This young father has the best support system!
During his graduation photoshoot, student Medel Jr. Dumrique had a special guest – his 11-month-old daughter, Ashianna. But what makes the moment more memorable was how his friends were very supportive during the shoot.
“Nung photoshoot po namin sinama ko po si baby kahit bawal po, sinama ko po talaga siya. Gusto ko po siya masama sa pinakamasaya at pinakamagandang picture sa buhay ko. Having her po is a really blessing to us and actually ninong niya po lahat ‘yun,” he told The Philippine STAR.
“Nakaka-overwhelm nga po kasi wala akong narininig sa kanila. And supportive po sila sa akin sa kahit anumang bagay. And hindi po nila ako iniwan at importante po dun mahal po nila ‘yung anak ko,” he added.
Medel admitted that having a baby at an early age wasn’t on their plan, but was thankful for their life’s greatest blessing.
“Nung moment po na ipinanganak po siya, dun ko po naisip na deserve niyang maipagmalaki sa buong mundo. Na kung po gaano siya kaganda at kung gaano namin siya kamahal ng mama niya,” Medel recalled.
The uploaded video on social media has already garnered more than 14 million views on TikTok! Netizens were touched by the heart-melting moment of the father and daughter along with his friends.
“You’re so lucky to have a friend like them and also to have a precious little princess padayon kuya,” a netizen commented.
“Nakakatuwa na ganon kasupportive ‘yung circle mo walang judgement kasi wala naman talaga dapat. Congratulations,” another netizen said.
The viral post has also opened new opportunities for their family.
“Masaya naman po kami, lalo na po nung nag-viral ‘yung video. Masaya po ‘yung pamilya ko, ‘yung mga kaibigan ko, ‘yung mga kakilala ko. May mga nag-offer na din po na tutulungan ako makasampa para makapagtrabaho. And ‘yung diaper po ni baby sponsored na din po,” Medel shared.
Medel said that he and his partner face difficulties while juggling their family life and education. But with hard work and dedication, he is now one step closer to his dreams!
Medel graduated last July 28, 2022 with a degree in BS Marine Transportation at the Jose C. Feliciano College Foundation.
“Ang pagkakaroon po ng anak sa murang edad eh hindi po hadlang o rason para tumigil ka na sa pangarap mo.Hindi po titigil ang mundo dahil lang po nagka-anak ka na. Gawin mo na lang po itong inspirasyon para sa everyday po matupad mo ‘yung mga kailangan mong gawin, mga step,” he said when asked about his message to fellow young fathers.
“Hindi po nakakahiya ang merong anak habang nag-aaral, mas nakakahiya po ‘yung titigil ka na sa pangarap mo. So gawin mo na lang po ‘yung inspirasyon, magtiwala ka sa sarili mo, magtiwala ka sa Panginoon,” he added.
