My Father the Hero

MANILA, Philippines - When faced with unfortunate situations, it depends on the individual on how he/she will find the means to overcome these trials and still emerge as a good person. Such is the case with Pelagio “Lolo Kati” Morales Achacoso, who never got to be with his father growing up. In spite of his loss, Pelagio always made an effort to look at the brighter side of things and work hard so that when the day came that he himself became a father, he was able to provide for his family all the things that he missed out on during his youth. His youngest daughter, Susie Achacoso-Cruz talks about her father’s remarkable life, who at 90 years old continues to serve as an inspiration to her and all of her eight siblings.

During his youth, Pelagio got used to living in different homes having been gone to schools in Zambales, Cagayan, and Iloilo. Being the youngest of 11 children, he was able to find a father figure in one of his older brothers, Andoy, who had to take on the responsibility of helping his widowed mother raise their young family while studying. Seeing how his older brothers and sisters have worked so hard and sacrificed for the sake of their family, Pelagio grew up unselfish and accommodating to the needs of others especially if it’s about giving a child a good education. This is why it’s not surprising that this self-made man put a lot of effort in instilling the same values to his nine children Elena, Gregorio, Rosario, Gloria, Felisa, Fernando, Alice, Mon, and Susie. From being industrious, thrifty, and God-fearing, he also raised all of his children to put a lot of importance on family. Susie recalls how her father would always make all of them tag along to every family gathering just so that they would develop a close relationship with all their relatives and family friends. As for being industrious, Susie shares that her father has always been a stickler for time wherein all of them had to be ready for school at 4:30 in the morning. As a dedicated family man, Susie also remembers how her father would make the time to pick all of them up after school just to make sure that they will be able to come home safely. “Daddy is a dedicated family man. The very core of his life is his family. Though we were nine siblings, he was able to send us to very good schools. More often than not, he continuously reminds us to stay grounded and be caring of others. He always reminds us to save, save, save and told us that we as siblings should always look after each other,” says Susie.

Hard work does pay off

Aside from his dedication to his family, Susie shares that one of the most admirable traits that her father has is his genuine concern for those who are in need. She attributes this to the humble life that her father lead and how certain people were able to help him find success along the way. Aside from looking up to his older siblings, Pelagio also found a mentor in Gregorio Anonas who was able to help him get his first job at the tender age of 16. From being a laborer who was tasked to lay pipes at the Metropolitan Water District, he also had several part-time jobs like at the National Development Company. He made use of these jobs to fund his schooling at the University of Sto. Tomas where he graduated with honors and a Law degree.

Given that he was blessed with people who were willing to help him out, Pelagio makes sure that he’s able to pay it forward whenever an opportunity comes up. Susie shares, “Si dad, kahit na last money na niya, basta may nangangailangan papahiramin niya and it’s a trait that I think he was able to pass on to us.”

Making the most of their time with dad

Now that her father is already 90 years old, Susie says that some of the most important life lessons that her father has taught her is to always listen, which in turn, makes her more sensitive to the needs of others. And as he is already of old age, Susie, together with her siblings always make an effort to show their father how much they love him even through just simple means. Apart from finding the time to always talk to him––sometimes just through the phone, they also let him have his share of chocolates and ice cream from time to time, and play tong-its or poker with him whenever he’s in the mood. Also, Susie, together with the rest of Achacoso family and all of their friends and relatives had put together a special birthday celebration for their beloved father a few months back. The event which was held at Kamayan restaurant along West Ave. also served as a reunion of sorts wherein all of those close to Lolo Kati and his family were present. As for this Father’s Day celebration, Susie says that she and her siblings will spend it with their daddy––attending mass, visiting their mother’s grave, and enjoying lunch at their Quezon City home.