Going Big for Him is Going Big For Myself: Christian’s Salute to his Dad, Garry

Here's a heartfelt story of a son celebrating his father—who has dedicated 30 years as a Ka-Globe—showing how his unwavering love and lifelong sacrifices inspire him to aim bigger.

Me as a clingy and loving son. Hehe!

My papa is the biggest dreamer. He dreams big for me. He has always been my number one idol—the person I look up to the most. Because of him, I aim for more—not because he asks for it, but because he deserves it.

I’m Christian Cruz, an HR Communications Intern at Globe. This Father’s Day, I want to share with the world my hero: Papa Garry, a proud Ka-Globe of 30 years from the Field and Cable Network Operations team.

I Dream Bigger Because of Him

He is the only man in my life who wishes for me to achieve more than he has. To go big for him is to go big for myself. He always wanted me to aim for bigger things.

I want to show him—and everyone—that I’ve learned so much from his lessons. I’ve learned to stand on my own. His dream for me was simple: finish college and live independently. But here I am, reaching for even bigger goals.

Short break lang from his work, kita naman naka-uniform pa ‘yan!

He Has Big Ambitions for Me

My Papa sees something big in my future. He always pushes me to become my best self. What he might not realize is that I’m already carving my own path, always inspired to make him and Mama proud.

My biggest dream? To be the first in our family to graduate from a top state university. After that, I want to give back—to make sure they truly get to enjoy the retirement they’ve worked so hard for.

Even deeper than that, going big for Papa means showing him that everything he taught me led me somewhere meaningful. It means becoming the person he always envisioned—independent, self-sufficient, and ready to build a life of my own. I know that would make him incredibly happy.

Recent photoshoot of our family

He Drove, I Grew—We Loved Animals Along the Way

Some of my best memories with Papa didn’t happen during grand celebrations—they happened in between. Like those long drives when I’d tag along as he visited sites for work. I was too young to help back then, so I’d just wait in the car, but I always remember when most of his co-workers also called him “Tatay,” which made me proud to be his son. It was also during those drives home when we really bonded. He’d tell me stories about his childhood, his struggles, his wins—lessons tucked inside casual conversations.

What made those rides even more special was our shared love for animals. It may seem like a small thing, but that common interest created a strong connection between us. We'd talk about pets, share random trivia, and laugh over animal stories. Over time, those light conversations turned into deeper ones—about life, values, and dreams.

Eventually, I got my own pets, inspired by him. Those pets became my comfort during stressful times—proof that even his smallest influences had a big impact on how I cope and care today.

Ito ‘yong bonding namin.

Looking back, I realize those drives weren’t just about going from one place to another. They were about growth—my growth. He was unknowingly shaping how I communicate, how I listen, and how I open up. I didn’t just ride with him—I learned from him. And now, the way I carry myself, the way I value connection, is all rooted in those quiet moments we shared on the road.

He was my best friend, and taught me everything in life, even the smallest things. It looks simple for others, but it was a life lesson for me na dala-dala ko until now I’m in college.

Big Trust, Bigger Decisions

Papa has always been the biggest influence in my life. He listens—not just hears—but really listens. Whether it’s me or my siblings, he respects our thoughts, especially during important family decisions. That trust means a lot to me. It made me realize the value of every voice, of being heard, and of learning how to listen in return.

The best Santa Claus every Christmas!

It gives me joy inside that whenever we talk about family matters, Papa entrusts us and values our sentiments. He trusts that the lessons he’s passed down are enough to guide us. And maybe that’s why I’ve learned to trust myself too, to make big decisions with both heart and reason.

When it comes to school, of course I feel the pressure. But Papa never adds to it. He simply reminds me: “Just give your best, kung hanggang saan lang ang kaya mo.”

That alone eases the weight. Because for him, trying your best is already more than enough. He trusts that I know my limits, and that I’ll grow from there. That quiet confidence in me? That’s what pushes me to keep going.

His Selflessness Built Our Strength

Papa is already at the age where he could rest, retire, enjoy life, slow down. But he chose to keep working—because he wants to see me through school. That’s the kind of man he is. Selfless. Always putting us first. Always willing to provide. Always believing in the goodness of others, even when they can’t see it in themselves.

Father’s day is very special for me because it gives me a chance to tell papa the things I can’t tell him.

And that’s why I go big. Because he never held back. He gave everything for us. So now, I want to give my all—for him.

I tell him he’s the best in the most appreciative way. It was when we are travelling to Tarlac, we were talking about life, and then I told him “Pa, na-a-appreciate ka namin bilang papa at lolo ng mga apo mo kila kuya,” or sometimes I say “Idol ko ‘yan si papa e!”

Since starting college in Manila, I don’t get to go home to La Union as often. But this Father’s Day, I’m looking forward to being with them again—to share another chapter of my life: how I’m doing in school, how the internship is going.

Our most recent family photo <3

Because no matter where life takes me, I know it’s their understanding—their belief in me—that gets me through the hardest days.

We love you so much, Papa. We’re beyond grateful that out of everyone in the world, you were the one given to us. Thank you for every sacrifice. For every quiet act of love.

And if I were given another lifetime to live—I’d still hope that the Lord would make you my father all over again.

How has your dad inspired you to dream bigger? Share your story in comments and follow Globe’s LinkedIn page for more heartfelt culture stories!