Fatherhood becomes Gabby

ACTOR Gabby Eigenmann in GMA 7’s “InstaDad”

Chatting with Gabby Eigenmann reminded me so much of his late, great dad, Mark Gil. He definitely has so much of his father in him. I told Gab that I hoped to continue with him the friendship I had with his father.

Just like Mark (a.k.a. Ralph Eigenmann), Gabby relishes fatherhood’s joys—not just off-cam, but on-cam, too, in GMA 7’s new family-friendly drama series, “InstaDad” (4:30 p.m. every Sunday).

Gabby portrays a famous chef named Kenneth, who is also one of the most eligible bachelors in town.

Ken’s life is turned upside-down when he discovers that he is the father of three girls. The role seems tailor-made for Gabby, since he became an instant dad to his wife Apples’ two kids from a previous relationship.

He legally adopted the two kids, Josh and Gabbie. Apples and Gabby have kids of their own, Liam and Matti. Daddy Gabby certainly deserves an “Ulirang Ama” award

Here’s my tête-à-tête with Gabby:

How do you take after your dad in your fathering style?

My dad was a responsible person. He never turned his back on any of his kids. He wasn’t around all the time, but he truly made his presence felt. He was a father at 16; that must have been hard.

We were more like barkada (close friends) and that’s the way I am with my kids, too. I am my kids’ best friend. We share secrets. Like my dad, I’m also clannish. Family comes first.

What do you miss most about your dad?

His laughter, jokes and stories about family drama. He was the heart and soul of the family. I miss how he would just call and ask if I was about to spend my birth anniversary (March 2) in Hong Kong again.

What was the toughest part about becoming an “InstaDad” to Apples’ two kids?

Josh was 3 and Gabbie was turning 1 when Apples and I got hitched. When I met Apples, it was true love. I knew what I was getting into and I fought for it. I made sure I was making all the right choices. It wasn’t easy because, like my dad, I started young. But even early on, I was already responsible. My perseverance has paid off.

Do you have sibling rivalry with Andi Eigenmann and Sid Lucero?

None at all. We all have our place in the industry. I love them dearly. Since I’m the eldest, I watch over them.

How do you make your marriage work?

I’m a very private person. What keeps us going is how we make time for each other, no matter how busy we are. Patience is the key. We put God in the center of our relationship. I avoid temptation because at the end of the day, I know that if I give in, I will lose more than what I’ve gained, which is my family.

What was your dad’s advice about love and show biz?

When I joined the biz, he told me to hone my craft. He said the key to success is being professional. Those who are patient are rewarded with success. Regarding love, he told me that whomever I choose to be with, it should be for the long haul.

Show biz connection

Make way for TV5’s newest gab fest, “Showbiz Konek na Konek,” which premieres today, 11 a.m. (Monday to Friday). It’s hosted by the fun, fearless trio of Bianca King, my dalagay IC Mendoza and MJ Marfori.

The program’s segments include: “Kanto-Nong” (hosted by Nicole Estrada, who hits the streets to interview the public about the latest show biz news), “Entertainment Round-up,” “I.C. U” (IC reports the hottest happenings in the metro), “Konek d’Stars” (where the hosts will connect different stars to prove that show biz is a small world after all), “Tweet Hearts” (a celeb guest reads controversial tweets about him or her), “Throwback is U” (a feature on the hottest news from the past, on the lessons learned and updates from personalities who were part of the controversies), “T.G.I.F Thank God It’s Fashion” (with a guest stylist who will separate the fab from the drab), and “Guess Who?” (juicy blind items).

Watch it and watch out!