Fathers who make time, even when there’s none
When people talk about fatherhood, the conversation, one way or another, ends up being about hard work and the ability to provide. While those things often imply time away, the cast of the romantic drama series “You’re My Favorite Song” have come to realize that people who care make time, even when there seems to be none.
True enough, when they think about their fathers, the first things that come to mind aren’t images of the material things they have provided, but the moments when they were just… there: Caprice Cayetano’s Christmas in New York with her father, chef Jorge Mendez; Heath Jornales’ waterpark bonding with his father, actor Michael Roy Jornales; Marco Masa sinking the eight ball with his father Antonio Masa; and John Clifford sitting through his father Rufino Gawchua’s corny jokes at the dinner table.
Ahead of their afternoon show’s airing on GMA 7 today, June 22, the four rising teen actors speak to Lifestyle Inquirer to pay tribute to their fathers, remembering the lessons they have learned, and the moments they will cherish forever.
What’s your father like?
Caprice Cayetano (CC): Funny, strong, and talented.
Heath Jornales (HJ): Hardworking, loving, and funny.
Marco Masa (MM): Meticulous (same kami), loving, and smart.
John Clifford (JC): Very friendly, hardworking, and funny.
What’s your favorite memory with him?
CC: My favorite memory with my dad was the year we spent Christmas in New York. That was the longest we have bonded because we usually have work. Nag-bond po talaga kami araw-araw.
HJ: When I was young, I remember us going to a resort—to a waterpark—and going down the slide together.
MM: There are a lot, actually, but I would say playing billiards with him together with my brother. Kumbaga, it’s a bonding activity din for the family.
JC: He really loves to make jokes—kahit corny—when we’re having dinner. Talagang hindi niya puwedeng hindi sabihin ‘yong joke na nasa utak niya.
What do you admire most about him?
CC: Ang ina-admire ko kay daddy ay kung gaano po siya ka-strong pati ‘yong time management skills niya.
HJ: When he’s working, he’s really locked in and super sipag niya. He really gives 100 percent—or maybe even 1,000 percent—best. Gusto ko ring makuha ‘yon.
MM: The way he explains things. I used to have so many questions as a kid, and he always managed to answer them in a way that was easy for me to understand. Na-e-explain niya nang mabuti sa ‘kin ang mga bagay kaya ako nag-mature at an early age.
JC: He’s very strong when it comes to his emotions. Even if he’s having a hard time, hindi talaga niya pinapakita sa amin. He still cracks jokes even if he is busy at work. He really makes sure he’s there for us. He makes time for us, and he always thinks about small things na nagpapasaya sa amin.
What’s the most important lesson he has taught you?
CC: Ang pinaka-important lesson na natutunan ko po kay daddy is to always choose the path na magpapasaya sa ‘kin.
HJ: Discipline. Kailangan disiplinado ka sa training, sa work, at sa lahat ng mga ginagawa mo sa buhay.
MM: Of course, ‘yong maging masinop and maagap—not only with material things but also with your perspective in life. Kapag may kailangan ka gawin, mas mabuti na mai-organize mo na agad. You will be thankful you did when the time comes.
JC: He really made sure that I appreciate the people around me, may they be friends or supporters. You really have to cherish them kasi they’re there for you. In turn, you also have to be there for them and give them the same energy. Another thing is to be selfless. My dad is such a selfless guy who loves to share.
