Honoring a great man and father

Death comes like a thief in the night. The untimely death of my father-in-law made us realize that we do hold the life we have. It was comforting to know though, that he was assured of the eternal life God has given to those who accept His son Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Yes, Itay as we fondly called him was a Christian.

Roberto Dinglasan was his real name. He was Ruben to family and close friends and Itay or Tatay to his children and grandchildren. Itay together with Inay have raised their 5 children through hard work and perseverance. Itay was a hardworking public jeepney driver in their hometown in Batangas City. He also ventured into delivering goats from Batangas to different Kambingans in Quezon City and later delivering pork to different homes in their town. Itay also loved to plant. He had planted different fruit- bearing trees such as atis, rambutan, cacoa to name a few, inside the compound. He also took care of a small piggery in their backyard. He would save every peso for his family. This hard work paid off as He was able to send their five children to school and eventually, all became professionals.

Itay was a loving husband to Inay and a loving but strict father to their children. Baby (Swthrt), the eldest child, will always tell me stories of Itay’s strictness to them making sure that they grow to be fine men and women. Itay thought them the value of time. Being punctual as he was, he would leave anyone who was not ready to go at the designated time when going out to church, town plaza or elsewhere. The sacrifices he had done was countless especially if it was for Inay and their children. Itay and Inay would always go together to any place, to any events or occasions. They would visit us occasionally here in Manila. They were inseparable making it harder for Inay to accept Itay’s death.

God’s love and mercy is truly with those who are righteous. God allowed Itay to hear His voice and Itay responded by accepting Jesus to be his Lord and Savior. Itay became a born again Christian and changes in his life became apparent. He would always pray and read the word of God. He became more humble and gentle. He would always text us reminding us of how he loves us and how we should put our faith in God. I’m sure Itay have touched many lives when he was still alive and even at his death he touched more lives as more people have heard the good news of salvation in the church services held during his wake.

Last Sunday, Itay was laid to rest with the family rejoicing in the Lord that Itay was in His kingdom forever. We will miss him. I pray that with Itay’s lost, he was able to bring more souls, especially Itay’s family members, relatives and loved ones into God’s kingdom. I also pray that we would continue to understand the will of God in all that had happened by God’s wisdom. And I thank the Lord for Itay who have raised Swthrt as she is today, a loving wife and mother, through the examples and virtues he has taught her.

To God be the glory!


Itay with Inay and her siblings

Itay and Inay with Leila and Faith

Itay and Inay with Joy, Den and Denise

Itay and Inay with Eyos, Bianca, Josh and Baby

Itay and Inay with Josh

Itay and Inay with JM