Lessons from fathers’ sermons

Since it’s Father’s Day tomorrow, I cornered some celebs about their dads’ “sermons” that made a dent on them.

Love is not always a “yes”; fathers “no” best. When our Papas reprimand us, may we heed their “words of wisdom” not out of fear, but out of respect.

JASMINE CURTIS-SMITH: My dad and I always got along when I was a kid. Now that I’m in my 20s, he reprimands me for certain decisions I make and complain about. One thing I’ll always take away from my father is that we have to respect what each generation is exposed to because that’s a defining line that sets us apart. It’s something to acknowledge and we must learn to live with it.

DINGDONG DANTES: Like MacGyver, my dad was fond of fixing stuff. While I was growing up, I was his assistant. I would be the one to hold the flashlight. My flashlight was small, so sometimes the light wasn’t totally focused on what my dad was repairing. So, he’d reprimand me and tell me that my light must always be focused.

Thinking about that now, the values I got from that experience are these: Partners must have teamwork and the same goal. In life, we sometimes lose track of our purpose, but we must always regain our equilibrium and find the light.

ERIK SANTOS: Always aim for excellence in everything you do, especially where education is concerned. Dad often told me, “Education is the only inheritance your mom and I can give you.” And because of that sermon, I had no choice but to do well in school.

GIL CUERVA: I remember a few years back, when I was still new at driving, I would sneak the car out without my dad’s permission because, at the time, he wouldn’t let me drive far since he felt it was a safety precaution. One time, I snuck the car out, but the battery of the car died. I didn’t know what to do, didn’t know how to jumpstart a car, so I panicked and called my dad.

Obviously, he was disappointed with my actions, but the thing that struck me the most while he was giving me a sermon was how, even if I lied and snuck the car out, the first person I called was him. At the end of the sermon, he appreciated how I still called him in a situation like that, and gave me assurance that if anything were to happen to me, I could always ask for his help. I love my pops.

MIGUEL TANFELIX: I was addicted to Gameboy as a kid, to the point that I didn’t get to review my lines for a show. My dad scolded me and said that I should be responsible and know my priorities. To this day, that serves as my reminder that there’s time for fun, but I must know my limits.

RICHARD POON: Dad told me not to lend money to my friend in college. I didn’t listen. My friend later gave me my first bounced check. Dad was right. The experience taught me to be more discerning and not to trust everybody easily.

ARIANNE BAUTISTA: I’m a papa’s girl. He gave me a car when I turned 18. I was stubborn, so even if it was late at night, I drove alone. When I got home at 2 a.m., dad was out looking for me. He was so worried, and he got mad. Dad told me that even if I’m already grown-up, I should not feel like I know everything already because he’s “been there and done that.”