What is the most touching thing your dad has done for you?

Time flies so fast. Growing up, our lives revolved around our immediate family members. With every step we made, it was our parents that we looked up to for guidance and direction in our lives. While sons dream of having a wife like Mom, daughters usually pray to have a husband just like Dad. Read on as some friends share with us what is it that their dad has said or done that touched them.

Makati Mayor Jun Binay on VP Jejomar Binay

My father is the eternal optimist. It must have something to do with his childhood. It was his optimism that gave him the courage and conviction to overcome the difficulties he faced as a young boy. And it was his optimism that led him to where he is today. Of course, optimism is not enough. One also needs to work hard. And my father is a hardworking man. He has been a good provider for our family and he taught us, by his example, the value of family, hard work and education. These are the same values that I am now imparting to my children. In my times of trial, my father is my source of strength.  I don’t know how I could have overcome the loss of my wife without my father’s caring and guiding hand.

Camille Farinas Mathay, CEO, RCF 3PL Inc. on Rep. Rudy Farinas

I remember when I was in high school, we had a parent-daughter interaction for school. My dad was governor of our province, Ilocos Norte, back then so he was really busy and he had a very important series of meetings to go to in Manila at that time. Usually, it’s common for politicians to neglect their kids using the I-am-busy-with-work card, but that was never the case with my dad. He always makes us feel that in his life, my seven siblings and I come first. He went to Manila to attend the meeting, then drove 495 kms. to Laoag just to be with me for my school affair, then drove back again to Manila to see to his other appointments! When I first entered college 15 years ago, my dad surprised me with a cake that said “Congratulations, soar high like a blue eagle. I am proud of you.” I can’t help but smile at the memory. The first time I gave birth eight years ago, my dad was in Laoag. When he found out, he got on a private plane, flew to Manila, got a room in the hospital  just to be there for the whole thing and be around in case something went wrong. When we travel, he always asks if we’ve arrived safely to wherever it is we’re going. Always. It’s these little big things he does and so much more that mean the world to me. I am so blessed for I am immeasurably loved by the most wonderful father whose consistent thoughtfulness and regard for us his children is inimitable. I love my dad more than words can ever say and I have always been and always will be tremendously proud of him. Thank you, da! I truly could not ask for more.

Actor Richard Gutierrez on Eddie Gutierrez

The one time my dad really moved me was the first time I asked him advice on how to handle showbiz life. I was 19 years old. He told me,  “Say goodbye to your privacy…it’s part of the job and it will be worth it in the end. That’s the tradeoff if you’re in this business.” He also told me, “To never forget the journey, where I came from and the important people I meet along the way.” Till this day, my dad’s words are planted deep inside me. Dad keeps me grounded, thankful and focused.

Katrina Razon, artist/owner of SoundScape Boston on Ricky Razon     

It is difficult to draw down the “sweetest thing” my dad has ever done for me because his love, support and character outweigh any action or gesture. He always encourages me to push myself to do my best in anything I set my heart upon, and that, to me, is an incredible gift. No one makes me smile and laugh the way my dad does, and I consider myself very lucky to know that he will always be there for me no matter what.

Carissa Cruz-Evangelista, businesswoman, on Philip Cruz Jr.

When I was in grade school, I remember we had so many school programs and teacher’s meetings at Colegio San Agustin that our parents were invited to.  I asked my father, who was very busy working,  if he could attend one of the programs. I was worried that he would not be there. But my dad said, if it was important he would always make time for me.  He showed me his calendar and asked what day the program was. I was so touched.  I knew my father had so much work. He would do inspections for his construction projects,  would come home late preparing for bids and travel because of work. But growing up, when it was important, I would ask him to attend programs at school and to help me with science projects.  Looking back, the most important gift my father ever gave me and still continues to give me is his time. It may be difficult for parents to spend time with their kids because of many things that parents have to do in life but I realized growing up with busy parents what is important is the quality, not the quantity of time. When I was young, maybe seven or eight, I remember my dad would need to do construction site inspections at night and he would wake me up and I would stay with him in the car, while half asleep in my pajamas, and accompany him on site inspections. As I got older, I would walk up flights of steps of buildings under construction because I was there to spend time with him. I’d finish off boxes of chocolates with him watching TV, come into his room and ask his opinion of things I learned in school or read in the papers. Or simply, I would just quietly read a book next to him while he watched TV.  I have wonderful memories growing up with my dad because he gave me the best gift a father can ever give a child: his time.

Atty. Dennis Manalo on Engineer Carlos T Manalo Jr.

“Preparation is the key to success” was my father’s lasting advice.  I have since committed  to prepare myself the work ahead.  When I examine witnesses in court, I make sure that I know the answers even before I ask the questions.  The extra effort is nothing compared to the reprimand, if not insults, an unprepared lawyer will get from an irate judge.

Barbie Pardo Tiangco, wife of Mayor John Tiangco on former Finance Secretary Tito Pardo

Ever since I was a child, my father always spoke about the four principles that he tried to imbibe every day:  compassion, hard work, integrity and sincerity. He also always inspired us to “do what you do best” regardless of what that is. “Do what you do best,” he would say, “both as a Filipino and as a human being.”  Wise words indeed, especially in today’s very competitive and cutthroat environment. There really is no room for mediocrity.

Jihan Jaafar, director, Oddvertising Inc. and East Asia Ventures on Tawi Tawi Rep. Nur Jaafar

It’s his unconditional love for us steadfastly demonstrated in his unrelenting efforts to keep our family intact by spending bonding moments with us as often as he can. He takes time to share with us his ideas and views, instill values, impart knowledge, lessons and wisdom gained from his experiences in politics and life. 

Tony Velasquez, news anchor, ANC on Alfredo Velasquez

My dad has always been generous to me. I’m embarrassed to admit it, but when the beat-up VW Beetle I was driving during my early reporter days was breaking down much too often, he loaned me the money to buy a pre-owned car that was in way better condition.

Christina Dragon Locsin, housewife on former Cavite Rep. Renato P. Dragon

To say my dad is a workaholic is an understatement.  The guy lives to work, but the second I need him, he drops everything to lend an ear, a hand, or a shoulder to cry on.  His very important meetings and phone calls all of a sudden become very unimportant!

Nancy Irlanda, news anchor, Solar News on the late Pat Irlanda

Pop came home one summer day in the early ‘80s and made a big to-do about unwrapping two packages.  They were framed posters.  One of them said: “It’s not how much you have but how much you enjoy that makes happiness.”  The other said: “Big shots are only little shots who keep shooting.”  He said it through those posters, and he lived it in his life.  Those thoughts inspire me to this day.