Next-gen dads

More often than not, there comes a point when the things our parents said come through like a flash of lightning, and suddenly make sense. While these little revelations drop in every now and then as we get older, I’ve heard that these epiphanies come in full throttle when the kids become parents themselves.

They could show up in the little things, out of the blue, during a meal or a TV show. Other times it’s while fixing up the house or taking a walk around the neighborhood. Often, these fond memories are of parents just simply being present.

For Father’s Day, these Filipino dads, some creatives, others entrepreneurs, reflect on the fathers who shaped them, and the life they’re building today with their own children, building a blueprint for raising the next generation.

Boo Barandiaran

Businessman

Advice that stayed with him

My dad always had this term said to me when I was getting a little out of hand as a young adult. It was the term “sa lugar.” Growing up, it felt like it could mean different things depending on the circumstance and, of course, looking for loopholes around the term was a norm for me. Now being a father, it seems pretty simple. It just means knowing what’s right and wrong and choosing to do what’s right at all times.

Favorite memory with his kids

This may sound corny, but it’s every laugh or giggle. My kids are still so little and precious in my eyes that their laughs can still hit me in a melting butterflies in your stomach kind of way.

Chino Recto

Hospitality systems designer at Now Now Canteen

Advice that stayed with him

Showing up, no matter how last minute, was something my dad always did for my sister and me. Growing up, I took his availability for granted and assumed that was simply what all dads did. As I’ve gotten older, and especially now while balancing work, family, and everything in between, I’ve come to realize that being present for your children is not something to be taken for granted—it really is one of the most meaningful acts of love a parent can do.

Favorite memory with his dad

I used to live in Australia, and I always looked forward to my dad’s visits. One of my favorite things to do is explore restaurants and discover new places to eat, so whenever he was in town, it would be like sharing a piece of my world with someone familiar from home.

Favorite memory as a father-to-be

As a father-to-be, navigating this chapter has been very exciting. I realized there’s no amount of Instagram Reels you can really watch to get you ready for the big day. Being the first dad in my barkada, I feel like I’m in uncharted territory. No one really warns you about the countless doctor’s appointments, birthing classes, and the many small changes you have to make to baby-proof your home. Despite this nervous excitement, my favorite memory so far has been navigating this journey alongside my wife Erin.

David Jacob

Founder of Longevity Labs

Advice that stayed with you

Nurture your independence at a young age. Get out of your comfort zone early in life to benefit you later in life. Those words I never understood as a 14-year-old. He was so focused on ensuring that his kids were never spoiled and wanted us to work hard for everything.

Favorite memory with your dad

So many memories, but the ones that always stood out were the ones with him at the beach. He would go diving early morning, and I would always tag along. I would fish while he dove. Our conversations were always about history, geography, and life lessons. He was a very simple man, and his messages were straight to the point. I learned so much.

Favorite memory with your kids

Too many memories to speak about, but what I always thoroughly enjoy and remember fondly are our family vacations together. Dedicated time to connect with each of our four kids biking, snowboarding, hiking, wake surfing, surfing, touring cities, by the beach. Padel, pickle, anything under the sun. Those moments are precious and priceless.

Floyd Tena

Singer, actor, and theater performer

Advice that stayed with him

My father is a man of few words. He is a man of action. He knows that my mom has a stronger personality, so he would stay in the background, but was a very strong support to my mother. He would do all household chores, from doing the laundry to washing the dishes to cooking to cleaning the house because my mother was busy with other things. He showed that being a father is a noble job. And that made more sense to me. To be a quiet support to my son’s efforts for his dreams. It is important for me as a dad now to always be there for my son, just like my father was to his family.

Favorite memory with his dad

I have small memories (of my dad growing up), but the ones that matter were when my son was just a toddler. He knows how challenging it is as a solo parent. He would be there for me whenever I would ask for help. No questions asked.

Favorite memory with his son

No doubt, my favorite memory with my son is when we sing together. I’ve watched him grow from this tiple to the baritone that he is now. I’m always captivated by how much soul he puts into his singing. It’s like I’m listening to an angel when he sings. It heals me and makes me joyful. Long drives would be more exciting because of our car-eoke! He would introduce me to his playlist, and I would do the same to him. Music bonds us in ways that are unique to us.

Jar Concengco

Photographer and writer

Advice that stayed with him

My father passed away when I was 19 years old. Although I can’t remember specific advice he told me, I do remember well that he was a mechanic and was very good at fixing things. He would have a workbench in the garage with all of his tools organized. I think this observation was what guides me now whenever I approach photography or work in general. I love problem-solving and figuring out how to get the best outcome.

Favorite memory with his dad

One of my favorite memories of my dad is walking in the Pacific Heights neighborhood of San Francisco after church to get our car. He would put his arm around my shoulder, and he would ask what I learned at Sunday school. It’s just a very tender memory that I think about from time to time.

Favorite memory with his children

I have four children spanning the ages of 6 to 15 years old. We just got back from a Disney Cruise. Because it is a cruise, we allowed our older kids to explore the ship all on their own. The two younger ones were just so thrilled to have a princess makeover. Just spending time with them and getting to know them more becomes a new favorite memory.

Jason Montinola

Visual artist

Advice that stayed with him

Hindi nag-ma-make sense sa akin before ‘yong lagi niyang sinasabi “kaya mo ’yan, gawa lang ng tao ’yan”, lalo na pag nakakakita ako ng mga bagay na imposibleng gawin that time. Now, pag naalala ko yung sinabi niya, nagiging encouragement ‘yon sa akin para subukang gawin ‘yong mga challenging na bagay.

Favorite memory with his son

Favorite memory ko with Miguel is ‘yong nanood kami ng “Masters of the Universe,” the first movie na napanood niya sa big screen.

Sobrang na-enjoy niya yung movie and the action figure of He-Man na binigay ko sa kanya.

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