Fatherhood is a tough balancing act. Dads must be brave and kind, strict yet warm, serving as both leaders and mentors. Many Filipino visionaries today owe their wisdom to their fathers. To celebrate Father’s Day, we asked them to share the invaluable lessons they learned from their fathers and how those values continue to influence their paths, from parenting to their careers.

My father had this colonial attitude. He didn’t communicate that much because maybe that was part of the colonial heritage that children are to be seen and not heard. He’s quiet, but I never get scolded aside from the occasional pingot (pinch). What is important is that a father should try to enter the world of their children.

That’s the same for me. Naging barkada ko ‘yung mga anak ko (I became friends with my children). That gives me the young energy and spirit, because I spend time with my sons and other young artists. I have this honor of them calling me Tatay, and that’s one of the reasons I enjoy being a National Artist. Other artists, aside from my children, are also calling me Tatay.

When my three sons were still young, I shared with them the story of my film during our bedtime and that has become our quality time. I shared with them my works, and they got interested in what I do. I tried to break away from that old definition of a father who is dedma (giveing no attention), an authority figure who is trying to show you how to live life and be a good citizen. You can teach your kids that if you level with them because you’re closer to their level of thinking. Tatayhood is not a title or an entitlement position. It should be ‘yung pakikipagkapwa mo sa mga anak mo (about your companionship with your children). Then from that, you’ll both enjoy yourself fully.—Kidlat Tahimik, National Artist for Film

My forward-thinking mindset comes from my dad, who always said, “Don’t ever say you’ve done your best because your best is yet to come.” It builds on what my grandfather taught him: stay focused, stay hungry, stay humble. That philosophy stuck with me. Even after major projects like the Mall of Asia Arena, SM Seaside City and SM Mega Tower, I believe there is still more to do and more to learn—both for myself and for the SM Group. We have a bigger responsibility now: to shape spaces that make a difference and help move the country forward. Each milestone just raises the bar.—Hans T. Sy Jr, president of SM Engineering Design & Development Corp (SMEDD)

He taught me that courage and integrity will also push you forward. He also showed me the importance of respecting everyone and being a forward thinker. With those lessons, he has molded my character. It continues to guide me in everything I do—how I lead, how I connect with people, and how I handle life.—Warren Sy, overall business lead of White Planet Inc.

Resiliency in whatever circumstance. You can find ways. You can be creative and, in the long run, be an innovator as well.—Renato Habulan, social realist

The best lesson I learned from my dad is that sometimes you just have to do what you have to do, especially when it’s for the sake of your goals or responsibilities. I’ve carried that mindset into my own life and work. Whether it’s dealing with a task I’d rather avoid, having difficult conversations, or staying focused when I’d rather be anywhere else, I remind myself that staying committed—even when it’s not fun—is part of moving forward. You can’t always wait to feel motivated. Sometimes you just have to push through because it’s what the situation calls for, most especially when things get tough and you just want to give up.

That perspective has helped me become calm, dependable, and resilient as I’ve gotten older. I don’t always love every part of the process, but I’ve learned that showing up and following through—even during the unpleasant parts—helped me weather the storm of the pandemic for our business and has helped us create incremental but real progress over time.

On a personal note, I’ve recently made a real commitment to my health. Like my dad, I’ve always loved to eat—but I also saw how diabetes slowly wore him down. Though he eventually turned things around, it reminded me not to wait. As I near 50, I knew it was time to act. Even if exercise feels tedious and giving up certain foods isn’t easy, I’ve stayed with it. It’s not always fun, but it’s necessary. And in many ways, it’s my way of honoring what my dad taught me: when something matters, you show up and do the work.—Adrian Ramos, CEO of National Book Store

My dad always taught me never to give up. I will always remember him looking me in the eye and saying, “Winners never quit and quitters never win.” I have carried that with me in everything I do now and when things get tough in work and life, I always grit my teeth and hear my dad’s voice in my head and I will find a way to succeed . Thank you dad.—Dr. Z Teo, CEO and founder of Aivee Group (With a report from Jane Kingsu-Cheng).