The Pinoy Dad
by Ellen Joy Anastacio
June  2003

What kind of dad is the Pinoy dad? Let's take a look at some of the personalities Pinoy dads can take!

The Groovy Dad. He tries to be hip and cool by listening to the latest music or watching the latest movies. He buys the latest gadgets and gizmos; only thing is, oftentimes, he needs his teenage kids or grandkids to teach him how to use them! He might be the dad who'd buy a sports car or convertible, or perhaps even a motorcycle! If his wife won't let him do this..well..there's always the SUV or family car to be modified, complete with an extra rear wing and "baby on board" sign!

The New Age "Sensitive" Dad. Unlike the fathers from yesteryear who were stern and never showed emotion, this dad lets his kids know how much he cares for them. He's the videocam toting dad who has to record everything that happens to his kids, whether it's the first steps, first day at school, first words, birthday parties, etc. He buys everything he has to buy for the kids and more! He's the dad who always frets and worries about where the kids are and whether they'll be safe or happy or ok. He's the dad who always lets you know that his shoulder's there for you when your boyfriend breaks up with you, or is willing to lend a hand if you run into some financial bumps.

The Proud Daddy. He's the dad who can't help but brag about his kid's achievements, whether it's being awarded "Most Patient" in kindergarten, or being picked to be the muse in school. He thinks the world of his children, and think that everyone else would love to hear all his stories about them. He claims that his kids are geniuses, and that when he first spoke, he even said mommy and daddy at the same time!

The Sporty Dad. He will take you to basketball, baseball, billiard, wrestling, swimming and all sorts of sporty matches. He'd play golf on Sundays, but still have time to play a little one-on-one b-ball when he gets home. He's active, and wants his kids to join him as well. He'll be the one to encourage his kids to get off the couch, get a little exercise, and get some blood flowing into their veins!

The Old School Dad. He's your regular from-the-old-generation dad. A strict disciplinarian, he always has to know where his kids are and who they're with. He might have given you the belt as a spanking when you were a kid when you were naughty, but that's only because he wants you to learn, like he did. He has his own way of doing things, and he wants his word to be law. He's a real workaholic, and might not get to spend too much time with the children, but that's because he wants to be a great provider for the whole family.

The Comedian Dad. He's the life of the party. He's the dad who would play in the parlor games for kiddie parties at Jollibee or McDo. He's the dad who would dance Asereje in front of all your friends, just because he thinks it's funny. He would kid with the salesladies at SM or Tutuban to make them laugh. He'd be the one who would tickle you to death when you're blue to take the frown off your face.

Your dad might be one type, the other, or perhaps a combination of any of these. But one thing's for sure. Your dad will support, love, and care for you, and will never want to make you suffer. Whatever personality he has, at the bottom of it, he will be your dad, pure and simple, and be there for you.

So what are you waiting for? Make him feel special not just this Father's Day, but on any day of the year. Give him a hug, a call, and show him you care for him as much as he does for you!


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Images borrowed from Cartoonography by Tim Slee