Being a father is not an easy job. Despite what parenting books say, many can attest that there is no one formula or one-size-fits-all rule for being a great – or at least a decent – dad. Nonetheless, many men, with different personalities and backgrounds, work hard to be the best example to their children.
This Father’s Day, men’s casual wear label Perry Ellis takes a look into the different lives of four different dads and their respective sons, and reveals how despite their unique differences, they all share a bond that is unbreakable.
Troy and Hunter Montero
In the eyes of his young son, Troy Montero is Superman (and rightfully so considering his physique). Thus, the first-time dad knows how much of a responsibility it is for him to set a good example.
“I wouldn’t say that Hunter favors me over his mom, but we are very close. I do think he is a daddy’s boy,” beams Troy. “Hunter always wants me to tuck him in at night, read him bedtime stories, and he usually comes to me and gives me morning hugs. It’s funny and cute. When it comes to me, he doesn’t want to let me down.”
As he tries to become a good role model to his son, Troy thankfully has many great men in his life who have shown him what it means to be a good man and father, starting with his own dad.
“It’s funny because having a son, you’re forced to look back on your own childhood, trying to remember what your own parents did. As a parent, I try to incorporate my own style and everything. I know with Hunter, hopefully he will appreciate the things I am teaching him and hopefully (when he has his own son and family) it will be the same thing for him,” enthuses Troy.
Philip and Luca Cu-Unjieng
With Philip Cu-Unjieng’s years of experience raising three boys, it would seem that he knows everything about parenthood. But even he admits that with the changing times, there is more to learn about being a father and raising children.
“With my dad, he came from a generation where it was more, ‘I’m here, I’m the father, and you just follow.’ But that won’t work anymore, especially with this generation,” Philip admits.
While he does get inspiration from his own childhood and takes a leaf from his own dad’s example, Philip has had to figure out what works and what doesn’t work as a parent on his own.
“With my family and in my case, I try to accept each of the kids as unique individuals, because they are all different. I’ve learned that what works for one doesn’t necessarily mean it will work with another,” he shares.
Luca, the youngest of Philip’s three boys, admits that he and his dad don’t necessarily see eye-to-eye on every matter. “I understand that he has to be strict when he has to. He sticks to his ideals. He stays true to what he believes in, and he shows that to us. Sometimes our relationship is a love-hate relationship, but at the end of the day, he is still my father."
“What I love about my dad is that he is funny. He’s really clever and quick on his feet,” the young Cu-Unjieng raves.
Conrad and Kenji Onglao
Architect Conrad Onglao and photographer Kenji are two very creative minds with a strong visual aesthetic. From their work down to the clothes they wear, there is a common thread that can be seen – both have an appreciation for the finer things.
But more than nurturing their similarities, Conrad works hard to make sure he’s always there for his children.
“My own father was very busy. I couldn’t recall if we had much of a father and son relationship. He was always working,” relates Conrad. “Though my brothers and I admired my dad for his discipline and dedication, I wanted to be a little different when I became a father.”
Though Conrad pours himself into his work, he never forgets to dedicate time and energy into taking care of his family. “When they were growing up, I purposely didn’t get any sport, and didn’t have any barkada, so that my weekends could be for my kids. I was very conscientious of time, because I knew that time flies by so fast. Before you know it, they all have a life of their own.”
Parenthood comes with so much responsibility, but Conrad is proud and grateful to have been blessed with the opportunity to become a father. “There was time I had asked my other son, ‘What’s your measure of success?’ And to my surprise, he answered, ‘If I can give the same comfort and luxury to my family that you were able to give me and my brother, I’d consider myself successful.’ It touched me; that was the best compliment I ever got from anyone,” the proud dad shares.
Alvin and Angelo Patrimonio
Philippine basketball icon Alvin Patrimonio and and his son Angelo share a bond that goes way beyond basketball. But the love of the game will always be a shared passion.
Alvin, who has always been supportive of Angelo’s choices, is a proud father and describes his son as very obedient, responsible and hard working. “Angelo is such a great brother as well,” he says.
On the other hand, Angelo admires his dad because “he’s such a hard worker. He always gives his 100 percent. Even when he was busy as a basketball player and team manager, he would always have time for us.”
Today, both revel in the simple family time they share together, whether it’s eating out, watching a movie together, or going to the beach for a quick getaway.
If there’s one thing that Alvin would like his son to learn and remember him by, it would be “To be good and do good to those around you. I remind them often to do what’s right and know what’s wrong. But thankfully, all my children are very kind-hearted and generous. I’m blessed to have them,” ends Alvin.
Perry Ellis currently has five boutiques in the country: SM Aura Premiere, SM North Edsa The Block, SM Megamall, SM Mall of Asia and Glorietta 5.