What these 5 stars are like as fathers

As a single mother, I play dual roles. But no matter how hard a mom tries, there are things that only a dad can do. My mom also raised me single-handedly, so I was always searching for father figures.

In celebration of Father’s Day tomorrow, I’m featuring Kapuso daddies who remain “papable” even if they have kids already.

There are some actors who are wary of becoming “dads” because it might affect their career.

On the contrary, I think fatherhood adds to their appeal. There’s something about being a dad that tames men and shows a side of them they never thought existed.

During this pandemic, if we have no Papa to run to, there’s no need to fret because our Father up above got us covered. As we maintain social distancing by staying away from people, let’s be spiritually engaged and get closer to the Big Daddy in heaven.

John Estrada

JOHN ESTRADA

Are you a husband or a dad first?

It really depends on which “hat” I have to be wearing in a particular situation. It’s a balancing act, and there are times it’s quite challenging to juggle the roles. You just have to find the right balance. Nothing is too hard if your heart is in the right place. I try to be good at all the roles I have to play. I’m not perfect, but I try to be better at it every single day.

Didn’t your older kids (with Janice de Belen) ever feel jealous of their baby sis, Anechka (your daughter with Priscilla Meirelles), because she’s with you, whereas they live away from you?

I’m blessed to have these amazing kids, and I am thankful that my older kids are fond of my youngest. I guess this is because they’re much older than she is and mature enough to understand our family dynamics. They dote on her.

I try to spend as much time with my older kids, but they also have their thing now, and busy with their individual careers and lives. But we make it a point to see and talk to each other as often as possible.

Benjie Paras

BENJIE PARAS

What basketball lessons are applicable to fatherhood?

Being a coach is like being a father to the players. It’s not just all about basketball, but coaches talk to the players regarding personal problems, too. And they see to it that their players’ minds are well-conditioned and focused in every game.

What love advice have you given your sons?It’s OK to be heartbroken, but never stop falling in love. It will make you stronger.

Chris Tiu

CHRIS TIU

What basketball lessons are applicable to fatherhood?

There are no shortcuts to parenting. We need to lead by example. Parents, like athletes, must constantly learn from more experienced parents, psychologists and other experts.

At the same time, we have to constantly learn about our kids. Kids, like basketball to me, bring about so much joy and a deeper purpose for living.

What do you love about being a dad?

Just like Kobe Bryant, I’m proud of it. Amanda and Mari will forever be “daddy’s girls,” even when they have boyfriends already. My wife Clarisse and I are so in love with our girls—and with each other, of course.

Wendell Ramos

WENDELL RAMOS

How do you discipline and spoil your children?

I discipline them in an old-fashioned way. Saying “po,” making “mano,” and hearing mass every Sunday are a must. But I explain to them why I’m strict compared to other parents.

I spoil my kids with food and by taking them out. And I buy them stuff when it’s needed. I am training them to live simply and not to be too materialistic.

What kind of a dad are you?

I’m a very expressive father. I always hug and kiss my kids, and I say “I love you” as often as I can. I’m strict and sweet in equal parts.

Gabby Eigenmann (left) with dad Mark Gil

GABBY EIGENMANN

If you had to choose one favorite memory with your dad (Mark Gil), what would it be?

It is hard to choose just one favorite memory. But his laughter is all I can hear and imagine every time I’m down. His laughter is contagious. When I won my first acting award, he called and congratulated me, and we both cried and laughed.

What advice of your dad do you follow till now?

When I was just starting out in show biz, he would always tell me, “Don’t teach, let them learn. Enjoy and love what you do. Don’t be late, and always come prepared. Respect other people. Always have a heart.”