Confessions of a daddy’s boy
Not all men are blessed to enjoy the company of their fathers while growing up. Thus, for Kapuso broadcast journalist Ivan Mayrina, it is something he treasures the most. And as a post-Father’s Day celebration, read on as the seasoned journalist pays tribute to his dad while also sharing the joys of fatherhood.
“Growing up, I remained close to my Dad and now, we are like friends,” says Ivan, a selfin confessed daddy’s boy who would always tag along with his father Eduardo when he was a kid. “I would also do what he does. I tinker with his tools and wear his clothes.”
Aside from being a good provider, Ivan describes his father as groovy, tough and strong. “My dad is already 67 years old, yet he still sports a 31- inch waistline and still wins 5k running races in his age group,” he shares.
Just like his dad, Ivan also keeps a healthy lifestyle. Currently, he is into triathlon and even participates in races during his days off. He also admits he prefers to ride his bike going to the office — even if he is clad in suit — for his morning program Unang Hirit and his nightly news program #GMAnewsfeed, the first Facebook- newscast the country produced by GMA News Online.
And being a father himself to kids Elias Joaquin, 9, and Vera Cielo, 6, Ivan considers himself as “hands- on, disciplinarian and kunsintidor at the same time.” But unlike his dad, Ivan’s profession sometimes sends him to out-of-town assignments.
How does he make it up to his family, especially to his kids? Ivan reveals, “I make it a point to take the day- off immediately after an out-oftown assignment and take them out. Most of all, I spend time with them, read them stories, play with them, get silly with them. Those are what memories are made of.”
Knowing that raising a family is not easy, especially with his chosen profession, Ivan continues to seek his father’s guidance. “I would always seek my dad’s wisdom for important decisions, even to this day.”
And among the many pieces of advice he received from the senior Mayrina, Ivan treasures these three the most: “Nothing worthwhile comes easy,” “Always make the corner of your world shine,” and “Some men are better than you are, but you are better than most men.”
“These are just some of my dad’s famous words of wisdom that come to mind. The value of hard work, the value of doing things well, and the value of trusting yourself and making a mark.”
When asked about his most unforgettable moment with Daddy Eduardo, Ivan quips, “I don’t think there is one single life event I can cite. But those motorcycle rides with him really stand out.”
Further, Ivan cherishes every quality time he spends with his dad. “I would drink brandy with him, talk anything and everything with him. I would always say, if I can grow up to be half the man that my father is, I would have done well.” Ivan is seen regularly in Unang Hirit from Monday to Friday, 5 a. m., and every night on #GMANewsfeed via GMA News’ Facebook page — facebook. com/ gmanews — at 9 p.m.