What dad taught me

From National Artist to CEOs, these industry leaders share the wisdom and life-changing advice they received from their dads

- JESSICA PAG-IWAYAN

Fatherhood is a tough balancing act. Dads must be brave and kind, strict yet warm, serving as both leaders and mentors. Many Filipino visionaries today owe their wisdom to their fathers. To celebrate Father's Day, we asked them to share the invaluable lessons they learned from their fathers and how those values continue to influence their paths, from parenting to their careers. (With a report from Jane Kingsu-Cheng)

My father had this colonial attitude. He didn't communicate that much because maybe that was part of the co-lonial heritage that children are to be seen and not heard. He's quiet, but I never got scolded aside from the occasional pingot (pinch). What is impor-tant is that a father should try to enter the world of their children.

That's the same for me. Naging barkada ko 'yung mga anak ko (I became friends with my children). That gives me the young energy and spirit, because I spend time with my sons and other young artists. I have this honor of them calling me Tatay, and that's one of the reasons I enjoy being a National Artist. Other artists, aside from my children, are also calling me Tatay.