Stand-up comedian Negi shared his story of acceptance and love in an episode of TWBA. And it’s inspiring and heartwarming – a contrast to his hilarious punchlines on TV and comedy bars.
Negi grew up with a strained relationship with his father, which made coming out quite scary. His father, the man supposed to love and protect him, would even mock him because of his sexual orientation. He was told, “Umalis ka dito, wala kang silbi.”
Hurt, Negi felt he had something to prove. He wanted to show his family especially his father that he can support himself and survive without needing their help. He moved out. “Pinatunayan ko na kaya kong buhayin ‘yung sarili ko hanggang sa nagkatrabaho po ako. Talagang hindi po ako umaasa sa kanila.”
However, Negi went through a tough time, forcing him to go back home and that’s when he found out that his father was getting sick. “Naiyak po ako. Doon ko na-realize na kahit gaano ka ka-successful, uuwi’t uuwi ka sa pamilya mo.” At the time, he has already reconciled with his mom but his relationship with his dad was a bit harder to fix.
He just had the courage to forgive upon seeing his father in a bad shape. “Nawala lahat ng sama ng loob ko. Bago namatay ang Nanay ko, ipinangako ko, ‘Sige, Ma, magpahinga ka na. Ako na ang bahala kay Papa.’”
Although his father couldn’t say anything, Negi saw remorse and love in his eyes. “Noong nasa ospital siya, habang binubuhat namin siya, umiyak siya. Alam ko na kahit hindi niya sabihin sa akin na, ‘Nak, sorry sa lahat ng ginawa ko,’ ramdam ko na mahal ako ng Tatay ko.”
Negi and his dad made up with the lost time. He also learned that there is freedom and happiness in forgiveness.