Tales of celebs and their dads

Fathers are often the leading figures in a family. No matter how much their children try to be different as they grow up, traces of their father’s values and upbringing often seep into their demeanor.

- By JANUAR JUNIOR AGUJA

In show business, some acknowledge their father’s influence, while others incorporate their fathers into their branding as celebrities. Here are the stories of some personalities and their dads in celebration of Father’s Day today:

The saying “birds of a feather flock together” aptly describes Kapamilya actor Donny Pangilinan and his father, businessman and motivational speaker Anthony Pangilinan. Fans and observers alike often point to the younger Pangilinan’s professionalism as evidence of the values instilled in him by his father.

For one, the Pangilinans are both media savvy, albeit in different fields. Anthony had a career in broadcasting, while Donny started his showbiz career as a host and MYX VJ before becoming known as an actor and one-half of the DonBelle tandem with Belle Mariano.

From the way Donny naturally articulates his thoughts in interviews, it’s clear that his father played a role in helping shape him into one of the industry’s sought-after young actors.

Donny and Anthony have also appeared together in endorsement campaigns. They are also devout Christians, with the family frequently participating in ministry events.

Early this year amid rising fuel costs, while many gas stations adjusted prices upward due to the crisis in the Middle East, Anthony, who owns a gas station in South Forbes Golf City in Silang, Cavite, reduced diesel prices by P3 per liter and shouldered the difference — a suggestion made by his son.

“Our partner (yes, my son!) suggested a move that didn’t make sense ‘numbers wise’ but was 100% in sync with our mission: support those who need it most in the community”, he wrote on a social media post. “Let’s all do what we can, while we can, for as long as we are able.”

Andres and Atasha Muhlach are following in the footsteps of their father Aga, in show business, though of their own accord and not because their parents, Aga and Charlene Gonzalez, pushed them to do so.