He built their future. Now, he’s pleading for food. What went wrong?

In the scorching heat of a typical day in the Philippines, a frail elderly man sits by the roadside, clutching a small cardboard sign that has left the internet shaken:

“May mga anak akong 2 doktor at 2 nurse sa America. Ang hiling ko lang: Makakain ako. Sana matulungan ninyo ako.”
(I have two doctors and two nurses as children in America. All I ask is to have something to eat. I hope you can help me.)

That man is Tatay, a former OFW who spent the best years of his life toiling under the harsh sun of Saudi Arabia. Like countless Filipino parents, he dreamed of a better life for his children—one built on education, hard work, and sacrifice. And he succeeded. His four children became professionals, living the “Filipino dream” in the U.S., working as doctors and nurses. But behind that success lies a silence that has become unbearable.

A Father’s Sacrifice – and a Deafening Silence

Tatay reportedly worked abroad for decades, rarely coming home, missing birthdays, holidays, and milestones—all to provide for his family. He sent every centavo he earned, believing that one day, his children would return the love, or at the very least, not forget him.

But today, instead of enjoying the warmth of his family, he’s sleeping on sidewalks, asking strangers for bread.

“Wala na akong hanapbuhay. Matanda na ako. Hindi ko naman hinihingi ang kayamanan nila. Kaunting tulong lang para mabuhay,”
(I have no livelihood. I’m old. I’m not asking for their wealth. Just a little help so I can survive.)

The Internet Reacts – “Where Are the Children Now?”

As the video of Tatay spread like wildfire on YouTube and Facebook, netizens from all over the world—especially fellow OFWs—expressed shock, heartbreak, and anger.

“They wouldn’t be who they are if not for him,” wrote one commenter.
“How can they forget the man who built their lives from the ground up?” said another.

Many Filipinos could relate. Some saw their own parents in Tatay. Others feared becoming him.

A few speculated: Was there a falling out? A misunderstanding? Or had success simply blinded his children to the one who made it all possible?

A Cry That Crosses Oceans

Supporters are now calling on Filipino communities in the U.S., especially in the medical field, to help trace Tatay’s children and bring awareness to his story. Advocacy groups and even local barangays have reportedly offered him shelter and food, but what he longs for is not just sustenance—it’s recognition. It’s love.

“Hindi ako galit. Miss ko lang sila. Sana matandaan nila kung sino ako,”
(I’m not angry. I just miss them. I hope they remember who I am.)

A Nation Reflects

This isn’t just one father’s plea. It’s a reflection of many families broken by distance and time. In the pursuit of greener pastures, have we lost sight of the very roots that gave us the wings to fly?

The story of Tatay reminds us that while dreams can take us far, we must never forget the people who planted those dreams in the first place.

As this story continues to gain traction, the question remains:
Will his children respond? Or will the man who built their future remain just a forgotten figure in the past?

👉 Share this story. Let’s make sure Tatay’s voice is heard across the ocean.