On January 4, a Missing Announcement about Angel came out in the Philippine Daily Inquirer. (Please see Missing Angel post/page). Friends, relatives and strangers texted, emailed, called to offer sympathy and help. I thought they deserve to know the whole story so I emailed them. I’m reprinting the content of that email below.
Thank you for all the concern. The outpouring of sympathy I’ve been receiving lately is truly uplifting and encouraging.
New developments have taken place during the past few days so please allow me to relate the whole story. ( I hope you have time. This is quite long)
Angelica (Angel) is the other half of twins. Her twin brother is Gabriel-we call him Gabo.
Angel and Gabo were born eight years ago. Their birth was preceded by months of anxiety as on the sixth month of pregnancy their mother began experiencing premature contractions (mothers among you will understand this). On the eighth month, they had to be delivered prematurely. Looking back at those times, I am awestruck at how we were able to overcome the difficulties and uncertainties and just kept believing and praying that the two would come out okay. And they did– healthy, vibrant bundles of joy. That may very well be the happiest time in our family life.
Now, the above account may appear irrelevant to the present state of things, but I guess I’m just trying to impress upon others, as well as upon myself how precious these children are.
The good start soon gave way to a period of uncertainties. Two years after their birth, the mother began entertaining new directions in her life. She began making trips to the States in what she regarded as “exploratory” as she seemed bent on leaving the country and settling in America. It was her choice. Not mine. I was left behind to care for the children while she was away.
In August 2003, she finally found work in Guam (she’s now based in Hawaii), and that was the start of her long absence from our family. Since then she would make 2-week visits in the Philippines and fly out, again, leaving the kids with me.
September 2004 marked a turning point in our relationship and in the state of the family. In an email she titled “The truth shall set us free”, she revealed that she had gotten married to another man. It was a crushing revelation that left me devastated and humiliated.
Since then, it had been a punishing emotional struggle for me but I managed to remain an adequate father for the Angel and Gabriel. At the same time keeping the hopes alive that one day the family will be one and well again. Stubborn and even wishful thinking it may have been, I continued to encourage Angel and Gabo to pray that one day the family will be together again.
The mother would visit and I would welcome her to our household thinking that to cut her off our lives would not be good for the children– not to mention our prayers of making the family whole again.
But our hopes thinned through time as I observed no change in her attitude and plans. And recently she dashed it with finality when she rebuked me for allowing the children to say those prayers when, she said, I know it’s not going to happen. I was stunned and dismayed by this reaction from her. Since when can anyone stop someone’s prayers?
On December 8, 2007, just a month ago, the mother came back for her usual Christmas visit. It was during this time that she started floating the idea that she wants to have custody of Angel. This I promptly rejected as I wouldn’t want to separate the children— and twins at that.
This may not have sat well with her as evident in the events that followed.
On December 26th, she picked up Angel while I was still asleep. All along I was thinking that maybe she and Angel went away for an extended out of town trip trusting that she will return her any day soon. But I was wrong. She never returned Angel. And I later found out, she stole her passport from the safe. Frantically, I would initiate communications with her but failed. When she did respond, she gave information meant to mislead me.
On the 30th of December, concerned friends and I decided to go to the airport and inquire about possible exits. Moments before we were scheduled to leave, I received a txt message from the mother informing me that Angel was with her. Seeing that it was her US mobile number, I concluded that indeed both of them have already left for the States. I immediately dialed the number. The moment she answered I immediately broke down pleading for her to bring back Angel. For some 20 minutes I was crying, trying to appeal to her compassion by making her realize that she had virtually abandoned the children and I have been taking care of them for so long and she just cannot snatch her away from Gabo and I—the only family Angel had known since birth. But she turned a deaf ear to all my pleas.
Later that day, contacts from the airport digged up travel records. It was revealed that the mother did indeed leave on the 29th but Angel was not with her. We were at a loss as to Angel’s whereabouts although we were convinced that she was being kept hidden from me by the mother’s brothers and sisters. Upon the advise of the friends and counsels we put out the missing advisory in the Inquirer and ABS-CBN Teleradyo to help us locate Angel.
We analyzed the situation and tried to make sense of the mother’s moves and why did she leave Angel behind. It was then when we realized that Angel’s passport expired last November. And they have failed to renew it in time for the planned departure of the mother.
We did everything to prevent the eventual exit of Angel, including an appeal to the Foreign Affairs not to release the passport and filing a case of habeas corpus against Angel’s suspected harborers.
All our efforts were for naught as on January 8, the mother was able to spirit the child out of the country.
The very minute I learned about it I felt like all life was drained off me. My head felt like a mere blob of air and every step I took was aimless, pointless.
How does one deal with such cruelty? I, who had been the both the father and mother all these years, have been suddenly deprived of Angel by the very person whose duties and responsibilities I have graciously assumed in her absence.
More importantly, how can one uproot Angel from the only life she had known since birth? What consequence will this bring to her emotional state as well as Gabo’s, her twin brother?
I have been in agony these past weeks. Crushed even more now that Angel is thousands of miles away, dealing with the fear that Gabo and I might lose her forever.
Sometimes I feel I should stop being sad. That I should numb myself from the pain to just simply go on. But maybe the pain is a reminder that there is a battle yet unwon. And that cause is to bring back Angel to where she rightfully should be.
How can you help? For now, I honestly don’t know. We’re still looking at options still available to us. Prayers is a good start and a constant source of strength and guidance. Also I believe good intentions are rewarded with wisdom. Baka may maisip kayo—from a similar case or a totally new direction in dealing with a situation such as this. I’m sure there’s a perfect solution just waiting to be discovered. And it can come from any good-hearted individuals like you all.
Even now, your offer to help is already an inspiration that strengthens my resolve not to give up. And that’s one mighty step forward.
Please remain in touch and and I’ll keep you updated on future developments and how we can channel the goodwill that has been pouring in towards some course of action to reunite our beloved Angel with us, her family.
Thank you.
or Leave Comment below. Thank you.
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January 28, 2008 at 11:25 am
Melody Biligan
Dear Henry,
I am in no position to judge or to say that I understand how you must feel but I know the pain of being away from someone who matters to you the most. Angel must feel so scared and lonely now that she is away from the two most important men in her life. And daughters like us would always want the presence of our dads in our lives, really.
I truly pray that someday Angel will find her way back to you and Gabo. To tell you honestly, I am not a very religious person and I seldom hear mass BUT I believe and I know that God is a loving God and he will surely answer your prayers soon. Just keep the faith going. My prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
Melow
January 28, 2008 at 6:16 pm
angeldad
Dear Melow,
The mother said “boy goes to the father, girl goes to the mother.. and that’s fair” Thank you for pointing out the role of a father to a daughter’s life.
You are the first to make a comment here and immediately you wiped out a fear I’ve been harboring all along. I feared that maybe people will dismiss my plea because after all Angel is with her mother.
To quote you “And daughters like us would always want the presence of our dads in our lives, really,”
That’s joy to the heart of a father. More so to the father who was the mother too,
Your prayers are most appreciated. And God hears the prayers of the sincere.
Bless you, Melow. Please give a hug to your family. They’re there, right around you. You are very fortunate.
Yours was the first voice in this forum. And most fittingly so. Thank you. Please keep in touch.
January 29, 2008 at 8:36 am
nadia
I echo Melow’s comment – daughters like us would always want the presence of our dads in our lives. I am the youngest and only girl. Somehow I know how Angel must have felt, being the only princess in yours and Gabriel’s life. A bond like yours can never, and will never be broken. Angel will be back in your lives.
January 29, 2008 at 9:24 am
angeldad
Thank you Nadia. I’m encouraged by daughters like you and Melow making known their heartfelt thoughts on this. All the more I feel how much Angel needs me. Like I hear her voice in your every word.
Bless you. Please keep in touch.
January 29, 2008 at 5:10 pm
Mitch
I am a mother myself, but I cannot understand the harshness this mother has done. She was able to abandon her children in her selfishness and again, did something selfish without regard for the people in the way. Splitting the twins is not being fair. Saying each of you gets a part is not fair. You did a lot raising the children, and I honestly believe there wasn’t a bit of regret doing it alone. It’s not fair to take the child away now just because she feels like it.
Most of all, I fear for Angel. If the mother was able to abandon her before, who’s to say she won’t do something like that when she tires of looking after Angel?
Ibalik na lang sana. If Angel has a father like you, she deserves the life I believe you can offer. Nothing less.
January 29, 2008 at 6:07 pm
angeldad
Mitch, thank you for yet another point of view that is fresh and true.
You’re right… I never once regretted raising the children by myself. Otherwise, I would have thanked the mother for taking Angel away as it would in effect “unburden” me. Angel and Gabo are not a burden to me. They are my life. While the mother searched for her goal in life I have already found mine in Angel and Gabo.
I come from a broken family myself. And the ordeal I went though forged my resolve to spare my children from the same fate. I pushed my patience and tolerance to the limits to give the mother a chance to be enlightened and find her way back to the family. I never had a normal family life. So I fought hard to offer one for my children.
After more than four years of the mother’s absence I have begun to realize that perhaps a true family need not force anyone to be a part of it. And it is truly just a union of the willing. I began to appreciate the life with the Angel and Gabo with a father and mother, both in my person.
And the mother did this.
Despite that, my anger pales beside my desire for the most important goal in my life now— that is to bring back my beloved daughter to our family. The family I now consider whole and complete— even with just the three of us.
Thank you, Mitch for wishing it so. Bless you. Please keep in touch.
January 30, 2008 at 2:04 am
rheeza
THANK GOD FOR MEN LIKE YOU… THANK GOD FOR FATHERS LIKE YOU!!!
good things will happen to good people…
In the Lord perfect time He will make all things beautiful for you and angel and gabo…
I will pray for you and your twins…
January 30, 2008 at 5:48 am
angeldad
Thank God for good-hearted people like you, Rheeza.
There indeed is God’s perfect time. With all your prayers, I am certain it’s unfolding even as we speak.
Bless you, Rheeza. Pls keep in touch.
January 30, 2008 at 8:42 am
Ces
I admire your toughness and your love for your kids. You never deprived them from knowing their real mother. The trust was still there although there was nothing you get in return. You will be blessed for all the good things you did and would be doing. For now, all we can do is to wait. For I believe that good thing happens to those who waits. Gabo will help you make it through and I know nothing is impossible, God will make a way.
January 30, 2008 at 9:32 am
Anabel
Yes, God is good! He will grant your wish not only to reunite with your beloved Angel but also to let your wife realized that her life will not be complete without you and gabo. God bless!
January 31, 2008 at 4:15 am
angeldad
Ces, Anabel thank you for lifting my spirit up.
Staring at a blank wall and feeling this much loss, it’s sometimes easy to lose hope. But thoughts from people like you are my daily dose of chicken soup for the soul.
Yes God is good and will indeed grant our wishes. And we need to do is wait. Please help me pray for patience.
Thank you Ces and Anabel. Bless you two. Please keep in touch.
February 1, 2008 at 7:56 am
rheeza
hi there… i hope even without angel you are doing just fine… and also gabo…. i cant help myself from always checking what’s up… i have posted this site on my multiply account and i also sent emails to my friends about your story… not only to the hope that someone maybe able to help you and pray for you… but also to show that there are still men like you when more women feel that “men are the greatest problem a woman can have…”
my husband was also very touched and affected when i told him your story…
you are always in our prayers… that you may always find the strength to go through all of this until that perfect day with angel comes…
keep holding on brother…
your story has touched so many…
you are fulfilling god’s plan of putting many people on their knees for the sake of other people… in HIS time He makes all things very BEAUTIFUL and PERFECT… GOB BLESS YOU ALWAYS … till next time…
February 2, 2008 at 4:59 am
angeldad
Dear Rheeza,
Your words : “you are fulfilling god’s plan of putting many people on their knees for the sake of other people…”
I’m totally overwhelmed by this. I have tears in my eyes as I read it. I feel humbled to realize that though my cause is just my own, it also does bring forth such goodness from everyone.
I believe that it is goodness and selflessness that will carry all this to a blessed ending.
Please pray for Angel and Gabo that though they may be confused, will come out of this unscathed and touched by God’s love channeled through everyone of you.
Please pray also for me to keep the faith in what is noble and right.
Most especially, please pray for the mother that she may be overcome by goodness and selflessness.
I’m eternally grateful to you and to everyone else who have been by my side in spirit. I can’t tell you how much help this has been to me during this very diffiicult.
Maraming maraming salamat. I,too, am resolved to fall on my knees for other people’s sake.
Bless you, Rheeza. Bless you all. Please keep in touch.
February 6, 2008 at 2:02 pm
marielsgarden
Dear Henry,
What can I say, we both know the pain just doesn’t really go away. But we know too that at times it’s the only thing that keeps us going. Reminding us we’re still alive.
Yes prayers are a good start indeed and I believe prayers are what will bring you back Angel someday. Take it one step at a time. It’s a tough climb but I’m sure with your LOVE for Angel, you will make it to the top. You are far stronger than you think. Or rather love makes you far stronger than you can ever hope to be.
Take care my dear friend, we will pull through. We must, for our children’s sake. Know too that I’m never far away.
All the best,
Bong
February 6, 2008 at 3:10 pm
angeldad
Thank you very much Bong. As always your words are very comforting. And it is even made powerful because I know you too are in a difficult time now. And to open your heart to my pain on top of what you are feeling right now is just truly noble.
Bless you, my dear friend. Hindi ako magsasawa na sabihin— You’re a good man, pare ko. You too will pull trough with all the blessings a person like you deserves.
I am praying for you, Mariel and Sam always. I too am never far away. Just call.
February 6, 2008 at 9:27 pm
agnes
Dear Henry,
I don’t know you but somehow your situation touched me a lot. No woman in her right mind would pull such a cruel stunt unless it was an act of desperation. Still and all, it was wrong in that it was apparently done without considering the effect on other people’s lives, much less that of Angel herself. I pray that everything plays out in the child’s best interests.
I heard of a similar situation involving someone I knew in high school. The story goes that after he and his wife divorced in the States, he kidnapped their daughter and brought her back to the Philippines. The wife started legal proceedings and was able to get their daughter back. In the process, she also succeeded in destroying her husband’s career. Are you looking in this direction? I’m aware that it involves a lot of expense and I hope that things will work out without further damage to the family.
God bless you always. May he also spare the children from further heartache.
agnes
February 7, 2008 at 4:26 am
Jocelyn
Hi henry,
I just read your blog about angel and it made me cry. I cannot hide my tears and an officemate near me just asked why am i crying. I’m a mother of two lovely daughters ages 4 and 5 and I cannot imagine life without them. Like what the others have been saying, I know you will soon be reunited with your daughter. Let’s not give up hope and cling on to prayers. I want to know what will happen next to angel. Sir, can i link this blog to mine? Hope you don’t mind. I find your struggle very inspiring. It made me realize how blessed i am to have a happy complete family. Sorry about that last sentence sir. I don’t mean to offend you.
God is good!
Jo
February 7, 2008 at 4:32 am
Jim
My sympathy goes to you. I think what agnes had given will be something you might want to prepare–long legal proceeding to assert your right and punish those criminals (well your wife and mother-in-law). I’m just wondering how they were able to secure a US visa for your daughter when you don’t have the consent for her to leave the country? or was money pretty much involved in processing the papers locally and internationally? *sigh*
The positive thing about this situation is that she’s safe and she’s not in a situation that we feared before. I believe you can approach the FBI for assistance on this matter. We are looking at many cases here, though I’m not a lawyer, adultery, kidnapping, (possibly) falsification of public document. Sir Henry, you must act fast as it might come sometime that you will not see your son, too. God bless.
February 7, 2008 at 5:24 am
karaiwashi
Hi Henry,
I don’t even know how to begin. But I CAN say it IS painful for a daughter to be separated from her father, especially if her mother was never really there for her all her life. My dad is in the States right now and I wish to be with him but for financial reasons, we had to part. I can imagine how scared Angel should be feeling without you by her side. How was the mother able to take her to the US that fast? How on earth was she able to secure a VISA that fast? Could she have possibly filed some kind of false report about child abuse? Because that’s the only reason I could think of. Is there any way she could expedite the release of Angel’s VISA? Does she have a shitload of money? I’m sure a false document is involved. Look into this ASAP if you want to get Angel back, before the devil-of-a-mother tells lies about you and breaks the little girl’s heart.
February 7, 2008 at 6:41 am
AngelDad
Hi Agnes,
Thank you for your sympathy. At he start, I was devastated having Angel taken away from me. Now I ‘m more and more concerned at how Angel is feeling after this prolonged separation from us.
Thank you for the information you shared. We are looking at a similar course of action. Although my counsel would rather not have me detail it here.
I hope too that this is resolved soon and as you said “without further damage to the family” That would really be tragic. I hope the mother realizes this soon.
Bless you Agnes. Please keep in touch.
February 7, 2008 at 6:57 am
AngelDad
Hi Jocelyn,
I’m not at all offended by the sentence you were referring to. I’m very happy that you are blessed with a family you love so much. I’m sorry that you had to shed tears while reading our story. Everytime someone tells me that, I actually feel guilty. But when you said it made you realize how blessed you and your life is, I was totally uplifted. Now I am comforted to know that even my pain has a way of enriching other people’s lives. I thank God for that.
Thank you for your encouragement. I appreciate your interest in the final outcome of this all. I will keep you posted through this site. Yes I would be honored to have you link your blog to this site. Advise me also if you want to add you blog link here too.
God is good indeed. Bless you, Jocelyn.
February 7, 2008 at 7:20 am
AngelDad
Hi Jim. Your sympathy means a lot to me. Thank you.
By the way, the mother-in-law was not involved here. She has passed on. She was a kind and decent woman. God rest her soul.
Despite what they did, I’m praying for only good things to happen to the mother and her siblings. Part of that is peace of mind. That they me soon free themselves from guilt by correcting the wrongs they have done.
The Visa of Angel was issued a year ago together with Gabo’s. I was the one who applied and brought the two for appearances at the Embassy.
Thank you for pointing out the threat to Gabo too. I will keep that in mnd and ensure that the similar thing doesn’t happen.
Bless you Jim. Thank you for the time. Please keep in touch.
February 7, 2008 at 7:45 am
AngelDad
Hi karaiwashi,
I don’t know you too and I guess that makes it all truly moving. Strangers helping strangers. It is very noble of you all who have come to me offering sympathy and help. I’m humbled and eternally grateful.
Yes there is strong possibilty that they are already playing around with Angel’s mind. The last two times I got to talk to her, she sounded different and at times she sounded discourteous. That is not my daughter. Angel is a sweet soul who loves her father very much. What have they made Angel into?
Right now all our options require time. Legal action could drag on for months even years. And as you pointed out, I fear that Angel will be a victim of prolonged brainwashing. I can only pray that this doesn’t happen.
Thank you, karaiwashi for the concern and your thoughts on the situation. They’re very useful.
Bless you. Keep in touch
February 7, 2008 at 11:03 am
Wendell
Hi, I don’t know if my suggestion means something or have already been discussed here, but here it goes:
Why don’t you try to contact the new Husband? Try to explain to him the whole thing. Maybe he’s good enough to recognize your dilemma. He might influence the Mother to gave back Angel.
Try also your In-laws. They might also help. If they know the whole story and if they know how to recognize which is wrong, then maybe they can help you.
February 7, 2008 at 12:27 pm
Ridel
Angel will be back to you in God’s time — we all know the power of prayers — believe it. Just be strong while waiting
for her. You still have Gabo to look for and it would be unfair if you will dedicate all your time and energy to
Angel with uncertainty, but ofcourse I am not saying not to do a legal action to it. Watch your health also. It would
only make the situation worse if you’ll get sick. Too much thinking and depression our body might get fail, and this is
not good for Gabo and Angel either (in the movie 300, Spartan win the battle because they have strong leader..nice
movie, though). My advise are: prayer, be patient, take a day at a time, spend a lot of time with Gabo (hey..swimming
works for me whenever I’m so depressed); be healthy both physically and mentally, and prayer, again. That what life is.
Life without a problem is not a life at all, it is for dead people only..kidding:-) I wish that your problem be solved
ASAP. God bless you!
February 7, 2008 at 2:11 pm
mitzcaeli
i felt too devasted with the life you and your twins are heading about… but what can i say? ..try to go there (first in the embassy if applicable and seek some help ang give some important and rlevant info you’ve got on the identity of the person you were looking about or just simply locate some way to ‘guam’ particularly in hawaii on an online government site and see if there’s a chance for you to grab some help from them) if you’ve got time. i’m sorry but all these were i think some of the ways you’ll be needing for an action. be brave and give yourself more time to think of the right and gentle way surviving your Angel with you and your Gabo.
pray unceasingly will be the best, we’ll be of help for prayers, for you and your grown family (your twins).
February 7, 2008 at 2:23 pm
AngelDad
Hi Wendell,
Thank you for your suggestions. You sound really sincere and willing to help.
Yes I’ve tried texting, emailing, voicemailing the person who we believe is the new husband. No response from him.
Good point about the in-laws. As far as the mother’s siblings are concerned, it is still fresh in my mind how they kept Angel hidden from me while we searched endlessly. I’m sure they know whether what they did was wrong. Maybe one day God will use them to correct things that need rectification.
Thank you for your concrete suggestions. I appreciate them all and they will be helpful as we broaden our perspective on this matter.
Bless you. Please keep in touch.
February 7, 2008 at 2:36 pm
AngelDad
Hi Ridel,
To quote you: “Angel will be back to you in God’s time — we all know the power of prayers — believe it. Just be strong while waiting”
Yes, Ridel. I’ll never get tired of hearing about God’s ultimate providence. And every word I hear about it makes my faith even stronger that in His perfect time He will reunite us with Angel and certain that on that day our family will be even more complete than it was before.
Thank you for your thoughts on health and strength. They make great sense to me. Your reminder will be an inspiration for me to care for myself. And despite the ordeal I’m making sure that Gabo is never deprived of attention and love from me.
Bless you. Please keep in touch.
February 7, 2008 at 2:55 pm
AngelDad
Hi mitzcaeli
Thank you for your concern and your suggestions. Some of them we have already resorted to. And the others we will surely consider. I also appreciate your idea of me giving myself time to think right. This is very true. Sometimes amid the confusion, we lose sight of so many things. I’ll keep in mind what you said and be deliberate on our succeeding courses of action. Most of all, thank you for encouragement to pray unceasingly. And that truly is best.
Thank you. Please help us in praying. Bless you. Please keep in touch
February 7, 2008 at 3:50 pm
Pao
I am a twin myself, so it breaks my heart to read about your story. But as strong as the bond between me and my twin is, so is my faith that God will bring you, Angel & Gabo back together… It is my and twin’s habit to lift up prayers together, and often the answers have been quick. I know that there is power in the prayer of many, more so if it is said together. I invite you, and everyone in this forum to pray the 3 o’clock prayer everyday and lift up as our petition that Henry, Angel & Gabo will be reunited soon.
My twin and I said a prayer for you right after reading your story, and we will continue to include you in our prayers until you, angel & gabo are together again.
Faith and peace be with you always, Henry, and God bless you.
February 7, 2008 at 4:35 pm
Joy
do not give up…please do not tire of praying and believing that God will do what’s best for both you and your precious daughter, it may take some time, but as one reader mentioned “In God’s perfect time”. also try all possible means to get to at least talk to Angel. Will keep you in my prayers.
February 7, 2008 at 4:57 pm
genna
i am a mother myself and i don’t want to assume anything since i don’t know you. i can only pray that angel be kept safe and see you in the time that our all-knowing GOD wills it. don’t despair. rejoice in the fact that angel is alive and with her relative who went to great lengths to have her. my prayers are with angel and gabo. i wish you strength to take care of gabo and fill the sadness that he is going through right now. your son needs you.
February 7, 2008 at 6:39 pm
AngelDad
Pao,
Truly, there is a power in the prayers of many… Thank you for enjoining everyone to to do so..
Twins are really a special breed. We hear tales of a remarkable bond that spans emotions and even health. Just recently, I heard a very poignant observation on the life of siblings. She said, parents can separate… and when this happens, the children have all the more reason to stay together. Because, they are left only with each other to lean on to. The parting of the parents are tragic enough. How else would the children, helpless as they are, deal with losing a sister or a brother too in the process? Much more if they are twins.
While I grieve the separation of my twins, I am heartened by the togetherness of you and your twin sister. Thank you for praying together on our behalf. In return I pray that in doing so, your bond gets even stronger.
One day soon Angel and Gabo will be praying together too. Thanks to you, your twin sister for praying for us.
Bless you both. Please keep in touch.
February 7, 2008 at 6:58 pm
AngelDad
Hi Joy,
Rest assured I won’t give up… nor tire of praying. I’ll try again to talk to Angel, If I’m not allowed , I’ll keep trying again.
I pulled Angel and Gabo through the years when I thought I couldn’t by myself alone. I am not about to stop now.
Thank you for your support, prayers and encouragement. How can I turn back when you’re all there behind me?
Bless you Joy. Please keep in touch
February 7, 2008 at 10:49 pm
elsa
para sa ama ni Angel,
I don’t know anything about your story until a friend of us forwarded it to us….wala ng sasakit pa pag nahiwalay ka sa taong naging mundo mo…wala ng sasakit pa pag nahiwalay ka sa anak mo lalo na kung di maganda ang dahilan ng pagkakalayo nyo..wala pa kaming anak ng asawa ko pero ramdam ko ang sakit na dinanas, dinaranas at dadanasin mo pa hanggat di mo pa nakaksama ang anak mo..Kung hanggang kailan ang pagtitiis mo only God knows…kung patuloy mong kakayanin ang hirap ng dinadala mo only God knows…kung magkikita pa kayo ng anak mo only God knows…sa ngayon isa lang ang sure ako na you know..at iyon ay ang walang katapusan mong paghahanp,paghihintay at pagmamahal sa Angel mo
Lagi kong sinasabi noon sa mga students ko dyan sa Pinas na “walang sugat na nananatiling sariwa sa habang panahon….walang hindi kayang paghilumin ng panahon”….pag may nawala may papalit higit pa sa nawal”…pero sa kaso mo di ko kayang sabihin iyon dahil alam kong di mangyayari iyon.
February 7, 2008 at 10:52 pm
Bianca
To Angel’s Dad…
Like you, I live and breathe for my children. My heart goes out to you and your beautiful children. Allow me to share with you a thought that has been keeping me strong through my most trying years… “Be still, the Lord God will fight for you. There is no problem bigger than our God.
You are where you are right now because this is the place and time God wants you to be. Wait for HIM.. His work is in progress. Your Angel will be with you in HIS time.
Surrender in complete FAITH!
Bianca
February 7, 2008 at 10:57 pm
elsa
yes, mali ang ginawa ng asawa mo…wala syang sinaalang-alang sa ginawa nya..para kayong walang pinagsamahan….bakit nya iyon nagawa…in general ang tingin nating lahat ay mali sya…maling mali sya…pero wag nating kalilimutan na ina rin sya kung gano mo kamahal ang mga ank nyo maaring ganun din sya…oo nagkulang sya…malaki ang pagkukulang nya kaya lang di kaya ..kaya nya ginawa iyon ay para kahit papaano ay mapunan nya ang pagkukulang nyang iyon kahit manlang sa isa sa inyong mga anak?sa totoo lang ng mabasa ko ang nangyari sa iyo ang unang reaction ko ay magalit sa asawa mo…sisihin sya hanggang dulo.Pero bigla kong naalala ang sabi ng inang ko na di kayang ipaliwanag ang damdamin ng isang ina..naisip ko baka pag naging ina din ako at mapunta ako sa sitwasyon nyo ngayon ay ganun din ang gagawin ko (wag naman sana)
February 7, 2008 at 11:01 pm
elsa
o siguro baka kaya ganito ako ay dahil bilang prefect of discipline nung andyan pa ako sa atin ay nasanay ako na dapat tingnan ang 2 mukha ng lahat ng bagay..ang 2 mukha ng lahat ng nangyayari maganda man o pangit…
Gusto kong malaman mo na sa mga oras na ito ang tanging dasal ko ay magkausap kayong mag-asawa at pag usapang mabuti kung ano ang dapat at makabubuti di para sa inyong mga sarili kundi kung ano ang dapat at mabuti para sa inyong mga anak.
May mga bagay na nagaganap sa buhay natin na masakit…mahirap..pero pag ninais ng Panginoon na mangyari sa atin sa ayaw at sa gusto natin…tyak na mangyayari
February 7, 2008 at 11:06 pm
elsa
kung gusto nyo pong umiyak sa sakit na dinaranas nyo…gawin mo…mas mainam yun para kahit paano ay maibsan ang sakit…mapawi kahit sang saglit ang hapdi…pero tandaan nyo po na may isa pa kayong anak na kasama baka di natin napupuna na sa sobrang pag-iisip natin kay Angel ay di na natin sya gaanong naaalala..napapansin…….
sana po magkausap kayong mag-asawa……
sana po maayos nyo ang problema……………….
sana po magkita na kayo ng ANGEL nyo…..
February 8, 2008 at 1:28 am
emmanuel
angel’s father,
its not a good morning for me reading this.. i really hate her mom now! big time!! is it even legal to do what she did?? i fu*#%n’ wish it’s not!
sorry for the emotions im showin.. it’s just so unfair!!! i really hate her! if i was in your position, so help me god, i won’t give up! i will do my bestest to bring my daughter back! there IS always a way… may be not today… but there will always be!!! please don’t lose hope… don’t you EVER lose hope! i will be prayin for you starting today… i may be a stranger… but i’m truly in pain… please don’t give up… please…
emmanuel
February 8, 2008 at 7:46 am
AngelDad
Hi genna,
Thank you for your prayers for Angel and Gabo.
Yes my son needs me I and I’m not gonna fail him.
Angel needs me too… and she needs Gabo even more.
This is what is the reason why I am committed to bring them back together.
While some may argue— why not give both of them to the mother. Believe me I considered that too. But I realized this: The children grew up with me. It’s the only life they know. If I give them up to the mother, they’ll have to deal with two unsettling situations. First, their mother is a virtual stranger to them having been away for more than half their lives. Second, they’ll have to deal with another stranger– the husband. How will they feel being made to accept a new father after being taken away from the real one who cared for them all their lives. Imagine what they go through every time they she their mother kiss another man. If I give them up, it’s a possibility that they’ll hate me for doing so.
Thank you for your encouragement and concern for me, Angel and Gabo. Bless you. Please keep in touch.
February 8, 2008 at 8:30 am
AngelDad
Elsa,
Salamat sa mahaba mong sulat. Alam kong marami ka ring ginagawa dyan sa trabaho mo kaya lalo akong pinahahalagahan ang mga sinabi mo.
Ganon pa man ang nangyari, pilit ko pa ring ginagampanan ang tungkulin ko kay Gabo. Hindi nabawasan ang atensiyon na binibigay ko sa kanya. At kapag hindi ko maiwasang ipakita ang emosyon ko, sinasabayan ko ito ng paliwanag— na mahalaga sila pareho ni Angel sa buhay ko at nalulungkot ako na nawalay sa amin ang kanyang kakaptid. Sa palagay ko dapat niyang malaman na hindi tama itong mga nangyayari para matuto siya at maiwasan ito sa kanyang buhay.
Tama ka, dapat tingnan ang dalawang mukha ng bawat bagay. Sa palagay ko hindi ako nagkulang sa punto na yun. Kaya papatuloy ang paghangad at pagkilos ko para maibalik si Angel dahil nakita ko ang dalawang mukha ng sitwasyon. Tanggap ko na parehong may bentaha at kahinaan ang bawat isang panig. Pero malinaw sa akin kung ano ang mas nakakalamang para sa mga bata hindi lang sa panandadalian ngunit ngayon din sa pangkabuuhang kapakanan ng mga ito.
Nauunawaan ko ang damdamin ng isang ina, tulad ng ina ni Angel. Ganon pa man marami akong katanungan sa ginawa nya. Pero siguro mas mabuti na sa amin na lang yun at hindi makakatulong kung ilalahad ko pa dito.
Nagpapasalamat ako sa yo Elsa at nararamdaman mo ang nararamdaman ko. At malinaw na hangad mo ang mabuti para sa aming pamilya. Marami akong napulot sa mga sinabi mo at gagabay sa akin ang mga yun palagi. Sana sabayan mo pa kami sa pagdarasal dahil sa palagay ko mabisa itong paraan para matupad ang mga inaasahan nating bagay.
Mabuhay ka. Pagpalain ka ng Diyos.
February 8, 2008 at 9:13 am
AngelDad
Hi Bianca,
“Be still, the Lord God will fight for you. There is no problem bigger than our God.”
Thank you for this verse. Sometimes amid distress, many truths simply escape us. Thank you being a messenger of God’s promise.
I will be still now. And wait for His perfect time.
Bless you too. Please keep in touch
February 8, 2008 at 9:30 am
AngelDad
Hi emmanuel,
I promise I will not stop. Your strong emotion strengthens me too.
Hope grows with every encouragement from even strangers like you. I promise not to lose hope. I am eternally grateful for your prayers.
I hope you find it in your heart to pray for the mother too. Just pray that she will be enlightened soon and do the right thing. Despite what she had done, I never really got to the point where I hated her. I even pray that she will have a good life. Praying too that she would wake up soon and restore the good life of us three— Angel, Gabo and me.
Bless you emmanuel. Please keep in touch.
February 8, 2008 at 11:30 am
Julles Roberto
Hi Henry,
I admire your strength and dedication. Our paths have not crossed, though I attended some courses in PCCI; but I am a believer that all encounters or near encounters are pre-destined. I am a father too and I feel your pain. I will include you in my prayers and I hope that one day, I will read in these pages that your Angel is back with you, where she belongs.
Julles
February 9, 2008 at 12:01 am
emmanuel
Henry,
You have a pure heart… Few people possess such an open mind and heart as you have in situations like that… You are one of a kind… I am very inspired by your toughness and willingness… I will pray for your family to be reunited once and for all..
Be strong.. If it’s God’s will, you’ll have her back.. And hopefully, her mom too..
Chin up… Be strong… Gabo and Angel needs you… i’m sure she misses you a lot…
Emmanuel
February 9, 2008 at 1:55 pm
Marielle Trinidad
Hi Tito Henry,
Mom just told me about this and I was shocked! I was even more sad when Mom told me that you were crying the night you had a meeting at our house. It’s actually weird that you cried, because everytime I see you, you were always smiling and making jokes. I guess, you were just hiding your real emotions. I am deeply saddened by this event, feeling anger to the Mom who took her. It’s not my position to judge anyone, even her, but this is not right. As I read your story, I cried too…It’s really hard to be away from your father, especially if you are daughter…
As you know, I am the only daughter in my family, it saddens me everytime something happens to my dad. I also feel my dad’s emotions whenever we fight, because I know my dad loves me and he just needs to discipline me. I know that even though Angel is away from you, she feels even worse than you, being away from the only family she knew for 8 years. I’m sure she knows what’s happening. I just hope the mother doesn’t feed her with bad thoughts.
From my understanding of twins, both share a great connection to each other. I hope that Gabo is not as sad, because it would break his/her heart even more. Please let him understand the situation as clear as possible, because he is still at a tender age. If you find Gabo feeling sad or anxious about something, please let him tell you. He is actually the only one who can make Angel come home, as he is the twin. If you can somehow make Gabo think about Angel so she can find that connection, I guess someday, Angel would make her mom bring her back to you. This is the power that twins possess.
My prayers and my family’s are always with you. God will find a way to bring Angel back to you and Gabo. Soon, her mother will realize that a twin cannot be separated from the other. She will realize that she has taken the only gift you have. It is unfair after all, because she has chosen to start a new life with a new husband. I really hope all our prayers will be heard, because I know, God never sleeps…
May you find more strength and courage to make this through, until the day she comes back to Gabo and you. I will continue to pray for her safety wherever she may be, and that her mother will regret what she has done.
Thank you for sharing this to all of us, as more prayers will make your wishes come true…
P.S. I’d like to link this to my blog, I hope that’s ok.
Sincerely,
Marielle Trinidad
February 10, 2008 at 6:31 am
AngelDad
Hi Jules,
Yes, I believe that our encounter, virtual as it is now, is not by accident and serves a purpose. Having you pray for us is already one more prayer for our cause. And that is more than enough reason for our paths having crossed here.
Thank you for your sympathy and the message of hope.
Yes, one day this site will be a venue of celebration when Angel is finally reunited with us. And you will be a part of it.
Thank you and God bless you and your family. Please keep in touch.
February 10, 2008 at 6:39 am
AngelDad
Hi emmanuel,
You have a pure heart too. You feel for others and are ready to help. It is even more comforting to note that your name emannuel means “God with us”.
Thank you for being a messenger of that divine promise.
And as a verse says, If God is with us, who can be against us. What can be more reassuring than that?
Thank you and God bless you and your family. Please keep in touch.
February 10, 2008 at 7:44 am
AngelDad
Dear Mayel,
Yes I cried that night I was with your parents and friends in your house.
You’ve known me as a comedy writer so I understand your shock to find me actually shedding tears. The time I was working with your mom and dad was still period of hope. During those times, I was hoping that one day our family will be whole again. Though there was uncertainty in my heart I still managed to smile even laugh and continue to write comedy materials. And this happened.
I was hesitant to go to that get-together in your house because I felt I might just drag down the mood of every one. Pero pumunta na rin ako, because Direk Al and your mom assured me it was ok since it was planned for me to share my predicament. After the gathering, I felt very blessed and encouraged because of the concern and support they all showed me. Please thank your mom and dad for hosting that get-together that night.
I thought naubos na ang luha ko, but when I read your message here, naiyak uli ako. I was touched because I was hearing the voice of a daughter and one who has a strong bond with her father. Sometimes I fear that my distance from Angel and not being allowed to talk to her freely, would someday break the closeness that we have developed all her life. And God forbid that there’d be attempts to sway her sentiments away from me.
Your words are comforting because I know they are heartfelt and speak of a daughter’s true feelings toward her father. I trust on the same bond that I have with Angel and pray that it overcomes anything that seeks to break it.
You’re right, Gabo will be most instrumental in bringing Angel back. Let’s pray that God uses him soon to make everyone involved realize that Angel’s rightful place is where her brother is.
Thank you for praying. I believe the halls of heaven are ringing with all our prayers now. Yes, God never sleeps. He’s is just waiting for that perfect time.
Bless you, Mayel, your mom, dad, and your brothers. You are good people. I’m honored and blessed to be a friend your family.
And yes, I’ll glad and thankful to be linked to your blog.
Please continue to do good not only to our family but to other people.
Please keep in touch.
February 10, 2008 at 10:33 am
Marielle Trinidad
Hi Tito Henry,
Everytime I think about it, being away from your father, especially when you are a duaghter, it saddens me more and more. It’s really hard to be separated from your father, that’s why somehow, I am thankful that my parents are together, despite the times I know there are hard moments. There is a strong bond between father and daughter. This is what I’ve learned for the 27 years I have been living, especially being the only girl in the family. Here’s a poem that I am hoping will lift your spirits up. I also dedicate this to my dad even if, like you said, it’s in the heart.
*************************************************
As I look back to see
I remember times spent on your knee
When it came to my biggest fears
you came along to wipe away my tears
But as years started rushing by
I’ll have to say with a sigh
You needed me just as bad
and those times were so sad
But now we’re a family once more
and I know there’s so much in store
You always seem to know when I need a smile
especially when you haven’t seen one in a while
We seem to always be on the same page
even though there’s a big difference in age
We know how to make each other laugh
and it makes time fly past
Daddy thats why I’m so thankful for you
I would never ask for anyone new
I love you so much
because you help me with all my problems and such
I know you wish you could give me the world
but I’m proud enough with my title
“Daddy’s Little Girl”
**************************************************
I hope and pray for that day to come, when Angel would fly back to your arms and never leave you again. I will be here and continue to help find her. I know how you feel, me being empathic and seeing the world so cruel, we just need to hold on…
Thank you for your kind words as well. It means a lot to me that someone like you recognizes the love of a father to a daughter. Thank you Tito Henry.
My prayers are being sent by my guardians to your little Angel…I will do everything with my power to help you find her. She needs you more than anything, that I know for sure, just as much as I need my dad even though I am already old and have my own life.
Please stay strong.
February 12, 2008 at 4:57 am
AngelDad
Hi Marielle,
I wish Angel will one day write poem like this for me. As I read it, I imagine Angel in every moment you described and I can’t help but be deeply moved.
I feel blessed that there is someone like you that truly understands what I am to Angel and what Angel is to me. Your continued prayers and support give me strength to push on and keep the hope alive.
I pray that one day soon, the love of a daughter you spoke eloquently will come alive in Angel’s heart and conquer everything that stand in its way.
Thank you Marielle. Continue to enjoy the blessings of a happy family. You deserve it, you have a good heart as everyone in your family has.
Please keep praying for us. Thank you
February 12, 2008 at 8:36 am
David D'Angelo
Thanks for posting a comment at the post in http://www.broodonline.com because as time goes by and there was not any update about it I am beginning to think that it was another e-mail hoax but now everything had been cleared.
It is wrong for the mother to do that after all you have the right to know everything. She should have at least consulted with you. What is wrong is she did not tell you about it.
The only problem is I think with the Philippine law, a child has the right to choose which parent he/she would like to go with upon reaching the age of it. Children age 7 and below are mandated by law to be with their mothers.
February 12, 2008 at 9:28 am
AngelDad
Hi David,
Thank you first all, for posting the Missing Angel announcement in your site http://www.broodonline.com (http://www.broodonline.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=343&Itemid=1). and for visiting this blog. I am grateful for people like you who I am a grateful who are ready to help someone they don’t even know. Bless you, David.
You’re right about Philippine law. Though I understand this is not automatically presumed in our case. For one, I raised the children when the mother pursued other goals in her life. Also, she had gotten married and this will definitely be factored in in deciding this case. On making the children choose, this is a major but not the sole consideration in awarding of custody. Fitness as a parent will in the end be the most crucial factor.
Of course, those are my points of view formed after consultations with lawyers friends and research on Family Law in the Philippines.
There is a venue where what is just and fair is decided upon. Unfortunately, the mother evaded this process and sought refuge in a territory that the arm of Philippine Law cannot reach.
But I believe there’s a higher law she could never elude.
Thank you again, David. More power to you and your site. May you help more people.
February 12, 2008 at 12:53 pm
Marielle Trinidad
Hi Tito Henry,
Don’t worry, Angel will someday be able to write better poems for you. Time will come and your love and hope will prevail.
As for now, I have received a reply from the Department of Education in Hawaii. Please read your email. I have forwarded the email trail of my conversation with them. They gave me a contact number from which you can call. Hopefully, this will answer our prayers.
Keep in touch as I will continue to help you and Gabo for as long as I can. My dedication and perseverance regarding this loss, I offer them to you.
Please stay strong.
February 12, 2008 at 2:45 pm
David D'Angelo
I have also posted this in http://www.pagodkanaba.blogspot.com so that it can reach more people and I am also planning to write it in my other blog http://www.newzaroundus.blogspot.com
I am also in the same situation as you are few years ago when my wife and I separated and he lived with another man… but the key to this is to have faith in God and to be steadfast. You can also view my story at http://www.youtube.com/shenbrood... it is the UTurn interview… maybe this will give more inspiration.
We are glad to be of service to people and we hope that we can indeed help more people… God bless and good luck!
February 13, 2008 at 8:20 am
AngelDad
Hi Marielle,
Thank you very much for your efforts re: Bureau Of Education. That’s very resourceful of you. I will wait for the email of your conversations through missingyouangel@gmail.com. I haven’t received it yet though.
I know this will be very helpful as more and more information allow us to broaden our options and make us better equipped for them.
You have been very kind and I thank God for your goodness and dedication. It inspire me no end and strengthens my resolve to never let go of our goal.
May God shower you with His blessings always. Same for your family too.
February 13, 2008 at 8:53 am
AngelDad
Hi David,
Thank you for your additional postings . i visited both of them and I was very touched by the efforts you put in– even writing intro article for each post which I should say are very appropriate and insightful. Maraming maraming salamat David. Most especially because I feel your genuine concern for my cause. Mabuhay ka. pare.
I am sorry to hear about the situation you had with your wife.(I tried to follow the youtube link you provided–http://www.youtube.com/shenbrood…– but it returned a 404 error. Please update us of the working url). Of course I understand how painful these periods in our lives have been or still are. Knowing that, I wish there is something I can do to help. Just advise. I’ll include you in my prayers too, with the sincere hope that you will be blessed with whatever you heart desires. Your faith and steadfastness inspire me.
You are doing great service to people and surely many more will be touched by your kindness. Continue to do good as goodness is its own reward. God will bless the pure-hearted and you certainly are one of them. Take care.. God bless and good luck too.
February 14, 2008 at 5:21 pm
Bong
A Blessed Valentine’s Day to You, pare.
Love will find a way, Angel will get that Valentine card.
And someday soon be back to be with you and Gabbo.
Take care and let’s get together soon.
All the best !
February 15, 2008 at 9:22 am
David D'Angelo
Happy Valentines!
Your welcome… it did returned a 404 url because the …. was included… here is the direct link to my interview on UTurn which I hope can also inspire others… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yW7yqyRLJ3c there are 6 clips of this iterview.
For other videos you can assess http://www.youtube.com/shenbrood
Take care and I hope that Angel comes home soon.
February 19, 2008 at 6:08 am
AngelDad
Hi David,
Yes finally found the http://www.youtube.com/shenbrood. I saw the first part pa lang but will finish it. Your right, your life is very inspiring and I am proud to have come across a person like you. I’ll watch the other videos too and leave comments.
God bless you and your work at Brood. Thank you for you concern and prayers.
February 19, 2008 at 6:20 am
AngelDad
Bong,
Thank you for the Valentine greetings. Sorry I wasn’t able to respond immediately. I’ve not been feeling too well these past few days. Maybe it’s the sum of all the stress and uncertainties.
I’m touched by your message. Enough to console me despite missing a beloved this day of love.
You know, this is a tragedy in itself. But I fear that a greater one is forthcoming if Angel is made to lose her love for me. I dread just the thought of it, pare. From our last phone conversation, I sense that Angel is being worked on right now.
Please pray for Angel and for us three. Thank you, Bong. Take care too.
February 20, 2008 at 7:36 am
marielsgarden
Pare,
Take care of yourself. Angel’s counting on your saying healthy
let’s get together soon. Are you free this Saturday. Will call you.
Regards,
Bong
February 21, 2008 at 6:36 am
Jhen Lao
henry,
you and your children will be in our prayers, as a parent, i know how devastated you are that angel is not with you and gabo. our prayers will be that angel be re-united with you soon.
February 21, 2008 at 2:05 pm
AngelDad
Hi Bong,
Thanks for dropping by again. Most especially for the encouragement. You have always been comforting ever since. Will be glad to see you again soon. Just txt me when.
Regards to Sam.
February 21, 2008 at 2:18 pm
AngelDad
Hi Jhen,
Thank you for your sympathy and your prayers. As your blog says “the best is yet to come”. Please pray with us that it shall be for my family and yours too.
God bless you and your family. Please stay in touch
February 24, 2008 at 1:08 pm
Yeb
Dear Henry,
I’ve just read your blog for the first time now, sitting at the boarding area of the NAIA, having to choke back my tears with Angel’s story. I can only imagine your pain and sorrow. I also am a father to two very young kids and I’d do anything to protect them from harm, even give up my life for them.
I am awed and inspired by your courage and strength, especially in putting up this blog. It reflects how much you love Angel and Gabo. You and your children will be in my daily prayers, especially Angel. God has a wonderful plan for all of us, and I know that Angel’s home is with you and her twin brother.
I’m a bit confused about one part of the story … normally, (in accordance with DSWD policy) it is not possible for a minor to travel abroad without a travel clearance which requires a written consent from the other parent if she is travelling with only one parent; moreso if she is travelling without both parents. If the mother was able to get around this rule, then someone in immigration, DFA, or DSWD must have helped her. I feel there’s a legal way to get Angel back. But more importantly, I pray that you continue to be strong and stay filled with hope.
I know prayers are powerful, most especially if many people are doing it. We will spread your story to all our friends and relatives because the more people pray for you, the easier it is for God to answer the prayers.
I hope we can somehow find a way to know where Angel is exactly and perhaps by some miracle …
God bless you and your family.
February 26, 2008 at 4:24 am
AngelDad
Yeb,
Re: DSWD, it is unfortunate that the two-parent consent rule was lifterd by Sec. Cabral just this year. There was an incident in DFA that alarmed us but we are still studying our opitons on this.
As to what can be done– we are constantly in consultation and cooperation with individuals and agencies that may be able to help. I will surely update everyon once something positive happens.
Thank you for the good words and your prayers. I agree wholeheartedly with you that the prayers of the many is mighty. Having people like you to pray with me is a big enough blessing and a fuel to my hope that soon Angel is back with us. Please also pray that she be spared from harm and ill will and she returns to us still the sweet loving daughter and sister she is. Typing these words puts tears in my eyes as they bring back memories of us together, side by side with the pain of missing her and fearing that her distance and influences around her might pull her farther away from us.
To everyone, please pray with us.
Thank you Yeb for your sympathy and encouragements.
God bless you all.
February 26, 2008 at 10:01 am
Francis
Time will heal all wounds but the scar will remain. I am now 44 years old but every time I recall that moment in my youthful age of 5 years old, where at the sala of Fiscal Rodriguez in Cagayan de Oro City, me and my brother was asked to make a decision that was never should have been in our hands. We were asked to decide who to go and stay with.
Both my parents decided to call it quits. Further, they have decided to tear me and my brother apart. They wanted us to make the decision to be “fair” for them, I suppose. Not for us.
Years went by and I came into reason, my yearning to locate my brother grew unstoppable that my mom cannot ignore my plea. I did found him and consequently too, my father.
So, hold on. If you cant find her now, she will find Gabo and consequently…..you.
February 28, 2008 at 5:40 am
AngelDad
Hi Francis,
Thank you for sharing your story. I am sorry to hear about the pain you had to go through. I hope you have found deliverance from the ordeal.
I strongly believe that siblings, much more twins should never be separated during their growing years. That is why I staunchly rejected the mother’s concept of fairness– “girl goes to the mother, boy goes to the father”.
I don’t know what the future holds. All I know is that the sooner Angel is reunited with her brother and our family the better it will be for her and Gabo.
I hope that despite what happened in your youth, you have overcome the trauma it might have caused. Same goes for your brother. God bless you and thank for you concern.
March 15, 2008 at 4:55 am
Elma Imasa
I’m a mother myself but I never believed that just because we mothers carried our children in our wombs means that we own them, and have more right to them than their fathers have. I hope and pray that some time soon your wife would find it in her heart to do the right thing…to return Angel where she truly wants…with her twin and her father! When that time comes I know that the mother have truly found the essence of motherhood…that is sacrificing your needs and wants for your children’s happiness and well being!
I never usually participate in this things…usually nakikibasa lang ako, but your story touched me a lot… experience have shown me that most fathers are suckers to their children (especially daughters!) believe me I know, my husband is one to our daughters! hehehe
May God grant you strength and hopefully soon your heart’s greatest wish..your Angel back in your arms again..
March 17, 2008 at 4:47 pm
AngelDad
Hi Elma,
Thank you for your thoughts– especially on the essence of motherhood.
I hope the mother realizes that motherhood starts from birth. Not at a period of one’s choice.
Motherhood builds— not destroy a family. It pulls the children together— not rip them apart.
Motherhood is a responsibility– not a whim. Mothers who can guide the children well are mothers who have a heart.
Thank you for participating in our exchange here. You have given me another perspective that fuels my resolve.
Bless you, Elma.
March 18, 2008 at 7:58 am
Pao
Hi, Henry… I wrote earlier, the one with a twin. I just want to let you know that not a day passes by that I don’t think of you and your twins. I check this forum every now and then to check for any updates. You are all (including the mom) in my prayers always–when i start the day, in my 3 o’clock prayer, and before i go to sleep. I know it’s easy to say, but I hope that somehow these prayers and those of all who are praying for & with you are lifting you up and somehow giving you peace amidst this trial. Let me share this inspiring thought with you: “When heaven seems to be silent with our prayers, God’s making it quiet for us to hear the rushing sound of His graces.” God bless you.
March 20, 2008 at 6:18 am
AngelDad
Dear Pao,
How inspiring your message is…
As in the preface, this site was built as a prayer– and it is bearing fruit with every prayer you say each day. And indeed your prayers do lift me up and seeing messages like yours gives me tremendous encouragement and hope. We are blessed to be made part of your prayers— I will remember you in mine too. Same goes to everyone here whose goodness deserves as much blessing as I have found from all the sympathy and concern you’ve given me.
Bless you and your family, Pao. Bless you all!
April 3, 2008 at 5:22 pm
marielsgarden
Kumusta ka pare, I hope you and Gabo are fine. Always remember that we are always praying for you all. Because the Lord is faithful, some day you will find the happiness you’ve always deserved.
Good Night.
April 7, 2008 at 2:49 pm
AngelDad
Hi pareng Bong,
Yes, the Lord is faithful and this is always affirmed by the faithfulness of friends like you. I’m praying for you and Sam too. I hope you push through with your out of the country trip with Sam (per Mon’s kwento). You deserve the break and the diversion. I hope to see you soon pre. Just advise kapag libre ka na.
May 2, 2008 at 2:19 am
jing
hi henry. i feel your pain . all things being equal, you have the most right to be with your angel. but again, i believe, all things happen for a reason. and sometimes , no matter how painful the events in our life have become, in the end, it is for the best of all concerned.
do you believe in destiny? i think, no matter how much we plan , or hope or pray , things will not happen if they are not meant to.
i will pray for you and your family, that no matter what , no matter where , no matter who you are with, love will prevail in your hearts.
all things happen for good to those who love our Lord. i know only He can see whats in our hearts and only He knows the reason for all that we experience.
maybe, just maybe , despite your wife’s (seemingly) selfish reason, she really needs to be with her daughter more than you do?
thank you for sharing your life with us.
God bless us all.
May 2, 2008 at 6:03 am
AngelDad
Hello Jing,
Thank you for your time and sympathy.
I know you mean well but I’d like to point out something which I think will be helpful to every parent who is concerned about the issue of parental abduction.
First, I don’t believe destiny is an issue. I’m just worried that sometimes an abducting parent may use this to weaken the resolve of the aggrieved party. Come to think of it– Who knows what one’s destiny is? Twelve years ago, I swore that Angel’s other parent was my destiny. Guess what I think right now.
You say—“maybe, just maybe , despite your wife’s (seemingly) selfish reason, she really needs to be with her daughter more than you do?”
I have no idea what the other parent’s needs are. But as far as my daughter Angel is concerned, no one.. no one can need her more than I do. I was both the father and mother for the six of the eight years of her life. That’s a fact– no maybes.
Again, I know you mean well, but here are some more thoughts:
A document entitled “A Family Resource Guide on International Parental Kidnapping” published by US Deparment of Justice states that abductors do not consider their actions illegal or morally wrong.
That is why, in another article, it is urged that abductors should not be given any amount of encouragement or some rationale as this may validate their thinking, misguided as they are.
God bless you too, Jing. I am sure you meant to be encouraging. I was just trying to reorient the the course of the discussion because there’s a danger that it may embolden those who need not be.
Thank you again.
August 19, 2008 at 4:40 pm
Bong
Kumusta pare, always thinking of you and the kids even while I was away. Hope to get together soon again and pick up from where we left off with our future plans, projects. Hoping too that you are as best as can be. Take care and blessings to you always.
September 17, 2008 at 10:50 am
mitzcaeli
Hello.. long way back here again! Just wanna drop-off to know some updates or news about your ‘problem’ and how is it going now?
You must take care always, especially that you only have the other one (of the twins).. Gabo. He’s been a treasure too, dont forget that!
Again, prayers are counted. We’re here as part of it! 😉
September 18, 2008 at 5:27 am
monnete trinidad
i may never now how much you feel. but i deeply symphatize to your family. God has purpose for everything. just hold on and have faith.God bless!
December 11, 2010 at 4:55 am
Alex Donahue
I hope you have been reunited with your child. It’s been over 2 years since you’ve posted online about it. I’m going through the same ordeal but a abduction back to the Philippines with my son.
I’m flying over in a few months to seek a custody battle in court.
email me i’d like to chat with you.