Hats Off!
by Oliver Carlos
My father is Dr. Jesus M. Castillo, Sr. His nickname is Jess. Meanwhile, my nickname is Jet. I’m like a little version of the original. Growing up, I idolized my Dad. I always looked up to him as my role model. I see him as somebody big, strong, powerful, well-respected, and handsome. He’s the one who would always get my report card when I was in elementary school, and when my classmates see him, they couldn’t believe he’s my Dad. He’s so young looking and charming. My single teachers instantly got a crush on him.
I wished I would grow up to be as good-looking as him, but sadly I did not. In physical structure, I fell short also. I think I’m half an inch shorter than him and always 10 pounds lighter up to now. He’s macho, I’m skinny.
In terms of achievements, I’m so far behind too. He was battalion commander in high school, while me? I didn’t even survive COCC. He was the dashing Student Government President in high school, while I was just a quiet introverted nerd. As a cager, he played in the District Meet and Unit Meet, while I wasn’t good enough to make the intramurals team. As a tennis player, he was a champion many times over. As a player, I didn’t win any championship, but I won 3 as a coach.
My Dad has been to the US, Australia, New Zealand, and South Korea. As for me, I haven’t travelled outside the country yet. As a young professional, he was able to procure his own house and lot for his family. Meanwhile, me? I’m still renting up to now. I still don’t have a house of my own for my family to live in.
My Dad is a PhD graduate, while I only have a Master’s degree. Before he retired, the last position he handled was Assistant to the Dean of the UPLB College of Forestry and Natural Resources. My Dad is indeed bigger than me in so many ways. No matter how hard I try to be like him, he’ll always be the great, big original copy.
It’s very natural for children to copy what they see in their fathers. Jesus mentioned this principle in John 5:19 (NIV):
“Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.”
Thus, it is very important for us earthly fathers and mothers to set a good example for our children. Nobody is perfect, and we can never be the perfect parent. But we can be excellent, or at least exhibit the drive for excellence. We can always try or strive to be the best loving parents we can be. Let us put effort in being virtuous in the eyes of our children, knowing that they are observing us, and like sponges, they will acquire the virtues that we have.
My father exhibited the drive for excellence not only in sports and academics, but also in being a family man. He showed us what true love is by being faithful and sweet to my Mom all these years. He showed us how to be respectful to elders, self-disciplined, streetwise, and honest. The list of virtues that he has imparted to me is long and would not fit here. But over-all, I can confidently say that who I am today, he influenced greatly.
Hat’s off to my Dad, Dr. Jesus “Jess” M. Castillo, Sr.! May God bless you more and more in every way. Happy 71st birthday!
