Daily TribuneThis Father’s Day, we turn the spotlight on three remarkable young dads from Savoy Hotel Manila whose stories remind us that behind every hardworking employee is a powerful ‘why’: Their families.
BRYAN Solis, a proud father of two, pushed through the challenges of fatherhood.
ASSISTANT manager James Luna chose fatherhood over working abroad to stay with his sons.
A DAD at 29, Moshe Ponferrada is proud to be a member of a close-knit family.
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF SAVOY HOTEL MANILA
At Savoy Hotel Manila, fatherhood comes in many forms — but always with unwavering dedication, strength, and love.
This Father’s Day, we turn the spotlight on three remarkable young dads from Savoy Hotel Manila whose stories remind us that behind every hardworking employee is a powerful “why”: their families.
‘My reason for everything’
For Engr. James Luna, assistant manager of the Engineering Department, fatherhood that began early. Today, his two boys, now aged 7 and 8, are his life’s greatest motivation. “They’re my reason for everything,” he shares. “I even turned down a job abroad because I couldn’t bear to be away from them.”
Luna has been with Savoy Hotel Manila for nearly seven years, and the stability it has provided enabled him to accomplish what once seemed impossible: earn his Master Electrician certification, purchase a family home in Cavite, buy a small coconut farm in Quezon with livestock, and fully support his wife’s education and his children’s schooling.
His days are long — often arriving home at 11 p.m. — but he makes it a point to wake up early to prepare his kids for school. “Taking them to school brings me joy,” he says. “I just want them to enjoy being kids.”
Though his wife is currently studying in the province, James manages both work and fatherhood with resilience. “When my kids are sick and there’s no one to watch over them, I’m thankful my team supports me and I can take emergency leaves.” His dream? To see his kids graduate from college and find happiness in their chosen paths.
Rewarding part
Bryan Solis, assistant manager of the F&B department, also became a father at 19. With the help of supportive families, he and his partner pushed through the challenges of young parenthood. He graduated, started working, and now, more than two decades later, is a proud father to a 21-year-old son and a 16-year-old daughter.
“Savoy Hotel Manila has been more than a workplace. The mentorship I received helped me grow,” Bryan shares. “Having two days off means a lot — I use it to bond with my kids.”
At home, Bryan is a hands-on dad — checking homework, helping with chores, and even preparing dinner. “Seeing them grow into responsible, kind individuals is the most rewarding part.”
Instead of seeking opportunities abroad, he chose to stay close, believing that being present for his children’s growth is priceless. His way of unwinding? Movie nights with the family, short motorbike rides, exploring the countryside side and discovering new places together.
Presence, shared moments
Moshe Ponferrada, duty manager of the Front Office department, became a dad at 29 and is grateful to be part of a close-knit, supportive family. For him, fatherhood is all about presence and shared moments. “I work the morning shift and get home by 6 PM so I can have dinner with my family, play with my daughter, and read her bedtime stories.”
His daughter, now four, is his source of daily inspiration. “She’s sweet and expressive. When she’s happy, I’m happy,” he says with a smile. Although time can be a challenge due to work demands, his days off are sacred. “We eat out, swim, or just have coffee and talk — simple joys that mean everything.”
Living independently, Moshe and his life partner balance their resources carefully, planning their work schedules around their daughter’s needs. His goal? To give her the best education and a joyful, stable life.
Celebrating real superheroes
Behind every successful man is a reason, and for these three, it’s fatherhood. As we honor all the devoted dads this June, Savoy Hotel Manila has prepared special treats to make their day even more memorable.
Dine as a family of four, and one dines for FREE at Savoy Café on 15 June. Dad gets to enjoy a special tableside cocktail, live musical entertainment, and a lunch experience made for kings.
Let Dad unwind in comfort with our exclusive Father’s Day room package, including an overnight stay with breakfast for one, bar bites and a refreshing beer at the Poolside Bar, and a one-hour in-room signature massage just for dad.
