My father Policarpo Arbon, 84 years old, taught me determination despite hurdles and setbacks. — Atty. Gilbert Arbon, provincial director, Department of Science & Technology
My father, the late Alfredo Y. Reyes, was a biology and botany professor at Silliman University. He died at age 84, and left me important lessons of responsibility and commitment to one’s job and other duties in life. For example, he was never absent from his classes (I suspect this did not make him a popular teacher). He kept his visits to see me and my family in Manila brief, not approving of my taking a leave from work to take him around and spend time with him (grabe!). — Lorna Pena-Reyes Makil, retired sociologist
My father, Jose Riodil Demerre Montebon, is one of the most selfless people I know. He doesn’t need to constantly preach to us the lessons that he wants to impress upon us…he shows them in the way he lives. I am not only grateful for the evidences of his selflessness in my life; but forever thankful that he has shown me the model of Jesus Christ’s sacrificial love to live by. — Keziah Marie Montebon, medical student, SU Medical School
“Faith in God through our savior Jesus Christ.” This definitely is the most important thing Daddy, Jose Riodil Montebon, has taught and showed my sisters and me. He lives out his faith. — Jose Manuel “Joel” Montebon, creative consultant, Plantasia Park Sibulan
My father, Ben Casero, reminds me that I should never stop learning. — Hersley-Ven Casero, artist-photographer, Foundation University
My Dad Moises Lee Sycip, sugar planter, always told me that in business, never take advantage of the hardship of other people. Do not see it as a business opportunity but rather as a chance to be able to help others. — Grace Romano, senior event designer, Creative Concepts
My father Ricardo Chua, former mayor of the town of Cauayan in Negros Occidental: Soul for good food. — Dr. Patrick Chua, dentist
Probably the most important lesson I learned from Papa Roberto Montebon is “only use your credit card on emergencies”. Kidding aside, Papa taught me and my sibling Kitten the greater meaning of the word Value. To value what you already have: be content, be humble, and never compare yourself with others because you cannot take material things to heaven. The value of work: be thankful that you have a good job and do not take for granted whatever it may be. The value of helping others: because you are blessed, be generous in helping others. The value of equality: Papa has been working at the SU Medical Center for as long as I can remember but never has he given special treatment to us his family at the hospital. He lets us learn to wait in line, and go through the process like everyone else. Lastly, the value of your partner in life: “Marry someone who makes you want to be yourself or even better.” Do not take your husband for granted, be his best friend, do not fight too long, and love him with all that you are. I love you, Paps. — Kylie Riogine Montebon, bank customer advisor
Some of the most important lessons I learned from my father Prof. Francisco “Koki” Ablong Jr. are the values of diligence, sacrifice, and commitment. — Atty. Joshua Francisco Ablong, legal counsel
My father Engr. Antonio B. Cruz taught me to be patient. — Michelle Maquiling, medical technologist, Philippine Red Cross
Self discipline is the most important lesson I learned from my father Benecio Ragay, a pedicab driver. — Dr. Marven Louie Ragay, post-graduate intern
I learned from my father Manuel “Ditto” Ascano Utzurrum III that life is full of surprises; that you can look at it as a glass half empty or half full. — Manuel “Same” Utzurrum IV, BPO shift manager.
Architect Renato Armogenia has taught me to rise up despite any situation. Through grit and a strong grip on his faith, my father has shown me that all things are possible. — Marikit Armogenia, proprietor, Azalea Casitas & Restaurant/KRI Catering
My dad Judge Rosendo Bandal is a principled man. From him, my siblings and I learned never to sell your principles at whatever cost. We also learned the value of simplicity, integrity, and respect for everyone, no matter their status in life. — Atty. Michael M. Bandal, litigation lawyer, Mercado and Partners Law Firm
The mantra of our Papa, Atty. Herminio K. Ozoa: Work badly done is worse than work not done at all. — Dr. Susan Ozoa-Denura, along with 8 other siblings.
I have learned from my father Paultom Paras, the sports development officer of Negros Oriental, a lot of things but mostly, I am grateful that he introduced me to the world of sports. Without him, I would not be the person I am today so I am thankful I have a father like my father Paultom. — Paul Ronard Paras, triathlete/soccer player, Grade 10, Foundation University High School
From my Papa Edward Mark Lopez Macias I have learned never to compromise my principles for anyone or anything. — Ma. Claudia Ysabel Macias, psychology student, UP Diliman
The most important lesson I learned from my Daddy is to do the best than I can in all that I do, and gain respect out of it. He may not have said it in the same words but as I was growing up, he had always been there to guide me towards that direction. I had always looked up to him as my role model. Love you, Dad, Judge Candelario Gonzalez. Happy Father’s Day! — Judge Ma. Katrina Gonzalez-Pasicaran, MCTC Manjuyod-Bindoy-Ayungon.
My dad, Manuel McIlroy Utzurrum, is admirable in the simplicity of his lifestyle; that unassuming exterior that often covers up another character that he is, which many may misunderstand. He stands on principles molded by his Christian upbringing. He epitomizes the statement that “…evil flourishes when good men do nothing”. — Marietta Montebon, MUM’s of Plantasia Park Sibulan.
