Achiever daughter goes to construction worker dad, surprises him with her medals

Sheila Rebayla, 16, surprised his construction worker dad on site in Naawan, Misamis Oriental with medals she received from her school’s completion ceremony last July 1. Image: courtesy of Sheila Bartolaba Rebayla via Facebook

What seemed to be an ordinary day for a construction worker father in Misamis Oriental turned out to be a heartwarming moment as his daughter surprised him at work, to show him the medals she earned.

Grade 10 student Sheila Bartolaba Rebayla, 16, from Naawan town, brought to her father, Leonardo, 48, the medals she received for finishing as an honor student at Naawan National High School last July 1.

At the time, Rebayla’s father had to work at the construction site in their town, so he was not able to attend his daughter’s completion ceremony. Little did Leonardo know that his loving daughter would be visiting him at work, as seen in their now-viral Facebook video.

“Although I am aware that I still have a long way to go, I want to thank you for always being our pillar of strength, cheerleader, and staunchest ally,” Rebayla stated in her post.

The video captured the moment when she walked up to her father and put on him the fruits of her hard work — her numerous medals. Apart from being an honor student, Rebayle also received academic excellence, leadership and general excellence awards.

“[Noong] araw na ‘yun po, ginawa ko po [‘yung sorpresa] as a way po ng [pagpapasalamat at pagsaludo] ko po kay papa, kasi alam ko na ang tagumpay ko ay tagumpay din ng mga magulang ko,” she told the Inquirer in an interview.

(On that day, I did the surprise as a way of thanking and saluting my dad because I know that my success is also the success of my parents.)

Sheila Rebayla posed for a photo on the stage of Naawan National High School in Misamis Oriental while holding her certificate. Photo courtesy: Sheila Bartolaba Rebayla/Facebook

“Nais ko pong malaman nila mama at papa na kahit malayo pa ako sa patutunguhan ko, gagawin ko pa rin ang lahat, at iisipin ko po palagi ang kanilang mga payo para po makamit ko ang version ng  Sheila na pinapangarap ko ngayon; kasama po ang guidance ng aking mga mahal sa buhay at siyempre po, ni God,” she went on to say.

(I would like my mom and dad to know that even if I am still far from where I am headed, I will still do everything, and I will always think of their advice, for me to achieve the version of me that I am dreaming of now; with the guidance of my loved ones, and of course, of God.)

Proud dad

Rebayla’s father could not contain his happiness as he beamed with pride when he held up her daughter’s medals to celebrate her achievements.

“Noong una, hindi ko po inaasahan na dadating ang aking anak na si Sheila. Nagulat po ako pero sobra [rin] po ang tuwa ko dahil kahit hindi ako nakapunta [sa kanyang completion ceremony], sila ‘yung pumunta sa akin,” her dad told the Inquirer in a separate interview.

(At first, I did not expect my daughter, Sheila, to show up. I was surprised but also delighted, because even though I was unable to attend her completion ceremony, they came to me instead.)

“Wala talagang salita ang lumalabas sa bibig ko noon. Natuwa po ako sa kabutihan ng mga anak ko at nasiyahan ako dahil alam ko na maayos ang pagpapalaki namin ng misis ko sa kanila,” Leonardo said.

(I could not utter a single word at that moment. I felt glad about my children’s kindness and I am pleased because I know my wife and I have raised them well.)

The Rebayla family posed for a group photo during a beach vacation in April 2021. Photo courtesy: Leonardo Rebayla/Facebook

“Bilang isang magulang na makakakita sa mga anak mong matagumpay at masaya sa mga nakakamit nila, feeling ko na kumpleto na rin ako,” he added.

(As a parent whose children are successful and happy with their accomplishments, I feel complete as well.)

Leonardo has been working as a construction worker for seven years now, earning only P500 a day, while his wife, Feberlyn, is a dressmaker. They have five children: Shayne, Sheila, Sheryl Mae, John Bernard and John Lenard.

Since his current job only pays him a small amount, he said his family’s budget depends only on how much money they have. Good thing that their elder daughters, Shayne and Sheila, also help them make ends meet by moonlighting as tutors, for which they earn P500 a week.

Meanwhile, their inspiring video has already garnered over 200,000 likes, 71,000 shares and more than 2,900 comments from netizens, as of this writing. JB

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