MANILA -- A photo of a scrawny man watching his daughters enjoy a fried chicken meal in a popular fast-food chain recently went viral on social media, garnering thousands of likes and shares from people who were touched by the iconic image that depicts selfless love.
The photo was taken by Jhunnel Sarajan, a real estate professional, who returned the following day to get more details about the family as people expressed interest to help.
In his conversation with the man in the photo, Sarajan found out that he is a stroke victim and a single father to his two kids. He also shared details on how to help the family, including the phone number of JR Arebuabo, the man's uncle.
ABS-CBN News looked for the man and his two children. We found them in a slum area in Barangay 61 in Tondo, Manila.
Ryan Arebuabo, the man in the viral photo, lives in a 4-square-meter shanty made of used plywood and rusty iron sheets. Hanging just beside the worn out door is a portrait of Arebuabo's priceless possessions, his two children Rose May and Rose Ann.
he 38-year-old had a stroke attack four years ago, back when he was still selling boiled corn in the neighborhood. He said he never underwent therapy sessions, and his last visit to the doctor was three years ago.
Due to his condition, Arebuabo was unable to work for months after he was released from the hospital. Half of his body was paralyzed, and he had a hard time speaking.
Another tragedy also struck him. His wife left him, taking their two kids with her.
"Dati sabi niya may tindahan daw siya sa Bulacan," Arebuabo told ABS-CBN News. "Babalik, tapos aalis na naman. Hanggang sa hindi na talaga bumalik. Isinama pa pati mga anak ko."
According to Arebuabo's younger sister Ria, they expected that his wife will leave him. "Alam niyo naman, karamihan sa mga lalaking na-i-stroke ay iniiwan ng asawa," she said. "Kawawa talaga 'yong kuya ko."
Ria said her brother did all he could to convince his wife to return. He even renovated their house and bought a second-hand television to show her that he could support them.
"Siya, kahit ano pang masasamang marinig niya tungkol sa asawa niya, talagang gusto niyang mabuo 'yong pamilya niya. Tatlong beses nga niyang sinundan sa Bulacan 'yong asawa niya, pero wala talaga," she said.
According to Arebuabo, a father's duty is not just to provide food on the table. He is also tasked to make sure that his children will achieve their dreams.
"Gusto ko lang makapagtapos sila sa pag-aaral," he said. "Kahit hirap akong magbasa, tinuturuan ko pa rin sila."
Arebuabo said he wants to prove to his estranged wife and the rest of the world that he can continue being a good father to his children despite being almost incapacitated by stroke.
Arebuabo also believes that one day, he and his children will rise from the slums.
Source : http://news.abs-cbn.com/life/03/13/17/the-story-behind-selfless-father-in-viral-photo