There are too many stories, experiences, and memories we had with Papa that I can't put all into words. I Wrote this while I was anxiously waiting to be released from quarantine - it's mixed up and doesn't give justice to his titles: the legend, the champ, the pro, the master, among others. So let's just say this is a daughter's POV, the incomplete version.
A father, a husband, a brother, a grandfather, an uncle, a friend, a teacher, a master, he is whatever he is to others but to me he was, he is, and will always be my king! My first name Alfree was after his name Alfredo but he always called me Appe. I don't why and I never asked but it's special because he was the only one who called me that. Being the only girl among 3 siblings gave me the privilege to be a papa's girl. I was his princess until I had my daughter. When Laureez came into the picture, all the attention was then given to his apo. He was building her to be the next champ. He made golf clubs customized just for her and brought her to the driving range for golf lessons. They were inseparable even if she was the only one who can make papa angry. He spoiled her in every way. It will be a very big adjustment for Laureez, for all of us.
For those who knows papa, you will all agree with me when I say that he was a very quiet person but not an introvert. Just the humble type I suppose- as it was proven by the # of people, not to mention their status who apparently are his friends. One of the things I admire about him was how he got contented with life, he's the kind who wouldn't ask for much and most of the time doesn't actually asked for anything, it would be up to you to give and he'd appreciate whatever it is. He wasn't verbally expressive of his feelings but he had his ways of showing it. He may have said i love you just only a few times but I have always felt love, protected and supported. He was a family man who provided well, a loving brother who cared a lot for his siblings, a genuine friend who helped in any way he can and he was everything else. Hearing the things people say about him makes me proud to be his daughter.
The last time I spoke to him was on Father's day. I asked him "Pa, whatcha want, pizza or cake?" He answered pizza and cake. Then mommy reacted saying pizza na ah para pareho tayo - because that's what I ordered for her on Mother's day. Papa didn't answer but his face was like "nagdamag kayo paylng ngarud" Papa, There's no food panda in heaven but I will buy you pizza and cake every father's day.
Papa had this philosophy "Nu oras mo, oras mo." Every time we told him to quit smoking or at least bawasan manlang - because he is a chain smoker. He'd say uray pay enya araramidem, nu oras mo oras mo. He proved to us that he was right -It wasn't lung cancer, or COPD, or covid or whatever illness that brought him down. He was just playing golf when he passed out.
His sudden death is heart breaking but one thing that gives us comfort is knowing that he was doing what he loves best when he left us. Truly a legend, breathing his last on the golf course, his fairway to heaven. He left our heart broken but as he always said nu oras mo, oras mo- God called him, they need the best golfer up there. We will always remember the experiences we shared with him. The great years we enjoyed his presence and the memories he left which we'll forever hold dearly in our heart, souls, and mind. Happy golfing papa! We will miss you and will always love you.