Weekly Photo Challenge: Hidden


This wind instrument is one of my most treasured possessions. I have kept it hidden since the day my father handed it to me 17 years ago. What makes it extra special is, my father had to borrow some gold coins just so he could give me this flute, which is the primary requirement in my music subject back in high school.

Making money back in the day is like mining blood diamonds in the piedmonts of Africa. He had to work hard for decades just to pay for the flute. The least I could do in return is to not let the sweat evaporates into oblivion. I then worked really hard too to get an “A” in that subject. Fortunately, I succeeded not only in bagging a high grade but also in keeping this precious as new as it were before–to date.

62 Comments Add yours

  1. siggiofmaine says:

    What a wonderful memory to have…
    and you have definitely shown the respect due your father’s hard work.
    Thanks for sharing.
    Peace,
    Siggi in Downeast Maine, USA

    Like

    1. Sony Fugaban says:

      You’re welcome, Sig. He’s the best father in the world and I owe him BIG time.

      🙂

      Like

  2. Nandini says:

    Wow, such a lovely story. And great picture and the instrument too 🙂

    Like

    1. Sony Fugaban says:

      Shukriya, Nandini!

      Like

      1. Nandini says:

        🙂

        Like

  3. Jo Bryant says:

    What a great photo and I love the story – he sounds like the perfect Dad 🙂

    Like

    1. Sony Fugaban says:

      For me, he’s perfect. Thank you for thinking of him that way, Jo!

      Like

  4. Northern Narratives says:

    Great post 🙂

    Like

    1. Sony Fugaban says:

      Thank you, Northern Narratives!

      Like

  5. What a great tribute to your father, Sony. He obviously saw the potential in you, not just succeeding in a music class, but beyond. And it was honorable of you to live up to his expectations by getting an A. In my opinion, you both are great men. Thanks for sharing this inspiring story.

    Like

  6. Btw, thanks so much for the pingback. Much appreciated. 🙂

    Like

    1. Sony Fugaban says:

      You are so welcome, changeversation! That’s the most valuable/tangible thing he’d given me and I am determined to preserve it at all cost. I showed that flute to my high school friends in our reunion one time and they were not surprised but shocked to see how nice my flute still is.

      Like

  7. jakesprinter says:

    Excellent shot Sony for this week theme and i think that gift will last forever .

    Like

    1. Sony Fugaban says:

      As long as I am here, I’ll make sure it will … Thanks for the push on that, Jake!

      Like

  8. What a generous and loving father you have. That flute is a reminder of the great dreams he has for you and how much he worked hard to make sure it comes true for you. A very heartwarming version of “hidden.” It shows that even if our fathers are not verbal of their affection, they show it through their selfless actions. God bless you and your family.

    Like

    1. Sony Fugaban says:

      Exactly, IT. My father is not the showy (of affection) type so things like this one is rare. He never gave me a present on my special days and during Christmas but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t love me. That’s way small for the sacrifices he had given me (to his children) especially in my education. What I value most is the bigger picture of how he supported my dreams.

      Thanks, for sharing a piece of your beautiful mind.

      Regards to the fam.

      Like

  9. Ben says:

    Can you still play it?

    In our music class, all we had was a guitar XD

    Like

    1. Sony Fugaban says:

      Of course! I get to pull it out every now and then. It’s the only musical instrument I can play.

      Like

  10. shoma says:

    I guess our dads love us soooooooooo much…..Lucky to have them!

    Like

    1. Sony Fugaban says:

      I soooooooo agree, Shoma. We are indeed lucky to have them. Thank you so much for supporting my entry!

      Like

  11. Maggie L R says:

    It is wonderful to hear such a great story, I am glad you appreciated the effort and love your father put into this gift when you were young and have kept it safe and hidden. (do you pull it out of hiding and play it now and then?)
    great post.

    Like

    1. Sony Fugaban says:

      Yes,I do use it from time to time, Maggie, so that I won’t lose what I learned. Thanks for the kind words!

      Like

  12. That’s a great way to honor your father.

    God bless you. 🙂

    Like

    1. Sony Fugaban says:

      God bless you too, Sorren.

      Thank you!

      Like

  13. nelson RN says:

    I love the story behind the flute… so inspiring!

    Like

  14. Mizz says:

    Great story behind the flute! You should probably frame it 🙂

    Like

    1. Sony Fugaban says:

      Hehe … That’s a nice idea though. TERIMA KASIH, Mizzy!

      Like

  15. cocomino says:

    Nice instrument and story.My wife also has similar one. 🙂

    Like

    1. Sony Fugaban says:

      I’d be delighted to see your wife’s flute on your blog. Thanks by the way, my friend!

      Like

  16. thirdhandart says:

    Such an inspiring entry! So glad that your father supported your dreams. Thank you for the pingback.

    Like

    1. Sony Fugaban says:

      You are welcome, thirdhandart. Thank you too for dropping by! I appreciate that.

      Like

  17. Louise says:

    Sony, what a touching story. I am sure your Dad is so proud of you. He sounds like an amazing guy!

    Cheers,
    Louise

    Like

    1. Sony Fugaban says:

      He truly is, Louise. Thank you for saying that!

      Like

  18. What a great story to share. Very cool capture too.

    Like

    1. Sony Fugaban says:

      I appreciate your beautiful words, JRP. Thanks!

      Like

  19. john tugano says:

    you’re such a sentimentalist bro,I know how it feels when you need to work hard just to get something especially when its for the benefit of your family…I admire your father that even in the midst of hardship he has been able to give and equip you with the things you need..And you’re such a good son for cherishing that flute as one of your treasures..Hand it to your son too and so the lessons of playing it for you to make good memories together..nice idea for the challenge,bro..

    Like

    1. Sony Fugaban says:

      I like the adjective there, bro! Sentimentalist … Yeah, I am particularly when it comes to my loved ones. I’ll take your suggestion, bro. Sounds interesting. Dios mabalos!

      p.s.

      I am waiting for your entry this week … Are you participating or not? I’m just curious.

      Like

      1. john tugano says:

        hehehe I’ve got a lot of things running in my mind,got so many plans but nothing materializes but I’ll strive to have new post.Bumabalik na naman kc sakit ko ” katamaran” hehehe..

        Like

      2. Sony Fugaban says:

        Di nga? Di ka naman mukkhang tamad. H’m …

        Like

  20. 2e0mca says:

    Beautiful Story – I wonder what the flute sounds like? Nice post.

    Like

    1. Sony Fugaban says:

      Thank you very, Sir Martin! It sounds is a little like a sine wave (a very pure vibration) when played softly, but successively less like it as it is played louder.

      Like

  21. This post pulls at the heartstrings Sony! That was very thoughtful and kind of your dad. What a wonderful way to inspire and support you in your musical endeavors. Also, it’s nice to see that you have taken such wonderful care of your flute. What a beautiful symbol of the generously warm spirit that the two of you share. And now you get to share the gift of music with your son! Anyway, thanks for sharing such a lovely post. 🙂

    Like

    1. Sony Fugaban says:

      I just wish my son would love it too. I let him play with it once but instead of trying the mouthpiece, he used it as a substitute for his missing drum stick. Thanks a lot for the profound words, Donna! Your words are something I always watch out for.

      Like

  22. aRVee says:

    This is very cool Sony boy… How great to know you managed to keep this stuff for quite sometime. I’m sure you made him proud, so kudos to you! 🙂

    Like

    1. Sony Fugaban says:

      Oh yeah! I love cleaning it since. Like I said, I am determined to preserve it. Daghang salamat, Arvee!

      Like

      1. aRVee says:

        You’re welcome 🙂

        Like

  23. You are an amazing and generous blogger friend. Reading your comment about the pumpkin and its analogy made me realize that blogging is in a way being a Christian in spirit. We are here to inspire, to make a difference, to help and make someone better and happier. Your post as well as those I consistently follow also brings a smile to my day and brings forth bright and optimistic possibilities. ” Salamat din” and God bless you and your family always…

    Like

    1. Sony Fugaban says:

      I couldn’t agree more, Doc, with your first few statements. Thank you for always inspiring me to do a lot better than what I already can!

      Like

  24. Bama says:

    Flute is the ONLY musical instrument that I can play. Looking at this picture brings back some old memories.

    Like

    1. Sony Fugaban says:

      Glad to hear that, Bama! We should play one song with our flutes one time. Hehe …

      Like

  25. rastelly says:

    A friend of mine never dreamed she could have any musical talent
    until she found a dusty old violin stored away in a warehouse owned
    by her uncle.

    The man rented storage space and would sell unclaimed
    goods – even a relatively “cheep” violin, is still a very valuable
    find – mostly unclaimed boxes were filled with old documents
    and there was nothing worth selling. He sold her the instrument
    for only several weeks of her allowance.

    It was not until she was older that she learned the true
    value of instrument, was many times what she had given
    her uncle, the man prided himself on knowing the value
    of his merchandise – and was known to everyone else for
    his hard bargains.

    Like

    1. Sony Fugaban says:

      That’s one nice story, Rastelly. Thanks for sharing it here!

      Like

  26. rastelly says:

    Thanks for the story.
    Your flute is a treasure.

    Like

  27. Awww, this is a very touching story. I’m sure your father is also lucky to have a son who knows how to appreciate and value his hard work. Taking care and keeping an object for a long time is really a challenge so I really commend your effort in taking care of this memorabilia.

    Like

    1. Sony Fugaban says:

      Salamat ng marami, Lovely.

      Like

  28. rommel says:

    Treasurable and worthy, the subject, the story itself and the value you showed from it.

    Like

    1. Sony Fugaban says:

      Hence, I will do what it takes to preserve that gift. Salamat!

      Like

  29. Tatay Joni says:

    😦
    never had any… (maybe life which by the way I owe to God)

    I wont let my 3 sons & daughter experience that…

    Like

Feedback is most welcome!