What changes when a man becomes a dad? Everything does, instantly. As the saying goes, “having children really does make a man more content with life.”
Seeing a smile on his child’s face, hearing words he thought he’d never hear, witnessing his son’s first walk, and feeling his daughter’s sweet embrace—nothing could ever compare to the happiness and contentment these moments bring.
This Father’s Day, learn more about dads’ perspective on parenting as some Kapuso personalities share their simplest joys and greatest accomplishments as fathers.
Christopher de Leon (Beautiful Strangers)
What are the joys of fatherhood for you? Aside from your relationship with your Creator and Savior, the kids are on top of the list. It’s always the family. The kids are the best gift to parents so kahit na minsan they’re rebellious and all that, you need to understand them and know where they’re coming from. You look back and makikita mo na ito pala ‘yung sinasabi ng mga parents mo noon. You really just have to follow your parents.
As a father, what do you consider as your greatest accomplishment? So far, isa na lang ‘yung pinag-aaral ko and then two more years, he should be graduating, and then off he goes. I mean, I have five na ‘sige na, go ahead, dowhatever your plans are.’
Dennis Trillo (My Faithful Husband)
What are the joys of fatherhood for you? Loving a “mini me” is pure joy.
As a father, what do you consider as your greatest accomplishment? I think it’s the development of my sense of responsibility and patience.
Ivan Mayrina (#GMAnewsfeed and Unang Hirit)
What are the joys of fatherhood for you? To see that my first born son is actually turning out to be like me. Nakikita ko kung paano siya maglakad, parang ganun ako maglakad. Kung paano niya igalaw ‘yung ulo niya, ‘yung demeanour niya. Those things, ‘yun ang mga nakakatuwa about fatherhood but it’s a challenge, it’s a daily adventure.
As a father, what do you consider as your greatest accomplishment? It’s the fact that my children are turning out to be good kids. Magalang sila, nag-aaral sila ng maayos at may respeto sila sa Daddy nila. I think it’s a testament to how I raised them na lagi akong nandoon for them. Despite my schedule, I’m not the absentee father. I try to be there kapag my school activity sila or firsts, ‘yun. Kapag nasakatan sila, kapag masaya sila. So far, na-me-maintain ko pa naman ‘yun and that’s something I take pride in.
Mark Herras (Sunday All Stars)
What are the joys of fatherhood for you? Having Ada in my life…seeing her grow, hearing my baby’s first word, noong nakita ko siyang maglakad for the first time—hindi ko ma-explain ‘yung feeling! But the best thing is ‘yung makita ko siyang lumaki ng maayos.
As a father, what do you consider as your greatest accomplishment? That I’m always going to be here for Ada no matter what.
Jay Taruc (Motorcycle Diaries)
As a father, what do you consider as your greatest accomplishment? I came to realize na at this point, masyado pang bata ‘yung dalawang anak ko. And I feel na ‘yung presence ko kailangan na mas malakas ngayon. Especially with my eldest, malapit na siyang maging teenager and napaka-crucial ng role ng Tatay. ‘Yung basic values, kailangan matanim na sa kanya bago siya maging teenager. So ‘yung essence naming mga dad, nakikita ko mahalaga sa stage ng buhay nila. That’s why kapag wala akong shoot, I spend time with them sa bahay, kahit hindi kami lumabas, we play board games, minsan we read together.
As a father, what do you consider as your greatest accomplishment? Sa akin, it’s the fact na we’re this close, ‘yung relationship namin ay maayos. Medyo challenging kasi kapag ang trabaho ng isang ama ay everyday wala ka or most of the time ginagabi ka. So when I have free time, I make it a point na kumonekta sa kanila. Gusto ko ‘yung relationship namin. Kahit anong gusto nilang itanong, naitatanong nila sa akin. Proud ako and tuwang-tuwa kapag sinasabi ng mga tao na bibo ang anak mo, magalang, courteous.
Jomari Yllana (The Half Sisters)
As a father, what do you consider as your greatest accomplishment? May kanya-kanyang level ‘yan. Sa akin, ‘yung anak ko, isa lang naman siya, tapos magse-17 years old na siya at meron na siyang lisensiya. Parang papunta na siya doon sa magkakaroon siya ng sarili niyang buhay at binata na siya. Pero sa stage ko ngayon, actually naiisip ko siya, nami-miss ko ‘yung parang nine years old pa lang siya, ‘yung nalalaro ko. So make the most of what you have habang nandiyan siya kasi ang bilis lumipas ng oras.
As a father, what do you consider as your greatest accomplishment? Na hopefully napalaki ko siya ng tama. ‘Yung makapag-aral siya ng maayos, makapagtapos siya, makahanap ng magandang trabaho, God-fearing, okay na ‘yun. Ang imporante mabait ‘yung bata at hindi salbahe.
Ryan Eigenmann (The Half Sisters)
What are the joys of fatherhood for you? Knowing that you’re one of two people your kids can turn to anytime they need for whatever. If they’re scared, kung nadapa, kung nasaktan, alam mong isa ka lang sa dalawang makapagbibigay ng relief at makapagpapasaya sa kanila.
As a father, what do you consider as your greatest accomplishment? I guess turning out the way I turned out as a dad because prior to having kids, I was a kid myself. So, having the babies, adulthood came and it came fast so I guess my greatest achievement is how I’m turning out. I guess I’m doing okay.