15 Dashing Dads - A Father's Day 2015 Tribute

Growing up, your dad was the man who had an answer for everything and the solution to all problems - he was your superhero. This Father's Day, we celebrate 15 Filipino dads who are not only loving husbands, but who are also (or will be ) superheroes in their children's eyes.

15 Dashing Dads - A Father's Day 2015 Tribute

Whether he’s the family’s funny man, disciplinarian, or free spirit, what would life be like without good ol' dad?

This Father's Day, we give a big high five to the fathers who work tirelessly to provide for their families, strive to give their children the best education possible and do their best to raise them as responsible and respectful individuals.

  Click "Next” to see 15 Filipino dads who not only embody all of the above, but are also funny, well respected in their industries and, most importantly, never fail to put a smile on people's faces.

Chuckie Dreyfus

Chuckie Dreyfus may have grown up in the local showbiz industry, but of all the roles that he's taken on, the one that he currently plays may be his most challenging yet - a father of two.

The former award-winning child actor currently maintains a blog, All Chucked Up, which showcases his love for the Philippines, gadgets, music, food, and above all, his family. Alongside his wife, Yen, Chuckie successfully homeschooled his eldest son, Ralph, until high school and continues to do so for his daughter, Ella.

Chuckie's tip for fellow dads is to respect your children's opinions and to not always play the parent card just to have your way. If there's a way for you to reach a compromise so that everyone can be happy, then go ahead and do it.

Photo from Chuckie Dreyfus' Instagram

Anton Diaz

Since its humble beginnings in 2005, Our Awesome Planet (OAP) has become one of the country’s go-to blogs when it comes to taking a sneak peek at the latest restaurants, events and establishments. However, did you know that what OAP is now is not what Anton Diaz had initially planned it to be?

According to Anton, "OAP is a written dedication to our sons, so that they would have a documented history of their childhood. I hope that through these pages, our family's adventure and significant milestones are immortalized.”

Anton shared that he was tempted to turn OAP into an online magazine but decided to keep OAP a family blog, turning it into a virtual heirloom that he one day hopes to pass on to his sons.

Image source: Our Awesome Planet's Instagram

Doug Kramer

Towering at 6”5, Doug Kramer literally stands out in a crowd. But don’t let his intimidating height fool you - Doug is a softie, especially with his children. As the patriarch of Team Kramer, Doug makes sure to interact with fans and to upload family photos to the family’s social media accounts which collectively have over 5 million followers.

In an interview, Doug shares that he is a hands-on parent, insisting that he be the one to give his children a bath and to mix their milk in the morning. He also shares that as a Christian, he spends time reading Bible stories to his kids and encourages them to pray before meals.

Doug also says that while he takes disciplining his kids seriously, "I never discipline in public. I take them aside. First I give a warning. I talk to them." However, should Doug need to spank his child, he does so with a "discipline stick" and not his hands as believes that "hands are used for affection."

Now that's a dedicated dad!

Image source: Doug Kramer's Instagram

Dennis Poliquit

With over 20 years as a Radio DJ tucked under his belt, Dennis Poliquit - more popularly known as Big Daddy Jake - is a household name in both the radio broadcasting industry and homeschooling scene.

Alongside his wife Monica, he homeschools his eldest daughter and two sets of twins. According to Monica, "He may have a big, booming voice and a large imposing figure, but deep inside, Dennis is one huge huggable teddy bear.”

She shares that one of the reasons why they have a very tight-knit family is because Dennis makes it a point to constantly converse with his children and to take them out on dates. Dennis treats his three daughters to salon sessions, while he bonds with his two sons over a slice of pizza or two.

Dingdong Dantes

On December 30, 2014, actor Dingdong Dantes married actress and longtime girlfriend, Marian Rivera, in what was dubbed "The Royal Wedding.” Four months later, the couple took to Instagram to announce that they were expecting.

According to an interview, the baby was one of the reasons why Dingdong and Marian got married. And while he is used to his life being an open book, he has announced that the pregnancy will be kept private to ensure their family’s privacy and to protect his wife and baby from unnecessary stress.

The announcement alone is proof of Dingdong's protective and caring role as a dad and we wish him and Marian nothing but good luck as we all count down to the birth of their little bundle of joy!

Image source: Marian Rivera's Instagram

Anton del Rosario

Anton del Rosario helped bring international fame to Philippine sports as a member of the Azkals Football Team. His family consists of soon-to-be wife Sam and son Myles.

Fatherhood, he shares in an interview, has given him a bigger reason to shift his priorities and settle down. In the same interview, he shares that while Myles is not his biological son, it doesn't stop him from loving Myles as his own.

As a lenient dad, Anton believes in giving his son freedom and not forcing him into anything -- and a glimpse into his Instagram feed shows just how proud Anton is to be dad to his little man.

Image source: Anton del Rosario's Instagram

Jim Paredes

Best known for his contributions to Philippine music and the arts, Jim Paredes has made several hits as a member of the iconic APO Hiking Society as well as a solo artist, producer, and songwriter. He was never one to keep mum when it comes to something he believes in, from fighting for political reform to standing up for LGBT rights.

The father of three, and grandfather to one lovey little girl, Jim sees his children as his teachers in life. As he says in an interview, they have shown him the meaning of patience and a wider definition of love. In turn, he made it a point to be there for his children despite being on tour often when they were growing up.

Image source: Jim Paredes' Instagram

Jeroen Van Straten

Jeroen van Straten is the man behind the popular Pepper Lunch restaurant chain. The husband of popular blogger Cecile van Straten of chuvaness.com, Jeroen describes himself as an easygoing, understanding, and loving father to his three boys, Benjamin 13, Markus 12, and Christian 7.

Jeroen showed his compassionate side when he and his wife bought a ticket home for a man who had been stuck in NAIA for several days a few years ago. He has also been sponsoring the Missionary Sisters of the Catechism in Lipa City since 2000.

Shares Jeroen, "Now years later I am the foster dad of two previously abandoned boys who were left behind by their parents. They now live with the sisters and I take care of their daily needs."

His advice for fellow dads is to be crazy at times. "Make them laugh at you, hug and kiss them and tell them every day you love them!"

Richie Zamora

When searching for new places to eat or the best restaurants in and around Manila, chances are you will come across Richie Zamora’s blog, The Pickiest Eater in the World.

This food blogger not only enjoys eating and writing about food, but also being a dad to three-year-old Rain. "I feel I know how to be playful with Rain without losing the fundamentals of being the assigned disciplinarian," he says.

If there's one thing that Richie stands against, it's bullying. "I was bullied when I was in second grade. Fortunately, I had a very strong support system at home. So they helped me get through it. Bullying has no place in society and I pray that my daughter never has to go through it."

To other parents, Richie has this bit of advice to share: "As parents, we feel we know what's best for our child. But it's important to allow them to spread their wings and find their own path. As a parent, our role is to guide them, but never control them."

Image source: Pickiest Eater Instagram

Rob Pengson

Rob Pengson is a celebrity chef, restaurateur, and culinary instructor. His wife, Sunshine, is an equally successful pastry chef, and together they have two sons. A believer and doer of random acts of kindness, Chef Rob’s goal is to showcase real life on social media.

On his Instagram page, you will find posts hashtagged #amomentwellspent, a personal project through which he hopes to show people on the street that there are others out there who care for them. In these photos, you will see him interacting, sharing food, and taking selfies with vendors, street children, and other random people he encounters.

As a father, he has learned to be selfless and generous, which means putting his family first before himself and sincerely giving without expecting anything in return.

Image source: Rob Pengson's Instagram

Edric Mendoza

As the lead anchor of ANC’s On the Money, a daily talk show that discusses personal finance, Edric Mendoza is no stranger to being in the spotlight. After all, not only is he a talk host, but he is also the president of TMA Homeschool, Inc. and a renowned motivational speaker.

Edric’s wife, Joy Mendoza of Teach with Joy, shares that Edric is a great father because "he provides for the needs of our children, not just physical needs but the more important emotional and spiritual needs.”

Taking from Joy’s blog, an example of such would be when Edric wrote a letter for his eldest son, Elijah, that was "filled with spiritual encouragement, praise, and positive expectation.” The letter was so heartwarming and sweet that it drove both father and son to tears and ended with Edric giving his son a tight embrace.

Image source: Project: Family Facebook page

JC intal

Best known for his skills on the basketball court under the Barako Bulls, JC Intal wed TV host Bianca Gonzales in an intimate wedding in Palawan last December 4, 2014 and has been enjoying married life since.

Together, the couple is expecting their first child this October 2015, and JC couldn't be more excited. According to Bianca, this doesn't surprise her at all, especially since "before we got engaged, I already saw how amazing a father he could be."

According to JC, his becoming a father has inspired him to improve himself both on and off the court, saying, "Mas upbeat ako ngayon, mas positive, 'yung energy ko nakukuha ko day by day."

Photo from JC Intal's Instagram

Manny Pacquiao

Despite juggling his roles as a congressman, a pastor and the Pambansang Kamao, Manny Pacquiao always makes sure that he spends time with his five kids Emmanuel Jr., Michael Stephen, Mary Divine Grace, Queen Elizabeth and Israel.

Looking through Manny's Instagram account, you can see that he indeed loves to spend time with his family, all the while strengthening his faith and serving God. According to his wife, Jinkee, Manny is very close to Queenie, who is a certified daddy’s girl, and that he dotes on his youngest, Israel.

As for parenting, one practice that Manny follows is to use Scripture and teachings from the Bible to guide him as he strives to be the best parent that he can be!

Photo from Jinkee Pacquiao’s Instagram

Mark Escueta

As the sole original member of Filipino rock band Rivermaya, Mark Escueta jokes that their song, "Liwanag sa Dilim," is the perfect anthem for parents. "Kasi palagi kang puyat," he quips. Together with his wife, actress Jolina Magdangal, Mark is a hands-on parent to their son, Pele Iñigo.

Mark shares that he considers himself an obsessive-compulsive father and that long before Jolina gave birth, he would constantly ask other fathers, especially his bandmates, for tips on fatherhood.

Now that he's a dad himself, he says that the best tip he can share is to take care of your wife and marriage because kids flourish and grow up well "if mommy and daddy work together."

Photo from Nice Print Photography

Benjie Paras

With a PBA legend for a father, it's no surprise that Kobe, Andre, Sam and Riley are athletically talented as their dad, athlete-turned-actor Benjie Paras. This is especially true for Kobe, who just clinched the 2015 FIBA U-18 Dunk contest.

Benjie, being the hands-on parent that he is, shares an exceptionally tight bond with his older sons, Kobe and Andre, since he was a solo parent before meeting his current wife, Lyxen. "I would bring Kobe and Andre to school and then pick them up every day. I got used to not going out and I just stayed with them at home. When I had taping or a game…I would take them with me," shares Benjie.

Benjie's tip for other dads is to teach children to recognize authority and to learn from mistakes and experiences. While he used to teach his kids about basketball, he made sure that they respect their coach more and that they learned that getting hurt is part of the game and part of life.

Photo from Benjie Paras' Facebook

15 Dashing Dads - A Father's Day 2015 Tribute

Do you know anyone who you think is a Dashing Dad, too? Let us know in the comments section below.

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