Primo Padre at 47

I’m still trying to find a balance between my work and my family. It’s not easy, but I can see that I’m improving.

I do not like it when my daughter says “papa is busy.” I would not like to be remembered as an absent parent.

I had my first and only child, Mia. just two years ago (she turned two last May 16). Mia is half Filipina and half Italian, a combination of beauty from her mother Janice Anzures and my inquisitive and creative nature. Her favorite food is fried chicken and spaghetti al parmigiano.

The experience of being a father is something unique. It comes naturally and easier than what I thought—so far, at least. I know it will be more challenging when Mia becomes a teenager. I already see myself checking whom she will go out with, and why she will be late. I know that I will be very worried and jealous later on.

As a father, I hope my daughter will grow up appreciating the simple things in life, and may she be happy with less rather than with more. My ultimate goal for my daughter is to see her in the future, able to recognize what is truly important and what is fake.

I also want to teach her how to respect nature and all living beings. I’m an advocate of “sustainability” and being sustainable starts from our everyday life. Trying to reduce our carbon footprint in all we do in our daily activities is the best way that we can contribute to make our world more sustainable.

It is a big task, and I have yet to share so much to my two-year-old Mia.

The way I see it, it will be a long and beautiful road for both of us to take. And I also know that there is no better way to show this to her other than to walk the talk.

For now, I will continue to enjoy my fatherhood and see Mia grow up. I will try my best to be there for her, even with my busy schedule.

I became father at the age of 47. For some, this may be late. But for me, Mia came in my life at the right moment. She came in my life when I was ready to become a father, and to be at my very best for her.