It was an ordinary day for 31-year-old Dominic Sales from Antipolo, who took a motorcycle service ride to Pasay on November 4. But little did he know that the next photo he would take then would inspire a lot of people to appreciate their parents.
"This generation should stop worrying so much about their personal lives and goals. Family should be their first priority, and will always be," Dominic said in an exclusive interview with Smart Parenting.
His Facebook post, which has gone viral, detailed his experience after taking an Angkas ride and arriving safely at the Mall of Asia.
"I looked at him to say thank you while attaching my lens to my camera, but he didn't hear me because he was focused on his phone. So I took advantage of the opportunity to photograph him."
He instructed netizens to zoom in on the photo, to read what was on the rider's phone. It was a chat from his wife asking him to go home.
Dominic posted the series of messages, and it read:
“Tay uwi kan”
“Saan kana Tay”
“Tatay, Uwi kana. 24 oras kana nagbyahe.”
He explained in his post, "I apologize for posting this, but I feel compelled to do so in order to recognize your greatness as a husband or a father. You will surely inspire many people, and I am now one of them!"
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Dominic clarified that he already sought permission from the rider to post his photo. As of writing, the photo has received more than 100k likes and 26k shares.
"It felt overwhelming at the same time as being happy for Kuya Angkas's driver, whom a lot of people appreciated," Dominic told Smart Parenting.
"Everyone should learn to appreciate their parents while they are still with them. Every son or daughter must learn to respect them, care for them, and most importantly, love them," he said.
"Time is running out; we ain't going back; our parents will soon be gone, but memories will stay. Once [they're] gone, we could only go back down memory lane just to have them again."
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His post serves as a reminder for all of us to recognize the hard work that our parents are putting in, day in and day out.
"What a father! Kagaya ng papa ko," one user said.
Some netizens wanted to share their blessings with the hardworking driver. One user said, Ano kayang motor ni kuya? Libre ko siya ng maintenance sa garage namin."
Another user who owns a travel and tours business offered the rider a free land tour, saying her husband was a former rider.
A fellow motorcycle rider assured the netizens, "Wag niyo sanang isipin na hindi sila mga natutulog, mga natutulog po yan, sa kalsada nga lang."
"Madalas makita mo sila sa mga kainan at ilalim ng puno nagpapahinga, hindi nga lng umuuwi ang iba kasi mas pinipili nilang wag muna umuwi at matulog sa kalsada para my sapat na perang maiuwi sa pamilya," he said.
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One user, however, wished that one day, no mom or dad would have to go through such hardship to provide for the family. "I hope one day, there is a decent job for every Filipino where rights are protected, adequate income is generated and sufficient social protection is provided."
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In the comment section, Dominic said, "Hug niyo mga tatay niyo pag nabasa niyo to. Deserve nila mafeel ang appreciation ng isang anak."
One user said, "If only I could. Please do hug your dads every time you'll get a chance. Believe me, ang hirap ng walang tatay or nanay."
Dads need self-care too! Read this guide for the best products that you could give your dad as a way of saying thank you for their hardwork.
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