The best dads of both worlds
MANILA, Philippines - Cinderella pays tribute to the super men of our lives (our fathers) and puts the spotlight on two of the best dads of both worlds (media and politics) — RJ Ledesma and Governor L-Ray Villafuerte.
RJ Ledesma: Jack of All Trades, Master of a Lot More
The name RJ Ledesma certainly rings a bell. More than just a hilarious man of all media — from TV, print, web, events, and a radio segment soon, maybe? — RJ wears so many hats. He’s the editor in chief of Uno magazine and a Philippine STAR columnist. And aside from being a successful real-estate developer in their family-owned business, RJ also does hosting and appears sporadically in movies and soaps. But less known about (except to his column followers) is RJ’s most salient role: that of being a father. Fortunately, he is a proud father to his little Fortune.
“Fortune completes my family. Though my love for my wife is infinite, when Fortune came, she made my life even more infinite,” RJ enthuses.
Despite the fact that’s he’s constantly busy with his hectic schedule, you’d be amazed at how he manages to make time for his family.
When asked how he is as a father (Is he the cool or funny type as his public image conjures? Or is he the disciplinarian type, the martial law enforcer?) RJ hastily replies: “I’m a very affectionate and involved father. I want Fortune to grow up the best of what she can be and support whatever she wants to be. I want to be involved in every aspect of her life, for her to be a God-fearing person, be active in the community, and be a good person to others.”
Surprisingly, there’s more to this man as a father than meets the eye.
“My style-savvy wife and I choose clothes for Fortune. That’s why my daughter is always dolled up,” he shares.
“I want Fortune to be what she wants to be and be happy in what she wants to do; make sure she’s dating responsibly and she can only go out on a date when she’s 31,” RJ adds with a laugh.
Governor L-Ray Villafuerte: Master of ‘F’ and Captain of ‘C’
Governor L-Ray Villafuerte is the “master of my family, and the captain of CamSur.” This young entrepreneur-turned-politician began on the road to success early on. For 15 years, he has been managing the export business Lara’s Gifts and Decors (LGD) and has made his indelible mark on the industry, not just locally but internationally as well. LGD produces affordable, world-class quality products for home and beyond.
As the present “chief operating officer” of CamSur, there is no doubt that Governor L-Ray is doing a good job. CamSur is one of the most visited tourist destinations locally and internationally, and we have witnessed how the province has made a name for itself not just in terms of tourism but also in trade and industry as well.
With the responsibilities he has, does he still spend quality time with his family?
“I have wonderful kids (Miguel, Julio, Gabby and Luigi) and we enjoy doing things together like wakeboarding and traveling. I always see to it that I get to spend quality time with my family,” the governor says.
Most of his children are already teenagers.
“I’m definitely a cool dad,” Villafuerte admits. “I treat them like grownups. My wife and I treat them as friends. It’s a work in progress; you just have to try and understand their individualities. My children are as ambitious and as driven as I am.”
Cinderella salutes RJ Ledesma and Governor L-Ray Villafuerte for the remarkable roles not just in society, but also in their respective families.
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Hair and makeup and styling by CLAIRE ENAYO
Photos by MARTY ILAGAN
