The silent strength of Tatay Bobet
At first glance, Tatay Bobet might come across as serious, his demeanor shaped by a quiet strength that has carried him through life’s many storms. But beneath that stoic exterior lies a heart full of gentleness. He’s never been one for grand gestures or loud declarations. His love speaks through action—subtle, steady, and certain.
A reserved man, he finds joy in farming, tinkering with personal projects, and spending meaningful time with family. Though he’s not one for crowds or social gatherings, his presence in our lives has always been solid and reassuring. His quiet resilience hasn’t just carried him—it has carried us, too.
Our special bond began when I was just a little girl. I’ve always been a Papa’s girl, and it’s a title I carry with pride. I remember the tiny barrettes he’d clip on my hair before school, the early morning drives when I was still too sleepy to talk, and the many trips he made from Manila to Mindoro just to be present for my milestones. His presence has always been my constant—my quiet anchor through all the shifts and turns of growing up.
To me, Tatay Bobet is not just a father but also my best friend, the one I can talk to about anything under the sun: love, career, good days, bad days, the big stuff, the small stuff—he listens without judgment, always with an open heart. And when he speaks, it’s with a gentle wisdom that grounds me. I like to think I got my creative side from him (and from my mom, too), and yes, even these signature bushy “Casao brows,” which I truly love!
Softer side
When I had my firstborn while still in college, I saw an even softer side of him amplified—bottle in hand, rocking my baby to sleep, or playing like a child himself. His joy as a grandfather is undeniable. The love he pours into Mateo and Zayden is a beautiful extension of the love he’s always given us.
His gentleness reveals itself in everything he does—from the way he tends to his farm, nurturing each plant with care and patience, to how he tackles his projects with quiet focus and heart. But most of all, it’s in how he treats his family with humility, care, and genuine love.
He’s an exceptional listener. Whether I’m rambling on about something trivial or wrestling with a big life decision, he listens—fully and patiently. No interruptions. No rush to fix anything. Just presence. And when he offers advice, it comes from a place of experience and understanding.
Resilience and contentment—these are the gifts Tatay Bobet has passed on. He finds joy in life’s simple things: a good harvest, a finished project, a good breakfast or a slow morning walk by the beach. His peace doesn’t come from having more, but from appreciating what he already has.
His life is a reminder that strength doesn’t have to be loud. That love doesn’t need to be flashy. That sometimes, the most powerful kind of presence is the quiet kind—the one that’s always there, always steady, always sure.
To the world, he may be Alan or Bobet. But to us, he is home. And we love him beyond words.
Happy Father’s Day, Tatay Bobet!
Alaina Marie A. Casao is the eldest of Alan “Bobet” L. Casao’s three daughters. They share a passion expressed through pencil strokes, all things design, and those trademark “Casao brows” (wink).
