"The other side of dad"
Sun.Star Davao, Dec. 29, 2007

These fathers may have notable titles like CEO, ambassador, senator, award-winning actor, doctor, etc. but as photographer par excellance Jun de Leon’s newly-launched coffee table book, “Our Father”, reveals, nothing is more important to them than simply being called “Daddy”, “Papa” or “Tatay.

The children/wives of the 62 fathers featured in the book share the other interesting side of their respective dads/husbands through poignant essays and poems as well as colorful drawings (by the toddlers) set beside the awesome portraits.

Some of the prominent fathers featured in the book include tycoon Lucio Tan; senators Manny Villar and Chiz Escudero; SGV & Co founder Washington Sycip; recording artists Gary Valenciano and Martin Nievera; Jesus is Lord Church founder Bro. Eddie Villanueva; Quezon City Mayor Feliciano “Sonny” Belmonte Jr.; activist Renato Constantino Jr.; among others.

“This project has given sons and daughters the chance to put pen to paper and declare what has often been left unspoken: their appreciation and gratitude for all that their fathers have done for them. Each testimony is evidence of every father's wondrous impact”, states the book’s preface.

Father of celebrity photography

For photographer Jun de Leon, this project was a fulfilment of his long-time dream to make a book celebrating fatherhood.

“The positive response of the fathers and the impressive support of their families overwhelmed me beyond words”, confesses de Leon who is also known as the “father of celebrity photography”.

He recalls with much fondness, “We breezed through the photo shoots (for “Our Father”) unmindful of time and place, come rain or shine, barring none, not even flights to different provinces and countries, sometimes within the same day”.

“Sitting with the fathers after the shoots and going through the children's viewpoints gave us not just glorious photographs but, perhaps even more importantly, awesome and insightful learning experiences”, he enthuses.

Dabawenyo dads

I am proud to know that fellow Dabawenyos, Ruben Bangayan, Metro Plaza Appliance Center president and Edgar Ang, AB&T Resources, Inc. chairman and president, joined the powerhouse group of dads in “Our Father”.

In the book, Ruben’s children, Harley, Michele and Steph, describe their dad as a father whom they respect well and a friend whom they can get along with. Despite his busy schedule, their dad makes it a point to spend quality time with them.

They point out, “Every little thing he does makes him a good father. He never fails to make us listen to him when he gives us advice. He teaches us values through the stories he tells us and we learn a lot. He makes us really laugh when he starts telling his jokes. He constantly reminds us that we can talk to him about anything at any time. Definitely, our dad never fails to let us know how much he loves us”.

“He often reminds us that family should always come first. He may be seen as a tough person in the eyes of other people, but beneath that hard exterior is the kind and loving father we, at home, know so well….We are grateful to have a great father who encourages us to become better individuals. We could not ask for more”, the Bangayan children express.

On the other hand, Tobi and Tisha Ang are thankful that their dad Edgar encouraged them to explore the world by themselves at an early age. By high school, they were sent off to Manila for schooling.

Although they were physically apart during their high school and college days, they explain that their dad's concern and love for the family kept them together.

“He and our mom (Itang) frequently called to check on us and visit us once or twice a month. Our father would leave notes in the apartment before flying back to Davao just to send his regards. Once, he sent a letter to Tisha in a retreat house where she was staying, just to tell her how much he looked forward to seeing her and to discuss a book he had finished reading”, they divulge.

They continue, “Now that we are at an age where we are able to define our own lives, we are filled with appreciation for the trust Dad has given us. He has allowed us to find ourselves and to figure out who we are as persons. It was our decision, both Tisha's and mine, to go back to Davao, and we are more than excited to be back home for good”.

Fathers’ legacies

Indeed, this must-buy coffee table book by Creo Publishing is a treasure trove of wisdom and vital lessons that every parent can learn from. Here are some of the other testimonials which greatly inspired me:

Guilly Luchangco, ICCP Group Chairman and CEO

“Dad encourages our family to always have dinner together with no interruptions: no TV, no phone calls, no excuses allowed—just family conversation. The dinner table banter is what keeps us close and up-to-date with each other through the years”, acknowledges children Triccie, Eric, Victor, Daniel and Martin.

According to the Luchangco siblings, what they appreciate most about their dad is the way he loves their mom: “Our parents sit next to each other at all meals; they hold hands, share stories and go on dates. No grand romantic gestures or flowery expressions, but Dad treats Mom with respect and love—and takes her side always! The friendship and love for each other all these years and the high standards they have set for us, we hope to imitate and pass on to our families in the future”.

Gabby Lopez, ABS-CBN Chairman and CEO

“Although he never sought control of our future, he was keen on teaching us about the value of hard work. As we were growing up, our allowances were measured by grades and every material thing that he ever gave us was based on merit. In retrospect, his parenting method has molded us into self-sufficient and disciplined individuals that we are today”, reflects children Nikki and Jamie.

Amb. Frank Alba, Prudentiallife Plans, Inc. Founder and Chairman

“I remember as a young boy, my father would arrive late at night from a business trip, yet readily give up precious hours of sleep so that he could join us for breakfast and chat with us. He would take time off from work to attend our parent-teacher conferences to make sure we were doing well in school. Despite the demands of work, he always found time for our family”, recounts son Jose Alberto.

Daughter Katrina says, “Dad has his own way of making everybody feel special. We all had our own individual time with him: eating shopping, playing golf with the boys, or enjoying a family vacation”.

Atom Henares, Entrepreneur/NU 107 President

“My dad understands...that life is short, and that it isn't worth anything if you don't live it well...He'll skip business trips to go diving with my sister Cristalle and blow off meetings to drive me (on the Skyway) on his Porsche 911. He'll risk millions putting up a TV station dedicated to promoting the independent Filipino artist and a radio station committed to the unstable rock scene, simply because it's the road less traveled. The trip isn't worth it if it's not a journey, and finishing things isn't enough if nothing is accomplished”, shares Quarke, Atom’s filmmaker-son with former wife Dr. Vicki Belo.

Aga Muhlach, Actor

“Aga wants to nurture the children's creativity by exposing them to many stimulating activities outside the home and away from video games. He encourages the children (twins Atasha and Andres) to walk barefoot when they catch dragonflies and butterflies. It brings us immense joy to marvel at nature's beauty and take delight in hearing the sounds that go with it. Our nature adventures, including a family camping and sleeping in a tent we ourselves pitched, create unforgettable moments that help bring us closer and strengthen our family”, discloses wife Charlene.

Tony Meloto, Gawad Kalinga Founder

“Ever since we can remember, Papa has been fulfilling what God has called him to do be a father to those in need of one, even if it meant loving them more than his own children. We had to share him with thousands of needy people all over the country. Despite this, we have never felt unloved and this is a feat only a few can manage.... His never ending passion for improving people's lives is inspiring. My sisters and I are now involved in GK but it was never forced upon us. Papa never even asked us to join. He didn't need to, seeing the results of all his hard work and effort, all the people that he's helped, was more than enough inspiration to join him in his efforts”, tells son Jay.

To order a copy of “Our Father”, you may call (02) 6381188 or (0917) 8556212.

(For your comments and suggestions, e-mail me at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit http://www.mom-about-town.blogspot.com)