02/06/2026
The ₱200 Left
That morning, Daddy slowly opened his old wallet.
Inside, only ₱200 remained.
He stared at it for a moment, silently calculating how to make it last.
Transportation. Food. Bills. Tomorrow. Somehow, that small amount had to cover responsibilities much bigger than itself.
In the kitchen, his child was happily eating breakfast.
“Daddy, kain po tayo,” his child said with a smile.
Daddy picked up a glass of water and replied, “Busog pa si Daddy, anak. Ikaw na lang.”
His child smiled and continued eating, never knowing that Daddy had chosen to skip breakfast so there would be enough for everyone else.
The day went on. Daddy worked hard, just like every other day. When lunchtime came, he walked past the food stalls and settled for water instead. He reminded himself, “Kaya pa.”
That evening, he finally arrived home.
His child ran to him excitedly and asked, “Daddy, kumain ka na po?”
Daddy knelt down, hugged his child tightly, and smiled.
“Oo anak, busog na si Daddy.”
But deep inside, he carried a hunger that only fathers often understand—not just for food, but for a better future, greater opportunities, and a more secure life for the people he loves.
Later that night, while everyone was asleep, Daddy sat quietly and looked at his family.
The wallet was lighter.
But his heart was full.
Because despite the struggles, he knew exactly why he kept going.
❤️ A father's love is often measured not by what he receives, but by what he willingly gives up for those he loves.
