These Dads Are Playing on Expert Mode (kid-approved, wife-endorsed)

Father’s Day graphics by Sam Yap / INQUIRER.net

Father’s Day is just around the corner, and it’s only fitting that we celebrate the man of the house — dad! No need for grandiose declarations of love, but hey, sometimes our dads need to hear them, too, not to mention giving them a little treat to their favorite restaurant, or maybe just a quiet dinner together with the family. Reconnecting with dad is one of the surefire ways to show him we care and thank him for his love and protection.

If grandiose ways of showing appreciation this Father’s Day is what you have in mind, then we got you covered here and here. Want to keep it simple? Then you can head here.

But not all fathers are alike. A good father isn’t defined by perfection. He may be gruff at times, or not affectionate. He may not know how to fix a faucet to save his life, but if he can lead his family through an upheaval, or coach his children though life’s setbacks, or to simply be present when it matters the most, then he would most likely be a candidate for “dad of the year.”

Some may not appear to be anywhere near expert level, but we still have to give them props for trying.

And then there are those who seemed to have understood the assignment, and aced it.

READ: Father’s Day 2024: Tributes to celebrity dads

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Here are a few dads who have absolutely nailed this whole fatherhood thing. We asked them to define fatherhood in their own words so we could better understand how dads do what they do. And who better to rate their performance than their children and wives!

Doug Kramer, athlete, digital creator

Doug Kramer with her daughters Kendra and Scarlet. Image from Instagram

Doug has always been known as the alpha male in Team Kramer. But more importantly, this gentle giant is known to be leading his family with loving hands, always posting on social media about their adventures together as a family and his devotion to his wife, Chesca Garcia. Above all, he is known to be a God-fearing father who leads his family in prayer.

“The title of father can be given easily. But being a dad is something you have to earn from your children. They call you this out of love. Out of the time you’ve given them. It’s not about the gifts or things you can buy for them. It’s the time spent with them. Time is LOVE… Being a dad means you’ll provide for them. But in ALL aspects. Not just material things, but providing that which. My kids are my legacy.”

“Being a dad is also realizing that one of the most important things you can do for your child is to love their mother.”

“Being a dad means praying for your children. Because you’ll need divine intervention… We all need God’s grace in our lives to fulfill our obligations. Let’s look to God to see the perfect example.”

Kendra, commercial model, 15

First-born Kendra agrees. She has always been open about her deep appreciation for her father, saying she looked up to her dad as a role model.

“Best dad ever! Thank you for inspiring me and everyone else around you. Continue being as God- fearing as you are now. I love you so much!”

READ: Celebrities who marked their first Father’s Day

Drew Arellano, program host

Drew Arellano with his son Astro. Image from Instagram

In an interview with Bianca Gonzalez, Drew said that one thing he realized about being a father is that sometimes, it is better to be good than to be right.

“You learn mathematics, science, whatever, but for me, the values that you learn from this household is far more important than biology or calculus. That’s the more important thing.”

Iya Villania, wife, TV anchor

Drew’s wife Iya is all praises for him, calling him “everyone’s fave guy.”

“We’re blessed that you belong to us… What would we do without you??” she said.

READ: My father: leader, farmer, advocate

Ricky Davao

Ricky Davao with daughter Ara.

The late actor Ricky Davao once admitted that he was her daughter Ara Davao’s biggest critic, but also her biggest admirer. Ricky said in an interview with Inquirer that he also has a learning curve as a father while instilling in her the values of professionalism as a budding actress.

“I watch her and critique her. There were times when I’d say, ‘You should have done this instead,’ and she would just smile at me. I also realized that you cannot make actors act the way you do it, because they have their own way of doing it. The main focus is understanding the material at hand,” he said.

Ricky further said that he took his role as a father seriously, reading to his children when they were little and even played music while they were still in the womb of their mother.

“In fact, even when they were still in their mother’s womb, I would read to them already,” he said.

Ara Davao, daughter, actress

Speaking during her father’s wake, Ara said: “I know it won’t be easy, but I’ll keep trying to live my best life every day—because that’s what you would’ve wanted.”

Ara said Ricky was her “biggest cheerleader and protector,” especially as she is new in show business, crediting him for his presence in her life even though he already separated from her mother, Jackie Lou Blanco.

READ: Father’s Day was established by a woman

Ogie Diaz, talk show host and talent manager

Ogie Diaz and his brood. Image from Instagram

For Ogie, putting a premium on his children’s mental health is important to him. As a father who is a member of the LGBTQ community, Ogie does not claim to be the perfect father, but this nonetheless does not make him any less of a parent to his children.

“Importante sa akin ang mental health ng bata… Pwede mo sabihin sa pagiging asawa hindi ako perfect, kahit nga minsan sa pagiging ama minsan may problema din ako sa mga anak ko. So pinupulong-pulong ko yan. Kasi iba na ngayon ang sistema ng kabataan noong araw sa kabataan ngayon,” he said in an interview with Karen Davila.

(My children’s mental health is important to me. You can say that I am not the perfect husband, even a perfect father. So I talk it out with them, because children nowadays are different from the children of the past generations.)

Sowl, his partner

His wife Sowl said what she loved most about her partner’s qualities was his being a family man. She said Ogie was an understanding father to his children and is always supportive of their endeavors.

READ: Father’s Day 2024: Out and proud celebrity dads

Luis Chito Agoncillo, businessman

Ryan Agoncillo (left) and his parents Rowena and Chito Agoncillo. Image from Instagram

Even as his son, TV host-actor Ryan Agoncillo already has his own family, Chito makes sure to always look out for them, even in small ways — such as reminding them to fix their hair.

Ryan Agoncillo, actor-host

“Your Dad is the only man who will genuinely want you to do better in life than him,” he told his own son Lucho in a post on Instagram after learning of his own father’s caring way, as he shared a picture of his father Chito’s text message to have him fix his hair.

Adolfo Azcuna, former Supreme Court justice

Retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Adolfo Azcuna with his daughter Bea.

He may be an expert on the Constitution and international law, but in their home, retired Justice Adolf (or JASA, as he is called in legal circles), was just Papa — a bastion of strength and protection.

For him, to be a parent is a sacred gift from God.

“To be a parent is to receive and live out a rare and sacred gift from God, a call to lives of unconditional love, with one who is blood of your blood, bone of your bone, yet a singular being, made in the image and likeness of God, given to share with you this pilgrimage on earth towards the unravelling of the mystery of human existence and the intricate meaning of life itself,” he said.

Bea Azcuna, daughter, triathlete

Thinking of a definition for fatherhood is not at all difficult for JASA’s daughter Bea, as she only needs to look at her father. Seeing him tirelessly work on various cases ingrained in her a sense of duty to the nation. But more than that, she saw the kind of man she could be proud to call her father.

“For me, he is the epitome of what the Bible speaks of when it comes to fatherhood — signifies authority, protection, provision. As head of our family, he continues to lead and guide the way for how decisions are made. He provides day by day unconditional love, protection, support, friendship, and continues to lead and teach by example, a life glorifying God and being a man for others,” she said.

Richard Fadullon, Prosecutor General

Prosecutor General Richard Fadullon and two of his children.

Seeing PG Richard in the courtroom gives the impression that he is a no-nonsense guy, not giving an inch to his opponents. But this situation is farthest from the truth when he is at home with his children.

“Fatherhood is not having what you want for your children, but giving them what they need. It’s about loving them no matter what, listening more, understanding that you have differences, and allowing them to find their own niche in this crazy world,” he said.

He would be the first to admit that despite his many years of practice as a dad, he still has a lot to learn about the job that is fatherhood, and from his children.

“It’s about patiently supporting and nurturing the growth of your children with selfless love. It’s about understanding what kind of love your children need and doing your best to love them the way they need to be loved (not just how you think it’s best). I think yes because it’s not about being perfect from the start but the willingness to learn and also grow alongside your children,” he said.

Chappy, son, 28, and Trixie, daughter, 27

Richard’s son Chappy said fatherhood is both a commitment and responsibility, something that his dad has mastered. “Personally, I think fatherhood is a huge blessing, but on top of that, it’s both a huge commitment and responsibility as well. I’d say my dad nailed fatherhood.”

“Yes, he has nailed fatherhood because many times, I was able to feel quiet and explicit support as I faced both milestones and problems growing up,” his daughter Trixie, meanwhile, said.

Peter Tabingo, journalist

Peter Tabingo and his brood

From the get-go, Peter already knew the daunting task that parenthood entails: that he would be raising a future generation of responsible individuals.

“I have three sons. Fatherhood for me is the realization that the boys I am raising are going to be somebody’s boyfriend, husband, Dad — it’s a terrifying responsibility,” he said.

Alette, wife, and son Gabe, 22

Peter’s wife agrees. “A man wears many hats in various stages of his life, with fatherhood likely to carry the most weight. It’s a role that lasts a lifetime, stays on 24/7, remains in his children’s memories and gets retold in their stories,” she shared.

His son is also full of praise for his dad, who he said can be depended on to give a helping hand in times of need.

“I think my father is a retired superhero. I could always rely on him to somehow ‘save the day,’ regardless of the problem at hand,” he said.

JS Sampan, swimming coach

JS Sampan and his children Elias and Fina

Selflessness is the keyword to being a father, according to JS, who is now based in South Korea together with is family. For him, a good father needs to set a good example for his children.

“It’s about nurturing what’s best in their children. They want to set an example for them, and most of all, they want their children to feel loved and accepted for who they are, growing to be the best version of themselves,” he said.

Elias, 13, and Fina, 11

At a young age, Elias and Fina are already aware of the important role that their father is doing for their family. They admire their father’s inspiring guidance and see his example as something to emulate.

“Fatherhood is the ability to be a good role model towards your children and being a father towards what God asks you to do. The truth is no one can ‘nail’ fatherhood without guidance from God. Since my father has a close relationship with God I think he is doing a good job,” said Elias.

“A loving father protects, comforts, and supports his children. I think my father is doing an incredible job of raising my brother and I. He always knows what to say when I need guidance and helps me when I am struggling,” Fina claimed.

READ: My real reason for celebrating Father’s Day

Gerie Pelingon, OFW

Gerie Pelingon with his wife Mhavi and daughters Aiesha and Kylie.

Being far away from his family is a sacrifice that Gerie has accepted in order to support them. For him, his family gives him the strength to fight homesickness while he is out at sea for days on end. He knew this kind of sacrifice is part of his job as a father, and he feels it every time he had to leave for work.

“To provide without expecting anything in return. To love and not to expect to be loved back. To be tough even when you’re at your weakness. To be full of energy even when you want to rest. To be a clown for them to make them happy. To be a guide even when you’re the one feeling lost. To be present even when you can’t be with them. To build a future with hopes and dreams, not for you but for them. To be the man they’d want to be with,” he said when asked to define fatherhood.

Aiesha, 13, and Kylie, 10

What Gerie’s daughters appreciate most about their father is the way they were being brought up as responsible individuals. Even though his job brings him far away from home, his presence in the family can be felt as he always remembers to call and check in on them.

“Even when we are not together, my dad’s support shines always. He never made me feel alone. He is always there to cheer me up in whatever I do. He is a father I can talk to and laugh with,” Aiesha said.

She said that Gerie is “the sweetest dad,” always giving all of them flowers on special occasions. “He’s the sweetest dad, with a soft and kind heart.”

Kylie, meanwhile, gives her dad a “perfect 10” score “because he loves me so much and makes me laugh a lot. It makes me sad when he leaves but I understand that he needs to work abroad to provide for us. So I just look forward to new adventured and memories when we see each other again.”

Joel Locsin, Senate employee

Joel Locsin with his family.

Joel recalled that when her daughter Jas came into their lives, he knew that he wanted to be a better version of himself for her.

“I was so overcome with love for her that one of the first things I sought was the perfect rulebook on how to be a good dad. What duties await a dad aside from being the family provider and Mommy’s teammate: Protector, teacher, guide, kabarkada, or kaasaran? Turns out, it’s all of the above! As for that perfect rulebook, I have yet to find one, but I hope I’m doing a good job so far. Meantime, the adventure continues,” he said.

Jas, 8

His daughter couldn’t agree more, and appreciates her dad’s efforts — even without the rulebook.

“Daddy likes to play with me. He gives me toys, dino rides and shoes. He brings me to school,” she said.

Ronnel Filio, commercial sales manager

Ronnel Filio and his children Rajo and Raja

“To me, fatherhood means leading and providing for the family, and raising the children to become good people,” said Ronnel, who has his hands full with his two children.

Rajo, 12, and Raja, 8

Ronnel’s children obviously think highly of their father and think of him as a role model.

“My dad is a good dad because he raises me to become a good person — he always tells me to do good. He also helps us and provides for the family and that’s what makes him a good dad,” said Rajo.

Meanwhile, Raja said: “Being a father means taking care of your children — loving them and ensuring their well-being.”

Benjamin Adraneda, Jr, professor

Benjamin Adraneda Jr. with his daughters.

For Benjamin, his love language is providing for his family. “A father must be a good provider, and must make sure that his children are on a godly track — sa isip, sa salita, at sa gawa (In thoughts, words, and actions).”

His daughters Pauline, Bless, and Jam concur that their father treats them with utmost love and care. “He may be strict, but he also surely knows how to spoil us. He supports us 100% in everything and in every way, wherever and whenever. We are so grateful and lucky to have a father like him. He means the world to us.”

Peter Sing, entrepreneur

Peter knows that his role as a father is all-encompassing, and his efforts to guide his children must go hand-in-hand with those of his wife, Gillie.

“Fatherhood to me is ensuring my children grow up to be responsible and productive citizens. For that to happen, I should be able to guide them in all aspects of their lives – social, moral, spiritual, psychological, financial, physical, mental,” he said.

For her part, Gillie said Peter is their children’s champion and mentor, who accepts their choices and is supportive of who they are and what they want to be.