How Their Dads Shaped Their Personalities and Destinies
CEBU, Philippines — Whether we have chosen a career close to our fathers or not, there’s no doubt that they shape our destiny and who we are.
Take it from film director Ron Howard, whose daughter, Bryce Dallas Howard, followed in his footsteps to Hollywood, starting out as an actress who appeared in “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse” and the Black Mirror episode “Nosedive,” before becoming a director herself, like her dad.
Bryce Dallas directed many episodes of the Star Wars live-action series like “The Mandalorian” and the Apple TV+ documentary “Dads,” where she interviewed many Hollywood fathers, including her own. She clearly looks up to her dad, acknowledging that it’s a difficult task than any man could bargain for. Ron explained, “What ultimately adds up is what they see, what they witness, and the way you as a father live your life. Because at his best, a father provides a kind of consistent sense of safety and therefore possibility.”
For today’s Father’s Day, some Cebuano personalities shared to The FREEMAN about their relationship with their dads.
Musician Gabriel Keith Wong (The Wonggoys) on William Wong Sr.:
“He didn’t play any instruments, nor did he have a knack for singing, but his deep love for music had a lasting impact on me. Growing up, I was constantly surrounded by the sounds of his vinyl records, cassette tapes, and CDs – each one carefully chosen and often tied to a memory, a place he had visited, or a concert he watched.
He had an ear for variety, exposing me to a rich mix of genres, from classic rock and jazz to rare, exotic, and native songs from around the world. I even remember him bringing home a CD from India that got me researching unusual instruments from their culture. Through his collection, I unknowingly absorbed a deep appreciation for music’s diversity and emotional power, which later became the foundation of my journey as a musician.
He passed away when I was 18, 22 years ago, but his influence still echoes in everything I create. Though he wasn’t there to see me pursue music, I carry his memory with me in every rhyme I write and every song I perform. His passion taught me that music isn’t just entertainment – it’s a connection to culture, memory, and emotion. In many ways, my father helped shape not just my musical taste but my identity as an artist, and I’ll always be grateful for that quiet but powerful gift he left behind.”
Musician Keith Human on Ramil Ayuman:
“My papa, working in the Cebu City Government’s PIO, proved to me that you can juggle your day job and your hobbies at the same time. I grew up watching him do the news, soaked from his sweat and with a handwritten scratch paper as his script on his other hand – while also performing on weekends and, if duty calls, during company events.
My father would also say he can’t choose one over the other because he loves the thrill of journalism and performing in front of an audience, and I took that with me now as an adult – that yes, you can love both your day job and hobbies.”
Miss Eco International Philippines 2026 Gabbi Carballo on Ruben Carballo:
“My dad has always been the prime person who pushed me to do more than I thought I could and defy the limits my childhood mind would place on myself, and he’s never once told me that I couldn’t achieve something. I’ve carried this mindset throughout my academic and pageant career because of him, and it humbles me every time that I’m reminded that I can still do more.”
Mister Universe Tourism 2024 1st runner-up Larz Kent Dawson on Kent Peter Dawson:
“My father has been a big influence in my life, shaping me into the person I am today. From a young age, he instilled in me the values of hard work, determination, and professionalism.
In business, my father’s drive and marketing skills have been a constant source of inspiration. He taught me the importance of building strong relationships and being kind to everyone I meet.
When it came to modeling and participating in pageants, my father’s encouragement and belief in me were pivotal. As a former model himself, he prepared me for the good and the bad in the industry, equipping me with the knowledge to power through certain situations. Knowing his experiences subconsciously gave me the courage to step out of my comfort zone and pursue my passions, even when faced with challenges.
It’s quite funny how my career direction is very much like my dad’s – from modeling to hosting and eventually into business. I strive to make him proud and continue growing into the best version of myself.”
While Shuvee Etrata and AZ Martinez are aiming for a spot in the Big Four in “PBB: Celebrity Collab Edition”, their mothers, Jorena and Bing, spoke on their behalf about their relatable stories with their dads, Michael Etrata and Dionisio Coloma III, which truly define the show’s tagline: “Ang Teleserye ng Totoong Buhay.”
Shuvee Etrata
“When people see Shuvee on TV, that’s also Michael Etrata if you know him well. His close friends would tell him, ‘Pre, ikaw gyud makita sa mag tao ni Shuvee.’ They both have strong personalities, they both love to drive the motorcycle, they are loyal with their friends, they easily adapt to their environments, and have the same sense of humor. Shuvee is a daddy’s girl, whether she likes it or not.
There were moments, however, that Shuvee wanted to give up on her dad due to misunderstandings related to having to become one of the breadwinners because his income isn’t stable. But her love for her dad prevails no matter what.
During the basketball task inside the PBB house, when Donny Pangilinan was the houseguest and the housemates read letters from their loved ones [after winning], the handwriting really came from her dad. Michael asked for Shuvee’s apology, which was the first time her dad put aside his pride for his daughter.
Shuvee said that she wanted to hug him after reading the letter. She advised him to help out the rest of the family if he can, because she is doing okay on her own in Manila. Her heart decided to forgive him instead of hating him.”
AZ Martinez
“AZ shared a deeply personal glimpse into her relationship with her father, Dionisio Coloma III, painting a picture of love, complexity, and quiet strength. As a daughter, she looked up to him not just as a parent but as a figure who shaped much of her early life. Their bond, while not always expressed in grand gestures, was rooted in respect and unspoken understanding.
During their charity task painting session earlier this week, AZ opened up about her father’s battle with cirrhosis, a serious liver disease. She spoke candidly about those final months – how difficult they were, not just physically for him but emotionally for our family. AZ described it as a time of waiting and quiet grief, where every small sign of strength became a source of hope. Despite the pain, she found moments of clarity and peace, often holding onto their shared memories as a way to cope.
Ultimately, AZ’s story reveals the strength of a daughter holding space for her father’s dignity in his most vulnerable moments – a testament to their deep, if sometimes unspoken, connection.” — (FREEMAN)
- Latest
