BY MA. THERESA LADIAO
FATHER’S DAY is a special occasion to honor the remarkable men who have shaped our lives with their wisdom, sacrifices and love. Today, we pay tribute to the leaders in our community who balance the demanding responsibilities in their respective fields with the invaluable role of fatherhood. These men not only serve as pillars of our society but also the cornerstone of their families, passing down the values and lessons they learned from their own fathers.
Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara
What has been the biggest challenge and reward of balancing your Senate duties with fatherhood?
“Time management is the solution. The reward is seeing my children grow up conscious of their civic responsibilities and also appreciative of what i do.”
How do you inspire your children to value education and civic duty?
“The best way to inspire them is by setting a good example – if they see me working hard everyday, sacrificing for larger goals, solving real problems- then they imbibe nationalistic values, civic duty, sacrifice, and other good things.”
What special activities do you enjoy with your family on Father’s Day?
“We do we usually enjoy – spending time eating or making pasyal or watching movies or sports events.”
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Allan Joseph Tan
CEO, Ascon Hotels and Resorts Corp.
What lessons from your father have you found most valuable as a parent?
“One of the most valuable lessons my father instilled in me is the importance of integrity. He always emphasized being true to one’s word and standing up for what is right. Additionally, he taught me the significance of showing unconditional love and support to family members. His consistent presence and wisdom have been guiding principles in my own journey as a parent.”
How do you ensure that you remain an active and present father despite the demands of your work?
“Despite my demanding work schedule, I prioritize spending quality time with my family. Most nights, I ensure I’m home for dinner and I schedule “family days” on weekends filled with activities like playing games, walking our dogs, breakfast dates, or just chilling at home and talking about anything at that moment. When I can’t be physically present, I use technology like video calls or voice messages to stay connected.”
Can you share a memorable Father’s Day experience with your family that holds special significance for you?
“One of the most memorable Father’s Days for me was when we celebrated with three generations of our family way back 2020 during the pandemic. My grandpa, my dad, and I were all together, along with my kids. We spent the day appreciating not just fatherhood, but also the love and respect that tie us all together. It was heartwarming to see my kids witness this connection firsthand. We shared childhood stories, laughed together, and truly bonded. Seeing the joy and understanding in my children’s eyes made the day even more special, creating a lasting memory for all of us.”
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Mayor Jerry Treñas, Iloilo City
As a father and a leader, how do you balance the responsibilities of running a city with spending quality time with your family?
“I have been in public service for nearly four decades and through these years, one of the things I have mastered is time management – and that includes spending quality time with my family. As a mayor, my calendar has always been busy with important meetings, speaking engagements and events that I want to personally attend to as much as possible. But I always make sure also to have quality time for my wife, children and of course, my apos especially during weekend. Spending time and having hearty conversations with them is like a recharge for me for another set of hectic days ahead. Time is moving fast, so as much as possible, we must value and maximize it to serve our people and spending time with our loved ones the best way we can. Furthermore, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays are sacred to me. They are family time for everyone.
What values do you hope to instil in your children that you also try to promote in the community of Iloilo City?
“Always choose public service above anything else and when serving, serve well with humility and compassion.
One of the stories we always read to our young learners in our daycare centers is the story about the “Good Samaritan.” This is part of our reading program under the Iloilo City Public Library. Aside from stressing the importance of reading to our children, we want to instill in their young minds the values every book teaches them.
The story of the Good Samaritan which is about helping others especially the weak and needy can be likened to one’s dedication to public service.
Ever since, I always impart to my children, especially to Raisa and Miguel who are now into public service, to always grab every chance and share what they have to uplift others and leave a lasting impact in other people’s lives.
I am glad that since my early years in public service journey, my children have been there witnessing and supporting while embracing the essence of being a public servant. I want them to learn, among others, that public service must be service from the heart coupled with unwavering commitment and political will.
I have always told them that public service is not an easy vocation. Its either you commit or you do not commit. If you commit you have to give it your all.”
Can you share a memorable Father’s Day experience with your family that holds special significance for you?
“Every Father’s Day celebration with my family is always special and memorable, even if it’s just a simple get-together over a delicious meal. Perhaps, taking time to cook food or meals for them makes the celebration extra special. I enjoy cooking for the family: chicken galantina, lengua escarlata, fabada, mostly Spanish dishes I learned from my mother who was a good cook.
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Congressman Michael Gorriceta
2nd District of Iloilo Province
How has your role as a father influenced your approach to legislation and governance in the 2nd District of Iloilo Province?
“I think being a dad has made me a better leader. To start with, I look up to my father, the late congressman Arcadio H. Garriceta, who was always there for our family, but at the same time serving as mayor in Pavia and later on as congressman of the second district. Through his example I’ve learned how to work and family. I want to be present in every milestone of my two boys as well as helping in the progress and development of the 2nd District.”
What advice do you give your children about civic responsibility and community involvement?
“My children are still young, I could not explain to them in words but rather I show them by example. My wife and I usually involve our eldest in doing charity; work starting from our household.”
How do you celebrate Father’s Day with your family, and what traditions do you cherish most?
“Usually during Father’s Day we go to church and have lunch after, but for me every moment that I get to spend with my wife and two boys is precious to me.”
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Dr. Lex Tupas
First Vice President and Head of Corporate Affairs and Community Relations, BDO Network Bank
What lessons from your father have you found most valuable as a parent?
“Tatay, former Iloilo governor Niel D. Tupas, taught me to always use diplomacy and good public relations when dealing with people including spouses and kids. He never forced us to do anything we disagreed with. He let us make well analyzed and well thought of decisions. He said that we have to want and like our decisions so that we can stand by it and to not regret anything. I am doing that also with my wife and kids. In addition, Tatay taught me integrity, honesty and having no vices at all that made me the loyal and loving husband I am to Dr. Candice as well as the disciplinarian (I got from Nanay) yet fun to be with father that I am to my kids who they can share their secrets, plans and wishes with.”
How do you ensure that you remain an active and present father despite the demands of your work?
“My present work as a bank executive and senior officer entails me to be in Metro Manila for certain days or weeks per month and even brings me to other parts of the country as needed. As such, there are times that I am not with my kids but I thank high technology like video calls and FB Family Group Chats that keep us together and in touch even when we are miles apart. I also tutor them with their studies and Kumon. Even if I am out of town, we still do it online. I also make sure that I am physically present during the milestones of my kids and I save my mandatory leaves and vacation leaves so that I can utilize it during my kids’ school breaks as we make more family bonding memories. I also go home during lunch breaks to be with my kids and to go home from work on time as much as possible to be with my kids more. Presence is said to be the language of love for younger kids.
For our Baby #4 that will be born by July, I already got my 7-day paternity leave approved and even got 7 more days of leave from Candice so that I can spend more time with the baby and help my beloved take care of him. I also already bought promo fare tickets until the end of the year for my personal travels to Manila and back to Iloilo as my older kids will already go to school in LSGH. I also bought our family reunification tickets for long school breaks and family special occasions such as birthdays so that we are always together as a family. Thinking and planning ahead helps in saving money and also strengthening relationships.”
Can you share a memorable Father’s Day experience with your family that holds special significance for you?
“It was in 2015 when I was in Boston, USA where I was a part Fellow at the Kennedy School of Government in Harvard University. I was not with my kids during Father’s Day but we kept in touch via social media. I realized then when I was away that everything I do including all the sacrifices I make are for my kids. I even gave up running for higher political positions for my family most especially for my kids. Just to add, this Father’s Day, we will be celebrating it out of town and it is memorable as well as it is Father’s Day just weeks prior to me becoming a father of four.”
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Marcelino Florete
Group CEO, F&C Group of Companies
What lessons from your father have you found most valuable as a parent?
“Your actions speak volumes to your children. They might not listen to what you say but they follow what you do. Always set a good example. Also being responsible, making sacrifices and taking care of the family are some of the highest forms of love one can express towards the family. Loving and respecting your spouse is one of the best things you can do for your children, learning to see the good when things are going bad. Always have long term goals for the family to aspire for. I also learned from them that your wife is your partner in life.”
How do you ensure that you remain an active and present father despite the demands of your work?
“I have to admit that this is not easy especially with the demands of my work and my schedule gets crazy. Sometimes work consumes me. Good thing my wife, Beia, always reminds me of the importance of being present to the kids. It is actually not easy but it is a choice to put in consistent effort to be there and to prioritize the family. Just finding ways to be with them daily even if it requires bringing them with me to the office in the morning and making sure I am home with them for dinner.
Can you share a memorable Father’s Day experience with your family that holds special significance for you?
“I don’t have a specific Father’s Day memory with the family in mind but I always enjoy and make the most of time with the family when we travel together. It’s a time we can go on new adventures, share new experiences, try new food, and see places we read about.
