Heart and Soul: Happy Fathers Day to my 'Ninja Turtle' dad

The writer and her dad taking a breather during a hiking trip at Bukit Wawasan, Puchong (also known as Ayer Hitam Forest Reserve). — John Tan

My dad, John Tan, is my role model, my friend, my tutor, and one of the two important mentors in my life (the other being my mother). He is my ultimate "Ninja Turtle" – my hero. I’ve always looked up to him for advice and guidance whenever I hit a road bump.

He has rules set at home and practises proper manners even when guests are not around, setting a good example for us children. Manners such as not lifting up our bowl to drink soup but to use a spoon, tidying up our beds once we wake up, washing our cups and dishes, using proper words when we speak, and so on.