FATHER’S Day is just around the corner.
So for all the fathers out there, the red-letter day, which this year falls on June 17, isn’t only a day for you to demand for gifts from your kids and your spouse. It’s not your “free pass” day either. It’s not a day given to you by Hallmark Cards just because there’s a Mother’s Day. It’s actually a day for you to reflect on the joys of being a dad to your kids.
In fact, all you fathers out there shouldn’t only do this once a year. Once a day is good. All the time would be the best but, OK, with men being men, maybe you can do this once a week. After all, you think you’re coasting along with your parenting skills by just providing your kids with a privileged life, but trying to stay less involved in other parenting duties, thinking it’s the mom who should do all these, you better think again. In fact, you make a huge impact on your kids, whether you like it or not.
So I gathered a number of our favorite celebrities and asked them what they think is their father’s best quality and here are their answers.
Mariel Rodriguez, host and actress. My dad is not the typical father. I can definitely say that I have a cool dad. I guess it helps that he had me when he was 18 so we can still listen to the same music and enjoy the same things. He would drive me around New York and New Jersey so that I could shop until my credit card allowed it, and he let me eat all my favorites like buffalo wings and oysters. My dad makes the best smoothies, too…. And, most of all, my dad was there when I gave birth to my own baby. Yeah, I really have the best dad!
Dominic Ochoa, actor. When I was young, my father was the hardest to understand. He wasn’t a typical dad who demonstrated his love. But I realized that he had his own reasons when he passed away. That was his style, but he showed his love to us in other ways. I’m now actually reaping the benefits of how my father held himself. Everything became clear to me when I became a father, too.
Jon Lucas, actor. The best thing about my father is everything about him. Maalaga, mabait, mapagpa-sensya, matiisin, matyaga and stick to one! (Laughs)
Luke Conde, host and actor. My father passed away in 2011 and what’s best about him and what I miss about him was his faith in God. He’s the one who taught me about my personal relationship with Jesus. I witnessed how positive he was in life. I can still remember when I was 8 or 9 years old when we used to sing “Give Thanks With a Grateful Heart” every night before he would go to his job as a security guard. I think that’s one reason I’m so thankful and grateful for every opportunity given to me. I thank my father for that simple memory because that serves as a constant reminder to me to keep my feet on the ground.
Nikko Natividad, host and actor. Masipag magtrabaho at nagsakripisyo siya sa ibang bansa nu’ng bata pa kami. Thirteen years straight s’ya sa Japan para mapag-aral at buhayin kami.
JC de Vera, actor. My father is the most hardworking person I know. He sent me and my sibling to a prestigious school without any favors from anyone. He was a great provider for the family.
Drew Arellano, host. Besides caring about people more than money, besides being the most thoughtful person in the world, besides being the family’s personal mascot, besides pushing us to be our best, the best thing about my father is that he’s more than a father to us. He was our best friend.
Gabb Drilon, actor and model. One of the best things about my dad was his calmness in the face of adversity. His positivity when there were problems and trials. It’s because of his strong faith in God that he felt everything would be OK and that He would always provide. No matter how bad the situation was, he would always pray. He had a stroke multiple times and was paralyzed and all but because of his positive attitude and conviction, he would always have a full recovery. He eventually passed last November but I’m 100 percent sure he’s in heaven now, happier and healthier. I miss you, Pa! Happy Father’s Day!
Gretchen Fullido, reporter and host. The best thing about my father is he’s like my best friend. I look up to him because his values and spirituality are intact. He’s so smart and wise, yet he’s also game and cool, like a kabarkada. I hope to end up with a guy like him, but it looks like his qualities are hard to top! I love him with all my heart.