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Eulogy to Daddy BY Noel Perlas Youngest Son of Tony Perlas April 1, 2002 - - - - During these past few days, I talked to people whose lives my Dad had touched. He was to them, a teacher, a hero and a friend, as he was to me. My Dad was a strict teacher. He taught me how to pray and to be spiritual. I remember how he would scold me if I missed Sunday Mass, but he always made me understand why he did this. He taught me about life and the importance of family. He told me once when my brother and I would fight, (which was a lot) that we should value one another since we would only have one another to depend on. He taught me how to love, the way he did my Mom. He was a dedicated husband which made me a dedicated boyfriend and now husband as well, to Via. I hope our marriage will be as solid as my parents' was. He taught me how to laugh. You could often catch my Dad with a naughty look as MANY fell prey to his jokes. Once he told Tita Marelou to be careful about opening doors during the 3 days of darkness. If she was to hear her daughter's voice saying: "Mommy! Mommy! WAH!" My Dad would say, it might be the devil. He also taught me to love books. My Dad's study was always stacked high with books that we could not touch, for even if there appeared to be no order, he would know if something was moved. So now Via complains that I too, have too much reading material to fit out small space. He was my hero. He accomplished so much at a young age. Some would say he was a genius. Twice accelerated and graduating Magna Cum Laude from UP College of Medicine. He established the Zen Center here in the Philippines together with his good friend, Sr. Elaine. He was also Director of the Philippine Mental Hospital and the President of the Pfizer Foundation. Being able to do even half of this is already a great feat for one lifetime. In spite of these great deeds, my Dad still lived a simple life which a lot would say, was filled with inner peace. My Dad was my friend. He supported me through everything I wanted to do. Although I did not follow in his steps by becoming a doctor, he still made it possible for me to pursue my dream to be a graphic designer. He brought me to New York to study painting. He would also always bring me all over the world during his Pfizer trips and exposed me to different arts and cultures. And let me tell you a secret, he is still here whispering to my Mom to tell me to get the scholarship to an art school that I have been wanting to get into. And I thank you Daddy, for all that. Thank you for being my father. Thank you for being my friend. Thank you for being my hero. Thank for attending our wedding; which I know you have been waiting for for a long time. Thank you for letting me grow and helping me become who I am today. I hope I have made you proud.