Stars share precious lessons from their dads

MARY Grace Poe in Malacañang during the conferment of the National Artist award on FPJ who taught her humility in victory. Photo: LYN RILLON

Since Father’s Day is just around the corner, I asked some celebs to pay homage to the “supermen” of their lives.

My parents parted ways when I was still in my teens, but I have fond memories of my dad, who used to call me “Princess.” Even now that he’s gone, I just know that he will lead my future prince to me. I smile at the thought that he and mom are continuing their love story in heaven.

No matter how tall we grow, we will still look up to our fathers. Dads are the heroes we were born with.

CES DRILON: My dad never lectured me about men and gentlemen but it was through example that he taught me. He lived a life of honor and integrity, the greatest attributes a man must possess. If there was one thing he said, though, about men, it was never to trust one with a moustache. Hahaha!

MARY GRACE POE: My dad (action king Fernando Poe Jr.) taught me by example. He was not a talker; his actions certainly spoke louder than words. He was humble, generous and, although he kept up a tough facade, he was gentle, sensitive and considerate. He always reminded me to have humility in victory. My dad hurdled many trials in life.   But he never bragged about his triumphs. More often for him, a simple pat on the back, a wink or  a hug, were enough to convey emotions.

OGIE ALCASID: Prioritizing family and being a hard worker were two things I learned from my dad about being a man’s man.

MARTIN NIEVERA: My father (singer Bert Nievera) is the best! During my growing years he taught me many valuable lessons and sometimes without even trying to. Dad is a walking, talking example of a man who never stopped dreaming, joking, singing and swinging—golf clubs, I mean. We had the same taste in women and love the same things about them. One thing I definitely got from him was the desire to romance by way of a ballad, hence our choice of musical genre.

To be the man, the father, the lover or even the husband we should be, we need to “be there,” present and accounted for. This I feel is the most precious lesson that dad and I are still learning even as we speak.

EPY QUIZON:  Humility is what my dad (comedy king Dolphy) taught me. He always told us: Masarap lumipad pero ipako mo ang mga paa mo sa lupa.

AIKO MELENDEZ: You should never let men treat you as an inferior. You would know how good a man is by the way he treats his mother.

CHRISTIAN BAUTISTA:  It’s simple. [As] a man, you should love and provide for your family and love and protect your mom.

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Muchas gracias to my Bellevue/B Hotel Alabang family especially Jose Mari Ouano, Cielo Cabalfin, Cris Mijares and Ryan Chan for spoiling me more than I deserve.