IT’S your turn now, Dad.

Take a bow. You’ve worked too hard to rear us, steer us and ensure we took the right twists and turns, and survive each speed bump and air pocket.

You’ve helped us overcome headwinds and all other elements (and oh what an adventure that was!), only to discover our own selves on the way back, and end up at home right with you and by your side.

What would we do without you?

Raise a toast to you Daddy Dearest!

“My dad has always been there for me. Despite being very busy, he always finds the time to teach me in my Araling Panlipunan lessons, no matter how late it is. He never complains. Even during weekends when he prefers to relax at home, he would immediately get up if my sister or I want to watch a movie or just go out. He truly is the dad I have always looked up to ever since.’’ Shannon Liong, 15 (in photo with dad Peter Chan Liong)

“My dad and I always spend quality time together. It could be in the mall or even just at home watching TV. One of the best memories I have with my dad could be our simple inside jokes. We also have this handshake just like what best friends have.’’ Denise Cu, 14 (in photo with dad)

“We were in Alaska and it was already summer so the snow on the mountains were melting. It’s really hard to walk and I kept falling, a lot. So the worst part of that was when I fell waist-deep in the snow. I got stuck there for 5 minutes, and my dad kept laughing at me. Then he fell too and we both got stuck.’’ Kat Bergonio, 12

“One of my most memorable moments spent with my dad, when we are together in the kitchen cooking delectable, satisfying, and awesome tasting food!’’ Adrian Chan, 14

“The little things are what I remember the most–family vacations, dinners together and the like.’’ Pat Ngo, 15

“The most memorable moment that I spend with my dad is whenever we travel because not only do we bond as a family, but have fun and build memories as well.’’ Golda Sarmiento, 14

“All the moments I spend with my dad are memorable. I learned from my early years to appreciate the time I have with my family. My dad is fun to be with, and there are hardly any dark moments when he’s around. Even if I have a lot of problems, my dad manages to lift up my mood with his witty stories and jokes. We also share many similar interests and he understands me well, so days never get dull when I’m with him.’’ Chelsea Lopez, 15

“My dad is one of the persons I admire most. He is always there when we need him. When my grades went down and I felt sad, he was there to comfort me. Even if he’s busy with his work, he still manages to help me. And so I say, HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!’’ Meagan Go, 15

“The most memorable days I’ve had with my dad would be those weekends where we’d hang out near an ice cream store and enjoy eating our usual favorite flavored ice cream, vanilla and mocha.’’ Dominique See, 15

“The most memorable moments I spent with my Dad was when he treated me to the mall. I was very young at that time so I don’t remember much. And even though I bully or get mad at him a lot, I still love him very much. Happy Father’s Day, Dad!’’ Raexanne Sevilla, 14

“When I was kid my dad would put me on his lap and read me books. I think he’s one of the major people who instilled the love of reading in me; it opened up new worlds for me. I really admire my dad. He’s a doctor. He’s got this calm personality even in the face of trouble or panic. He just takes everything so lightly. I’m really blessed to have a dad like him! I don’t think I could ever do what he does, saving people. I mean we’re not really a rich family, even if my dad’s a doctor. Being a provincial physician, mostly he tends to people who can’t pay him enough, but he still does it. I think that’s what’s really awesome about Daddy, because it must be the fulfilling feeling in the world to have to look at these people and know you saved their lives or their kids’ lives.’’ Regine Cabato, 16

“I will never forget the times my papa would take me to the supermarket. I’d always be sitting in the cart and he’d buy me almost everything I’d point at.’’ Clarisse Chong, 17

“Way back when my family went to the US, my siblings and I wanted to go to Disneyland for a day. But all the adults we were with were tired from all the touring, so they said no. We were really upset, but my father, being the great dad that he is, decided to accompany us despite being tired. We had a great time at Disneyland and it’s all because of him. He’d given us a magical day that we will always remember.’’ Meryl Su, 15

“My most memorable moment with Dad was in Grade 6, during the tribute for parents. First activity on the event was the blessing of the parents and their children. I sang and played the piano together with my classmate who played the violin; it was dedicated to our parents. Then came the father and daughter dance. Our whole class was dancing with our dads.’’ Justine Juridico, 12 (with dad John)

“My dad and I like to crack random jokes. Sometimes, they worry my mom, but she knows we just want to have some fun. My dad also encourages me to get out of my comfort zone and try new things.’’ Pat Vargas, 15

“When our family went to the United States for the first time, I became close to my dad when we played basketball together at the park. And when we discovered new sceneries like the Golden Gate bridge and the Grand Canyon. Happy Father’s Day, Dad!’’ Marc Justin Ong

“When we went to Europe, my dad taught me a lot of things during that trip. He taught me things about life, love, and how to simply enjoy every moment. Another time was when we went to photography lessons. It was the time when I really got to know my dad more. These were really special moments I experienced with my dad. I’m proud to say that I love my dad.’’ Micah del Carmen, 14

“When we watched `Mission Impossible III’ was my most memorable moment with my dad. It’s the first action move we watched together. I also find going to work with my dad memorable because I feel like I’m becoming closer to him in a way.’’ Yanna Ong, 14

“The most memorable moment with my dad was when I was confined in the hospital, he was the one who took care of me. It was like a bonding moment for us.’’ Isabelle Paulo

“There was a time when it was raining really hard and our cook was on leave. We were supposed to go to the mall but it was traffic. We were really hungry, so my dad attempted to cook. He made this weird congee with all the leftover food from the day before. I turned out looking purple! He was so happy and proud about his purple congee and gave it to us. My siblings and I were hesitant to eat it because it was color purple, but we loved our dad, we ate it anyway. It ended up tasting all right, but it was still really gross. My dad finished everything. My family and I still laugh about it, every time we remember, because even if my dad is not the best cook in the world, he’s an optimistic, funny, confident and loving father who’s there for us no matter what. He provides us with what he can.’’ Kim Hsieh

“I have a really strict dad. There are a lot of things he doesn’t allow me to do yet, I know he is doing this to protect me. There will be times that he will see me cry and he will give me a hug and say that it will be okay. Sure, he may look like a hard person but inside he is actually a soft and loving dad who only wants the best for me.’’ Licianne Go, 14

“I love my dad not only for being a strong, responsible man but most especially because above everything that he is, he is a family man, a diligent son and loving father. Even if he is halfway across the world doing his job, I admire my dad for always trying to be part of our everyday life. I really treasure the bonding time we had this summer. We were able to talk about practically anything and everything under the sun, and this made me connect to him more. My dad inspires and continues to inspire me to be strong in facing life. He made me realize that life is challenging and that is why we have to work hard but, these challenges should not be feared but instead we should conquer them.’’ Kaye Andujare, 15

“He’s my childhood hero and one of the few people who keeps me sane. Daddy, to me, is more than a disciplinarian. I love how dad can be both principled and spontaneous. He also has his way into things. But, more than anything else, I love how daddy can be very selfless and loving. He puts his family, above his own self. He makes it a point that all of us are safe and comfortable before he tends to his own needs. I also love how he’d tell me of stories of my younger self always ending these storytelling sessions with the same line `I want you to be the best that you can be but whoever you’ll end up to be, you’ll always be my little girl.’’’ Tin Andujare, 18