Fatherhood sans hang-ups

I think the traditional prototype of the Filipino father has changed. Watching young fathers Paolo Paraiso and Julius Babao taking care of their babies is totally refreshing and awesome.

"My life has changed," quipped Paolo, whose son, Tomas Miguel, is his carbon copy. He and Mylene are partners in taking care of the baby. He has learned how to change diapers, feed the baby even bathe Tomas Miguel.

Before, Julius didn’t understand why fatherhood was such a big deal but when Antonia was born, he clearly saw the point of how people are changed by the birth of their children. Julius is very involved in Antonia’s life. After work, he goes straight home to be with his baby. He bonds with Antonia — plays with her, rocks or rather, with his strong arms swings Antonia to sleep. He also knows how to make her burp.

Of course, there’s Tintin Bersola, who is as doting as he is. Tintin takes photos of her baby’s activities and like a meticulous historian, records important moments of Antonia’s life. By the time she turns 18, Tintin would need a building as big as the Post Office in Liwasang Bonifacio to store Antonia’s photo albums.

On Homeboy, during Paolo’s guesting with Tomas Miguel, Mommy Mylene was the official videographer. Mylene remains one of the classiest women in showbiz — even with the extra pounds she gained with her pregnancy.

Gone are those days when baby care was assigned to mothers. And macho dads were supposed to earn money for milk and diapers and the needs of the baby and the family.

Times have changed. Today, you have dads like Paolo and Julius who are hands-on. They work, they bathe and change the diapers of their babies without losing their machismo.

And I’m sure Tomas Miguel and Antonia will be better human beings because they have wonderful loving fathers. And doting moms, too.

A Musical And A Concert Series

My good friend, Arnold Reyes, is part of Dulaang UP’s 30th Season opening salvo, the world premiere of Floy Quintos’ newest musical, St. Louis Loves Dem Filipinos… The Musical, directed by Alexander Cortez with original score by Antonio Africa. It opens July 13 at the Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero Theater in UP Diliman.

Alternating with Miguel Castro, Arnold plays a Bagobo chieftain named Bulan who was sent to the 1904 World Fair in St. Louis, Missouri together with other Filipino tribal groups. The display of tribes in a circus has been dubbed as a master show of imperial power and the legitimization of colonialism over savages clamoring to be reconstructed in the American image.

Arnold recalls his humble beginnings at the Manila Metropolitan Theater 15 years ago. Everything started as an accident. A professor invited him to join the theater group and eventually became a regular "fixture" in its productions. The rest, as they say, is history for the promising actor, as theater began to open doors for him. He has done numerous productions like Hibik at Himagsik nina Victoria Laktaw and Winter’s Tale for Dulaang UP; Rent Manila for Atlantis Productions; Romeo and Juliet and Florante at Laura (playing the lead for both) for Actor’s Company and many more.

Other than theater, Arnold has also ventured into modeling for TV ads and song writing.

He won acclaim for his song, Paano Na? Interpreted by Bituin Escalante and Kung Ako Ba Siya interpreted by Piolo Pascual. Paano Na? won him the silver award in the Metropop Songwriting while Kung Ako Ba Siya? was a finalist in the first Himig Handog Love Song, which won the Texter’s Choice Award.

Joining Arnold in St. Louis Loves Dem Filipinos…The Musical are Bon Vibar, Leo Rialp, Richard Cunanan, Jim Paolleli, Jake Macapagal, Ronan Capinding, Bong Embile, Rina Saporsantos, Mae Ann Valentine and the Dulaang UP Ensemble.

Meanwhile, another dear friend of mine, the irrepressible Mitch Valdes, is having a series of performances, albeit a different one, at the Mandarin Oriental Manila.

Titled Mitch Valdes A Rockin’ Comedy, the concert series, which kicked off last June 24, will have performances on July 1, 2, 8, 9, 15 and 16 at the Captain’s Bar of the Mandarin Oriental Manila.

Be ready to be mesmerized by the scintillating and titillating Mitch Valdes as she rocks the Captain’s Bar with her comedic punches, risqué spiels, hilarious skits and her amazing vocal prowess, not to mention her arresting stage presence. Musical director is Mel Villena. Stage director is Kokoy Jimenez.

Tickets are priced at P800. For inquiries, you may call Ticketworld (891-5610/891-9999), the Mandarin Oriental (750-8888) or the Music Museum (721-0635/721-6726).

To Arnold and Mitch, break a leg!