Tribute to Papa Joe

“GI JOE” must have been a term he often heard throughout his lifetime. Those who met him for the first time thought he was American or European because of Papa Joe’s tall, handsome, Caucasian-looking face and frame. Once Papa Joe started to speak, however, then his being BISDAK, bisayang daku, gave him away. Who would have thought that a very mestizo-looking handsome man would come from Trinidad, Bohol?

 But why not, Papa Joe would counter. Spanish on his father side and Australian on his mother side, Papa Joe Goyeneche and his siblings (of course, all very handsome and beautiful!) spent most of their childhood years in the beautiful, quiet town of Trinidad.

 Then Papa Joe set out to sail the seas literally. He was a ship captain who guided his crew kindly but firmly. He was very skillful in what he did, he was hired to work in various places. It was in Manila when I first met the unforgettable Papa Joe.

 Many possessing his looks and ability will tend to become arrogant and hambugero. Papa Joe, of course, could afford to be such, given his gifts and blessings. Papa Joe, however, was graced additionally with so much warmth, charm, and genuine concern for anyone he met.

 Once you were introduced to Papa Joe, you could not forget his kind eyes and gentle manner. He made you feel at home immediately. Then he would engage you in lively discussion that could go on and on and on. Beer and alcohol also made the time with Papa Joe so much more lively and fun. (I can imagine many relatives nodding their agreement with this statement, including our foster brother Akio Suzuki!) Still and all, the time with Papa Joe always made you remember moments with him. He had a way of making you feel special. He always remembered something about you that he would bring up next occasion that he met you. In my case, he always kindly asked about matters that he remembered well that I was concerned about.

 Papa Joe would have been the life of the party for this coming May 8 Mandaue Fiesta. Oh, how he loved parties and never did I remember him not enjoying any party we attended together. He would also have loved the attention and perhaps thanksgiving moment that his three children, handsome Eddie Boy and very beautiful Van and Carmel would have given set aside this Sunday on Mothers’ Day for their very beautiful and kind Mama Celia, Nong Joe’s very lovely, low-profile, soft-spoken wife.

 However, the Lord has asked Papa Joe to return to Him Tuesday this week. And while the joyous celebration of this year’s Mandaue Fiesta would proceed as usual, and as Mothers’ Day will be celebrated as well, and oh yes, while he would have loved to join the boisterous gang cheer Pacquiao on this Sunday over bottles of beer and whisky or brandy, Papa Joe’s presence will be felt.

 However, now Papa Joe’s beautiful eyes will forever continue to shine, his gentle kindness rewarded, in the company of the Lord up above. For those who wish to bid him goodbye and for those who wish to offer prayers for his eternal rest and peace, Papa Joe will be happy to meet all those he has touched in his life at the St. Peter’s Memorial Chapel.

 Papa Joe, already we miss you dearly but we know your smiling eyes will glow even more now that you are in the best hands and company of the Lord who loves you best. Thank you, Papa Joe, for being a part of our lives. We know that you will continue to be with us all, especially those whom you loved most during your memorable lifetime here on earth.

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