An overseas Filipino worker (OFW) returning from Japan planned a heartwarming surprise for her father, a jeepney driver, by pretending to be a regular passenger. However, instead of a joyful recognition, she was taken aback when her father failed to immediately recognize her—even after she removed her disguise.
Lizette Eclarino had been away from the Philippines for five years. Upon arriving home, she first surprised her mother and other family members before setting up a special moment for her father, Tatay Boying, who was busy driving his jeepney route.
Wearing a hat, sunglasses, and a face mask, Lizette boarded her father’s jeep, hoping to keep her identity hidden. To add to the surprise, she even handed him a Japanese bill as payment.
“Nagtaka na rin po siya noon na may sulat-Hapon daw ‘yung pera, pero hindi niya po raw ini-expect na ako ‘yon,” Lizette shared in a “For You Page” ng GMA Public Affairs report.
As the other passengers disembarked, Lizette slowly removed her disguise, expecting her father to recognize her. But instead of an immediate realization, Tatay Boying hesitated, commenting that she strongly resembled his daughter.
“Akala ko ‘yung anak ko na eh. Parehas na parehas kayo,” he said, still not fully grasping the surprise.
Lizette was momentarily worried. “Nagtatanggal na po ako isa-isa ng covers sa mukha. Tapos nagtaka rin po ako, ‘Wala naman akong cover ‘yung mukha ko, bakit parang hindi pa rin ako nakikilala ni papa ko,’” she recounted.
Seeing her father still confused, Lizette finally stepped down from the jeep and approached him directly. Only then, after a moment of intense staring, did Tatay Boying realize the truth. Overcome with emotion, he burst into tears and embraced his daughter tightly.
“Nandito ka na,” he said, his voice breaking with emotion.
For Lizette, the moment was priceless. “Sobrang saya po, kasi talagang ang laking tulong ng Japan para po sa amin, para rin po sa relasyon ng family ko at sa akin po. Mas nakakatulong po ‘yung pag-Japan ko kasi napakita ko po ‘yung love ko,” she shared.
