Tatay(Dad):  "Pit, sunduin na natin nanay mo sa school malapit na matapos yun." (Pit, Let's go get mom from school. She'll be done in a bit.)

Having the opportunity to get closer with Lolo Zach in the past year reminded me of the times I've bonded with my own grandpa. Lolo's love was best shown through his actions, whether he was patting the space near him for company or placing an arm around one's shoulder for comfort. Family was always on the forefront of his mind in everything he did. I'm so grateful I was able to know someone so kind, loving, and effortlessly funny, he will be sincerely missed and in our prayers.

Tatay Zac was the kind of man whose presence filled a room before he even spoke. But once he did speak—ah, that was when the real magic happened. He had this effortless humor, the kind that didn’t need rehearsing. He could turn an ordinary story about traffic or work into a full comedy show at the dinner table. His punchlines were never cruel, never sharp—just warm, playful, and always delivered with that familiar grin that made his eyes crinkle at the corners.

Coming home from work was his little ritual of love. No matter how tired he was, no matter how long the day had been, he never arrived empty-handed. Sometimes it was a small plastic bag of warm pandesal tucked under his arm. Other days it was a bar of chocolate, a slice of cake carefully wrapped in paper, or a random snack he thought we might like. It didn’t matter how simple it was. What mattered was that he thought of us. Even before he stepped inside, we already knew—Tatay brought something again. And he would act as if it were a grand surprise, teasing us before revealing the treasure from his bag.

He was sweet in quiet ways too. The kind of sweet that didn’t announce itself. He would notice if someone was unusually quiet and sit beside them without asking too many questions. He would gently pat a shoulder, ruffle hair, or simply stay close. His love wasn’t loud, but it was steady. It was safe.

In his last days, something about him softened even more. The playful humor was still there, but it carried a gentler tone. He loved cuddling—something he used to joke about before, pretending he was too “tough” for it. But there he was, resting beside me, asking me to sing. My songs were always a little off-key, sometimes unfinished, sometimes completely improvised. I would warn him, “Tatay, hindi pa ’to tono,” but he would just smile…

He’s lying down, eyes half-closed, listening carefully as if I were performing on a grand stage. Sometimes he would nod his head. Sometimes he would chuckle when I forgot the ly

You’ve always been so proud of us.  Every time you talk to someone, anyone… you say,  this is my daughter… this is my son… with those proud eyes… 

Love you papa papa papa…. Love you Tay!

1988, If I'm not mistaken, when this photo was taken right after a school event. It was probably one of those "Career Talk" events on an ordinary day, in a public high school where I was enrolled and where my mom also worked as an English teacher... But it was no ordinary day for my father, most especially. It was weeks after he was hired as the production manager of Philippine Daily Inquirer, a broadsheet newspaper known for its "balanced news and fearless views". You see, it had been two years since he lost his job at Manila Bulletin(a newspaper that he had work for for decades) after the EDSA Revolution of 1986. It broke him in many pieces not being able to provide for the family and handing over the reigns to my mom, his beloved, to be the sole provider. Those were hard times, and he knew there was no place in the work force where he is skilled in for a man with just a high school diploma. But he prayed everyday still looking for work and he hid his emotions ever so painfully every time he came home empty... There was a time, he questioned God... But he prayed still.

One faithful night.. Came a knock on the door at our old rented home. I didn't know what was going on. It was an old colleague of his, bringing news that he thought would no longer come.

After that... He never questioned GOD again. It was then, that he started pouring his dreams and his faith with all his heart to his children, his beloved wife, the loves of his life.

My father… “OUR” father or “tatay” answers to “Jun” and “Kārias” to his family, friends and people who love him.   Our father is a classic dad from the “Silent Generation or Builders generation”, though in all honesty, one might question his idea of architecture that kind of worked and kind of didn’t. 

He was my first ARTIST HERO. He taught me how to draw as early as I could remember. He was no professional artist, but I knew he had the talent and he would have been a great one if he had a choice earlier in his life. He would have been a great painter had he studied Fine Arts… Alas, he preferred to be a family provider and father as hard as he could, the way he knew how. He had faults as anyone would have, but he was consistent in his values as a person, as a father, as a family man and as a human being. Something that is as rare as a fire fly in a city.

He is a solid traditionalist and conformist who saw the importance of hard work and through my mother, Teresita, he also saw the importance of education as he only got to finish high school. Commuting in Manila, he would often say to me: “Pangarap ko dating makapasok dyan sa U.S.T.(I’ve always dreamed of setting foot in U.S.T.). He is quite the dreamer, and alas it is undeniable that he has passed his dreams onto all of his children. So one day, I brought him there. He loved every moment and will never forget the pride in his eyes, knowing that I and my wife ,Victoria, worked there as university lecturers.

He was always proud of me ever since I was born upside down. For many people, even family, I am a person who remains upside down in my choices. With out any word said by him, with all my faults, I feel his love, his pride and dreams for me every step I take… Now, in a world that is very much upside down. I believe he brings with him his pride for us all. My brother and my sisters. 

And now that he has gone to the sky, at peace, with no more worries. His dreams are ours and our dreams are his.

"Let's fly a kite."

He loves making kites. Ones that can "HUM". Flying one, he gets into moments of trances. One can guess... dreams.

You were my moon.
Always there even when the sun is out.
Never leaving, always watching.
It’s the hardest at nighttime,
I find myself looking up at the sky to find my moon above.

Good night moon…
You’ve already shared your light
You’ve guided me through the night

Good night moon…
You’ve shown me direction
You’ve provided me protection

Good night moon…
Your light has shone so bright
You’ve kept me in sight

Good night moon…
Your round face inspired us to look
Captured our hearts like a crook

Good night moon…
You were steady through my storms
Wrapped me safe and warm

Good night moon…
Even when the sky was gray
You still found a way

Good night moon…
You taught me how to glow
In darkness, soft and slow

Good night moon…
Though clouds may hide your face
I still can feel your grace

Good night moon…
If I can’t see you tonight
I’ll always remember your light

Good night moon…
It’s time to rest your eyes
Even if it means, it’s our goodbyes

Good night my moon… 🌙

Today, I honor the beautiful memory of my husband, Jun — the love of my life, my partner, and the heart of our family.
Jun loved me in a way that made me feel safe, valued, and deeply cherished. He showed his love not only through words, but through his actions — in the way he cared, protected, and stood by my side no matter what. He was my strength during difficult days and my joy during the happiest ones.
But more than anything, Jun loved our children with all his heart. He was a devoted father who gave them his time, his guidance, and his unconditional love. He was proud of them, patient with them, and always wanted the best for them. The way his eyes lit up when he was with them is something I will never forget.
Our home was warmer because of him. Our lives are forever changed because of him.
I will miss his voice, his laughter, his jokes, his presence beside me. I will miss the comfort of knowing he is just there. The silence he leaves behind is heavy, but so is the love he gave us — a love that will stay in our hearts forever.
Jun, thank you for loving me. Thank you for loving our children. You will always be a part of us. We will carry you in our hearts every day.
I miss you more than words can say.
Forever your wife, Inday...

My Grandfather ("Lolo") taught me how to be truly loved for who I am. He loved my father the same way he loved me, truly and dearly, with no other aspirations but to see us happy. I wasn't a fully formed person when he met me,  yet the love was there with no credit or expectations; something I have carried and will carry until I see him again. 

He was a loving man, full of stories that filled me with wonder and warmth.  He worked in publishing and showed me the beauty of the future I'm now in.

My beloved Tatay Zack, passed away on February 7, 2026, but his love and laughter will remain in our hearts forever. My Tatay was a funny, loving, and truly kind man. He had a special gift for making people smile, especially children. Kids were naturally drawn to him because of his warm heart, playful spirit, and gentle nature. He made every moment lighter and every gathering brighter. More than anything, he loved my mother deeply. Their love was strong, faithful, and inspiring. The way he cared for her showed us what true love looks like — patient, devoted, and full of respect. He was not just a father, but a source of comfort, strength, and joy. His laughter still echoes in our memories. His kindness continues to guide us. His love will always surround our family. Tay, thank you for the love you gave so freely. We miss you every single day, but we carry you with us in our hearts. Rest peacefully, Tatay. We love you forever. 🤜🤛 🌈🫰🫶

My beloved Tatay Zack, passed away on February 7, 2026, but his love and laughter will remain in our hearts forever. 👊🌈🫶
My Tatay was a funny, loving, and truly kind man. He had a special gift for making people smile, especially children. Kids were naturally drawn to him because of his warm heart, playful spirit, and gentle nature. He made every moment lighter and every gathering brighter. 👊🌈🫶
More than anything, he loved my mother deeply. Their love was strong, faithful, and inspiring. The way he cared for her showed us what true love looks like — patient, devoted, and full of respect. 👊🌈🫶
He was not just a father, but a source of comfort, strength, and joy. His laughter still echoes in our memories. His kindness continues to guide us. His love will always surround our family. 👊🌈🫶
Tatay, thank you for the love you gave so freely. We miss you every single day, but we carry you with us in our hearts. 👊🌈🫶
Rest peacefully, Tay. We love you forever. 👊🌈🫶

My beloved Tatay Zack, passed away on February 7, 2026, but his love and laughter will remain in our hearts forever.
My Tatay was a funny, loving, and truly kind man. He had a special gift for making people smile, especially children. Kids were naturally drawn to him because of his warm heart, playful spirit, and gentle nature. He made every moment lighter and every gathering brighter.
More than anything, he loved my mother deeply. Their love was strong, faithful, and inspiring. The way he cared for her showed us what true love looks like — patient, devoted, and full of respect.
He was not just a father, but a source of comfort, strength, and joy. His laughter still echoes in our memories. His kindness continues to guide us. His love will always surround our family.
Tay, thank you for the love you gave so freely. We miss you every single day, but we carry you with us in our hearts.
Rest peacefully, Tatay. We love you forever. 🤜🤛 🌈🫰🫶

I remember you pulling my feet before the sun rises and the rooster crows.  Saying I need to get up before they do.  I had insomnia and I just slept, so imagine me being too tired.
I know you were just looking out for me.  Instilling the discipline that hard work creates a good life.  YOU and mom made me who I am as a person today.  Thank you!

OBITUARY

Zacarias Flores Jr.

November 7, 1938 – February 7, 2026

Funeraria del Angel Bellflower

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