The San Agustin Church in Manila is shining. It is the wedding day of Vanessa, a woman known for being a social climber and perfectionist.

The gown she is wearing is made by a famous designer, worth half a million.

The guests are all elite, her wealthy friends and business partners of her future husband James, an architect.

While arranging the bridal car, Vanessa is asked by her Maid of Honor.

“Van, where is your Daddy? Why can’t we see him? Who will take you to the altar?”

Vanessa beamed.

“Didn’t I tell you? He’s dead. And also, please, don’t mention that old man anymore. It ruins the vibe. Maybe later, he’ll come smelling of sunshine and garbage. My image in James’ family will be ruined.”

The truth is, Mang Berting is still very much alive.

He was outside the church gate, wearing his old Barong that was already yellowing.

He just wanted to catch a glimpse of his daughter from afar.

He had been a lowly garbage collector for 30 years.

The previous night, Mang Berting had begged Vanessa.

“Son, even if I’m just at the door. I want to see you,” said the father.

“Go away!” Vanessa shouted. “You stink! You’re embarrassing! You’re just trash, Dad! Don’t make a scene at my wedding because I’ll have you dragged to the guard!”

Although it hurt, Mang Berting accepted his daughter’s insult for his happiness.

Back to the present.

The processional had begun.

The bridesmaids walked in.

When the door opened for Vanessa, her peg was a grand entrance.

But something was wrong.

James wasn’t at the altar.

There was no groom.

The guests whispered.

“Where is James? Why isn’t he here yet?”

The Best Man approached Vanessa who was in the middle of the hallway.

He was very pale and handed her a letter.

“Vanessa… James asked for it. He said he wouldn’t be coming.”

“WHAT NOT?!” Vanessa screamed. “Is he crazy?! All the guests are here!”

Vanessa grabbed the letter and read it in front of the crowd.

Every word was like a slap in the face.

Vanessa,

I’m sorry, but I can’t marry you.

Last night, I went to your condo to surprise you.

But I caught you yelling at an old man in the lobby.

I heard everything.

You called your own father ‘trash’.

You threw him out like a dog.

I followed your Dad.

I talked to him.

She was crying, Vanessa.

But do you know what she said?

“Son, take care of my child, okay? I’m sorry if I can’t give you anything.”

Vanessa’s hand shook as she read.

Her tears flowed, not because of sadness, but because of the fear that she would be found out.

She continued reading, and this is where her world collapsed.

I learned the truth.

You boasted to me that the 1 Million Pesos to spend on this wedding came from your “business”.

That you are a “self-made woman”.

You lied.

That 1 Million?

That came from Mang Berting.

He sold their land in the province and his only jeep just to give you your dream wedding.

He saves on food, picks up goods, just to save for you.

Then you’re going to call him TRASH?

If you were able to reject the person who gave you life and worked hard for your luxury, how could I be your only wife?

I don’t like an ungrateful woman.

We’re done.

James

Vanessa dropped the paper.

PLAK!

The entire church fell silent.

Everyone heard the contents of the letter because there was a lapel mic attached to the Best Man who forgot to turn it off.

“Oh my God…” the social guests whispered.

“He’s so bad, he’s got a bad attitude.”

“Poor Daddy. He’s disgusting.”

Vanessa looked at the church door.

She hoped it was all just a joke.

But James wasn’t there.

Instead, she saw Mang Berting outside the gate, in the middle of the hot sun.

He was looking at her, crying, but the love was still there.

The old man was about to turn around to leave.

“Pa…” Vanessa whispered.

She wanted to run.

She wanted to chase her Dad.

But she couldn’t move under the weight of shame and regret.

Everyone left her.

The guests had already left, not wanting to be caught up in the scandal.

Vanessa was left in the middle of the elegant church, wearing the expensive gown paid for with the blood and sweat of the father she called trash.

That’s when she realized that in her desire to look “gold” in the eyes of others, she threw away the real diamond of her life—her father.

And now, she was the one left like trash in the eyes of everyone.

Disclaimer: The stories here are just fiction and not news. What’s important is the lesson and emotions that can happen to anyone. Thank you, SAY friends! 😊💙