Franco Laurel shares fatherhood lessons he’s learned by example

MANILA, Philippines — When it comes to being a loving and compassionate dad, actor, singer and writer Franco Laurel has had years of training and experience. 

Growing up as the second eldest grandchild in the family and a “Lolo’s boy,” Franco experienced the unconditional love and learned by example the value of excellence from his grandfather.

Ambassador Jose Laurel III, whom Franco lovingly called Lolo Pepe, had the biggest impact to Franco’s life and journey through fatherhood.

“He was the epitome of love,” says Franco. “I saw how he loved and adored my lola, his children and grandchildren.”

Franco’s main focus now is to surround his wife Ayen and children with all the love he’s got to give.

Perseverance and the value of excellence

Like his Lolo Pepe, Franco went through hard times—times that he might not have navigated as well if it wasn’t for the example he saw in his grandfather.

“It wasn’t all success for him,” he shares. “He would tell us stories of how he established and fought for his family through hard times. And that’s one thing I learned—huwag kang bibitaw, no matter how hard it is.”

Through the lessons he learned from his grandfather, Franco was able to discover a relationship that has sustained him all on his own. He managed to cultivate a personal faith in God that has helped him through challenges.

“What my lolo taught me was to work hard, persevere and do your best. That’s one thing nobody can ever take away from you. How he lived his life, he lived a life of excellence.”

And a generation later, Franco is able to translate those same lessons—the value of excellence—and imbibe them in his children. 

“I encourage my children to take whatever path they want to get into,” he says of his kids.

“I don’t force them to do anything. I don’t tell them to get into showbiz, to be a doctor or a lawyer. Whatever you want to take up in college, do it with your whole heart and be excellent.”

It’s not even about getting the highest grades—but good enough to be successful in whatever they want to do.

More importantly, he wants them to be able to get back up after a failure, which is one definition of excellence that he and Ayen hope they would learn.

“I encourage them more than anything, and I critique less. Correct them, help them improve, but not criticize. I don’t focus on the negatives, I focus on the positives,” he adds.

It’s because of Lolo Pepe again that he and Ayen are paying it forward to their kids, as his grandfather allowed Franco to follow his heart after fulfilling a simple request.

“I was at a crossroad in my life when I graduated from KEIO University in Japan. I was offered to work at the Japan relations of a bank, but at the same time I was offered to be a co-host of the hit show Eezy Dancing in 1996. I met with my Lolo and asked for his advice.”

“He said, ‘You gave me and your parents what we wanted from you, which was to have a college degree. You graduated from one of the best universities in Japan. I could not be happier and prouder of you for achieving that. Now is the time to do what you love. It is time for you to fly.’ He gave me his blessing to enter showbiz because he knew that was what I really wanted ever since I was a child.”

The power of ‘I love you’

Franco knows his and Ayen’s approach to parenting is definitely working because their kids are not afraid to tell them “I love you” and “Thank you.”

“Just the fact that they say it and it comes from their heart means a lot. They’re also able to see that in their Lolo. I said that to my Lolo, I said that to my dad, to my mom.”

It’s also mainly because the children are truly grateful to Franco for being trusting. “Let go and build that trust, because you can’t do everything for them,” he says.

“For them to be the person that they can be, you also must trust them. And likewise, we always tell them, ‘we’re allowing you to do this—don’t break our trust.’ So we’re teaching them how to be responsible.”

Ultimately, through these things, what Franco wants all fathers—and all parents—to understand is that the greatest legacy a parent can leave their children is the value of love and respect toward each other.

“To all the dads, we’re not perfect, but one thing you can do for your children is to just love them unconditionally. Be there for them, be there to guide them, support them and love them. Never be the person that they will hate; be that person they will love and respect for the rest of their lives.”

Just as Franco learned by example from his Lolo, he now makes sure to nurture the strongest connections with his wife, children and loved ones at home.

With a reliable connection from PLDT Home, Franco emphasizes the importance of forging a strong bond of families at home.

PLDT Home plays a huge part in this as connectivity enables the whole family to bond together, enjoy personal activities and, at the same time, engage in their creative endeavours.

“My Lolo loved gathering people. He loved gathering his family,” he says. “On Sundays, lunch to dinner, being together was a must. Christmas was a must. ‘Let’s all gather together,’ he would say. He was a gatherer and that’s why I am also a gatherer. And I’m so glad my wife is also a gatherer. We both love to nurture our family.”

“Live by example. That is the best legacy you can give your children,” Franco concludes. 

Just like Franco, dads can nurture meaningful connections at home by spending time together and bonding over their favorite activities offline or online. Dads can rely on the power of the fastest broadband at home, PLDT Home, to equip them with the digital tools their family needs. —ROMEO MORAN