We have all heard of the mama’s boy moniker, which referred to accomplished gentlemen who hold their mothers in high regard. The same could be said for daddy’s girl, who have all become established ladies in their respective fields, partly due to the upbringing of their luminary fathers.

Although these women of substance clearly idolized their dads, the patriarchs admittedly have their own faults — as no humans are perfect.

For Father’s Day, let us hear some valuable lessons learned from their champions:

Charisse Chuidian on Ermin Garcia Sr.

My father, like most dads in his time, was not wont to public displays of affection, and was more private in manifesting his love for family.

I was 17 when my father was killed at 45 years old, tragically ending what could have been more years of bonding. After he passed on, we discovered a journal that he kept after the death of my sister Karina three years earlier.

In his writings his piety to God showed, plus insights about the family’s welfare and travails of his job as publisher-editor of the Sunday Punch. By his death, he proved that there is no compromise to integrity and truth, a legacy inculcated in my siblings and I.

Reggie Aspiras on Jose Aspiras

Joe Aspiras was a simple guy from the north who did good. To us — his children — he was our hero. Daddy was slow to anger, jolly, generous and very affectionate.  As a friend, apo lakay (the old man) was loyal, reliable and forgiving — even to a fault. He was a man unchanged by all his worldly achievements. He knew what mattered most.

To this day, I hear his voice uttering the same line, time and time again, lest we forget… “I will leave you with neither fame nor fortune, but with a name you can truly be proud of!”

Marivic Rufino at the Scintilla Dreamscapes exhibit.Marivic Rufino on Rafael Rufino Sr.

Daddy Rafael was a man of a few words but he had gravitas. I was very young when he passed on. His wise teachings remain in my heart and mind. No one could measure up to him.  

He taught me the following: Family name is more important than money. Don’t take advantage of people, especially those who do not have the means. Don’t fabricate stories about persons — beware of the karma effect. Do good for others. Share.