Life Lessons We've Learned from TV's Best Dads

John Puruntong, John En Marsha
Played by Dolphy
Best Dad Awardee because: Despite his mother-in-law constantly emasculating him for his lack of funds, John remained stalwart head of his brood and dealt with his interfering monster-in-law with a sense of humor.
Lesson learned: Marrying into a rich family need not be daunting, as long as you take decent care of your wife and eventual kids via honest means. And like Dely Atay-atayan always says: “Kaya John, magsumikap ka!” Work hard enough and you’ll soon be able to stuff your mother-in-law’s trap with cash enough to shut her up.

Don Robert Dinero, Ober Da Bakod
Played by Leo Martinez
Best Dad Awardee because: It pays to be praning in today’s age of violence and sexual predators (never mind that you were once one). Don Robert exemplifies the dad who will literally do anything to ensure his kids’ safety, only more slapstick and not as slick as Liam Neeson in Taken.
Lesson learned: You finally understand why dads always seem to give you a hard time, whenever you make a meet-the-parents trip. Dads are always protective of their princeses, you've learned from Don Robert. Their daughters deserve nothing but the best. 

Enteng Kabisote, Okay Ka Fairy Ko
Played by Vic Sotto
Best Dad Awardee because: It isn’t easy being superdad when you’re a plain old mechanic, but you manage because you got a little kid who looks up to you.
Lesson learned: It’s a big, bad world out there (magical forces or not),  and you’re going to have to take it on with nothing more than your puny self and whatever moral fiber you have left.

Phil Dunphy, Modern Family
Played by Ty Burell
Best Dad Awardee because: He always gets his point across even if it seems like he’s a bumbling, henpecked loser. His kids see his effort in the end because he deals with them on their level, not with a high-and-mighty, papunta ka pa lang pabalik na ako attitude. His kids still love him and his wife still wants to get it on with him, so who cares how corny he is?
Lesson learned: Nice guys don’t always finish last in the fatherhood game. You don’t have to be a tough, belt-wielding disciplinarian, but the kids will do as you say (eventually, and not out of pity) because you’re a softie who isn’t ashamed of showing his kids he’s just human too. And sometimes an even bigger kid than they are.

Eddard Stark, Game of Thrones
Played by Sean Bean
In: Game of Thrones
Best Dad Awardee because: Even past his death, his memory is enough to inspire not just his kids but also the people around him. Their actions remain influenced by his words and deeds. Talk about leaving a legacy.
Lesson learned: Whether we become political figures or captains of industry or end up in jobs just as demanding, there is no reason not to still be a good father, serving up equal parts inspiration and understanding. Rule the boardroom with an iron fist, but be home early enough for the kids to come running with your tsinelas and showing you their gold stars. It's doable.

Homer Simpson, The Simpsons
Voiced by Dan Castellanata
Best Dad Awardee because: Homer handles family life with a carefree vibe, possibly as a response to the topsy-turvy home with a troublemaking son, a super-smart daughter, and a baby who clearly has developmental problems because she never talks. Homer doesn’t micromanage, nor does he nag, because Marge is there to do that—he provides the good counter-balance.
Lesson learned: Your kids are little humans that are growing up fast, and sometimes they have to find their own way to do that. See how much Lisa turned out an annoying little overachiever? Your kids have good heads on their shoulders—allow them use it, while you figure out your own from time to time. Not sweating the small stuff means letting your kids be—and hey, more time for your own shenanigans!