become a routine to cook it whenever daddy goes back home with much eagerness on my end to learn his recipe. My father may not always be the best with words, but cooking our favorite dishes for us and with us was his way of expressing love.
Agnes I. Martinez - 2COM1
 |
| Photo from Agnes I. Martinez |
When I was a kid, mahilig ako magsulat ng love letters sa parents ko, like essay type letters containing how much I love them and I’m thankful to have this family, ganon. I [would] give it tuwing special occasions or kahit random days lang. When I was in junior high school, nawala ko ang first ever phone ko, and the first thing I did was write an essay of how sorry I am and on it I drew an illustration of a phone crying bago may bubble text na nakalagay “I’m lost.” One day, when I was getting money from papa's wallet (with his permission ha) nakita kong nakatago ang letter na ‘yun sa wallet niya and it’s just cute na na-save niya ‘yun. Growing up, I unconsciously buried most of the good memories I have with him kasi I currently have an emotionally distant relationship with my dearest father. So medyo nakakaiyak mag muni-muni ng favorite moment. Kasi our fathers might not be vocal with their words, but they care in their own. Minsan, hindi natin maintindihan dahil nakakairita (in a way?).
Lorie Joven - 1COM3
 |
| Photo from Lorie Joven |
My favorite memory of mine with my father is nothing grand nor is it revolutionary of any sorts. It took place on the night of a full moon where we went out to get some fresh air and talk about things: our life and plans. That talk made me realize how understanding and open my father is and how he's willing to go to extreme extents to provide for us and support me and my dreams. Because of that, I appreciate and understand him more. I'm always thankful for him but that memory unlocked a new appreciation I have towards him. To my giant softie of a father, I love you so much and Happy Father's day!
William Mamuyac - 2COM3
 |
| Photo from William Mamuyac |
Whenever I think about a particular memory with my father, I always remember my Senior High School graduation when we had a picture together after our graduation rites. My father rarely posts on Facebook but he posted our picture together with a caption of "good father, better son." It is such a great feeling that my father is proud of me and I couldn't help but shed tears privately when I saw that post. It's true small things are the real deal when it comes from a father who rarely shows emotions, just like how my father was telling the world that he's proud of me through a simple post on Facebook. I can say that one of the things that makes me happy is making my father proud.
