The best lessons Dad taught them: Abigail Oliveiro
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.
“’Cause my daddy is cool like that” is how Abi captioned this photo when she posted it on Facebook in 2011.
Abigail Oliveiro, principal dancer
My father is truly a great man. Also the best dad ever. He has such love and understanding for life and of people from different walks of life. I respect and admire him greatly. I learned to value what my own life means. To make the most of it every day, to live it honestly. He was the one who pushed me to follow my passion.
In times of trouble, he'd always be calm and he says the most insightful things to guide me but never quite tell me what to do. He'd let me make my choices and I'd have to be responsible for them whether good or bad. But of course he was always looking out for me from the shadows.
I definitely learned most from him by example – watching how he was with people, how much he dedicated himself to his family, how much he sacrificed for us so we could have a better life. As an adult, I continue to seek advice from him but by now I know very much how my dad thinks. Which is my go-to when I'm lost. We can talk about anything! (Oh and he always says to save for a rainy day!) Always.
My name means “The Father's Joy.” He named me. Actually, Father’s Day in Australia is in September, around the time of his birthday usually. But… Happy Father’s Day! Love you, Dad!
Top photo: Abigail Oliveiro celebrates with dad Cedric who flew in from Australia to watch her debut in the full-length Swan Lake.
