Several accomplished individuals talk about how their fathers and the life lessons they imparted have shaped them to become the persons that they are today.
“What I learned from my dad is the value of hard work, the value of discipline and living within your means. He also taught me to make sure to work hard and that things won’t come easily. And because of that, growing up, I really pursued my studies. To appreciate what I have and not take things for granted especially if there are opportunities that come my way. He taught me to really go for my dreams and work hard to achieve them.
My dad influenced a big part of my life. It has made me appreciate the opportunities that are coming my way, and not take them for granted. His words give me the strength and encouragement to wake up every day, and do my job the best way that I can. It’s something that I appreciate now, because now that I have my own family, I’ve realized the importance of discovering my purpose in life and living it.” — Dr. Aivee Aguilar-Teo on her father, the late Las Piñas Mayor Vergel “Nene” Aguilar
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“It is a blessing to still be able to travel, interact and build businesses with my dad who’s 90 years of age. What is amazing is that the three main lessons he shared with me decades ago have withstood the test of time and ring true even today.
First is to “paddle your own canoe”. This doesn’t mean to not depend or seek help from others. What he meant was don’t be a parasite. Learn to stand and walk on your own two feet.
Second was to “lead by example”. If you can’t walk the talk, any position of leadership you may someday achieve will not be as effective.
Finally, he said, “serve”. No matter the heights God takes you, your lifelong duty is to develop a heart to serve others.
Looking back, I’m happy to say, I’ve learned these lessons well through many decisions I had to make in life. — Butch G. Jimenez, Senior Vice President, PLDT, on father Menardo R. Jimenez
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“My dad taught me to be a man of the people. He enjoyed talking to our constituents which was his way of both endearing himself to them, and also figuring out and tailoring ways in which they could be supported through national policies or programs. Conversation, after all, is one of five ways by which we as human beings learn. And more importantly, he taught me to be kind.” — Pangasinan Fourth District Rep. Christopher Toff de Venecia on his dad, former Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr.
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“My dad is one of the kindest and most compassionate people that I know. This is apparent in both his decades work as a human rights and environmental lawyer and the tenderness and love he’s always freely given to me, my brothers, and other people in our lives. He taught me—through both his deeds and words—what “right” and “wrong” are. He did so by encouraging me to develop my own opinions about issues and exposing me to all sorts of ideas. For example, while living in the United States in 2002, I will never forget going to an anti-war rally in Washington DC to protest George W. Bush’s decision to illegally invade Iraq.
He inspired me to take up advocacy work after college and, more recently, become an academic focused on issues like human rights and economic inequality. He instilled in me the desire to do something about the unjust world we live in today. He also taught me that the work of building a better world need not be a grim affair—there’s room for kindness, humor and humility in this realm as well.
In every decision I make, whether big or small, I always think about what is just and ethical in the situation. Even today, he’s one of the first people I talk to whenever I need advice on something.” — Enrico Antonio “Rico” La Viña on his father Dean Tony La Viña
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“My dad taught me that keeping your word is the best way to show respect — regardless of circumstances.
I have been playing chess since I was grade three. It was my dad who taught me how and the first thing he emphasized was touch move, one of the most basic rules in any chess tournament. If a player touches a piece on the board, they must move or capture that piece.
When he told my mom he’d wait for her, he did for 21 years. It wasn’t until he was 47 years old that they were finally able to walk down the aisle. Love, he said, is choosing someone everyday, even when you are disenchanted and disappointed, even when the rest of the world offers brief, short-lived, and uncomplicated romances, even when the easier option is to simply let go.” — DICT Undersecretary Anna Mae Lamentillo on her dad, the late Manuel Lamentillo
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Daddy had good ‘people’ skills. From him, I learned how to handle myself in any social situation. Whether we are with VIPs or with simple folks in the provinces. He would be able to adjust, adapt and enjoy their company.
On the practical side, being Capangpangan, he would always comment on my appearance. He wanted me to always look neat and tidy. He taught me how to shine leather shoes correctly, how to mix and match colors in my wardrobe. He taught me how to tie a necktie correctly, the difference bet a Windsor knot and four-in-hand knot, etc. He felt these are essential skills that should be passed on to his sons.
In my adult life, I would like to believe that I can deal with people from all walks of life with diplomacy and kindness.
And since I’ve found myself in a creative profession, I certainly found all of his lessons to be quite sensible, grateful for all the sartorial skills that he has passed on to me.”— Eric Pineda on father, the late Enrique “Henry” Pineda Sr.
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Growing up, I was always in awe of my dad and his accomplishments in his corporate career, government service and advocacies. I witnessed excellence in action, as well as his passion, resilience and sense of duty to his fellow men. He always had outsized impact in whatever he chose to pursue. Through all this though, he never lost himself totally in his work to a point where it affected family life. He always included, prioritized and, when needed, insulated his family. It’s that balance between achieving impact and nurturing a family life that I learned. Of all the important roles that he assumed, being a father was the biggest one.
Although my career and personal journey have been vastly different from my dad, I realize that I attempt to apply the same pursuit of excellence in my endeavors, and try to conduct myself with the same sense of honor and respect. When I was single and building my career, it was more straightforward. But now as a father myself, the sense of harmony between career and family is trickier since there are a lot more considerations to balance, and a lot less time. My prioritization pattern, though, also tends to lean towards what I experienced with my Dad as I was growing up – being present, prioritizing time for family.
A person’s decisions define who they are what they value. When it comes to decision making, it’s all about consistency. I’m not gonna lie. I often ask myself “What would dad do?”, and that becomes the compass. — Ian Monsod, CEO of Kroma Entertainment (the entertainment arm of Globe), on father Christian Monsod
