Unforgettable lessons from fathers

My father has always been a source of inspiration to me, so I looked forward to writing this Father’s Day article. As soon as I sat down to write, I realized this is one of the hardest things to put on paper.

Words are not enough to express how I feel about my dad and how much I’ve learned from him. For me, he is not only brilliant, he is an honest person. I remember when he left public service three years ago, he bought a second-hand Toyota Corolla. Well, that was all he could afford, but he was very happy about it. He still uses the same old car, even now, as Executive Secretary.

He is not a traditional politician who grabs every chance to be in the limelight. He considers himself a public servant, one who is low-key and who has devoted his life to serving our country. I’m so proud to be his daughter. There are a lot of good things I don’t have to teach my kids because my dad is a living example of what I want them to be. Power, fame and fortune are fleeting, but the lessons my dad has instilled in us, his children, will be in our hearts and minds forever.

Philip A. Cruz, Jr., president, Filipinas Systems, Inc., son of F.F. Cruz Sr.: Anything too good is no good. In other words, in business, anything that is too good hindi na maganda, dahil baka nakaw yon, you have to work a little to earn your money.

Cebu Congressman Ace Durano, son of Danao Mayor Ramon Durano III: Patience – this is the greatest lesson I learned from my father. When you’re young, you tend to be aggressive and can’t wait for results. Patience is important during your first term as congressman.

Pampanga Vice Governor Mikey Macapagal Arroyo, son of First Gentleman Atty. Mike Arroyo: It is your responsibility to take care of your family, to be a good husband and a good father. You have to do your best to bring them up the kids properly na may delikadesa, may breeding. Have your feet firmly planted on the ground.

Bienvenido R. Tantoco, Jr., president and CEO, Rustan’s Corporation and managing director, Sta. Elena Properties, son of Ambassador Bienvenido Tantoco, Sr.: The value of a good education. My grandfather died early in life. The eldest son is a musician. My father, the second child in a family of seven, was forced to take a simple course, – Bachelor of Science in Commerce – instead of pursuing his dream to become a doctor or lawyer.

My father instilled in me the importance of a quality education and enrolled me in the best schools here and abroad. This lesson I am passing on to my children so that they, too will realize the value of a good education.

Ilocos Congresswoman Imee R. Marcos, daughter of the late President Ferdinand Marcos: In terms of work and career, my father always said that one must think simply. You must simplify to get to the heart of the matter. You must never terribly impress with technical or verbose explanation. You have to understand the core of the problem in order to arrive at a solution. The other lesson was to be creative and flexible in the solution of problems.

On a more informal, personal note, my father had a tremendous sense of humor well-known among intimate friends. Optimism was necessary during the national crisis that faced him, as it faces us today. If you are in public service you have an obligation to be optimistic. Failing that, you could not longer serve the people. Today, more than ever, we need to give our people the gift of hope.

Finance Secretary Lito Camacho, son of the late Atty. Teodoro Camacho, Jr.: The value of integrity. To be honest so you can live with your conscience.

Batanes Congressman Butch Abad, son of the late former Public Works Secretary and Congressman Jorge Abad: Number one is never forget where you came from. My father always went back to our little province even if he was involved in national politics. He always gave importance to the little people. I think that was one thing I learned from him. To this day, I find it very effective.

Congressman Alan Peter S. Cayetano, son of Senator Rene Cayetano: Never compromise your principles. Always take care of the family and love your mother.

Antique Governor Sally Perez, daughter of the late Supreme Court Justice Calixto Zaldivar: My father taught us that money cannot buy everything. Like, you can buy a bed but you may not be able to sleep, mga ganoon. All our lives yon ang mga tinuturo niya.