Dearest Papa Ton,

            Hello Pops! This is the best I could do. I thought so hard what to give you for this special day of yours.  Being there is not quite possible at this time, but I want you to know that I have been working on this tribute for you for 3 months now.

            There are so many things that I want to tell you but as you always say, "The first line is always the hardest." So I cheated. I look into your Gems of Thoughts and take my pick. And what do you know? It was another tough decision with so many wonderful quotes to choose from. So I picked out one of yours: "I yield to no one the independence of my spirit nor the freedom of my conscience - I prize most my peace of mind." You are my peace of mind Pops. So many things, good or bad have happened in my 26 years I feel like I'm the one who's living my 83rd year. But you, always you, come to my mind and ease my life. You always push me to do well, and not only good but be the best of everything I do. I remember once you told me: "Stop being ordinary. Anyone can do that. But you can be extraordinary, so be it." I'll never forget that, ever. There was a time when even I felt ashamed of myself; you sent me a wonderful letter. You told me that others would judge me, but even if I've done something wrong, I am a good person and no one can take that away from me. You never stopped believing in me.

            As a grandfather, you taught me basic things in life that I could have easily taken for granted. Love of family is the main thing. I am not the only one who remembers how you always take pride of your family. You would tell everyone that you are the richest man in the world because of us. Once you said I’m a favorite granddaughter, I bragged about it hehehe. But I know why. You are a talker and I’m always a willing listener. Losing my mother at an early age and having my father leave the country for a better future for his kids are my only regrets in life. BUT growing up under the care of you and Mama Lucing was simply the next best thing. Speaking for my two brothers and me, although we were deprived of our parents’ presence in our growing years, we never lack the love, care and understanding we need.  Steve who had a hard time in school was always encouraged by your belief in him. When everyone else was frustrated, you said, "He’s just a late bloomer wait and see.” That meant a lot to Steve though he may not say much very often but he remembers it. When I asked you: “Good boy na si Nichols Pa?” You said,” Aw good boy man gyud na siya” I just laughed so hard because this was after just talking to Auntie about his school problems.

            As a teacher, you taught me common sense, contentment, aim, internal motivation, charity and the use of the dictionary. You could have easily attained a lot of material wealth, but you chose to be happy with what you already have, and you are. "Satisfaction is settling for less, contentment brings happiness (my original hehehe)” .You are happy because you are content; you have lived a very full life. I’m probably one of the people who got to know you the most, but the more I talk to you, I know there is still a lot more to learn from you. You know so many things and there isn’t enough time in a day for us to talk. We used to discuss politics and things until the early hours of the morning. You make simple sense out of very complicated things. You know all the answers to my questions, everything from the bible, computers weren’t just a fad, and always have a smart comment at hand that would make me laugh until my tummy hurts. You liked my suggestions for your paintings. While all of my teachers said that I am impossible with art, you sent me to art school. And when I got there, I said: “HAH! They were all wrong. I can be good at art too.” That meant a lot to me. When a lot of people (including my father himself) didn’t like the idea of going to Balamban with YOUDRUP to help out the town, you told me to go ahead and do what you think is right and always be careful.”  When we won the national awards, my father was the first one to brag to his friends. You always knew that I would make it.

            As a friend, you were always kind when pointing out my faults. You are always there when just feel like talking. Your encouragement is very inspiring. I just can’t run out of memories of you and me. I t has always been so easy to talk to you or write to you. Once my father asked me, “How come my father writes to you and not me?” I said, “That’s because I write to him and you don’t.” That brought a smile to his face. He knows how close and how deep our understanding is for each other.

            As a person that you are, I have the utmost respect for you. This project has gotten me to know you more. Some people who send you their greetings included comments how they remember you. One Atty. Carlos C. Dionson wrote: “Mr. Paulin, you are yourself, a gem to Cebu. And, I join my fellow Cebuanos, in greeting you on your 83rd birthday. As a Cebuano, I owe my great respect to you, for your intellect, insights and service to Cebu. I haven't seen in you in person, but I heard you in your radio program, and heard your name from people who admired and are guided by your thoughts. I also read, that during the Second World War, while in Tuburan, Cebu, two American pilots, mistakenly bombed the Cebuano guerillas' position. In order not to repeat the same mistake, you stood in the middle of a bridge, though within enemy sight, and pointed to the two disoriented pilots, the exact location of the Japanese soldiers. By same service and gift of insight, your 'gems of thoughts' has pointed to us, the source of wisdom.” Pa, I didn’t know about this. I was amazed. I didn’t even question it. I knew it was something you would do without second thoughts. I cannot think or read of anyone who has done the same heroic act of valor. The tragedy of the war is only an image in my mind, but you lived it. I cannot possibly begin to feel the trauma of it all but fear the fact that you could have been shot and killed during the war. But you were very brave to save yourself and others.I cannot think or read of anyone who has done the same heroic act of valor. That fills me with so much  pride. This is something I would tell my children and grand children.

            Having you as a grandfather, teacher, friend and role model, is not a benefit. It is a privilege. A privilege that I share with my cousins and the rest of your family. This day is a special day to think of things that you’ve done for us, for yourself and others. Your selfless ways and constant love will always be an inspiration to me in my years to come. You are practically the most influencial person in my life. You are loved by many because you loved plenty. But I love you more that most Papa Ton. Happy Birthday to you although you are already correcting me in your mind that you only have one Birthday, 83 years ago. But this is still one great day and year to celebrate you although you don’t believe in celebrations. I celebrate you and your presence in my life.

            Always,
            An-An

Note: I still don’t use vetsin kay masuko unya ka. <smile>. Happy birthday from Dennis and me!!!