In a heartfelt letter to the popular advice columnist Papa Joe, a man using the alias "Oscar" has laid bare a complex family and romantic entanglement that has left him emotionally devastated. The letter, published on January 19, 2026, reveals a story of secret sacrifices, a sudden departure to Mindanao, and an unexpected return that reopened old wounds.
A Secret Life and a Sudden Departure
Oscar explains that his niece left her long-time partner to live with him. The situation escalated when she became pregnant. Oscar stepped up, financially supporting the childbirth and providing for the new family. Over time, he and his niece's former partner developed feelings for each other. Oscar essentially became the stand-in father and husband, though they kept their relationship a secret from the public to avoid gossip.
This arrangement lasted for approximately four years. Then, without warning, Oscar's niece returned from Mindanao. Her former partner, the mother of the child, felt compelled to accept her back, choosing to silence the past and pretend the intervening years with Oscar never happened. Oscar is now forced to watch them live as a reunited family, which causes him profound heartache.
The Lingering Connection and a Plea for Help
Complicating matters further, Oscar admits that he and his niece's partner cannot avoid occasional secret meetings because their feelings for each other persist. Trapped in this painful triangle, he turned to Papa Joe, pleading, "Palihog tambagi ko unsa'y angay buhaton" (Please advise me on what to do).
Papa Joe's Compassionate but Firm Guidance
In his response, Papa Joe offers direct yet empathetic advice. He tells Oscar that he must accept his feelings but also face the hard truth that the woman may not be destined for him. Papa Joe suggests that his niece may have finally realized her responsibility, and now they share a child together.
He reminds Oscar that the child is still his blood relative, and disrupting the family unit completely could harm the child's upbringing. Instead of a confrontation, Papa Joe advises a path of gentle encouragement and distance. He proposes that Oscar should help the woman accept the reality of the past and, crucially, encourage the couple to relocate to avoid constant, painful encounters.
Papa Joe concludes with understanding, refusing to blame Oscar for his emotions, especially since he had believed the original relationship was over for good. The columnist's guidance emphasizes moving forward with grace, prioritizing the child's stability, and finding a practical solution to ease the daily emotional burden.
