Titled “Men Of Connected Women,” this series pays tribute to the wonderful men who’ve made an impact in our lives. These are the men who’ve inspired us, helped us, mentored us, raised us. Because behind every woman is a man who has made her who she is today.

I had known my “Daddy Loves,” “Papa Naro,”and “Daddy June” or June Marzo, as a friendly and thoughtful man when we were just friends. He’s the person who will sacrifice in order for you to have what you want or survive.   And that was the role he played with his family, starting from Nanay Letty, to his siblings—Luis, Teresa, Rodel, Nathan, Jack, and Angelo. He was a father and brother to his family. Making the night to into a day to augment his family’s needs.

Barangay Counselor

Falling in love with this man was not that difficult. As I mentioned, he was not just friendly and thoughtful but had a big heart to help his family and others. The goodness of his heart could be seen also from his charming eyes that always smile and the words of encouragement he always gives. When we were already married, I always teased him to run as a barangay counselor and that he could be a comedian in a stand-up comedy bar. Why a barangay counselor? Because he loved to help without expecting in return and even in the midst of the night, he can be called to drive for you especially those who need help in bringing someone to the hospital.

Cooking Expert

My “Daddy Loves” was a chef too, so one of his side gigs was to cook for others and there were times that I advised him to ask for a fee on his services because his time was being used and he needs to earn extra income for the household. Generous as he is, he replied by saying that  many of them were his friends, hence it was free and it was his way of giving gifts, not in material things but through his services. It came to a point that we argued on his being too helpful and friendly, that I thought he was being abused.

The Comedian

And why was he a “comedian”?   Because he always cracked jokes that he learned from watching, reading, or hearing. When I had sad moments, he tried to comfort me up to the point of dancing in front of me or gave me one of my favorite Kitkat or Hershey’s bars that would make me smile.

Jack Of All Trades

“Daddy Loves” was not just a chef or a future barangay counselor, but a Jack of All Trades. He knew how to clean the aircon, repair and maintain in the house, be it office, garden, or anywhere. One midnight of heavy rain, our neighbor friend asked for help from him because their electricity from the house was put out, and without ifs and buts, he grabbed his bag of tools and some safety gear and did his best to repair the damage, and voila! He was able to rewire the old wirings and suggested LED lights to our neighbor friend, which are beneficial and cost-cutting of electricity.

Word spread like fire of his being a Jack Of All Trades, and he was suddenly on demand. He was being called for different services- chef, driver, messenger, aircon cleaner, repairman of appliances, electrician, painter, cleaner, plumber, grass lawn mower, car mechanic, caterer, singer, engineer (for the various community projects in our subdivision), and most of all a servant of our parish church.

Every Sunday, he was a martial who helped regulate the heavy traffic in going to our community parish church. Aside from that, he usually cooked for the different groups in the church for their meetings, practices, retreat, outings, reunion or any occasion that the church had.

Not only that he was kind-hearted in the sharing of his services, he was also compassionate in lending his tools, equipment, shoes, and some formal clothes that we were able to buy for some special celebrations or events.

Hence, it was not surprising anymore that many times, he brought lots of foods in the house that were given by his friends and new acquaintances. And you would be surprised, they were not just from our country, but he had friends as far as from Australia who would pass by our house when they were here to have some drinks and talk with him with a handful of goodies.

June worked at a restaurant as well and by the time it closed down, we had difficulties in our financials, but because of his skills and camaraderie, he was able to spread the word to our neighbors and new friends that he offered services.

Talent In Singing

When an occasion calls for a singer, he would not just cook but performed songs that he knew how to sing in his best version.   From our neighbor’s house near to us, I would hear him sing our theme song from the movie,“Ghost,” and would always dedicate it to his “May Loves” as he fondly called me. Modesty aside, my “Papa Naro’s” voice was always in good tune, hence he scored high on the sing-along.   Indeed, singing was one of his passions, and he was doing it since his chef days to one of the restaurants he worked before. He would also alternate for the band at times.

Mentor Father

As a father, “Daddy June” was also strict and more of a disciplinarian.   You would see him very serious when everyone was not in the house (and that included me) and he wanted us to be home on or before 9 pm (with the allowance for the traffic).   He would frequently call us and asked where we were already.   He could not sleep unless we were all complete in attendance. And Sunday is a MUST for all of us to attend the mass. And disobedience of what he wanted could lead to World War 3. But his love overflowed, and he would do anything for our children to have that, to have those. If he could not provide, he would try his best to produce and came up with his resourcefulness. From the recycled items, he would invent the projects needed by the kids. When one of us celebrated birthdays or small and big wins, he would ensure that we can give to our neighbors and friends even for a small plate.

He was also a mentor or teacher to our kids. He was able to teach our eldest, Allan Jeffrey or “Jepoy,” how to cook and wash our clothes when we decided not to hire a helper in order to save.  Dave or “Bryan” inherited his myriad of tools and equipment because he was the one trained to do electrical, aircon cleaning, and repair of some appliances with some cooking skills and ironing clothes on the side. Our only girl, Maylyn or “Mai-Mai” whom he regarded as the Princess of our kingdom was told to concentrate on her studies (because of the honors and awards she always brings, Daddy June decided not to assign her to the household chores). And our youngest, June or “June-June” or Dudun,” was commissioned to do the cleaning–sweeping, mopping, and washing the dishes.

The Goodbye

Unexpectedly, the day came for the most heartbreaking moment for all of us. My world quavered and ceased. The feeling of fear and apprehension were there. I felt that I was about to sink from the ship that we were propelling. I got the news that he was gone.

From the nine days that we decided to view his remains, I was moved by the presence of all his friends, not only by their company but their willingness to help us, such as those who helped to carry him to the hospital. A flock of friends followed in the hospital, immediately gave prayers, offered their help, and bequeathed us the best words of comfort they could lend with lots of love hug.

Since Day 1, we were showered with love and support, not just by our loved ones but his friends that came from far away places.   Those abroad called and sent their love offerings.   Many volunteered to do cooking, distribute coffees, cleaning of surroundings, offered their chairs, brought foods, candles, vehicles to use.  Numerous groups from our community arrived and they offered prayers, mass offering, and words of reassurance, as well as strength to our desolated hearts.  As they approached me, each had his or her own version of “Daddy June’s” generosity, kind-heartedness, and unselfishness.   How Papa Naro delivered his jokes and got everyone’s ears to listen to his stories.

When the last night came, we had a necrology mass. Loved ones and friends offered flowers, What moved me more in tears was the testimony of his friends led by Kuya Edwin Villarba. You would think that men by nature don’t cry, but he did and had a long narration of his treasured moments with “Pareng June,” and how their friendship surfaced. That my husband did not accept payments for his services when he was called to cook for their family’s occasions.   And Pareng June valued their friendship. One thing more that they loved about their Pareng June was his jokes, that when he delivered them, all of them will repeat it to others.

His siblings gave their words for their Kuya, how he taught them the value of life, how to survive the storms they had encountered, and shared how he made sacrifices for them.   Nana Letty described how was he as a son, as well as brother to his siblings.

Indeed, those others that came were just the first time that I saw and met personally. They had many accounts of June that left his legacy embedded on their hearts.

June’s friends were a mix of young and old, and showed how friendly he was. You can see their sincerity in showing their compassion and sadness in their hearts to know and see that their dearest friend had joined His Creator.

Only during those moments did I realize that the man I loved was right in telling me that there was no harm on doing extra mile for your fellows.  To value friendship and build relationships. To throw kindness like a confetti.  Put on a smile even when you’re weary. Give a helping hand.

Daddy June, Papa Naro, Daddy Loves…you left this world and carried with you a wealth of loved ones and friends.   A legacy to us, your family that entrenched in our hearts, a selfless and generous heart.

I miss our morning coffee, laughter at your jokes, how you called and sent me text messages especially when you have a lot to say, such as “I love you,” “I miss you,” “Where are you? I will fetch you from the office,” “Take care, it’s raining,” “I cooked macaroni soup,” and so on and so forth.

Daddy June, beloved husband, and father whose generous heart has embraced and touched so many hearts. Always Loved, Never Forgotten, Forever Missed.