Gifts for the Classic and Modern Dads

Father's Day came and went and all throughout social media, there were greetings, stories, and also touching and creative expressions of love dedicatd to all the fathers out there. It is said that anybody can be a father but it takes a lot of effort to be a responsible one. My Dad is currently away from us because of work which allows him to come home only two weeks after every three months. However, the frequent phone calls and short messages can make it easier for us to catch up.

So what did you get for your dads? Early on I got him two bars of his favorite Theo and Philo Dark Chocolates, he likes his with the Barako Coffee because he is admittedly a coffee addict-now you see from which parent I got this trait from.

Image from Foodspotting

If your dad or if you know someone who deserves a treat this father's day from all the work, ferrying the kids from school to home, tutoring, cooking or just being an all-around dad or even granddaddy, he could definitely use some of this magic for inspiration. Whether or not your dad is a classic or modern dad, these picks could cheer him up.

When it comes to accessories, Dad could definitely use a watch to be stylishly on time. So all you have to do is choose which one he would prefer.

I think this one definitely spells classic Dad. It can also go well with most casual outfits for the weekend and don't be surprised if he will be reaching for this more often than his other watches. No numbers face bring back those old-world details thanks to Fossil. 

On the other hand, or wrist, if your Dad is the modern and active type, this modern version in all black is just the right edgy style from Marc Jacobs without being too overdone. 

As for scents, the same goes for both ends of the spectrum. 99 Perfume has a wide variety of scents that you can purchase to gift Dad whether he has a take on the classic indulgences or he leans towards the more modern take. 

Classic Dad would agree that this is the signature scent when it comes to special and various occasions. I think this is just one of the trademark scents that never get old from Drakkar Noir.

Modern Dad could use some invigorating scents that could help start his active day. For the adventurous spirited Dad, Adidas Dynamic Pulse Cologne for men by Adidas could be the right scent before he heads on out to do his thing in the real world. 

Both perfumes are available at 99 Perfume. 

Who could forget the aviator shades that conquered the world years ago? This style is as old school as the Wayfarer and the Gazelle. But one thing is for sure, Dad could use some extra stylish sun protection and he could use one like this too. 

Now there is for the modern Dad, and with sharp and crisp eyewear like this, it sends just the right message of  a man who can get the job done with speed and precision. The Rydon Polar 3FX from Rudy Project also looks dual purpose not just in business but also in sports. 

So what did you get your Dad? Until my Dad comes home later this month for a late get together with the family, I can hold on to those chocolate bars or even throw in a bottle of Adidas Dynamic Pulse for Men from 99 Perfume. 

What Papa Taught Me

I wouldn't be here without the most important man in my life; Papa. 

He sacrificed so much together with my Mom to give me what he thinks I deserve, together with my siblings. He made sure that I can sleep well, with food to eat, and a comfortable house to go home to, to rest and to live in. 

He made sure I had a childhood, and made sure I got good education, so I could face the world independently. 

I am proud that even if sometimes we both don't agree on some trivial matters, like how to cook this dish and that dish, where to go first, or what to do this year, the bonding moments are irreplaceable. 

He still insists to fetch me if he could, and bring me safely from one destination to the other. 

He makes sure I have what I need. 

He won't sacrifice my security and company to people he does not know or does not trust. 

My fondest memory of being with Papa was when we travelled from Tacloban-taking the overnight ferry to Cebu and then finally touchdown in Cagayan de Oro to meet with my Mom. We did that when I was only eight years old, and backpacking while he carried nothing more than my milk and vitamins in his huge knapsack. 

Father's Day Lunch

Papa enjoying his self-prepared home-cooked, medium-rare steak lunch with mashed potatoes and mixed vegetables

He always cooks home-made meals for us, every chance he gets. He is the only one who can satisfy my search for pork sinigang, I got home from college during sem break and told him about how no restaurant in Cagayan de Oro can cook pork sinigang the way I wanted, and he just looked at me as if saying "Told you so". 

Most Important Lesson Papa Taught Me: "Make sure there is food, for your body, for your mind, your soul, and always, always, be grateful for what you HAVE. You will be surprised how this can teach you humility. Share what you have, and always remember that material things do not amount to what you need in this world: love, family, friends and freedom." 

What I have yet to teach him: Computer encoding and how to log in his FB account just so he can play poker. 

What To Look Forward To This Year: Papa and I got promo tickets to Cebu this July to visit Tito Ruel in Ormoc, Leyte and we will be spelunking (without my mother's knowledge) in Samar. 

Happy Father's Day, thank you for everything.