FIRST Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and their children yesterday paid tribute to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as the world celebrated Father’s Day.
In an Instagram post, Araneta-Marcos described the President as “not just an amazing dad” but rather a husband who is “the heart of our home.
“Thanks for being the calm in our chaos and the king of our castle (even if I’m still the Queen). Today, we celebrate the man our children look up to and the husband I still look at with love (and occasional exasperation. Love you forever,” Araneta-Marcos said.
Vice President Sara Duterte, whose father, former president Rodrigo Duterte is detained in the Netherlands, thanked fathers for their sacrifices and unconditional love for family, saying they are the source of everyone’s strength.
“Thank you very much for your strength during difficult times. Thank you very much for your guidance in times of uncertainty. Thank you very much for your love,” she said.
Speaker Martin Romualdez also paid tribute to fathers, calling them the “foundation of our families and the heart of our communities.
“This Father’s Day, I honor the quiet strength and everyday heroism of Filipino fathers. These are the men who rise each morning with a single goal in mind: to build a better life for their children,” he said.
Vinny Marcos, in a video message uploaded on Facebook, said, “He always spent time with us despite his busy schedule. He gave us gifts growing up. So yeah, I think best of all worlds.”
He said the time their father spends with him and his two other siblings, Simon and Sandro, is always the best time for them, “whether it’s kayaking or just watching TV.”
“Just being together in the same room is really nice,” he added.
Vinny said the best advice his father gave them was ‘pikon, talo (sore losers always lose) that’s why he does not let other people’s emotions get in his way in whatever he does or believes in.
“Happy Father’s Day, Pop. Thanks for always being there for me. And thanks for being someone that I can always look up to. Love you, Pop,” he added.
Simon imparted a very simple Father’s Day message to the President.
“I’m just here to tell you that you’re the best possible father I could ever have. And thank you so much for being there. I couldn’t have gone anywhere without you. I love you so much. And I hope that you are having the best Father’s Day possible. Love you to bits,” Simon said.
Sandro, the eldest among the siblings, thanked his father for everything he has done for the family, especially when the President gives him guidance in whatever he does.
“It’s an honor for me to learn from you on a daily basis. And thank you for everything that you do for the country, and for standing up for what you believe is right. For being resolute in the face of adversity. And I hope that despite your busy schedule that you can at least hopefully find some time to rest,” he said.
Sandro said his father always gives him pieces of advice in life and his work, that’s why he “couldn’t ask for a better mentor.”
“So, thank you for imparting your wisdom to me. Thank you for teaching me what is right, and thank you for all the sound advice that you give me, which I really, really do need from you sometimes. So, once again, happy, happy Father’s Day, and thank you for being such a great dad. And thank you again for everything that you do for this country. Love you, Pop,” he added.
Speaker Romualdez added, “As a father, I know the deep responsibility that comes with that role. I understand the long days, the sleepless nights, and the unwavering hope we carry for our families. I have felt the joy of small moments with my children and the worry that comes with every challenge they face,” he said.
He said fatherhood, after all, “is not just about providing” but also about “building a future our children can stand on with pride.”
