He was my mom's dad, and we lovingly call him Lolo Roging. I got to know him as someone strict and stern. In some occasions (and there were quite a few) that he drinks, he was a jolly person. When he was a bit drunk and all the grandchildren were visiting, he would bring all fourteen of us to a halo-halo (a Filipino sweet delicacy consisting of red and white beans, jellies of red and green color, fruits like bananas, mango, jack fruit and melons and with lots of ice and milk, topped with leche flan (caramel cream), ube (sweet taro) and ice cream -- in short, a yummy treat!) and whatever else we would want. He would wake up the next day wondering where his money went and my grandmother would smile as she tells him what happened.
I remember those times when he would pick us girls at a party saying that it was already late for us to be staying there (it was just 8pm and the party hasn't even started it). My sister went to her prom and my lolo, being the sweet person that he is, stayed until the event was over.
One thing that I admire about him is that he was a one woman man. He loved Lola (grandmother) so much, that even when he was at his prime, he would not be able to sleep without Lola by his side. They married when Lola was sixteen and they were together for more than fifty years. Whenever Lola was out of town visiting any of us, he calls her everyday. He taught me that there are indeed men out there who are loyal and is capable of loving one person for the rest of their life.
He always felt that he was never given the chance to reach his full potential. He worked for the government for many years but never got to build so much for himself. He lived an honest life and that is why he served without putting money in his pocket. He did try his best to provide for his family.
For me, he lived well. He is loved by his family. He is loved by his friends. He is admired by many.
Lolo, thank you for teaching me a lot of things. That integrity is very important especially in dealing with people and that loving someone means accepting everything about them. Thank you for showing me that giving means not expecting something in return and that life is meant to be lived one day at a time.
I love you. We will miss you. I pray that you are happier where you are now. May you rest in peace.
