Mark Herras: Having a daughter changed my perspective in life
WHEN you become a dad, you become more responsible with your money.
That’s one of the things Mark Herras realized when he became a dad. Ada Sofia, his two-and-a-half year-old daughter, after all, deserves a good future, which he is prepared to work hard for.
“Little by little, I’ve noticed that Ada has become part of almost every decision I make. Part of what I earn I set aside for her,” Mark told the Inquirer.
The actor never deprives himself of material things, but he admits that having a daughter changed his perspective in life. The things he’d normally buy or do without thinking twice before, he would often skip now, knowing there are more important things in life.
Like any loving father, Mark lights up when describing Ada. She’s very active, bright and makulit, he said. Ada seems to know a lot of things—and she talks a lot.
“Ada speaks English fluently that sometimes she gives me a nosebleed,” Mark said in jest.
On a more serious note, the actor said he would like to impart respect for others to her daughter. He had learned from his own father (who, unfortunately, passed away in 2014) that it will do him no good to think he is better than everybody else.
Though it was tough when Mark lost his father, he is still thankful that his Daddy Jun was able to meet his granddaughter. Ada’s presence had helped ease the pain of the loss.
When it comes to Ada, Mark is a bit of a “spoiler” as well, giving the kid what she wants if he could help it.
“I won’t know how strict of a dad I could be until Ada reaches the age where she talks about crushes or suitors. I don’t know yet how I would react to that,” he said. Fortunately for him, he wouldn’t have to worry about this just yet.
At the moment, Mark is busy with his shows “Sa Piling ni Nanay” and “Conan My Beautician” on the GMA Network. The former is the channel’s newest Afternoon Prime, which tackles the story of a surrogate mother and her selfless love for the daughter she carried. It reunites him with fellow StarStruck Season 1 alumni Yasmien Kurdi and Katrina Halili.
“Conan,” on the other hand, sees Mark play the title character. In the comedy series, he pretends to be gay so he could work in a salon. He shares top billing with Miss World 2013 Megan Young.
“I’m very busy right now with my (filming) schedules, but I always look for times that I could sneak out and visit Ada. She re-energizes me,” he said.
Mark said his favorite fatherdaughter bonding moments are when they play. It doesn’t matter what game they play, as long as they are together.
Mark said he looks forward to when Ada is a bit older so he could really take her to places.
Mark said: “I just really want Ada to finish school. That’s really what every father wants for his child. I would do everything to make sure she has a bright and happy future and that she achieves whatever dreams she may ultimately have.”