Father’s Day forever

Father’s Day may be over but all dads deserve an extended celebration for being our heroes all year long.

As a single mom, I’ve come to realize that no matter how hard I try, there are things that only a father can do. In the absence of a dad, we all need father figures. My mom (Inday Badiday) raised me single-handedly during my teens, but I am also thankful to my dad for teaching me how to be strong after their separation.

I cornered some celebs about their touching moments with their daddies.

Sid Lucero: There were many moments, including the five minutes I had with dad (Mark Gil) alone before he died.

We used to play a lot. He would make me ninja stars out of paper that we would fling at each other. My first bike was too big for me so he told me to use the sidewalk to boost me up a bit for the takeoff. Another clear memory was the first time I saw him again after my mom, sister and I moved to Cebu. It was at Sunday school.

The next summer, my dad came to Cebu just to bring me back to Manila the same day. I will never forget that trip because it was for my circumcision. I think that was his way of buying more time with me, extra time until I recovered.

As I got older, the moments became more frequent. When I hit my teens, things started to change. First girlfriend, prom, first time I drove for him, first beer and so on. Next thing you know, it’s my daughter’s first birth anniversary.

So many firsts, even more moments in between, and others that turned out to be the last ones. We didn’t live with each other so our time together was never enough and always way too short. I miss him.

Nyoy Volante: My dad makes it a point to watch all my shows, whether big or small. My parents are my biggest fans.

Yayo Aguila: He had an aneurysm a few years ago and he can no longer speak. But every time I visit, I see his beautiful smile welcoming me and his grandchildren. His big, warm hugs always remind me how much he loves me.

Aiko Melendez: Before my dad (Jimi Melendez) passed away, he was watching my movie “Maalaala Mo Kaya.” I missed him by five minutes. He died while watching the movie. I kept whispering to him, “Why didn’t you wait for me?” When I opened his wallet, the only picture there was mine.

Tom Rodriguez: I have countless treasured moments with my father but the most recent one was seeing pride in his eyes when he was finally able to visit the Philippines and watch me perform here for the first time.

Amy Perez: It would be the time I got married again. Although my dad seldom talked about his true feelings, I could really see the happiness on his face—he was happy that I found love and peace for my boys. Another one was during the wedding reception. My eldest son Adi sang for me and my husband Carlo. I could see how proud he was of his grandson.

Rocco Nacino: Dad hugged me when I passed the board exams for nursing, and during the ceremony, he really made me feel that he was proud of me.

Arnee’s style

Arnee Hidalgo, former contestant on “The Voice of the Philippines,” crosses over from the music scene to the cosmetics biz.

She is now an ambassador of the fashionable and affordable cosmetic brand BYS, originally from Australia and brought to the Philippines by Face Inc.

BYS or “Bring Your Style (for a beautiful, youthful, stunning you)” encourages women to embrace their inner fashionista like Arnee.

Arnee, her brother Jeffrey Hidalgo, choreographer Ickay Eusebio, and celebrity stylist John Lozano worked on a music video for BYS. The song titled “BYS” is upbeat and empowering.

The song, which encourages everyone to be brave and fearless, shows the true meaning of diversity and range (just like the ever-expanding product line, available exclusively at the SM Store and selected Watson’s stores).

To promote the single, Arnee went on a mall tour, which was a combo of makeup and Zumba fitness sessions.

Look and feel good at the same time!