Working at home has its perks. I was able to tune into Homeboy last Friday (November 17) to catch Ian (I think he goes by the name of Christian Bautista) and his dad, Tito Ebert guesting in the episode entitled Ok ka, Dad!!!

I've been lucky enough to have known Ian and Tito Ebert early in the year. Despite the fame, Ian has remained gracious and accommodating. He mentioned once he wanted to be funny too...well, you are that too, Ian, and more. And Tito Ebert? It never ceases to amaze me how he and Reb hit it off so well.

I saw another side of Ian and Tito Ebert though in Homeboy. Although talks of ideal women and marriage plus a phone patch with Shin (Rachelle Ann to most) got joy glands activated to maximum level, it was when Ian and Tito Ebert gave their messages to each other that really got to me. Tito Ebert said that two years ago, he had a name. Now he is known as Christian's dad. He said it though with much pride...and gratitude. He thanked Ian for always sharing the glory with his family. It made me realize that a few years back, I too had my own identity. When my daughter came along and even had her own achievements in her young life, I then became Reb's mom to many. And to me, it didn't really matter. To see people appreciating your child is what mattered most. A parent will always take pride in their children first before their own achievements. I can understand why Tito Ebert's voice almost broke when he thanked Ian for always giving back the respect and appreciation to God and his loved ones. When you get that kind of thanks for something you do because you love them, I call it a blessed bonus and it goes straight to the heart.

Ian's message got me too. I can sense some frustration and helplessness in him. The ironic price of success. Strangely enough, you don't need to be Asia's Pop Idol to relate to this. I know I do...and so does many sons and daughters who have grown up and strarted living their own lives. There was a time when work took too much of my time and energy that I just go straight to bed whenever I'm home. It was an effort to connect with them. Until now the remnants of those years still linger...unfortunately. I'm just grateful though that no matter what, the family has stuck not like glue but like Mighty Bond.

"You are my father. I respect you and I want to be like you someday."

Words that every parent will treasure forever. They make all the pain and heartaches worth it. They make being a parent worth every minute. Although a parent's job never ends, it's reassuring to know you're doing okay so far.

"Be better than me."

An advice that every child considers a tough act to follow.

That last exchange is something I can relate to as a daughter and as a mother. I aspire to be even half as good as my parents were...and would like my daughter to turn out to be much better than I did. As parents we know what we did right and where we fell short on. We therefore hope that we pass on enough of our wisdom for them to do a much better job with their lives than we did.

The Shin-Ian-Tito Ebert moments got people tickled-pink, yes. What can I say? Knowing Shin, Ian and even Tito Ebert made me appreciate them even more. It was the father-son moments towards the end of the show though that really got me thinking this time.

Thank you, Ian and Tito Ebert, for reminding us again just why parents and children need each other in their lives. You are both Godly men...just like my own Dad (and Mom).


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