SOONOQO (so-no-ko)

"Come back"

An Elegy for Papa

6 April 2016

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When finally after three daughters, "Baby" got a son, 

You willfully named me after you with that no one can contend;

Proud dad you were when I was born for sure it was fun,

I could imagine you writing your name gleefully with "Junior" at the end. 

Growin' up, tho' we didn't have much time together,

I knew you were straining your body for work;

I grew up havin' someone to look up as a provider,

And you did great for I am not what I'm today if not for your hard-work.

We never had a chance to be close and all,

But hey we had moments when watching our fave team play ball;

Our bond was of unusual kind, we were buddies at heart and soul,

I know you were proud when I graduated, pass the board and stood tall.

We both love coffee, music and a simple life, 

But undoubtedly you were far better than me in fixing stuff;

We may have difference of opinions in various topics with a bluff,

But we share one thing in common -- that's our love for our dear wife.

You were such a righteous man in a corruptible world,

You never faltered, eyes never gleamed for the love of money;

Instead you insured your integrity fully intact, never let yourself caught in a whirl, 

For that I'm one proud son, and mama can boast that she is your honey.

After you retired, your found a new hobby,

to devote your life in prayer for your family and to others;

The church became your fave sanctuary,

Such a selfless act to do, it's like everyone were your sisters and brothers.  

Since I worked abroad, we never had a chance to really bond,

But I'm truly thankful for you were a playmate for my precious one;

Before I left, we talked, hugged and wish all is well,

I never knew this would be our last farewell.

Soonoqo, soonoqo, I will come back O dear papa,

But it seems you're also coming back to your heavenly papa,

Wait for me, I'll traverse continents to see you one last time,

Hope to see you before your last breath expires in time.

Soonoqo, soonoqo, 77 years you spent in this world, 

We will never forget all the happy days that we shared;

You lived your life without any regrets, you believe in life's worth,

We'll always treasure your wisdom and teachings, our morality you spared.

Soonoqo, soonoqo, the Heavens await for your return,

A beloved son is coming back home to stay;

I know you'll be happy in paradise, you deserve it, it's your turn, 

There will be no more pain, clear eyesight, on the clouds you'll lay.

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Celebrating Romeo Ancheta Dungca, Sr.'s life's journey

6 April 1939 - 6 April 2016