Thank you to all those who joined us on July 8 as we laid Daddy to rest. Sharing his eulogy for our loved ones who missed his send off to heaven:
We gather here to celebrate the life of an extraordinary man, my father, Danny Alcantara, who was not only a beloved husband and a cherished friend but, above all, an incredible father. As we remember him, let us reflect on the laughter he brought into our lives, the love he shared, and the lessons he taught us along the way.
Though we had long expected his passing since he was diagnosed with his illness last year, Daddy’s passing came as a shock to me, as I woke up from a peaceful nap a day after I arrived in the US. I was heading to the bathroom when I picked up my phone, and was met with a flood of condolence messages from friends, and missed calls from my brother Dakki and mother Stephanie.
It reminded me of those days when I was just a child, and my dad would leave for Cebu, waiting for me to tire and drift off to sleep, before embarking on his long journey to the big city. Little did I know that this time, he was embarking on a journey of his own, leaving behind a legacy of love that will forever touch our hearts.
My dad was more than just a father to me. He was my confidante, my ride-or-die, and my travel buddy. He would drive me to and from school, ensuring that I arrived safely, and on time.
Not only that, but he would go the extra mile, making sure my friends reached their homes after long meetings and school activities at the SU Student Government, which lasted well beyond midnight. He was a superhero in a four-wheeled chariot, always ready to lend a helping hand, he was everyone’s Daddy Dan.
During those precious moments we shared on long drives, and en route to his business meetings, my dad was my first boss. He taught me the ropes of life, the values of hard work, and the importance of treating all people with kindness and respect. He instilled in me the knowledge that success comes not just from ambition, but from the way we uplift others along the journey.
But it wasn’t all business and seriousness with my dad. Oh no, he knew how to keep life light-hearted and enjoyable. He patiently taught me how to drive, even when I drove him crazy with my erratic, daredevil maneuvers.
I’ll never forget the time when he found out through social media that I already had a boyfriend, my first boyfriend. He was so mad, he called, fuming with a mix of protective anger and disbelief, and summoned me and my boyfriend to Dumaguete. He exclaimed, “ I’m your father, I have eyes everywhere!”
I thought he was over reacting, while he thought I was being rebellious. We ended up having a long, hilarious conversation about love, relationships, and the importance of communication. It was a moment that highlighted his deep care for me, and his knack for finding out things even before I had the chance to share them.
My dad’s love for reading, especially on history and international relations, became a huge influence in my work as a business development manager, and later on as a diplomat.
Growing up, our house was filled with news magazines, and he would often spend hours engrossed in his favorites– Time and the Economist. I remember one particular instance when I was preparing for an important business negotiation for a multi-year contract. Feeling a bit overwhelmed, I sought his advice. Without missing a beat, he taught me that forging strong personal connections was key to closing the deal.
Throughout my life, when trials and tribulations knocked me down, my dad taught me to keep my chin high, and to never, ever amplify my pain on others. He showed me that even in the face of adversity, we have the power to rise above, to become better, not bitter. His words of encouragement and unwavering support were the armor I needed to face the challenges that came my way.
As we bid farewell to my dad today, it’s hard to imagine a life without him. But in our sorrow, we find solace knowing that he is no longer in pain. He fought his battles with strength and grace, leaving behind a legacy of mental toughness, love, and positivity that will forever inspire us to live our lives to the fullest, just as he did.
So let us remember my dad, the loving and caring father, the patient teacher, the provider, and the friend. Let us cherish the memories we have of him, and let his spirit live on in our hearts. May we carry forward the lessons he taught us, spreading kindness, love, and laughter to all those we meet.
Daddy, you may be gone from our sight, but never from our hearts. As the lyrics of our road trip song goes: “We’ll always be together/However far it seems/We’ll always be together/Together in electric dreams….”
Keep watching over us, daddy. Thank you for the beautiful imprint you left on our lives. (Stacy Danika Alcantara-Garcia)
_____________________________________
Stacy is a Foreign Service Officer, former acting director for the Department of Foreign Affairs Office of the United Nations & International Organizations; Forté Foundation scholar, and STEM MBA candidate at Washington University in St. Louis in Missouri.
