To celebrate Father’s Day this coming Sunday, the Inquirer asked 10 show biz personalities why they think their fathers are super dads.
ROBIN Padilla
Robin Padilla
“I guess every father is a super dad. I have not met any father who would not do anything for his children,” actor Robin Padilla said in Filipino.
Robin, father of six, will not be in Manila to celebrate Father’s Day though. He said he would be seeing his daughter Queenie, who is now based in Pakistan with her husband.
“We’re both excited. We have not seen each other for a long time,” he said.
His wife, Mariel Padilla, is currently four months pregnant.
“I consider myself one (a super dad) because I am a [good] provider. I may not always be with them physically, but I make sure they feel my love and support. I believe that more than quantity, quality time is important,” he added.
Only his daughter Kylie is currently based in Manila. His other children are either in the United States or Australia.
Asked what he thought was the most important lesson he learned from his own father, the late actor Jose Padilla Jr., Robin said: “To be principled. It doesn’t matter if you’re poor; what’s more important is that you uphold your principles at all times.”
DENISE Laurel
Denise Laurel
Actress-TV host Denise Laurel has a funny way of describing her dad, David Laurel. “If he isn’t married to my mom, my dad could be a priest—or even a pope!” she said. “He’s amazing! He taught me how to be resourceful. Because of him, I will survive anywhere in the world. I also learned how to be tough. We share the same interest in martial arts.”
She also said her dad “thinks about other people more than himself, and does his part in helping society in a quiet way—he believes that while it’s great to inspire people, one should not be boastful about it.”
Denise said her dad and mom, Ruby Sanz, often help her take care of her 5-year-old son Alejandro. “I also grew up without a yaya (nanny). When I’m working, my son is only with the two of them.”
Nikki Valdez
For the first time, Nikki Valdez’s family will be commemorating Father’s Day without her dad, Rudy Garcia.
Nikki said her family would pay his grave a visit on Sunday. Her dad passed away on Nov. 9 last year.
She said her 7-year-old daughter Olivia grieved for her dad’s death the most. “She’s having a hard time moving on. They used to spend so much time together. I keep telling her that Nonno—that’s what she called Dad—is always in our hearts, so if she misses him, she should just pray,” Nikki said.
“It pains me to see the sadness in Olivia’s eyes,” the actress said. “She’s also very vocal about it. Sometimes, she would ask me questions that are too difficult to answer, like, ‘Why do people die?’ or ’If a person dies, could God send him back to Earth, even for a little while?’”
Nikki said she would feel her dad’s presence from time to time. “If I have a hard time looking for parking space, I’d call out to him and say, ‘Dad, please, one free spot lang!’ Or, if I’m running [in a marathon], I’d ask him to help me.”
The 37-year-old actress recalled: “I later learned from family and friends that he (Dad) would talk about me, especially during the time when I was going through something difficult [like my divorce]. He was worried about me.”
CLODUALDO (right) and Ida del Mundo
Ida Anita del Mundo
Independent filmmaker Ida Anita del Mundo said her dad, screenwriter-director Clodualdo del Mundo Jr., is super because “he is a behind-the-scene kind of guy in a world of spotlights—not only in the film industry, but in life. He taught me that filmmaking is a communal task … that it’s about fostering a good relationship with the people you work with.”
Ida added: “He’s a mentor who always guides his students, but gives them all the credit when they succeed. He is someone with infallible integrity. He does good things without expecting recognition or accolades.”
Gretchen Ho
Volleyball player and TV host Gretchen Ho said her dad James is also a great athlete. “I consider him as my inspiration. He is a super dad because he tries to balance work with family time,” she said.
Gretchen added: “He is hardworking. He is my idol when it comes to that aspect in my life. At the same time, he is caring and loving. Every time he gets home, he’d ask us what we wanted from the nearby grocery store.”
RUDY (left) and Rap Fernandez
Rap Fernandez
Rap Fernandez, son of the late action star Rudy Fernandez, said: “The way he (Rudy) touched my life is unforgettable. He was my hero—and the person I looked up to the most. I’m trying my best to be a decent person to honor his memory and his life.”
ATOM (left) and Quark Henares
Quark Henares
Film and music video director Quark Henares talked highly of his dad, businessman and NU107 founder Atom Henares: “He runs businesses, travels the world, dominates the shooting range, can bench more than me, drives the best cars and has time to spend with his family. That is why I consider my father a super dad. Also, whenever we walk around the malls, people stop him to thank him for putting up NU107 and tell him how it changed their lives.”
SUE (left) and Manuel Prado
Sue Prado
Indie actress Sue Prado fondly called her dad, Manuel Santos M. Prado, “Pogi” during this interview. She said he is a super dad because “he raised me and my siblings in humility.”
LUIS (left) and Manny Alandy
Luis Alandy
Actor Luis Alandy said he considered his father, Manny Alandy, a super dad because “he lights up the room whenever he is there. People like him instantly. He never fails to give his family sound advice whenever we need it.”
E-mail mcruz@inquirer.com.ph