Papa Santi

My papa was fondly called “Boss Santi” by his staff, or “Santi” just short for “Santiago” by his friends and family; I call him “Papa.”

He was born and raised in a small town in Tigaon, Camarines Sur, my papa is from a political clan in the town of Camarines Sur from long ago – Governor Paz Cea de Conde (1st woman Governor in the Philippines), Governor Gerardo Fuentebella Cea, Senator Edmundo Cea (Senator), et al; As a corporate man, he was working as a Vice President for a multinational logistics company.

My papa always had a plan to run for Mayor in his town, he gave back and served until it was his time to go from this beautiful world.

Growing up, I always wished my papa was still alive so I can give back with whatever he deserved as a hardworking father, but though destiny did not make it happen, I always know that my papa is somehow proud of what I have become, and I promise to give back and continue the legacy that he has started – of being a good family and a community man.

My papa left this beautiful world when I was a young man, in my early 20’s when everything was still a blur for me, when figuring out who I was was my priority and making money was in the least of my concern, because at the back of my mind, I always have my father to back me up.

As a young artist, I was a headache, and I know for sure that my father was not proud of my dire love for the arts, and I barely make enough money. It’s out there, artists have always been stereotyped as “starving.” Artists have always been viewed as “talented but poor.” My papa, being a Vice President of a company and a barangay politician, has always wanted me to become an executive leader, a manager, someone of high regards; but I was doing otherwise because then again, I was still discovering who I was and it’s in the arts that I find solace. His well-intended concern was for me to have a firm future, just like any other parents would. Growing up, it was hard to grasp his reasons, but as I grow older, I genuinely understand why.

I am thankful that somehow as years passed by, I have managed to grow up and economically understand that I need to have my creativity work for me, and here we are doing creative things and earning at the same time.

I know I always had papa’s leadership style, and I always wish to continue being a great leader in this young age. Papa, I know you have been gone for more than a decade, but you are always a part of me and who I am capable of becoming.