Two dads, two styles

MANILA, Philippines – Until you have a son of your own... you will never know the joy, the love beyond feeling that resonates in the heart of a father as he looks upon his son. You will never know the sense of honor that makes a man want to be more than he is and to pass something good and hopeful into the hands of his son. — Kent Nerburn

Men and women are created equal, and Cinderella deems that dads and moms are created equal as well. Thus, celebrating motherhood is just as good as we celebrate our love for our fathers. Their roles, whether societal or familial, are truly irreplaceable.

Cinderella pays tribute to real-life superheroes this Fathers’ Day by featuring two great dads, which in the eyes of their kids, is a personification of a family man, a loving husband and an exceptional father rolled into one.

Architect Robert Lilles

More than architecture and design, his ultimate career is fatherhood. A devoted father of six kids and a committed architect, Robert Lilles incredibly manages treading two career paths at a time — profession and fatherhood. Cinderella had a little chat with this certified career dad to reveal his amazing secret of balance in family and work.

What are the places that you and your children frequently visit together?

When we have time, every weekend we go to Subic or Anilao; we stay on our family-owned yacht we call Mykonos. There we sleep, eat and simply have fun. Every summer, we go to our house in Vancouver, Canada.

Among your children who do you think is most likely to follow your footsteps?

I think, Ayrton, the fourth one, because he loves to draw. He shows interest in my work and he appreciates it.

What is your favorite bonding activity with your children?

My kids and I like drawing, watching TV, playing basketball, playing WII, snorkeling and driving around.

What are the traits that you think your children look up to you as a father?

I am a stay-home dad. I make sure to spend my all my free time and weekends with my family. I guess that’s the thing they appreciate the most.

Councilor Francis Zamora

On top of being a public servant, being a father is what he does best. As a busy councilor for the residents of Greenhills, San Juan, Francis Zamora makes it a point to make his family always number one on his tasks list. Cinderella spent the afternoon with the Zamoras to know more about his style of fathering with his kids Amanda, 7, and Rocco, 4.

As a father, are you a disciplinarian or a spoiler?

I am a disciplinarian; I set rules while they’re young. My wife is more of a spoiler.

What are your bonding moments with your children?

Rocco loves to play basketball and is a good driver with his toy car. He idolizes Lightning Queen of the movie Cars. So we play basketball together and every time I drive, I let them pretend driving as well. We also love eating Japanese food.

What is your definition of fatherhood?

For me, fatherhood is raising your children properly with good values. These are the most important things in life, more than all the material stuff.

What personal values do you wish your children will have as well?

I’d like them to be also of service to others like what I do. As the cliché’ goes, like father, like son/daughter.

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Father’s Day at Cinderella features 20 percent off on selected Pierre Cardin items. Promo available at Cinderella outlets: Glorietta, Megamall, Alabang, Filinvest, Robinson’s Ermita Midtown, Virramall, Sta. Lucia, Fairview, North Edsa, Manila, San Lazaro, Mall of Asia, Lipa Batangas, Clark Pampanga, and TriNoma.