Fatherhood, like art, demands a kind of unflinching attention. This Father’s Day, Filipino dads reflect on how being a dad is like a surrender to the chaos, the uncertainty, the beauty, the unbearable light of being responsible for someone else’s tomorrow.
In the spaces between service and canvas, between prep time and game time, we spoke with fathers whose lives unfold at the intersection of creation and caretaking: artists, creators, chefs, restaurateurs, athletes, coaches, and dreamers all.
Their voices form a textured collage of what it means to be a dad with a dream, and how fatherhood never diluted their work but redefined its urgency, gravity, and scale, as if the act of making—be it a dish, a painting, a play—suddenly had a deeper resonance. As they build careers, they build meaning, continuing to raise lives with love, purpose, and strength of character.
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“I used to think game-winning free throws were the peak of pressure, until I became a father. Becoming a dad has completely reshaped my perspective on life. As a former professional athlete-turned-entrepreneur, I was always chasing the next goal: the next championship, the next win, the next target. But now, my greatest joy is found in holding my baby girl and my wife in my arms, knowing I’m being the best father and partner for them. Fatherhood has grounded me, made me more patient, more purposeful, and more present. Life just feels fuller.”
Jett Manuel, former PBA player, basketball analyst, and entrepreneur
“Fatherhood taught me how to give without expecting, to love without limits, and to grow beyond the titles I once held. It’s the most beautiful transformation of my life.”
Iñigo Dulay, CrossFit athlete and owner and chef of La Gula
“I have always defined my self-worth by how much work/art I’ve been doing, never knowing that this one beautiful happenstance—this being, my daughter—would define and redefine that worth for me. One of dread, of love, and hope. Approaching new concepts with dread, nurturing those ideas with love, and doing the same thing tomorrow with hope.”
Kaloy Sanchez, visual artist
“Parang pagtatahi rin ang karanasan sa pagiging ama o tatay—nagdurugtong ang aming mga sinulid o ugat na dumadaloy, hinahabi ang mga araw at gabi, iba’t ibang kulay ng tela ng mga karanasan, saya, at iba’t ibang pagtusok o paglusot ng mga tali’t karayom sa araw-araw—makinang tumatahi sa utak at sa aming mga puso. Bagong karanasan sa araw-araw.
Nagpapasalamat din ako sa tatay ko—siya ang ginagaya ko sa pagiging tatay ko ngayon. Salamat din sa anak ko at nararanasan ko ang tunay na kahulugan ng pagiging isang ama.”
Raffy T. Napay, visual artist
“When my daughter was born in Dubai 18 years ago, art stopped being a hobby and became a commitment. Fatherhood showed me that while art is a personal journey, what we create and what we do on this journey has lasting effects beyond ourselves.”
James Clar, visual artist
“Like love, fatherhood is not an emotion, it’s a decision. And it’s the best decision I’ve ever made.”
Malaya Ronald Maranan Pasion, director, designer, visual artist, and creator of Barik Supremo Lambanog
“Fatherhood changed everything. These days, I’m more selective with the acting roles I take, and I’ve stepped more into the background of the music industry as an executive, not because I’ve lost the passion, but because I’ve found deeper purpose. Helping other artists grow, and now watching and encouraging my own kids to create, has been more fulfilling than any spotlight. The music I make now comes from those meaningful moments with them.”
Guji Lorenzana, actor and music executive
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“Fatherhood made everything simple. It made me realize I don’t need to chase noise or approval. These days, I create with more intention, whether it’s an ice cream flavor, a brand, or when capturing a photograph. I’m not just building for the world anymore. I’m building something my son might one day stand on.”
Bryan Kong, owner and restaurateur, Kurīmu and Now Now Canteen, and percussionist of Taken by Cars
“Fatherhood has changed me in ways I never could have imagined. As a human being, it has opened up my heart to a deeper sense of empathy and compassion. Becoming a father to Eliseo is truly one of the greatest gifts life has given me. It made me strive every day to become a better man, not just for myself, but for him.
As a chef and restaurateur, fatherhood has given my work new meaning. Every dish I create, every goal I chase, I do it with Eliseo in mind. He’s my biggest inspiration and my strongest motivation. I want to be someone he can look up to, someone who shows him that passion, hard work, and kindness can go hand in hand.
More than just wanting to secure a good future for him, I want to be the kind of man who can guide him and shape him into someone who is brave, thoughtful, grounded, and a kind human being. He inspires me to grow, to improve, and to love more deeply than I ever thought possible.
Of course, I wouldn’t be the father I am without my wife Elisha. She is my partner in all of this, and I’m constantly in awe of the strength, grace, and love she brings into our home. Together, we’re doing our best to raise Eliseo with care, patience, and purpose.
Fatherhood teaches me daily lessons in selflessness. It has kept me grounded and reminded me of what truly matters. Some of the happiest moments of my life now are simply watching Eliseo smile, hearing his laughter, or witnessing each of his little milestones.
Through him, life feels fuller, and my purpose as a father, a chef, and a human being has never been clearer.”
Thirdy Dolatre, head chef and owner of Hapag
“Fatherhood has rooted me in a deeper kind of strength—one not built in a gym or box, but in the quiet, everyday moments of showing up. As an athlete and coach, I’ve learned that presence can be more powerful than performance. It’s being consistent in the late nights and early mornings, the quiet sacrifices of time and attention, and the joy in the way their tiny hands reach for mine without hesitation. More than anything, it has opened my heart to a softer and steadier side of me—it has brought fuller meaning to every part of who I am.”
Chino Roque, CrossFit athlete and coach
“God is forever faithful! Miguel is a true blessing from Him, and I’m deeply honored to be his father. He adds color to my life, depth to my marriage, and meaning to my purpose. He is my daily inspiration.”
Jason Montinola, visual artist and co-founder of artist-run space Faculty Projects
“Compared to being an architect, businessman, or athlete, being a dad is a title I take the most pride and pleasure in. Before, I dedicated all my time and energy to being successful with my career goals. Now, real success to me is the luxury of having time and energy to spend with my family every single day.”
Paolo de Castro, CrossFit athlete and architect
“Fatherhood made me believe how important and quick our time on Earth is. My daughter’s future is so exciting to imagine—who she’ll be. I also wonder, though, what happens to me 20 years from now? Fatherhood made me realize the moments I would love to cherish and remember in the future. Fatherhood taught me the impact of everyday life on our humanity, most especially, our children’s.”
Marvin Conanan, brand director and founder of Purveyr
“Fatherhood changed my life. I used to believe that I had all the time in the world to create. Now, I feel and fear that time seems to be moving at light speed. My two daughters are now 12 and 18 years old, but I can still vividly remember the day they were born. Life has taught me to value the present, enjoy little moments, remember, and relive the memories. Balancing family life and being an artist is challenging, but it’s also a blessing and a constant adventure.”
Gregory Halili, visual artist
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“My pastor once said, ‘The world needs a father these days more than ever!’ To give context to his statement, this was during church service, when he was citing a study that was conducted recently, hyperfocusing on the possible reasons why we are in this situation and where we are headed now.
A father to two Gen Zs, and as a Gen X dad myself, I can only try to show them how to appreciate the beauty and what to make of the madness that surrounds them. There will always be fear of letting them down or failing to raise them well. But at the same time, making sure that they are filled with love.
As a father, it will always be a challenge to usher them to have a better life in the future. The role of fathers is more crucial than ever nowadays. It has been fun, though, to share the journey with my kids, to have that privilege of sharing my thoughts, my passion—be it art, motorcycles, or things that rarely get their attention—in performing that crucial role.”
Jay Taruc, journalist and gallerist behind Brixton Art Space
“Fatherhood has been the most difficult yet fulfilling experience of my life. As an entrepreneur, I was always chasing goals and dreams, but now, those ambitions carry deeper meaning. They’re no longer just about success, but about building a legacy for the next generation.”
Josh Gatchalian, restaurateur behind Gaea
“I try to paint. I cry. I put her to sleep. I try to paint. I can’t, no time. I cry. I brush her teeth. I bring her around. I cry. I try to paint again. I fail. I walk with her at the park. I try to paint. I can’t. I cry. But I love seeing little Laia smile.”
Costantino Zicarelli, visual artist
“My children’s drawings and paintings are more beautiful than mine. More honest, unfiltered, and carefree. It reminds me that there are no rules in art. It reminds me to always carry the spirit of a child, to never lose enthusiasm, and to find beauty and wonder in all things.
I see myself just like any other father. Being a father will always come first to me.
My painting process and raising children may be somewhat similar, in that I am there to guide them as they take shape and become what they should be. But art and fatherhood are two different things. When working on a painting, I can inject more of myself, and I can decide when it is done. I can never say that I’m done with being a father. Fatherhood teaches you to be selfless better than art can.”
Paolo Icasas, visual artist
“‘Sons are indeed a heritage of the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward,’ says in Psalms. It’s a given that being a father brings its collateral emotional and financial hardships, but our children have given us something to look forward to and have cultivated in us an attitude of always being hopeful in God.
I’ve taken the Filipino saying ‘nagbabayad ng buwis’ when it comes to child-rearing in a very positive light. When going through the motions of providing for and training our children, I always remember with gratitude the sacrifices, love, and respect my parents brought to our home.”
Jonathan Olazo, visual artist
“No curriculum could match the quiet joy and surprise of seeing my children become artists in their own right.”
Benjie Cabangis, Professor Emeritus at the University of the Philippines College of Fine Arts
“Becoming a father has deepened my appreciation for quality clothes. Despite the constant washing from all the activities I do with our kids, my clothes from 5 to 10 years ago still hold up strong.”
Jason Qua, co-founder of The Signet Store
“Fatherhood has been my greatest animation, teaching me to draw patience, craft resilience, and render love for my wife and daughter in every frame of my life as a creative, educator, and human being.”
Hamill Buyco, digital animator, and dean of iACADEMY School of Design and the Arts
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“Fatherhood is a continuous learning process, ever evolving, and a lifelong education. It’s not easy, but it is beautiful. I remember the day I chose fatherhood first before my commitment to art. It was well worth it… choosing what opportunities to get, or turn down, if they were not aligned to fatherhood, especially in the early years. Fatherhood for me is the most precious vocation a man could ever have, everything else is secondary. It is art itself.”
Luis Lorenzana, visual artist
“As a judoka who now contributes more on the sidelines and as a father of two daughters, I now understand why my father wanted me to take up judo even at an early age – there are values that you can only really learn through martial arts. Being their father, it is my responsibility to be stern about instilling discipline with my daughters, but also doing it with a manner of gentleness, making sure that they’ll always feel loved no matter what.
The way I approach my sport has also shifted, focusing more on how I can improve the playing field for future generations. It’s not so much about my successes now, but rather about how I can make an impact on others.
Fatherhood is a different challenge altogether from all the things I’ve experienced, but I’m looking forward to it, because my daughters, my legacy, are the best gold medals I can ever gain in this life.”
Martel Agustin, judoka
“Becoming a father made me realize just how much love, time, and sacrifice my parents gave me growing up. This is one of the greatest lessons in my life—to give the love I have received to the next generation.”
RG Gabunada, co-founder of artist-run space Faculty Projects
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“By day I work, by night I DJ, but my heart’s always with my son—every beat, every hustle, it’s all so I can be there for him and build a life for my family.”
Brandon Limpe-Aw, DJ
“Anya’s happiness is contagious. She has taught me to live with intent, gratitude, and to find joy in the everyday. These lessons shape how I lead my team and approach work with more focus, patience, and appreciation for the journey.”
Marvin Chua, co-owner of Key Coffee Kissaten
