Dad worked abroad in a shipping line. Everytime he’d come home, he really made me feel his presence as a father. He’d tag me along wherever he went. He’s my biggest idol because he had a combo – he was a guitarist and vocalist – and I used to watch him.
When you go to my hometown of Bacoor, Cavite, I think everyone knows my Dad because he was like Mr. Friendship – he was really nice to everyone. From what I’ve heard from friends who were really close to him, Dad was the type who, if there was food, isusubo na lang ay ibibigay pa niya.
My Dad has been my guiding force. I vividly remember him telling me, "You can go a long way!" Everytime I look back, parang sobra yung dream niya for me. He was always saying, "I’ll guide you." At that age I didn’t understand so I would just nod my head. It was like he was telling me, "You will help a lot of people."
Dad would train me to sing. He was the one who wanted me to be an artista. When I have flashbacks, I think that it (being in showbiz) was really meant to be.
Dad was only in his mid-30s when he died. When he was sick I asked my Mom and cousins why he looked so different. They were trying to hide the truth because they thought it would traumatize me.
I saw my Dad die right in front of me. He had been comatose. Everyone was crying but since I was a kid, I didn’t know what was going on. I thought he was just sleeping.
I still dream of my Dad. I can’t understand why but everytime I dream about him, it’s like he‘s still alive. I dream about him usually when I’m really tired or depressed. It’s as if he’s been guiding me all along.
I strongly believe Dad is still around. This may sound eerie but there was a time I came from a party during college and I was so drunk. I was supposed to drive but when I got into the car, it wouldn’t start for some reason. I fell asleep in the car; I literally passed out. My companion at that time didn’t know how to drive. Finally, a friend of mine came and said, "O si Diether, naiwan sa parking. What is he doing here?" Then he brought me home.
It was like Dad had prevented me from driving. Everytime I went to school kasi, I prayed – parang I’d talk to him. I’d tell him things that happened, my problems. If I had achieved something for the day, I’d say, "Dad, guess what?"
When my Dad passed away, I was raised by his sister. I grew up with them. "Your dad had dreams for you," my aunt would tell me. Since then, kung ano yung binilin daw ng Dad ko sa kanila, I try to do.
I was in third year Physical Therapy in De La Salle Dasmariñas when I got the opportunity to try showbiz. I had to weigh things and then decided I’d try showbiz first and see if I would make it.
I think my Dad would be proud of me now. Dapat lang dahil sobrang hirap ng dinaanan ko! In my six years in showbiz, two were years of struggle. It was hard to establish myself. I started from scratch and I had to do something to consolidate the financial status of our family. There was a time I wanted to quit with all the intrigues. It also got too physically tiring for me and I wondered why I was working so hard. But I didn’t quit because of my fear that I would disappoint my Dad.
Of course I think life would have been better if dad were around but maybe it was meant to happen. Somehow I believe that life is already destined. It’s only up to us to make it better or worse.
On TV I’m busy with ASAP every other Sunday and with Buttercup. I’m also busy with my businesses – a water refilling station, a gym and a spa and a publication. I’m also an endorser of Pizza Hut, Bench Fix Salon, Time Depot and Oakley. I recently launched my band, Blow – I am the lead singer – and if dad were around, he’d probably say, "Rock on, son!"
I’ve bought my Mom (Olive Pascual) a house; it was a birthday gift to her. I also gave her a car. Whatever my Dad was supposed to provide for her, I did.
At 27 I never in my wildest dreams thought I would achieve all these. That’s why I make sure that I always look back. I just want to be a good example to my family, especially to the kids. I’ve had my palpak days but I try to make up for it.
My Dad was very positive. He had a big heart for indigent people. That’s why every Christmas, with the help of Pizza Hut, I try to make sure I get 100 kids or more and treat them.
If myDad were alive, what would I tell him? I’d be too stunned to say anything! But if I had a day to spend with him, we’re gonna rock and jam together. That’s my dream! – As Told To Ann Montemar-Oriondo