The two–day event hopes to make a repeat, or possibly surpass, the success of the first parenting convention held two summers ago.
“The first one (convention) was a wake–up call to all Filipino families. This time, it’s a call to action,” stresses Anthony Pangilinan who is one of the forces behind this endeavor.
Married for the last 10 years, Anthony and celebrity “mom–preneur” Maricel Laxa–Pangilinan, are living proof that a good marriage is possible even if it meant subjecting their lives to public scrutiny and more temptations as a showbiz couple.
“There’s more pressure when we are introduced as having ‘one of the most successful marriages’ in the industry. But then, we are even more inspired to work on our relationship because the public looks up to us as role models. Also, the tendency to cheat is lessened because almost everybody guards your every move. Wala kang lusot (There’s no way out),” says Anthony, a proud recipient of the Ulirang Ama Award.
They have four children — Ella, Donnie, Hannah and Benjamin. Anthony and Maricel worked hard on their parenting.
According to a survey, only four out of 10 Filipino children look up to their parents as their “idols.” Accordingly, the standards and values of Filipino families are heading downhill.
Thus, there was a need to sound the alarm.
With this year’s theme “Idol ko Parents ko!,” the convention hopes to reverse the statistics — that is, to 10 out of 10 kids — and to inspire more parents to become role models for their children.
The task at hand may appear to be larger than life, but organizer The Parenting Company, Inc. is not stopping on its tracks.
In fact, a grand family festival has been lined up for the two–day affair which can be enjoyed by the whole household.
There will be interactive booths and exhibits showcasing products and services for families; learning activities for parents and kids such as face painting, storytelling, bubble–making and cooking; live entertainment courtesy of Gary V and Manila Genesis artists, etc.
“Our goal is to see good families become great families. Building a home is a partnership between the mother and the father… and every father should know this,” emphasizes Ardy Abello, a co–trainer of Anthony Pangilinan at Business Works and a staunch advocate of the campaign.
The father of three daughters from his 12–year union with wife Vera Abello, Ardy believes that spending time with the kids, more so in the case of working fathers, is one way to foster love, respect and trust within the family.
Although they are perceived by friends and colleagues as an “ideal couple,” Ardy and Vera are quick to admit that they are far from being perfect. Like any normal husband and wife, the two went through the tortuous stages of married life and are still on the process of adjustment.
“We used to argue a lot during our first few years until we reached a point wherein we realized that we needed to change some things…like for instance, how we handle a certain problem. It’s important that you respect the feelings of your partner. It’s normal to fight but there should also be respect. You must see yourselves as partners,” points out Vera, a devoted mom to daughters Isabella, Patricia and Briana.
They say that raising kids is like waging war — there are victories, defeats and casualties.
For Ardy, the responsibility is twice as big if you’re raising girls who are seen in the society as more fragile and vulnerable.
“It’s doubly hard if you have girls because then, you have to be more protective. Of course I have some little concerns as a dad. For me, the bottom line is, if you do a good job as a parent in their formative years, you are confident that they will make good decisions in the future. You don’t have to worry so much,” says Ardy.
Ardy and Vera, together with Anthony and Maricel, will be joined by other celebrity parents, plenary and workshop speakers who will discuss the issues and opportunities in modern day parenting with topics ranging from understanding teens, single parenting, and raising responsible children.
“The event is not only for parents but also for those who have been parented and who want to be parents in the future,” invites Anthony.
Mark the dates — March 13 and 14, at EDSA Shangri–La Hotel and continue the celebration of parenthood and discover how parents can be their children’s idol.
For registration, call 435–4281/4301; 920–0537. Email inquiries@the-paren-tingcompany.com or log on to www.the-parentingcompany.com.