From a daddy’s girl who always receives words of encouragement to a son who received “tough love” as a form of discipline. Our Ballet Manila artists have varied stories about how their fathers have raised them, but the goal seems to be the same – so that they’d grow up to be responsible and strong enough to go after their dreams. To celebrate Father’s Day, our dancers share the best lessons they’ve learned from the man they call Dad, Daddy, Papa or Tatay and how he continues to inspire them.

Ashley Salonga, trainee

My dad po always says in every performance and competition, whatever happens, he and my mom are just there beside me. We will support you hanggang sa makakaya namin. Pag kailangan ko po ng tips, he's there po to help me. Yes po, spoiled po ako, at daddy's girl din po. My dad is super supportive po sa akin. He really boosts my confidence po when I'm feeling down. He never fails po sa pag-encourage sa akin para po ma-reach lang ‘yung pangarap ko. (We will support you for as long as we can. When I need tips, he’s there to help me. Yes, I’m spoiled and also a daddy’s girl. My dad is super supportive of me and he really boosts my confidence when I’m feeling down. He never fails to encourage me just so I can reach my dreams.)

Top photo: An only child and an admitted daddy’s girl, Ashley Salonga says her father James always boosts her confidence.