I am 42! 🎂
No big party planned, no flashy celebration — but as I look back, I realized: wow, ang dami ko na palang natutunan sa buhay. From moving to Singapore, then to the UK, raising two beautiful daughters, being a husband, juggling work and family, and just trying to survive adulthood — there are things I wish I knew earlier, and things I’m still figuring out.
So here it is: 42 life lessons I’ve learned in my 42 years.
A little bit of everything — parenting, marriage, career, life abroad — all from my perspective as a simple guy with simple life.
🧠 LIFE LESSONS
- Your version of success doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s.
- Sleep is a luxury — take it when you can. Lalo na kapag may anak na.
- Time is gold. Wag sayangin sa stress.
- Be kind to yourself. You’re doing better than you think.
- Enjoy your own company.
- Learn to let go — not everything needs your energy.
- Take lots of pictures. Even the messy ones.
- Kape is life. Pero uminom ka rin ng tubig, please.
- Save money, but don’t forget to live. Kaya travelling is life.lol
- Nothing beats coming home to your family.
👨👧👧 PARENTING REAL TALK
- Your kids don’t want a perfect parent. They just want you.
- Toddlers will test your patience. Stay calm (or fake it). Hinging malalim.
- Say yes to playing, even when you’re tired.
- Listen to their stories — no matter how long.
- Celebrate the small wins (like surviving bedtime).
- Bring snacks. Always.
- Screen time is okay — in moderation.
- Let them see you apologize.
- You don’t need to buy every toy.
- The best memories are often the unplanned ones.
- Teach kindness more than achievements.
- Potty training is a journey. Don’t rush.
- Your voice becomes their inner voice. Be gentle.
💕 LESSONS AS A HUSBAND
- Marriage is teamwork. Hindi mo kalaban ang asawa mo.
- Listening is more powerful than fixing.
- Say “I love you” and give hugs — even when things are busy.
- Help without being asked.
- Share the parenting load — hindi lang siya ang may pagod.
- Celebrate your partner’s wins.
- Date nights, kahit sa bahay, are a must.
- Apologize sincerely.
- Talk about finances openly.
- Be her peace, not her pressure.
🏡 FAMILY & LIFE ABROAD
- Grandparents miss your kids more than you know.
- Filipino products in your luggage = worth it. Kaya paging over baggage.lol
- Being an OFW parent has guilt — acknowledge it. Kaya saludo sa mga parents na malayo sa mga anak nila to provide and have a better life that they deserve.
- Don’t miss school events. These moments are once-in-a-lifetime.
- UK weather = unpredictable. Always bring a jacket and umbrella.
- Community is important — find your support circle.
- Don’t skip medical assessment appointments — health is wealth. Lalo na ngayon tumatanda na.
- Celebrate traditions even if you’re far from home.
- Your presence is the greatest gift you can give your family.
✨ Final Thoughts
As I step into this new year of life, I’m not trying to be a perfect dad or husband. I just want to be a present one.
These 42 lessons are reminders — for me, and maybe for you too — that life isn’t about having everything figured out. It’s about showing up every day with love, with effort, and with heart.
Wish ko, to have another 42 years of healthy life to be with my family to see my girls grow and have their own family. Maybe I am still writing by then for 82 life lessons.
Thanks for being here.
~ #DadBuhay,
DadBuhay 
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