My Father: A Man of Faith and Action

CRISTINE TANJANGCO-BORROMEO

In the chaotic whirlwind of everyday life, there exists a steadfast beacon of faith and strength in our lives—my father. He is more than a pillar of our family; he is a testament to the unwavering presence of God’s love in our lives.

Here are the two sides of this delightful and inspiring person called Pons.

Papa was not always easily liked by all, but he never failed to amuse and captivate people with his humorous comments and mischievous ways. Even until the end, he never lost his wit. His nurses and doctors would update us on how he could comprehend, communicate, and always inject—that he would even joke around.

When I think back on our trips together as a family – I am so amazed at how Papa embraced every experience with enthusiasm & mischief – he not only went thru but even led us thru the Cu Chi tunnel; he lined up and rode with the kids those fast scary roller coaster rides in Disneyland, he accepted and drank every shot of vodka offered to him in Russia because it was free, he accidentally pinched some stranger’s butt in the train because he thought she was Nicole. He always made us laugh and always found a way to make an already fun trip even more memorable.

My father, Pons, was brutally honest, but we all laughed at and even appreciated it instead of getting offended. He would tap my son’s tummy, saying, ‘Uy, it’s getting big, my friend,’ while comparing it to his own. Or he would tell me, ‘Hey, you have a double chin’ while extending his neck upward so I wouldn’t see his.

Despite the challenges life threw his way, with his failing health, difficulty in movement, and occasional pains, my father remained rooted in his Catholic faith. My father enjoyed reading, reflecting, and jotting his thoughts on his laptop. It took him a long time to type, but he insisted on doing it alone. He occasionally asked Tracy questions about his laptop, making sure she taught him how to do it so he wouldn’t have to keep calling on her. He had the desire to Be good and Do better. He may not have always succeeded, but he never ceased trying.   

Papa would read religious articles and reflections daily, attend mass, and frequently pray the rosary. But more important to me was how he tried to Live Out his Faith. He especially showed it to us his family – he never wanted to be a burden on anybody, preferring to tackle tasks himself; he eagerly made an effort to learn and engage with EACH family member – his grandchildren, in particular, found a special connection with him, each feeling cherished and valued in his presence; he made sure to show his appreciation to us even for the littlest and simplest thing, and of course he shared with us his devotion to Mama Mary by making sure we prayed the rosary as a family every Sunday.  

“A Man for Others” — a motto from his alma mater — encapsulated his ethos. My father didn’t just preach this virtue; he embodied it. His actions spoke volumes about his deep-rooted belief in serving and loving others as a true reflection of God’s love. In the last presidential race, with COVID still very much a threat, my father insisted on attending rallies despite being immunocompromised because it was his way of leading by example and contributing to the future of his grandchildren. He not only participated in the rallies but insisted on helping in the distribution of bottled water and food to the other attendees.

In a world often marked by uncertainty, my father’s unwavering faith in God serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration. It reminds me that amidst life’s complexities, there is solace in faith, strength in prayer, and grace in humility. His journey is a testament to the transformative power of faith—a legacy that continues to shape our family’s values and convictions.

In honoring my father’s devotion to his Catholic faith, I am reminded that the Catholic faith is not merely a set of doctrines but a lived experience—an embrace of love, compassion, and unwavering trust in God’s divine plan.

We were honestly so blessed to have him in our lives—not only because of the love and laughter shared but also because we experienced a glimpse of God’s boundless love through him. His passing leaves an indelible mark, yet we find solace in knowing that his legacy of faith and love lives on in our hearts.

Rest in Peace, Papa. We will never forget you with a smile in our hearts & a twinkle of mischief in our eyes. Your memory will forever be etched in our hearts, constantly reminding us of God’s presence.

SEE FR. ROBERT MANANSALA’S HOMILY ON PONS TANJANGCO, 92, A MAN WHO WAS AFTER GOD’S HEART, JULY 2024 UNDER GIFTS & GRACES, WHITE BUTTERFLY, whitebutterfly.ph.