Effect of quarantine on Michael V, Paolo and Pancho’s perception of role of father in family

Paolo Contis

Because of all the free time they have now, celebrity fathers Michael V and Paolo Contis and soon-to-be father Pancho Magno have found themselves learning new skills and embarking on home improvement projects.

“I had to build and upgrade my ministudio. It’s a work in progress. I figured I’m going to work from home most of the time and I can’t shortchange my clients be it for advertisements, or for my social media audience,” Michael V told the Inquirer.

“The Covid-19 pandemic further defined the business part of ‘show business’ for me,” added the actor-director, who has been producing YouTube content more frequently while in quarantine.

Paolo, one of Michael V’s costars in the long-running comedy show “Bubble Gang,” has managed to conquer his fear of writing original material. “I used to be very scared about writing my own scripts. But during the pandemic, I learned how to write a lot,” he said.

And while it’s not exactly a major home project, Paolo jestingly said that he’s particularly happy with his recent DIY feat: “I also just replaced our door knob the other day. Wala lang. I’m proud of it!”

Pancho, on the other hand, has been busy with constructions at home, as he prepares to welcome his firstborn with his wife, Max Collins. “I’m also getting into cooking. I have taken up painting again,” he related.

But more than anything else, being quarantined at home has given these three men an opportunity to reflect and rethink their role in the family.

“Among many things, I learned for a fact that when I’m together with my family, I don’t really need a lot of things,” said Michael V, who has four children—Milo, Yanni, Migo and Maypaul—with his wife of 26 years, Carol Bunagan. “I have everything I need right here at home.”

Michael V

For Paolo, being busy at work isn’t an excuse not to spend time with your loved ones. “The pandemic has taught me that you can always work hard and say that you’re doing it for your family. But the most important thing for them, especially for the kids is that you’re beside them,” said Paolo, father to 1-year-old daughter, Summer, with his partner, actress LJ Reyes.

Pancho has never been more appreciative of his family’s support. “The pandemic has taught me how to be more thankful with all the blessings I have and that our loved ones are always there to take care of you and love you,” he said.

What kind of father do they aspire to be?

“I want to be a father that my children can love and respect,” Paolo said. “And I hope to be there for them as long as I can.”Pancho can’t wait for his baby boy to whom he aims to be a “cool dad.” “I want to be his best friend. A fun-loving father—and maybe even his basketball coach. “If I could be a great husband and father to my family … that would make me proud,” he said.

Pancho Magno

While being a reliable provider is one of his duties, Michael V feels that it’s not enough to help his kids achieve their dreams—he also needs to be a part of those dreams.

“I think all fathers dream of giving their children quality life and quality education. It’s how you do it that’s a little tricky. Are you just going to work, work, work your way toward that goal? Or are you going to enjoy the journey with them?” he said.

“And the answer to that question is probably my proudest achievement so far.” INQ