An Open Letter to the OFW Dad

Dear daddy,

You are not a perfect dad. And I want you to know that there are several things that I wish were different. I'm not sure you understand, but for every day that passes, I, too, get older and my interests change. From the hobbies I pursue to the things I like and the wardrobe I want to sport--all of these things continue to evolve, and judging from the things that you continue to send me through balikbayan boxes, you just don't quite get my taste yet. Apart from the gadgets I so blatantly ask for, the shirts, shoes, pants and bags just don't cut it anymore. I guess there are just things that even the longest Skype calls can't make you understand. I feel like physically having you around would make all the difference in the world, and that because you are so far away, your comprehension of who I am now is blurry and fictional.


I envy all the kids who casually get to spend time with their dads. They say it's the little things that make a difference and I agree. Every time I see dads with their kids at the mall, I ask myself why things have to be different for me; and I shrink knowing that life really isn't fair. While other children enjoy the company of their dads, all I have now are gadgets that validate your continuous support. Instead of getting to spend my free time with my old man through a sport or a road trip, I go to Skype or Facebook messenger--which isn't exactly the most legitimate form of bonding. I envy the kids who post photos with their dad with them on the most non-special of days with the most nonspecific of captions.


But despite the circumstances, I want you to know how grateful I am to God for you. I want you to know that your efforts are appreciated beyond measure. It may not seem like it all the time, but please be reminded that your involvement in my life continues to shape who I am. Behind all the hesitation of seeing the bigger picture is a heart that screams out gratitude. I want to thank you for your pursuit of convenience in my life. Thank you for putting me first. Thank you for being man enough to prove to me that I deserve only the best in life.

You may not be here with me right now, but please know that you still continually teach me so many life values. You are my epitome of hard work. I may not know the extent of how hard it is to work from a distance, but I do know that it takes a lot of sacrifice and dedication to keep yourself intact and your will power strong.

God could not have given me a better first-hand example of someone who is determined to thrive in life. Because of you, my comprehension of getting what I want in life because of hard work is three-dimensional and not merely a concept. It is a known fact that the good things in life don't come easy, and that the difficult phases we go through are what mold us into becoming better human beings. Unknown to you, you have taught me how it is to chase my dreams and work hard for what I want. I may not be there yet, but I want you to know that I will never be able to continue chasing them if it weren't for you. You have not just given me the opportunity to pursue the life I want for myself, you have given me the opportunity to believe in myself.

Thank you for also teaching me the power of generosity. God's grace in your life has made me realize that one of the many facets of happiness is hinged on giving to others.

I want you to know that I think and worry about you even more than I tell you. Our relationship may not be everyone's story, but it is the story of so many kids and families out there. Daddy, I love you with all of my heart and even if we have so much to work on and our differences interfere so many times, I want you to always remember that I would not want anybody else as a father but you.

You may not always understand me as a modern kid in the Facebook generation, but I am assured that you will always be around in your own special way. I may not understand you all the time, too, but please know, I will always be here to listen. The seas may set us apart, but no galaxy can ever steal the connection we will always have.

Happy father's day, dy!

I love you!



Bjorn Tabanera
Contributor - Lifestyle


Bjorn is a Trainer and occasional events host and freelance writer